NY: Nassau considering 2 to redevelop Coliseum

UNIONDALE, N.Y. (AP) -- Nassau County said Tuesday it has narrowed the field of contenders to redevelop the property around the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum down to two, and their final proposals are due by mid-August.

The county said the choices have been narrowed down to Forest City Ratner Companies and the Madison Square Garden Company. There originally had been four companies under consideration.

The decision on a proposal had been expected this month, but the county said the two companies have requested more time to finalize their offers.

After the proposals are received, one will be sent to the county Legislature for its approval.

Forest City Ratner is the developer behind the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The Madison Square Garden Company counts the Garden and the New York Knicks among its holdings.

In a statement, MSG said, "We are grateful for the opportunity to work with the County on making our compelling plan a reality. With our vision and proven track record in revitalizing and operating several world-class venues, MSG's plan will achieve a bold re-imagining of the Nassau Coliseum site as a thriving, 365-day a year destination. "

Bruce Ratner of Forest City Ratner said, "We are more enthusiastic than ever about our world-class proposal for Nassau Coliseum and we are looking forward to the County Executive's decision. Our unprecedented partnership group will deliver a spectacular re-imagined Coliseum, a premier entertainment and retail center, more than 300 events annually, and unparalleled hospitality."

The 77-acre Long Island property is mainly made up of the 40-year-old, 16,000-seat coliseum. It has been home to the New York Islanders hockey team, which announced plans last year to move to Barclays after its current lease expires in 2015.