June 14, 2004
June 14, 2004
Hon. George E. Pataki
Governor, State of New York
The Executive Chamber, Capitol
Albany, NY 12224
Dear Governor Pataki:
On behalf of the New York Building Congress, a broad-based coalition of the design, construction and real estate industry involving more than 250,000 skilled trades people and professionals, I am reiterating our support for expansion of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center as part of the overall Hudson Yards development plan.
It is well known that the current Javits Center is too small and unable to seriously compete with other major cities in the lucrative convention and tradeshow market. Approximately 25 percent of the nation’s largest trade shows and many large high-impact conventions cannot be accommodated in the current Javits Center. If New York City is to regain its competitive edge, it needs a convention center that rivals our competitors.
Legislation will be introduced in Albany shortly to permit the footprint of the Javits Center to expand north to 42nd Street. This expansion would result in: 1,341,000 square feet of exhibition space; the creation of an 86,000 square foot ballroom; and the construction of a 1,500-room headquarters hotel at the southwest corner of 42nd Street and 11th Avenue.
The proposed legislation also will help fund the State’s contribution toward the cost of expansion by restructuring existing Javits Center bonds to authorize a dedicated $1.50 per key surcharge on New York City hotel rooms and a tax on the receipts from every car rented near a City airport. It would also add City representation to the boards of directors of the Javits Convention Center Development Corporation and the Javits Center Operating Corporation.
An expanded Javits Center will increase City and State annual revenue by $53 million, create more than 9,000 permanent jobs and 9,400 jobs during construction, and is vital to the future growth of New York City’s economy. I encourage you to do all you can to support and approve the legislation.
Sincerely,
Richard Anderson
President
