Contact: Sunny Mindel/Curt Ritter 212-788-2958
Bernadette O'Leary (EDC) 212-312-3523
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today announced that the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) will issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) on behalf of the City to encourage the development of high-tech districts throughout the five boroughs. The RFP encourages local not-for-profit organizations to partner with property owners and technology service providers to develop and promote new high-tech districts. In return, the City will provide grants to support marketing these districts.
"New York City today is a leader in the high-tech industry and we would like to encourage the continued growth of Silicon Alley into neighborhoods throughout the City," said Mayor Giuliani. "This new program, which will be marketed as Digital NYC: Wired to the World, will help to turn communities into wired business districts where New Yorkers can both live and work. Each proposal must include an agreed-upon amount of pre-built, Internet-ready space with flexible leases, which is essential to attract tenants and help them to do business in an affordable, efficient way."
The RFP will invite local not-for-profit organizations and businesses to create expanded opportunities for economic growth. EDC will award matching grants to promote each high-tech district for up to 50 percent of marketing expenses for two years, not to exceed $250,000. In addition, EDC will feature Digital NYC: Wired to the World in its national and international marketing campaign.
In addition to the not-for-profit organizations, property owners and technology service providers, partnerships may also include colleges and universities, energy providers, local corporations, industry associations, and Citywide or local not-for-profit business service providers.
The RFP will be issued October 4, 1999, and all proposals must be delivered by December 22, 1999, at 3 p.m. All requests for the RFPs should be directed to Cheryl Elmore, New York City Economic Development Corporation, 110 William Street, 6th Floor, New York, NY, 10038. Individuals can also call 212-312-3969 or e-mail info@newyorkbiz.com for further information.