Pearl River, NY -- (9/28/16) Tom DePrisco, candidate for the 38th Senate District in New York, today released a statement questioning a $3 Million Grant given by Governor Andrew Cuomo's EDC for a private New Square Supermarket in Senator Carlucci's Senate District.
So nearly $3 million in taxpayer funds will go toward building the Heritage Park Industrial Complex which is owned by the Community Improvement Council – a 501c3 non-profit organization which has been tax exempt since 1993. This new 30,000 square foot two-story building will house two establishments on separate floors. The Hatzlacha Supermarket Company will oversee the supermarket and a poultry packaging and distribution center on the ground floor while Share of New Square Inc. / CHESED 24 7 – a separate 501c3 non-profit organization which has been tax exempt since 1992 will occupy the second floor.
Considering the previous attempts to build a poultry slaughterhouse nearby, these plans must be scrutinized to ensure that a slaughterhouse would not be incorporated later on.
While I encourage economic development which spurs new jobs, these projects must also stimulate new taxes for the community. Considering that the owner of the entire property is tax exempt, and half the tenants will be tax exempt, how will the Town of Ramapo and Rockland County benefit financially?
I would have hoped that the Empire State Development Agency and our elected officials would have realized the absurdity of funding half of this project with $3 million in taxpayer funds – funds that could potentially be utilized for other purposes such as another eligible tax ratable or funding for our schools, public safety, infrastructure, etc.
I will perform my fiduciary responsibility by doing my homework and checking all the facts. Common sense must prevail in Albany. These are not just empty words; I will act on your behalf."
Tom DePrisco is a resident of Pearl River. He serves as the Vice President of the Pearl River School District School Board and the Rockland County School Boards Association. For more information visit www.TomDePrisco.com.
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