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| January 29, 2010 |
| NYC EconDev Corp. Goes Overboard on PR |
| By Kevin McCauley |
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Things are tough in the Big Apple these days, but c'mon. The New York City Economic Development Corp., Mayor Michael Bloomberg's development arm, issued a press release earlier today trumpeting its latest achievement.
Did the NYCEDC lure a corporate headquarters like metro Washington snagging Northrop Grumman and Hilton Hotels? No.
 Was the news about a batch of corporate leases for One World Trade Center (the former Freedom Tower), which is supposed to be open for business in 2013? Nada.
Are the Los Angeles Dodgers returning to Brooklyn in a new stadium to be built in the vicinity of the Atlantic Yards project , which is the future home of the Jersey Nets? Nope.
Okay, at the very least have the Mets finally signed the front-line pitcher that desperately need to challenge the Phillies and Braves in the National League East. Not a chance.
Did the NYCEDC announce plans for an Au Bon Pain coffee and pastry shop slated for the St. George Ferry Terminal in Staten Island? Bingo.
Today's ribbon-cutting included a gaggle of politicos, including Rep. Michael McMahon (NYC's only "Blue Dog" Democrat who may soon find himself a one-term wonder), Borough President James Molinaro, State Senator Diane Savino, Assemblyman Matthew Titone, Councilman Deborah Rose, NYCEDC president Seth Pinsky and Department of Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan.
McMahon, who voted against President Obama's healthcare reform bill, said the 1,120 sq. ft. café is opening "thanks in part to the economic recovery funds secured for our district." Thirty-one Staten Islanders will be serving coffee, sandwiches, soups and salads to the 65,000 people who pass through the terminal once the $1M investment opens its doors in a few months. Sadik-Khan hails the fast-food eatery as an "important milestone" to "enhance the ferry commuter experience with the kind of amenities that Staten Islanders deserve." The Commish must really like Au Bon Pain's signature artisan breads.
There is more good news ahead. Au Bon Pain will soon have some company. Island Pretzel, Fresh Juice & Ice Cream Delight and Statue of Island Deli plan to put down roots at St. George. High-level negotiations are underway with a national sandwich chain (Subway, Blimpie's, Quiznos?) and "a well-known local food retailer from Brooklyn," crows the release. The suspense builds.
The NYCEDC press shop is going to be very busy. Congressman McMahon may even gain a couple of pounds. |
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