The New York Building Congress thanks the Committee on Economic Development for the opportunity to testify on how the proposed New York Sports and Convention Center will impact the City of New York. This exceptionally important proposal deserves the widest possible public discussion in the context of the comprehensive planning process for the entire far West Midtown area of Manhattan.
From the standpoint of members of the Building Congress, who constitute New York’s largest and most diverse coalition of design, construction and real estate organizations, the Sports and Convention Center and its surrounding area are critically situated for the City’s long-range future. The ambitious planning and development process for the area is timely and well conceived. Working together, the City and State are thinking big and have put together a bold vision for long-term development of the far West Side.
The Building Congress has endorsed the overall Hudson Yards master plan and will support the proposed rezoning of the area later this year. Individual elements of the plan, including expansion of the Jacob Javits Convention Center and extension of the Number 7 subway line are keys to successful implementation. Without doubt, the longest-lasting investment will be the proposed New York Sports and Convention Center. It will be a tremendous boon to the City, both from the standpoint of public revenue and economic activity. It will enhance the economy, create jobs, and contribute parkland and other public amenities of lasting value to New York.
The Building Congress encourages the Council to consider what an incredible public resource the new Sports and Convention Center will be. Beyond creating 18,000 construction jobs from 2005 to 2009 and 6,900 permanent jobs thereafter, the new center will be an enormous economic engine for the New York region. It will solidify Manhattan’s unique one-of-a-kind role in the global economy. In our judgment, no other facility in any other location can come close to this proposed new showcase for the best New York has to offer; from conventions and trade shows to major national and international events.
Moreover, the Sports and Convention Center represents a substantial environmental upgrade compared with alternative facilities elsewhere in the tri-state region. Consider how much better environmentally it will be for sports and other events to be held at the new center rather than at the Meadowlands or other locations where virtually everyone arrives by car. Other environmentally-friendly design features of the facility will set a high standard for public buildings. Would we rather have the New York Jets and other organizations continue to hold their events at facilities that waste significant natural resources?
Mr. Chairman, the Building Congress commends the City and State of New York for launching the Hudson Yards planning process and simultaneously initiating work on several of the key components. This City/State partnership is far-reaching and deserves the full support of all New Yorkers.
As with any major proposal, the New York Sports and Convention Center requires the most thoughtful and thorough public review and evaluation. Our membership is involved with many of these steps, so we know firsthand how critically important they are. We are confident that this new Center will be one of the most important and long-lasting public/private investments that New York can possibly make.
