Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958
Curt Ritter (212) 788-2971
Bernadette O'Leary (212) 312-3523 (EDC)
"With the decision to proceed with plans for a minor league baseball park at the CSX site, we can now work with the Borough President's office and the community to encourage a development project that is suitable for Homeport," said Mayor Giuliani. "Homeport's state-of-the-art facilities, stunning views and prime waterfront property make it an excellent opportunity for potential developers. And with plans for a new cultural center and a lighthouse museumin the vicinity, we are eager to see what the market offers during this veryexciting time in Staten Island."
The City's latest effort to privatize the 36-acre former naval base follows the Mayor's recent announcement of the City's acquisition of the CSX site next to the St. George Ferry Terminal for a potential minor league baseball park. The National Lighthouse Society also recently selected the Coast Guard base adjacent to the ferry terminal as the site for a new National Lighthouse Center and Museum.
Staten Island Borough President Guy V. Molinari said, "The EDC has vigorously marketed the Homeport property, but the proposals received to date do not appear to maximize the potential benefits to the Staten Island community. This is a unique site and a tremendous resource for Staten Island. It is worth every effort to find the best possible re-use, and therefore I support the RFP as a positive next step in this process."
The City has been aggressively marketing the Stapleton Homeport since it took possession of the base in 1994. In early 1995, EDC mailed marketing packages to 1,700 companies, and mounted an advertising campaign in publications such as The Wall Street Journal and Variety. EDC also arranged site visits with prospective developers. Several proposals were considered, including a gaming facility and an auto-racing track. Ultimately, these proposals were deemed inappropriate for the site, due to community concerns.
"Homeport is a tremendous opportunity, and it is very important that we choose a project that is going to benefit Staten Island in the long-term," said Randy Levine, Deputy Mayor for Economic Development, Planning and Administration. "The Mayor has succeeded in attracting investment throughout the City, and we are confident that Homeport will also benefit from New York City's economic revitalization."
Last year, the City agreed to use one building at Homeport for four State Supreme Court courtrooms, which were needed due to overcrowding. The New York City Fire Department also has a marine unit at the site.
"We are eager to bring business to Homeport, and we are optimistic that the release of this new RFP will attract substantial interest. With the new lighthouse museum and the possibility of baseball in Staten Island, the timing is better than ever to market Homeport," said EDC President Charles Millard. "Homeport would be suitable for a variety of business and recreational projects. We look forward to working with both the Staten Island residential community and the business community to transform Homeport into another top-notch attraction in Staten Island."
Constructed in the early 1990s, Homeport contains a complex of warehouse buildings with office space, flexible retail/recreation space, a state-of-the-art 1,400-foot pier, a utility plant, and 1,000 parking spaces. Homeport is located on the north shore of Staten Island and offers panoramic views of Lower Manhattan, the Brooklyn waterfront and the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. It is accessible by mass transit, roadways, bridges and the Staten Island Ferry.