The Port Authority Local Assistance Program helps communities in the Port District advance economic development initiatives by providing them with architectural and engineering consulting support.
Assistance Provided
- Architectural Programming - Compile architectural information and convert this data into building criteria used to make site location, Stage I building design, renovation or relocation decisions.
- Site Evaluation - Evaluate existing sites or buildings and recommend how best to utilize the site/building, the type of tenants to attract, and the approximate cost of development.
- Cost Estimating - Prepare budget estimates that provide sponsoring entities with information used to rapidly assess project feasibility or aid in negotiations.
- Graphics - Create charts, illustrations, renderings, visual aids, diagrams, renderings and other graphic materials.
- Sales Materials - Develop brochures, reports, presentations and other marketing materials for distribution to prospects and for use during sales, community and board meetings. These materials also can be used to illustrate how a building could look on the site and assist in procuring project funding and community support.
Criteria for Consideration
- The client must be a municipality, county government, or not-for-profit community group or agency located in the Port District.
- The client/sponsoring public entity does not have the technical capability and/or financial resources to do the work.
- The initiative will advance a project that retains or creates jobs, increases the local tax base, or attracts private sector investment or public funding.
Completed Projects
Ellis Island Development Concept Plan
Background
When Ellis Island closed in 1954, abandonment led to a period of severe decline. In 1990, following extensive rehabilitation, the Main Building was reopened to the public as the Ellis Island immigrations Museum, and subsequently, two adjacent buildings were rehabilitated as administrative offices. The island's many remaining structures, however, remain abandoned.
Services Provided
The Local Assistance Program undertook a conceptual planning study and prepared a plan for the adaptive use of vacant and unrestored buildings on Ellis Island to assist the efforts of Save Ellis Island!, a non-profit organization.
Results
The Local Assistance Program submitted the feasibility study report in December of 2005 and is currently under review. The Port Authority looks forward in utilizing this historic landmark to promote the ideals and themes related to the role played by Ellis Island in American history.
Federal Building Number 2
Background
Federal Building #2 in Brooklyn was constructed in 1916 as a warehouse and distribution center for the Department of Navy. The building is typical of waterfront structures of that period, solidly built of masonry and reinforced concrete. Last occupied in 1998, both exterior and interior building systems have deteriorated from lack of use and maintenance. Original elevators, stairs, heating, sanitary and storm drainage remain intact but are beyond their service life. The Brooklyn Economic Development Corporation wanted to utilize Federal Building #2 to improve the neighborhood by restoring the deteriorating building for active, productive use.
Services Provided
The Port Authority's Local Assistance Program assisted the Brooklyn Economic Development Corporation in conducting a feasibility study for the phased reuse of Federal Building #2. Consultants conducted a comprehensive architectural and engineering analysis for building assessment and recommendations for replacing, repairing or upgrading systems within the building.
Results
The Local Assistance Program was able to provide the Brooklyn Economic Development Corporation a platform to proceed with future developmental plans for Federal Building #2.
For more information, contact:
Patrick Flinn
General Manager, Economic and Regional Development
(212) 435-7813
pflinn@panynj.gov
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