FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 2 , 2009

GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES APPROVAL OF JACOB K. JAVITS CONVENTION CENTER GENERAL PROJECT PLAN

Public Authority Control Board Signs Off; Renovation and Expansion to Begin Immediately

Project Expected to Generate Thousands of Jobs

Governor David A. Paterson announced that the Public Authority Control Board (PACB) has approved the General Project Plan (GPP) for the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. The proposed renovation and expansion will now move forward and construction on the site will begin immediately.

“In these challenging economic times, it is vital that we invest in projects that spur local business and create new employment opportunities. This project achieves both, while also ensuring that we improve upon an invaluable asset,” Governor Paterson said. “The General Project Plan will generate close to $880 million in direct and indirect sales, as well as 9,000 direct and indirect construction and construction related jobs. With the Public Authority Control Board’s approval, we may now proceed with this significant development project.”

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg said: “The long-awaited Javits Center renovation and expansion project is an important step towards addressing the demand for modern convention space. In addition to generating economic activity for New York City, the construction will create real jobs for working New Yorkers.”

ESD President & CEO Dennis Mullen said: “The PACB approval brings us even closer towards the long awaited renovation and expansion of the Jacob Javits Convention Center. These improvements will allow the Convention Center to remain New York City’s primary venue for large conventions, while continuing to attract countless visitors from the United States and abroad. This is a significant investment that will help secure a prosperous future for both the City and State.”

President of New York Convention Center Development Corporation Barbara Lampen said: “We are thrilled to have the PACB’s support to move forward with important improvements to the Jacob Javits Convention Center. The renovation and expansion of the Javits will enable New York City to continue to attract business and remain a premier convention, trade show and event destination.”

Currently bounded by 40th Street to the north, 34th Street to the south, 11th Avenue to the east and 12th Avenue to the west, the Convention Center project has two components that will both renew and expand the facility.

The renovation project for Javits responds to the immediate needs of the convention and trade show industry, improves the existing building conditions and enables the Center to continue operating and complements the ongoing development of the West Side. The existing operating conditions will remain unchanged, with construction being scheduled and sequenced to maintain continuity of the Convention Center at all times.

A 100,000 square foot expansion will be constructed on the block bounded by 39th Street, 11th Avenue, 40th Street, and 12th Avenue. The expansion will contain 40,000 net square feet of exhibition space. Pre-function and registration areas, support and core functions (restrooms, food service areas), and a truck court and loading docks will be located within the remaining 60,000 square feet. Upon completion of the renovation, the 40,000 square feet of exhibition space will remain in service and will complement existing operations.

The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center opened in 1986 as the successor to the Coliseum Convention Center (formerly at 59th Street and Broadway). Since its opening, Javits has been New York City’s primary venue for large conventions, exhibitions and major trade shows. These events are key contributors to the City and State economy, stimulating direct and indirect employment, economic activity, and tax revenues, and strongly supporting the city’s hotel, restaurant, tourism and entertainment industries.

The following quotes were provided in support of the Public Authority Control Board's approval of the General Project Plan:

Congressman Jerrold Nadler said: “The PACB’s green light for the expansion of the Javits Convention Center is terrific news for New York City’s economy. In this very trying economic recession, it is more important than ever that we foster investment, create jobs and bring commerce to our city. The Javits Convention Center will just do that. This is a major shovel-ready project which promises to generate hundreds of local construction jobs in the short term, and attract millions of dollars in investment to the expanded convention business in the long term.”

Senator Thomas K. Duane said: “The Jacob Javits Convention Center is a vital part of the economic engine of New York City and the PACB approval is a major step toward the goal of a revitalized Javits Center. In these economically difficult times, I am a strong supporter of projects that will provide jobs for New Yorkers, attract visitors to our city and set the foundation for continued economic growth for the City and New York State. In addition, I am pleased that the newly renovated Javits will be more accessible and welcoming to the general public and surrounding community, and that ESD is committed to being environmentally-friendly and pursuing LEED Certification on the project.”

City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn said: “The Javits Center expansion will create construction jobs in the short term, and good, middle class service industry jobs in the long-term. This expansion will make our City competitive when it comes to landing major conventions, and for the sake of our economy it can't start soon enough.”

Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer said: “The PACB’s approval of the much-needed renovation of the Javits Convention Center will enable New York City to remain one of the country’s leading convention destinations, attracting countless visitors to the city from around the world. The investment will also provide jobs and an economic boost at a time when our workers and our city badly need it.”