Senator Klein Announces Major Job Creation Program, “START-UP NEW YORK” in the Bronx

BRONX, NY– Standing under the dome of the Gould Memorial Library at Bronx Community College (BCC), State Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) announced that BCC will be a host site for START-UP New York, a groundbreaking initiative that allows select colleges and universities to create tax-free zones on or near their academic campuses. Senator Klein, who fought for BCC to be eligible for the job creation program, described how the program works, focusing on BCC’s existing auto technology program and emerging healthcare technology program.

The announcement was made at a special breakout session during a two-day Sustainable Energy and Design Conference, hosted by BCC’s Center for Sustainable Energy (CSE). Businesses participating in Start-Up NY will pay no income tax, property tax, sales tax, or business taxes for the first ten years.

Senator Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) said: “START-UP New York is a program with unprecedented possibilities. By bringing this program to the Bronx, we are giving our community the competitive advantage needed in the global marketplace. This program demonstrates to emerging businesses that they can make a safe, long-term investment in the Bronx, which will help transform Bronx county into a new hotspot for economic growth and job creation.” 

Bronx Community College President Carole M. Berotte Joseph said: "I have always believed that Bronx Community College has been a site of innovation and creativity. As BCC becomes a Start-Up NY host, we will proudly carry on this tradition. On behalf of all of us here at Bronx Community College, I want to thank Senator Klein for his leadership in providing us this opportunity to create jobs, attract business and bring talent to the Bronx.”

President of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation Marlene Cintron said "Start-up NY promises to be a huge economic generator for the Bronx. By providing tax free space for cutting-edge businesses to grow here in the Bronx, we'll be attracting new jobs and millions of new investment dollars every year. By making this happen, Senator Klein truly delivered for the Bronx."

About Start-up New York

Scheduled to launch in January, 2014, Start-up New York is an ambitious state-wide initiative that will use tax and other incentives to encourage new or existing companies to either relocate or start up in designated areas of New York. Eligible companies must be one of a number of broadly defined “high technology” businesses and must support or align with the academic mission of participating campuses. The businesses selected will occupy land or property affiliated with the partnering public or private college or university. Business applications will be accepted beginning in late 2013 and under current legislation, are eligible to enter into the program until December 31, 2020.

About the Center for Sustainable Energy

The Center for Sustainable Energy at Bronx Community College is a non-profit organization focused on training and research in renewable energy and related fields. Under the direction of Dr. Aaron Socha, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry, and Dr. Joseph Bush, an expert in analytical instrumentation, the Center leads the Bronx in issues of urban sustainability.

About Bronx Community College

Bronx Community College of The City University of New York offers more than 30 academic programs that prepare students for careers and to continue their education at four-year colleges. Located on a 43-acre, tree-lined campus, BCC is home to the Hall of Fame for Great Americans, the country’s first hall of fame. The College provides its approximately 11,500 students with quality academic programs, outstanding faculty, a rich multicultural environment and flexible class schedules. Students at BCC represent more than 100 countries. In October 2012, the BCC campus was declared a national historic landmark, becoming the country’s first community college campus to receive such a designation. For more information about Bronx Community College, visit www.bcc.cuny.edu.