Future Hamptons economic hub thrills Levy
A planned industrial park near Gabreski Airport in Westhampton could provide an economic boost for the Hamptons, officials said.
Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy and other officials unveiled a proposal Friday for the East End Economic center, a high-tech industrial park and hotel to be built by Rechler Equity Partners of Melville on a 58-acre site near the county-owned airport.
Levy said he expected the new center to generate 600 high-paying, high-tech jobs. A 40-year lease on the land will bring in $40 million for the county, he said.
Suffolk County has just spent $1.8 million for infrastructure improvements at the site, officials said.
Rechler Equity managing partner Gregg Rechler said "there is a huge void in . . . Class A office, industrial and manufacturing space" in the Hamptons.
The town, county and local residents have discussed how to develop space at the airport since 2005.
Southampton Supervisor Anna Throne-Holst noted that the Rechler firm recently sought permission to build a three-story hotel instead of a previously approved two-story structure.
Rechler officials said they were was having trouble getting hotel chains interested in a smaller building.
Firefighter charged with arson ... Detective facing hate crime charges ... New dog patrolling MacArthur ... Statewide toy drive
Firefighter charged with arson ... Detective facing hate crime charges ... New dog patrolling MacArthur ... Statewide toy drive