Letter to the Editor: Reckson Ice Rink, Economic Engine

Can any American city afford to turn their noses down at a proposed project that would undoubtedly, positively stimulate their local economical status? Well, some resident s of Rye Brook, NY and Greenwich, CT seem to think so. 

The proposed business in question is the, Quinn Memorial Arena, to be located at the rear of Reckson Executive Park on King Street. The 140,000 square foot building will be home to four regulation-sized rinks, a pro shop, locker rooms, and concessions. 

Some neighbors are concerned that, “increased traffic will result in declined property values and add to their daily commute”. While they have failed to mention the viable impacts that this ice rink will create amongst the community. 

Similar concerns from residents of Marlborough, Massachusetts, arose when, what is now, the New England Sports Center, project was proposed. Said concerns, have since been laid to rest with the significant economic contribution and increased property values this arena has brought to their area. 

The New England Sports Center has been described by the Chamber of Commerce as, “... one of the greatest economic contributors for the businesses in this region ... "to the hospitality industry, with economic benefits accruing to the "...local hotels, restaurants, retail establishments, and gas stations...". 
" ... (i)t's a great boon for the community," said Arthur Vigeant, president of the Marlborough City Council at time of this quote, now current Mayor. "The hotel rooms and the restaurants are filled when (the New England Sports Center) has one of (their) tournaments." 

Rye Brook, and neighboring cities, would certainly capitalize from the economic benefits. No one can deny the surplus that sports industries generate. This ice rink can be the platform from which the community rebuilds its fiscal position. 
The ice rinks’ developers have designed an event calendar that plans to host eight tournaments in the first year, with an average of 24 teams per event.

With the majority of the teams traveling some distance for these weekend tournaments, ice shows, and/ or special event(s), housing accommodations will need to be met. Specifically, these tournaments have the power to fill local hotels with approximately 440 hotel nights per tournament. 

All who reside in the town of Rye Brook will benefit, as the ice rink will substantially increase existing city revenue streams from; hotel & lodging tax, restaurant tax, sales tax, business license fees, and property taxes. 

With current news circulating around the Rye School District budget increases and tax caps that could lead to teacher lay-offs, this ice rink would certainly come at a time when the city needs to generate sufficient revenue streams. 
Except in unusual circumstances, additional economic activity increases the value of real estate, both residential and commercial. Residential properties are made more valuable when they are located near the locations where economic activity is occurring and commercial properties become more valuable because the anticipated profit that can be earned from a commercial property increases when that property is located in the midst of thriving economic activity. 
Expanding businesses require more employees. These employees require a place to live, eat, and shop. These influences drive up real estate values, albeit gradually. 

Literally, decision makers and citizens alike can see what a difference this ice rink will have on their economic lives. 

Let us not forget the heart behind this project, Quinn Michael Connally, whom the arena’s namesake is honoring. Connally, was only 12-years-old when he was fatally injured in a freak accident during a hockey practice. Quinn passed away in, December of 2000, after a puck struck the nape of his neck, just under his helmet, causing a blood vessel at the end of brain to burst. 

The Connally family suffered an insufferable loss in an accident that is almost unheard of. Professor Fredrick O. Muller of the National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research at the University of North Carolina said, “(he) had never heard of a death involving a player being hit in the back of the neck with a puck”. 

Quinn’s father, Steve Connally, founder of QMC Group (initials of his late son), and partners, want to bring a family-friendly institution to the area to honor the memory of his late son. “Hockey was a passion and motivating force (for Quinn)”, says Steve. 

Steve Connally and the QMC Group want to keep that enthusiasm alive by providing a much needed sports complex to the area. 

Building an ice rink, builds a stronger community. The arena will be a home to build confidence in young athletes, promote healthy lifestyles, and bring together communities and neighbors alike. 

Quinn Memorial Arena plans to offer a variety of programs; community skates, figure skating, skating programs for special needs children, learn-to-skate lesson program for children and adults, and youth and adult hockey. 

From an economic standpoint, community outreach programs, and employment opportunities, this ice rink stands to be a win-win for all.

-Danielle Childress, Stamford, Ct. 

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Editor's Note:  The author of this letter offers her marketing service for free to the QMC Group. She has not and will not receive any payment of any type for writing this letter and fully supports the ice rink. 

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To read about the Reckson ice rink proposal on Patch, click here. 

Do you want to submit a letter to the editor? Send it to editor Liz Giegerich at elizabeth.giegerich@patch.com. 

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