Regional Economic Development Group Looks for Large Land Tracts in Hudson Valley
To Assist Owners in Developing as “Shovel-Ready” Sites for High-Tech Manufacturing

NEW WINDSOR, NY (January 26, 2010) – With one 773-acre site now gearing up to go through a rigorous environmental review process as a potential greenfield site to develop as a shovel-ready location for high-technology manufacturing, Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation (HVEDC) is now looking for other large tracts of land in the Hudson Valley to evaluate for the same purpose.  The parcels must be at least 50 acres in a commercial zone less than five miles from an interstate highway exit.

“If we want the Hudson Valley economy to grow, our region must be proactive about developing locations for today’s high-technology companies to establish operations here,” said Mike Oates, President and CEO of HVEDC, a regional economic development organization that promotes a seven-county area as a prime location for business.  “These are clean industries that will create quality jobs for our future.”

“We are looking for land owners to partner with us to explore the potential of developing at least one more shovel-ready greenfield site in our region,” he continued.  “The global competition for jobs is fierce and we can’t even get in the game if we don’t have a field to play on.”

As an incentive for land owners to consider exploring the potential of developing large tracts as a shovel-ready business park, HVEDC will fund up to $50,000 for a detailed master plan concept and feasibility study for the site the organization deems has the greatest potential once it has gone through a community acceptance process.  HVEDC will conduct a preliminary analysis of all sites submitted and will aim to select one site to recommend that its owners proceed through the next steps of developing the site.  These steps, which are undertaken by the owner, often in partnership with county economic development organizations, include developing a vision for the site and conducting a survey to gauge community support of the project.

In 2008, HVEDC funded a cluster analysis and site evaluation study, performed by CH2M Hill / IDC Architects, to understand high-technology development opportunities within the Hudson Valley.  Four industries were identified as viable targets for the region: microelectronics (MEM) and nanotechnology manufacturing; pharmaceutical and biotechnology; medical device and imaging; and solar photovoltaic manufacturing.

The process for selecting these industries looked broadly at a range of criteria, including business trends, market dynamics and site selection requirements for each industry, as well as the physical characteristics of sites that had been proposed as candidates by economic development organizations in the region. Some of the industries, such as microelectronics and pharmaceutical manufacturing, are already flourishing in the Hudson Valley, while others are up-and-coming.

Following a comprehensive analysis of nine sites in the Hudson Valley during the first shovel-ready campaign in 2008, the 773-acre Winston Farm in Saugerties emerged as the top candidate to develop as a high-tech business park. HVEDC then collaborated with the owners of Winston Farm, the Town of Saugerties and Ulster County Development Corporation to develop a detailed feasibility study and master plan for development of the site.

The preliminary development plan for Winston Farm, which was presented at a public meeting in November 2009, envisions more than 2 million square feet at full build out.  Plans call for two technology manufacturing buildings totaling 1 million square feet; three buildings with flexible uses totaling 103,500 square feet; research, development and office space in 14 buildings totaling 760,000 square feet; residential housing for corporate employees; a hotel/conference center; museum, restaurants and other supporting commercial space.

First Shovel-Ready Greenfield Site Gearing Up for Year-Long Environmental Review

The Winston Farm site is now ready to go through the State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) process required by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.  The process can take a year or more to complete.

“The biggest barrier to attracting high-tech companies to the Hudson Valley is not having enough large shovel-ready greenfield sites with the infrastructure in place that is required for doing business today,” said Marissa Brett, HVEDC Vice President.  “It can take years and millions of dollars for sites to go through the environmental assessment, the permitting process and the development of infrastructure like sewer, water and roads.  Most technology companies simply cannot wait for all that to happen even if the site is perfect.  They will move on to different locations where communities have already developed shovel-ready parks,” she asserted.

“While we understand that preserving the Hudson Valley’s scenic beauty is a high priority, we believe that creating good job opportunities is equally important and that we can be strategic about smart growth,” Ms. Brett said.  “If you look at other successful communities around the U.S. and abroad, it is possible to do both.”

In order for a site to be evaluated by HVEDC, it must be a minimum of 50 acres and be located within five miles of an interstate highway exit and one mile of municipal water and sewer service that can handle at least 500,000 gallons per day. The site must also be commercially zoned with access to adequate power, gas and fiber optic telecommunication lines. Multiple adjacent land owners can band together to submit a site.

To submit a site for consideration, send the following information to HVEDC no later than February 15, 2010: site address; site owner with contact information; site acreage; distance to municipal water service; distance to municipal sewer service; distance to interstate highway exit; current zoning; short description of site, including surrounding uses and any knowledge of environmental issues on any portion of the site.

Submissions may be e-mailed to Marissa Brett at mbrett@hvedc.com or mailed to Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation, 4 London Avenue, Suite 100, New Windsor, NY 12553.  For questions or more information, call (845) 220-2244.                

For more information on the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation, visit www.hvedc.com.