Suozzi Presents Interactive Grumman Development Plan
Requests Proposals for 101 Acres
Mineola, NY – Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi was joined by Nassau County Legislator Edward Mangano (R-Bethpage) as he announced the County’s Request for Proposals (RFPs) for redevelopment of the Grumman property in Bethpage. The Grumman property was officially transferred from the Navy to the County this past April.
Nassau County is giving developers a unique opportunity to develop the last large plot of land available in the area. Suozzi hopes to attract high technology industries that offer high paying jobs to this location, which are vital to Nassau’s long term economy. He has three specific goals for this property:
- Sell the property to a developer
- Brand the property as a high technology, high skilled, lifestyle campus
- Create a catalyst for future high-skilled, high-technology growth on Long Island
Redevelopment of the Grumman site is an integral part of Nassau County’s comprehensive economic development strategy to increase the tax base and create jobs,” stated Suozzi. “My office has been working with real estate, medical and biotechnology, solar and alternative energy and nanotechnology professionals to market this property. We envision a campus that creates a more creative atmosphere with restaurants, childcare, entertainment, recreation, athletics, exercise facilities, and concierge services.”
In addition, the County has negotiated a non-binding agreement with an anchor tenant who will occupy up to 500,000 square feet of office space on approximately 26 acres of the northwest area of the property. The County has signed a non-disclosure agreement with the anchor tenant and cannot reveal their identity at this time. Details of the terms agreed to in the non-binding term sheet are in the RFP. Responders will be required to submit bids two ways:
- With the Anchor tenant in place.
- Without the Anchor tenant in place.
The County is excited about the immediate interest in the property and its ability to add this enticing option to the RFP. The Administration will then evaluate the proposals received and make a recommendation to the Legislature.
Suozzi has asserted that redevelopment of the Grumman site is an integral part of Nassau County’s comprehensive economic development strategy to increase the tax base and create jobs. High-tech, high-skilled businesses will not only increase our revenues, but will attract and retain young, smart people to work in those businesses.
The County is currently recruiting investors to participate in a Long Island venture capital fund that will serve to invest in new high technology companies that locate at this site. Additionally, the County seeks to sell this property to a real estate developer that will create a campus like environment conducive to synergies between the on-site entities and attract high value opportunities for Nassau residents. The County is interested in discussions with the following groups:
- Developers desiring to create a Mecca along one of the focus business areas
- Employers interested in developing a long term presence on Long Island
- People interested in creating high value employment opportunities for Nassau residents
“I am thrilled the process is moving forward and I look forward to creating jobs and opportunity on this historic site,” stated Legislator Edward Mangano.
In his ongoing campaign to spur economic development in Nassau County, Suozzi will work with business leaders, developers, venture capitalists, laboratories, colleges and universities to develop and market this property as a center for biotechnology, nanotechnology, development of alternative fuels and homeland security. The County is currently working with Key Academic Research Institutions, such as Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Brookhaven National Laboratory, North Shore-LIJ Health System and SUNY Stony Brook to devise the best plan for the site.
The Grumman property was part of a larger campus in which Navy fighter planes and other aviation and space exploration products were produced during World War II and the Cold War. Among the aircraft constructed on the site were the F-14 Tomcat, the A-6A Intruder, the EA-6B Prowler and the E-2C Hawkeye.
A large portion of the 105-acre site sits within an Empire Zone, designated by the state in 2006.
Businesses in Empire Zones operate virtually tax-free for the first ten years, if they reach certain job-creation benchmarks. These businesses also receive utility rate savings and technical assistance from Empire Zone staff.
