| Contact: | Sunny Mindel/Curt Ritter(212) 788-2958 |
| Bernadette O'Leary/Bruce Brodoff (212) 312-3523 (EDC) | |
| Jennifer M. Nelson (718) 816-2049 (Borough President's Office) |
As part of its strategy to foster the successful redevelopment of the former Naval Station in Staten Island, the Giuliani administration, through the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC), will undertake a thorough assessment of this site to identify ways to improve its attractiveness to potential developers.
"While several proposals were received in response to EDC's Fall 1998 Request For Proposals, we felt that none of the submitters had the right combination of financial wherewithal, experience, and compatible land use design that would lead to a successful development," said EDC President Michael G. Carey. "This action plan will allow us to make Homeport attractive to a wider range of developers who can bring new business and job creation to this important site."
This study, which will be conducted by noted architecture, engineering, and planning firm Hellmuth, Obata & Kassabaum (HOK), will be an objective, market-based assessment of the Homeport site's infrastructure needs, transportation needs, development opportunities, costs and values.
"After two unsuccessful RFP's failed to locate a suitable tenant for the Homeport site, I approached EDC with the concept of reaching out to the business community for an analysis of what measures could be taken to make the property more marketable," said Staten Island Borough President Guy V. Molinari. "We are optimistic that consulting with the business community in such a way will enable us to resolve whatever roadblocks lie in the way of identifying the best possible use of the property. With this new information, I hope EDC can successfully attract a tenant who has both the financial wherewithal and the experience to develop this unique waterfront location."
In order to explore the viability of several development scenarios and eliminate those scenarios that are not suitable for this site, HOK will examine recent trends in employment growth, provide a demographic update for the region, and closely examine the current real estate market and its projected trends.
Once the best use plan of development has been established, HOK will work with EDC to prepare appropriate marketing plans and RFP packages.
Work on the study should commence within a few weeks and last approximately three months.
www.ci.nyc.ny.us