Woodbury Common unveils expansion proposal to Planning Board.
The parent company of Woodbury Common Premium Outlets unveiled an exciting new expansion plan for the renowned global shopping center during a presentation to the Village of Woodbury Planning Board on September 20.
“Woodbury Common is not just any property—it’s a destination for employment, dining, retail, and international shopping,” emphasized Timothy Fox, Vice President of Development at Simon Property Group.
Out of the 250 properties owned by Simon Property Group worldwide, Woodbury Common ranks among the top three.
“Our goal is to take something great and make it even better, elevating it to the next level,” he added enthusiastically.
Woodbury Common attracts millions of visitors each year, with nearly half of them being tourists from outside the region, including a significant number from other countries.
The expansion plan includes the construction of a new 200-room hotel to accommodate out-of-town visitors who wish to stay overnight.
Additionally, it will introduce over 130,000 square feet of new retail and restaurant spaces, which will be built on an existing surface parking area within the outlet’s Niagara district.
To compensate for the loss of surface parking spots, a new multi-level parking garage will be constructed, providing approximately 1,400 additional parking spaces.
Mr. Fox emphasized that these parking changes will enhance pedestrian safety and improve the overall experience for visitors.
The expansion project will also enhance the landscaping and introduce a new play area for children.
Tax and Job Benefits
Mr. Fox revealed that the expansion is expected to generate an estimated $20 million in additional tax revenue annually for the state, local governments, and other taxing districts involved.
The benefits primarily come from new property, sales, and hotel taxes.
Among the beneficiaries, the governments of New York State and Orange County will each receive approximately $8 million in additional tax revenue, followed by the Monroe-Woodbury School district with around $2 million.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which relies on 0.375 percent of sales taxes generated in Orange County to fund its operations, will receive an extra $700,000.
The Town and Village of Woodbury will also experience increased revenues of $570,000 and $377,000, respectively.
According to Mr. Fox, the expansion will create 770 new full-time and part-time jobs on-site, in addition to the current employment of approximately 5,000 people during peak seasons.
Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus, state Sen. James Skoufis, state Assemblyman Chris Eachus, Village of Woodbury Mayor Andrew Giacomazza, and Town of Woodbury Supervisor Thomas Burke have all expressed their support for the expansion.
Consultant Comments
Following the presentation, Kelly Naughton, legal counsel for the planning board, suggested that the applicant simplify the executive summary by removing technical jargon, making it more accessible to the average resident.
Natalie Barber, the engineering consultant for the planning board, stated that the applicant needs to provide additional information before the draft environmental impact statement can be reviewed publicly. This includes details on potential property tax incentives, the availability of village and town hall services (fire, police, and emergency services), and the capacity of municipal water and sewer systems.
She also mentioned that the village has imposed a moratorium on certain developments due to strained water resources.
Regarding traffic, a consultant advised the planning board to provide more up-to-date data, particularly on Sunday traffic.
The Epoch Times reached out to Woodbury Common for comments.
Since its opening in 1985, Woodbury Common has undergone several expansions, with the most recent one between 2014 and 2018 adding a parking garage and a market hall.
How much additional tax revenue is estimated to be generated annually through the expansion project, and who are the primary beneficiaries of this revenue
The expansion project is also expected to create approximately 1,000 new jobs in the area, providing opportunities for local residents and boosting the economy.
Woodbury Common has long been a popular destination for shoppers, offering a wide range of high-end fashion brands at discounted prices. With the addition of new retail and restaurant spaces, visitors will have even more options to explore and enjoy.
The construction of a new hotel will not only provide accommodation for out-of-town visitors but also contribute to the growth of the hospitality industry in the region. This will further enhance the appeal of Woodbury Common as a destination for both domestic and international tourists.
The development plan also includes improvements to the parking facilities, with the construction of a multi-level parking garage. This will address the current issue of limited parking spaces and ensure a more convenient and enjoyable experience for visitors. Additionally, these changes will prioritize pedestrian safety, making the shopping center a safer place for all.
Furthermore, the expansion project will bring about improvements in the landscaping and introduce a new play area for children. These enhancements will create a more pleasant and family-friendly atmosphere within the shopping center.
In terms of economic benefits, the expansion is expected to generate approximately $20 million in additional tax revenue annually. This revenue will be distributed among the state, local governments, and other taxing districts involved. New York State and Orange County will be the primary beneficiaries, receiving around $8 million each. The Monroe-Woodbury School district will also receive a significant share of approximately $2 million.
Overall, the expansion plan for Woodbury Common Premium Outlets promises significant economic and community benefits. It will not only create job opportunities and generate additional tax revenue but also enhance the overall experience for visitors. As one of the top three properties owned by Simon Property Group, Woodbury Common will continue to solidify its reputation as a premier global shopping destination.
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