Blankman: Be unreasonable about Nassau Hub

Howard Blankman is former chairman of the Nassau County Planning Commission.

"Imagination is more important than knowledge."

-- Albert Einstein

"All progress depends on the unreasonable man."

-- George Bernard Shaw

Einstein was right.

Nassau County's struggle -- ongoing for too many years -- to provide the best option for its aging Coliseum and the surrounding 77 acres can still come to an inspired end. Yes, the current crop of proposals is worthy of serious consideration. But with all due respect, they are limited in scope, tethered to what is hoped to be possible and desirable, instead of what is visionary and inclusive. The latest -- moving the Coliseum to Belmont Park -- seems more a convenient ploy than an exciting solution.

There's no need to abandon the Coliseum at its current location. Nassau leaders should start thinking, "What if . . . ?" For what we have here is a rare chance to create something that more people than not will enjoy, profit by and take pride in.

The Coliseum should be spectacular: a stunning and innovative centerpiece of the acres that surround it, and so irresistibly ideal for the Islanders that the word "leave" leaves their collective minds forever. But that's only the beginning. By thinking outside the box and attracting new partners, the Hub won't be dark when the Islanders aren't skating.

Opportunities abound! Think kid-friendly. Think green -- as in pocket parks. Think unique boutiques, cozy cafes and one-of-a-kind restaurants. And think innovative housing -- some specifically designed for the young people the county is so desperate to retain.

The redo of the Coliseum could be ingeniously designed and expanded to include a theater/concert hall and a gallery displaying fine paintings and sculpture, curated by the Nassau County Museum of Art.

Seek out entrepreneurial Broadway producers to use the Hub for out-of-town tryouts or performances just after their Broadway run. There are excellent national companies of Broadway hits with stars in leading roles. Make a deal for them to begin their tours here. Many who drive from Long Island to Manhattan for culture fixes would jump at the chance to escape heavy parking fees and hectic Manhattan traffic for a shorter drive.

The New York City Opera has given up its home at Lincoln Center in Manhattan. Approach its director with a deal that would keep the troupe busy and develop new audiences. Invite the company to make the Hub its home away from the city. National and international ballet companies should welcome new venues. The concert hall could also be a new venue for some of Long Island's own professional performing arts organizations.

Leave the presentation of the world's great visiting symphony orchestras and cabaret performers to the Tilles Center. But be prudent. Explore the possibility of reciprocity with the Tilles. Ask Lincoln Center's jazz impresario to consider presenting an annual jazz festival at the Hub.

Various kinds of housing at the site are vital, and a novel approach for housing young adults should be in the mix. Try truly affordable, Spartan, single-occupancy, second-floor rental apartments above the stores in the Hub. To be eligible, applicants must have jobs and be recent graduates from high school, college, trade or professional schools. Renters would have limited leases stipulating that they must vacate the apartments after two years, so that others could get the same opportunity. This arrangement would be an incentive for our aspiring young people to stay in school -- and in Nassau County. At the Hub, they'll have the necessities for living nearby, creating more local shopping on foot.

Admittedly, such a grand vision will take big bucks. But it is possible without picking the pockets of Nassau's residents. Money can be raised through partnerships, major corporations, and federal, state and nongovernment foundation grants. Selling naming rights would provide additional money. An experienced grant writer and an aggressive lobbyist should be part of the development team. Nassau County is home to many savvy financiers, philanthropists, and top local and national business leaders. Engage them.

To some, these ideas will seem unreasonable. But what has thinking reasonably brought us? Let imagination reign. Think unreasonable thoughts. Develop the Hub with outside-the-box thinking and "They will come."