Located in the JFK IBZ, the 7.3 acre vacant site will serve as a permanent home for Bartlett Dairy
Relocation and expansion will help preserve nearly 200 jobs, as well as create 50 new permanent positions
New York – (RealEstateRama) — The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) today announced the selection of Bartlett Dairy and Food Service, a family-run local business, to develop a 56,000 square foot distribution and manufacturing center on a significant portion of the John F. Kennedy (JFK) North Site, one of the largest city-owned manufacturing zoned properties.
NYCEDC issued an RFEI in February 2015 seeking proposals for redevelopment of the JFK North Site with responses due in May 2016.
To keep and grow their business right here in New York City, Bartlett responded to the RFEI because of their need to relocate both their corporate office and distribution facility. EDC selected Bartlett because of their ability to meet the industrial manufacturing criteria, for their commitment to the City’s Living Wage and NYCEDC’s HireNYCrequirements for employees, as well as meeting a 30% MWBE contracting goal for design and construction.
Moreover, Bartlett Dairy was selected because it employs 75% of its workforce from Queens and Brooklyn, for their ability to help strengthen the city’s food economy and connectivity between upstate and the City, and because they provide extensive training and career movement for their employees; many of whom do not have college degrees.
Part of the real estate transaction with Bartlett involved receiving NYCIDA tax benefits to facilitate relocation to the JFK North Site, retain approximately 200 existing jobs and the creation of 50 new permanent jobs. The NYCIDA Board voted unanimously to approve the transaction earlier today.
“The selection of Bartlett Dairy and Food Service will help preserve nearly 200 jobs, while creating 50 new full-time positions, providing more employment opportunities for New Yorkers of all backgrounds,” saidNYCEDC President Maria Torres-Springer. “Additionally, Bartlett Dairy’s redevelopment of the JFK North Site into a manufacturing and distribution center will reinforce the City’s dairy supply, bridge the upstate and downstate food economy, and revitalize the JFK Industrial Business Zone.”
State Senator James Sander, Jr. said, “It’s great that a long-time, well-respected family-run business like Bartlett Dairy is opening a new site at JFK and bringing with it jobs for the community and opportunities for Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs). This is the type of growth and economic development that must continue in our community if we want to thrive and prosper.”
“The selection of Bartlett Dairy to develop the city’s JFK North Site is going to be a boost to our community, by utilizing untapped land to employ local residents, while benefitting a local minority-owned business that has thrived in New York City for decades,” said Council Member Donovan Richards(D-Laurelton). “I’d like to thank Bartlett for their commitment to other MWBEs, and I look forward to working with them in the near future.”
“Bartlett Dairy is a quality milk and dairy product distribution company with a long history of experience in serving the New York City region. It is essential a milk and dairy product manufacturing operation be located in New York City for many reasons, including the ability to service inner city neighborhood delis, bodegas, schools, food service operations as well as supermarkets with fresh local milk and dairy products,” said Bruce W. Krupke, Exec Executive Vice President Northeast Dairy Foods Association, Inc. “With a milk processor located in the City operated by Bartlett Dairy, they will provide an alternative supplier for wholesale customers to choose from, which will help ensure consumers can choose not only a quality local made product but a competitively priced one as well.”
Bartlett Dairy is a minority-owned, family-run dairy and dry goods distribution company that has been in operation since 1968. The Queens-based company employs over 400 people across three locations in Jamaica, Newark and Rochester and delivers dry and perishable goods to schools, hotels, grocery, and restaurants amongst others. Their largest contracts include the New York City Department of Education, the Archdiocese of New York, and Starbucks.
Development of the JFK North site, which is expected to create 91 construction jobs, will commence in fall 2018, with completion expected in fall 2020.
About NYCEDC
New York City Economic Development Corporation is the City’s primary vehicle for promoting economic growth in each of the five boroughs. NYCEDC’s mission is to stimulate growth through expansion and redevelopment programs that encourage investment, generate prosperity and strengthen the City’s competitive position. NYCEDC serves as an advocate to the business community by building relationships with companies that allow them to take advantage of New York City’s many opportunities. Find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter, or visit our blogto learn more about NYCEDC projects and initiatives.
About NYCIDA
The mission of the New York City Industrial Development Agency (NYCIDA) is to encourage economic development throughout the five boroughs and to assist in the retention of existing jobs, and the creation and attraction of new ones. NYCIDA programs are discretionary and provide companies with access to triple tax-exempt bond financing and/or tax benefits to acquire or create capital assets, such as purchasing real estate, constructing or renovating facilities, and acquiring new equipment. To learn more about NYCIDA, visit: http://www.nycedc.com/nycida
