The IDA’s next meeting is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 16, when the Board, at press time, is expected to act on the Amazon incentive package. If approved, the IDA vote would clear the way for construction to begin on the 3.2-million-square-foot project. The investment by Amazon, according to a recently released economic study commissioned by the IDA and conducted by Camoin Associates, is projected to create 2,427 jobs, including 630 direct construction jobs, another 770 indirect construction jobs, 750 permanent on-site jobs once the facility is operational, and another 227 permanent indirect jobs.

At its Oct. 28 meeting, the Orange County IDA also pulled from its agenda an amendment to its policies that would prohibit the IDA from offering any PILOT tax breaks for future warehouse projects. The IDA continued a public hearing on the proposed warehouse amendment and is also expected to act on the resolution at its Nov. 16 meeting.

Developer Scannell Properties and Amazon amended their application to the Orange County Industrial Development Agency in August for the 3.2-million-square-foot fulfillment center in Wawayanda, proposing a 10-year deal and seeking approximately $69.6 million in incentives. This compares with the previous, unsuccessful 15-year PILOT, which was estimated to provide approximately $80 million in financial assistance for the project.

A public hearing was held by the Orange County IDA on Sept. 10 at Minisink Middle School in Slate Hill, NY. A Scannell representative stated in a letter to the IDA that the 10-year PILOT “will deliver positive impacts to the Town of Wawayanda and Orange County,” including approximately $10 million more in projected tax payments than the previous 15-year PILOT proposal. The 10-year PILOT would generate more than $32 million in tax payments compared with its original 20-year PILOT proposal.

Todd Diorio, President of the Hudson Valley Building & Construction Trades Council, penned a letter on Oct. 27 supporting passage of the 10-year PILOT agreement for the project. He stated that the general contractor for the Amazon project and the building trades were in final negotiations on a Project Labor Agreement.

“This project represents a significant opportunity to create good-paying, family-sustaining construction jobs, generate substantial economic activity and strengthen Orange County’s long-term tax base,” Mr. Diorio stated.

Mr. Diorio noted that project costs had increased by approximately $35 million over the past year, including nearly $20 million for structural steel and approximately $15 million for electrical materials and labor.

“We believe the combination of a reduced PILOT, a commitment to local union labor and a Project Labor Agreement represents a significant win for Orange County. It demonstrates that economic development incentives and strong labor standards can work together to produce results for everyone involved,” Mr. Diorio wrote.

He concluded his letter to the IDA Board by stating: “The Hudson Valley Building & Construction Trades Council strongly urges the Orange County IDA Board to vote in favor of the revised 10-year PILOT agreement.”