Specifically, IR 1095, which was unanimously approved at the Legislature’s March 3rd meeting, provides funding to the Town of Huntington Community Development Agency to help construct the incubator site on New York Avenue.
Business incubators seek to create new private sector jobs by growing existing businesses and assisting in the critical start-up period. Some of the services provided include shared office space for incubator businesses, management training, strategic advice, support staff and equipment, and developing computerized accounting/payroll systems, as well as quantifiable business plans.
“Although most of the attention these days is on the Federal Government when it comes to economic stimulus and job creation, this bill shows that we can still act locally to help Huntington Station businesses and bring jobs to our community,” said Legislator Lou D’Amaro (D-Huntington Station), a co-sponsor of the resolution who represents the area.
Located at 1268 New York Avenue, the incubator will be in one of the poorest Census Tracts in Suffolk County with a population rate 18% below the poverty level. The Town of Huntington will contract with a professional operator to run the facility. Presently, the Nassau/Suffolk Hispanic Chamber, the Urban League, and the Huntington Chamber of Commerce have all expressed interest to the Town in operating the Incubator.
“These are hard financial times for everyone,” said County Executive Steve Levy. “Many of our small businesses are going under. This funding will help entrepreneurs in Huntington Station create a strong foundation for years to come.”
“We are most grateful to Suffolk County for the generous grant support provided to help launch our forthcoming Huntington Station Business Incubator,” added Town Supervisor Frank Petrone. “In our current economic climate, it cannot be overstated how critical this type of initiative is, particularly in the context of our ongoing Huntington Station Revitalization.
“This incubator, through the work of the professionals that will run it, will determine the types of businesses needed in the area,” said D’Amaro. “It is exactly the type of tool this community needs during these difficult economic times, and I applaud my colleagues for supporting it.”
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Suffolk County Legislator Lou D’Amaro (D-Huntington Station) represents the 17th Legislative District, which includes parts of North Babylon, Deer Park, Dix Hills, Melville, West Hills, Huntington, South Huntington, and Huntington Station. He is Chairman of the Ways and Means committee, Vice-Chairman of the Environment, Planning and Agriculture committee, Vice-Chairman of the Budget and Finance committee and a member of the Consumer Protection committee of the Suffolk County Legislature.
