Outreach to businesses and corporations looks like it will pay off for Clarkstown in 2013. In his State of the Town Address on Thursday Supervisor Alex Gromack mentioned 130 new jobs being created this year. The number may be closer to 220 when projects announced late last year are included.
Of the three possible projects the Rockland County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) is working on with Clarkstown, one involves completely new construction. IDA Executive Director Steve Porath said it would create 30 new jobs.
“Holiday Inn Express is looking to acquire property on Route 59 in Spring Valley within the Town of Clarkstown,” he said.
Porath, whose agency works to attract new businesses to the county through specific tax incentives and abatements, said the hotel would create 30 jobs. He explained the $13.9 million project is currently in the process of getting town approvals for the construction on a vacant lot on eastbound Route 59 across from the Spring Valley Marketplace and near New York State Thruway entrances and exits. The proposal is for a four-story, 101-room limited service hotel with a fitness center, meeting rooms, a swimming pool and WIFI access.
When asked about the feasibility of another hotel with the Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn, Days Inn, Candlewood Suites and Fairfield Inn by Marriott nearby, Porath said hotel chains prepare extensive demographic studies before selecting sites.
The IDA, which is funded by the fees it charges businesses, is working on two other projects in Congers and West Nyack. United Structural Works, which fabricates steel, already has a presence in the county and anticipates growth from the planned Tappan Zee Bridge construction. Their application received preliminary approval for sales tax exemptions on equipment purchased for the expansion.
“They have 23 employees now,” said Porath. “They’re planning on creating 10 new jobs. “
He said there are other signs of economic growth such as ABCO Refrigeration Supply Corp., which has an office in Suffern and want to lease 118,000 square feet of the Cambridge University Press site in West Nyack. The 100-employee company is a wholesale distributor of air conditioning, heating and refrigeration parts and has applied for county and state sales tax exemptions to build out the facility.
“They’re looking to consolidate their operations into one new building,” said Porath. “They’re projecting 70 new jobs over seven years.”
According to its website, ABCO has 17 full-service facilities and branches to service customers between Boston and Washington, D.C. and has a “90,000-square-foot central distribution center in Queens, NY, that provides around-the-clock service to its customers and branches.” ABCO’s request to have restrictions lifted for shipping and receiving for the West Nyack site is being considered by the town board.
Porath feels positive about 2013.
“I’m seeing a lot of activity,” he said. “I’m kind of optimistic that we’re going to see a good year out there.”
Gromack added the names of other employers including startup DER Specialty Products, a wood flooring manufacturer on Route 303 in West Nyack. The company will create 18 jobs.
Gromack listed additional companies whose expansion plans involved the IDA. He said Curti’s Landscaping relocated to Route 303 in Valley Cottage and added eight new jobs. Vitane Pharmaceuticals on Wells Ave in Congers is planning on bringing in 30 new jobs and expanding its facility. Cosmetics manufacturer Intercos America, Inc. received a grant to help it add 45 employees at its Route 303 location in Congers.
Gromack said town officials work closely with the IDA, Rockland Business Association and other agencies and that to be successful outreach has to occur every day.
“We’ve been able to match some of our vacant properties and warehouses to new business,” he said. “There a real confidence that Clarkstown is a good place to grow and expand a business. I think Clarkstown has a very special formula that mixes our community, our business in a very positive way."
