WCA Announces Multi-million Dollar Economic Development Initiative For Westchester County

May 12, 2011 - PRLog -- At a press conference held today in White Plains, the Economic Development Task Force of the Westchester County Association announced "The Blueprint for Westchester," a multi-million dollar, multi-year campaign to revitalize Westchester’s economy.  

Developed through a strong collaboration between Westchester’s business, real estate, academic and urban communities, The Blueprint for Westchester is and will be spearheaded by the private sector. The initiative’s immediate goals are to reduce the inventory of unoccupied commercial space by fifty percent (or 3 million square feet), embark on a strong advocacy campaign in Albany for a tax cap and other business-friendly measures, and to raise three million dollars initially to staff and conduct a the first part of a campaign to market the county’s strengths nationwide.

At present, there are six million square feet of unoccupied commercial space in the county; high taxes and high labor and utility costs; aging infrastructure; and limited business incentives. In local communities, the approval process for new development often can stretch into years.

According to William V. Cuddy, Jr., Chairman of the WCA’s task force, “We in the private sector have the muscle, energy, and commitment to make change happen.” He emphasized that although Westchester is burdened with certain challenges, its strengths far outweigh its negatives. “We can overcome the problems,” he said. “We have a first-rate transportation system – three rail lines, ten parkways or highways, an airport, a county-wide bus system, and ferry system. We also have a highly educated workforce; fourteen colleges and universities; a world-class, multi-billion dollar healthcare system; and outstanding cultural and recreational offerings.”

Robert P. Weisz, CEO of the RPW Group added that the county enjoys another big plus: close proximity to New York City. “The advantage is that it is a lot less expensive to do business in Westchester than it is in New York City.” He said “the entire real estate community believes The Blueprint is a means of turning the tide.”

Besides a strong advocacy campaign on the local, state, and federal levels, The Blueprint for Westchester calls for promoting the county’s six cities as suitable urban locations for business because of their proximity to workforce housing and transportation; employing SWAT teams to promote the county; creating a strong incubator for emerging businesses; and providing a functional relationship between business and Westchester’s institutions of higher education. According to Cuddy, “three million square feet of occupied commercial/office space equals 12,000 new jobs.”

"Governments need the help, energy, and vision of the business community”, said County Executive Robert P. Astorino, who also spoke at the press conference. “We welcome this effort, which complements what we are doing in the county to promote economic development."

Al DelBello, Chairman of the Westchester County Association noted that “although the Westchester County Association spearheaded this critical initiative, we want to emphasize this was a team effort. It’s all about collaboration, and will continue to be in the future.”  

Bill Mooney, President of the Westchester County Association, pointed out in his concluding remarks that this is a defining moment for Westchester. “Westchester is at a cross roads, but I believe we will be successful because we’re part of the genius that made America great.  The enormous accomplishments of our society were spurred by our entrepreneurial drive. It’s how we built our great cities and bustling industries, and how we achieved tremendous technological and scientific advances. It is in that spirit that we embark on The Blueprint for Westchester --  a retooling for the 21st century.”

The Westchester County Association (www.westchester.org) is the preeminent business membership organization in Westchester County.  The Association is committed to business advocacy, economic vitality and to providing a strong and clear voice for the interests of businesses on the regional, national and international levels.  Its key objectives are:  promoting positive economic development in the region; fostering business development; and providing its members with access and interaction with key public and private sector individuals, agencies and organizations.