Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, the home of the New York Islanders, is the oldest building in the NHL. It doesn't take much to be reminded of that whether you're driving by, sitting inside, playing on its rink or reading news stories a potential asbestos problem at the 40-year-old arena. Yes, an asbestos problem.
Nassau Coliseum Under Investigation For Asbestos Problem, Says Report
State investigators have begun a probe of the Coliseum after several complaints from workers, who went as far as to say the problem may have caused cancer in some of their colleagues, according to NBC New York. One worker reportedly gathered samples of a white substance from various areas around the arena, sending them to several labs for testing. The results confirmed “dangerous levels of potentially airborne asbestos.”
The Islanders, the only major tenant at the County-owned, SMG-operated arena, have asked for a full review of the asbestos complaints.
Charles Wang’s hockey club is in the midst of determining their future in Nassau County beyond the end of their current lease, which expires in 2015. Barclays Center in Brooklyn is an option, as is the hope for a new arena in the County despite a failed referendum in October 2011. It’s also possible that the team could leave the New York area all together for greener pastures in Quebec City, Kansas City, Seattle or elsewhere.
For more on the Islanders’ arena situation, check in with Islanders blog Lighthouse Hockey and our StoryStream.
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