Westchester IDA votes preliminary approval of incentives for Yorktown redevelopment project

Yorktown, NY The Westchester County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) has voted preliminary approval of financial incentives for the redevelopment of a vacant car dealership on Rte. 202 into a 16,000 s/f school bus storage facility.

Applicant Presidential Associates 3805 LLC is requesting a total of $362,576 in tax benefits comprised of $117,770 in sales tax exemptions, $52,000 in mortgage recording tax exemptions and a $192,806 real property tax exemption.

The 2.7-acre property, which had been vacant for five years, is located at 3805 Crompond Rd. (Rte. 202). It will be occupied by Bird Bus Sales, a distributor and dealership of Blue Bird and Mirco Bird buses and commercial buses. The company, which is the leading electric bus dealer in the Northeast, is moving its existing operations from Elmsford. The new location will have 8,000 s/f of sales office space and 8,000 s/f of warehouse space.

“The financial incentives to be provided by the IDA will not only create jobs but will also help retain an important business that supports the transportation needs of our County’s schools. The company’s commitment to sustainability through bus electrification aligns with our county’s energy policies and goals,” said Westchester County executive George Latimer.

“The IDA is pleased to vote preliminary approval of incentives for this project which will transform an abandoned property into a new facility for school bus storage. We are particularly pleased to see that the new owner of this property is a leader in school bus electrification, alternative fuels and 100 percent zero emission electric bus sales in New York State,” said IDA chair Joan McDonald.

Bird Bus Sales, which is headquartered in Plainview, Long Island, is a pioneer in the alternative fuel and clean energy sector of the bus industry and is the top-selling distributor of gasoline, electric and propane school buses in its market. Bird Bus Sales plans to eliminate diesel-powered vehicles from its portfolio by 2027 and gasoline- powered vehicles shortly thereafter.

The $6.5 million project is estimated to create between 30 and 35 construction jobs of which 35% are expected to be Westchester County hires. The project is also expected to retain 8 direct jobs on-site resulting in approximately $301,000 in earnings and $692,000 in economic activity within the County. The applicant said it would comply with the IDA’s Labor Policy.