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A Melville-based development firm has been selected by Suffolk County to build the Hampton Business and Technology Park, a 53-acre business and technology center located at Francis S. Gabreski Airport in Westhampton.
Rechler Equity Partners, a commercial and industrial real estate developer that owns more than 100 properties on Long Island, will develop the property, according to a press release issued by Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy’s office.
The park will total 485,000 square feet and will include a 145-room hotel with conference capabilities. The complex will be located on the westernmost portion of Gabreski Airport.
Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy said that ground is slated to be broken on the project in spring 2009.
According to the press release, the business park is expected to be composed of film, television, and digital media companies, as well as businesses involved in homeland security, alternative energy, and green-research and development. The county has not secured any leases for the complex as of yet.
“The Town of Southampton is excited that Rechler Equity Partners will play a lead role in making this collaborative vision a reality,” said Southampton Supervisor Linda Kabot in a county press release. “The Hampton Business and Technology Park will be an economic rejuvenator for both the South Fork and all of Suffolk County. Its opening will help Long Island reclaim its place at the forefront of America’s industrial and technological development.”
Mr. Levy said in the press release that the park could create anywhere between 600 and 700 jobs. The park is also anticipated to generate $7 million in rental revenue for Suffolk County over the next 10 years.
“It represents the fruits of a lot of labor between the county, the town, and the local community,” said Hank Beck, co-chair of Citizens Advisory Committee West. “Everyone had a hand in seeing that their interests were honored.”
Mr. Beck went on to say that he believes the park will be a boon for the surrounding community, especially businesses on Main Street in Westhampton Beach.
The park, Mr. Beck believes, will help businesses in the surrounding area stay open year-round.
Mr. Beck noted that there is a provision in the plan for the park that mandates that no retail businesses built in the park will compete with existing retail businesses in the village.
In the past, area residents have expressed concerns about the park causing increased traffic in the area.
Mr. Beck said he does not see traffic being a problem because the majority of those coming to the park will be traveling from Sunrise Highway onto County Road 31.
“The road may be widened to facilitate left-hand turning,” Mr. Beck said.
Mr. Levy, however, said no such plans are in place.
The county has been reviewing plans for the technology park since July. Rechler Equity Partners was selected from three other companies who responded to the county’s request for proposals.
