Panic is setting in in certain circles over the bleak news (bleak, that is, if you are New Yorkers, such as we are, who think the New York Jets should play and practice in New York State) that the Jets are considering a move to the Jersey shore for their practice facility. Monmouth Park dosen't seem to make sense on the surface (if anything, it may actually be further from the Meadowlands than Hofstra) but we are reconciled to the fact that if Governor Cooley or Cootie or whatever his name is manages to tie the Jets down to a long term deal, the practice facility may end up on the other side of the Hudson, as well.

The time for action is now. Contact your local New York politicians (and I mean all of them, from the Mayor on down) and tell them to get off their asses and get to the bargaining table with the New York Jets.

The West Side dream is dead, time to move on, and time to act. Bring the Jets home to Queens, now!

Jersey Shore base?
Team, NJ discuss building facility on Monmouth Park site
BY KEN BERGER A

August 17, 2005

The office of acting Gov. Richard Codey of New Jersey has been discussing with the Jets a plan for the team to move its headquarters and training facilities to state-owned land at Monmouth Park in Oceanport, a spokeswoman for Codey confirmed yesterday.

The plan would be contingent on the Jets making a deal to co-own a new stadium with the Giants at the Meadowlands, and would mean eventually leaving Hofstra, their full-time home since 1974.

"If we were to build a new stadium in New Jersey, we'd consider relocating the training complex, but it's premature to discuss scenarios at this time," Jets spokesman Ron Colangelo said.

The Jets are scheduled to meet with Queens officials Tuesday about what appears to be a long-shot plan to build a stadium for the team in that borough.

The Giants plan to build a stadium in time for the 2009 season, with or without the Jets, and will build a training facility for themselves near the stadium. The proposed practice site for the Jets is on the Jersey Shore, about an hour's drive from the Meadowlands.

Details of the plan were first reported yesterday in The Record of Hackensack, N.J. Codey said he had been talking to Jets officials for three weeks and hoped to have a deal in place this fall. That also is when the co-ownership deal between the Jets and Giants for a new stadium could be worked out.

Codey said 15 acres of the Monmouth Park area would be needed for the Jets. The facility would be located on excess land and would not interfere with the thoroughbred racing schedule there. Monmouth Park races from mid-May until late September

It is not clear how soon a facility could be built at the site, but if it were ready quickly, the Jets would be prepared to move in before the proposed stadium would be completed

 

Gang Green fans blue
over N.J. move talk
BY MICHAEL WHITE
DAILY NEWS WRITER

August 17th, 2005

Go Jets! To New Jersey?

Long Islanders were dismayed yesterday to learn a deal might be in the works to move the storied team's headquarters from Hofstra University to the Garden State.

Acting New Jersey Gov. Richard Codey proposed Monday that Gang Green move its practice facilities to Monmouth Park Racetrack in Southern New Jersey.

"Oh God, I'm so heartbroken by it. I hope it doesn't happen," said Brian Mannix, 26, a Rockville Centre resident who visits the Jets training camp daily. "I enjoy coming here. The Jets have been so nice to us. We love having them. It's such a great way to spend my summer nights - with my favorite football team."

Mannix said that if the team moved, he would follow, to catch a glimpse of Gang Green practice before the season. But he might go just once a season.

Jets officials downplayed the reports.

"If we were to build a new stadium in New Jersey, we'd consider relocating the training complex, but it's premature to discuss scenarios at this time," the team said in a statement.

According to a team official, the club will meet Aug. 23 with city officials about a possible stadium in Queens, and it is likely the Jets will try to play New York and New Jersey against each other for the best deal.

Hofstra University has been home to the Jets since 1974. The team began playing in Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., in 1984. The Jets used to play their home games at Shea Stadium in Flushing.

"We've had a long and good relationship with the Jets and we hope that it continues," said Melissa Connolly of Hofstra. "Having them here for the summer training camp makes this an exciting place to be. It makes the campus come alive."

Connolly would not speculate as to whether or not the Jets might move.

"It's preliminary at this point in time," she said. "It's too soon to make a statement."

Yesterday, hundreds of fans of all ages streamed into the bustling training facility to get a glimpse of Chad Pennington, Curtis Martin, Jonathan Vilma and the rest of the Jets.

"It doesn't cost you a nickel," Mannix said. "It's great."

Steve Conti, 44, travels from New Jersey once a year to visit the Jets with his sons. Although it would be convenient for him to visit practices if the Jets moved, the Freehold resident believes the team should stay put.

"To me, the Jets are a Long Island team and they should stay here," he said. "The fan base is here."