PLAYOFF RIVALS! County announces ‘Downtown Improvement Grant Program’

The next phase of Westchester County Office of Economic Development’s Business FIRST Program will focus on downtown improvement and stimulating economic revitalization at the local level. This Pilot Grant Program will help four municipalities reimagine and revitalize their downtown economic engine through a program consisting of professional consulting and up to $250,000 in implementation support.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said, “The Business FIRST Downtown Improvement Grant Program is part of our continued response to listening and responding to the needs of those who do business in Westchester. It will help ensure our businesses and the local communities they help build have the support and resources to remain vibrant and innovative as we look into the future. The key part of this grant is its tailored public-private approach to support each community selected.”

Municipalities that meet the criteria to apply will be able to as of Feb. 22, 2023. Each grantee will receive strategic one-on-one support to help grow consumer foot-traffic, retain existing businesses, recruit targeted-new businesses, provide training, and explore innovative new ways to strengthen and market their community through comprehensive analysis and a detailed action plan. For more information on the application process, visit https://westchestercatalyst.com/ business-first-programs/

Westchester County Director of Operations and Chairperson of the County of Westchester Industrial Development Agency (IDA) Joan McDonald said, “Revitalization and growth are core components of the work that we do. This Pilot Program is an important step towards rebuilding our local economies and we are proud to support our municipalities as they embark upon this critical – and often overwhelming – work.”

Westchester County Director of Economic Development Bridget Gibbons said: “Looking past the impact of COVID-19 on our downtowns, these are areas poised with opportunity for new growth and reinvigoration. We are pleased to offer a resource to support local municipalities as they undergo this process of revitalization.”

Westchester County Director of Policy & Programs Small Business and Chambers of Commerce Shari Rosen

Ascher said: “This is a groundbreaking and responsive program that’s designed to provide municipalities the tools and support to reimagine their local economies. JGSC Group – the partners with whom we are working on this project – have a track record of stimulating fiscal activity for communities throughout New York and New Jersey. We are excited to extend their expertise to our local communities.”

Principal of JGSC Consultants Joe Getz said: “We are pleased to be part of this opportunity to help smaller communities to rebuild their downtown commercial districts and to attract new shoppers and businesses to the area.”

The Westchester County Business FIRST Downton Improvement Grant Pilot Program is being administered by the Westchester County Office of Economic Development. Communities who receive Community Development Block Grant funds directly from the Federal Government or have previously received a Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant from New York State are not eligible to participate in this Pilot Program.

For more information on the application process, visit: https://westchestercatalyst.com/business-first-programs/.

Latimer made the announcement at an event hosted by Westchester County Tourism & Film at the Edith Macy Center. Over 150 representatives from the film industry and Westchester locations and municipalities participated in the program, designed to foster collaboration on filming in Westchester. The event, which featured speakers from State government, local municipalities and the film and television industry, focused on best practices on how to boost the filming appeal of a given location - which in turn boosts tourism economic revenue.

Latimer said: “The message from this report is clear: The film industry plays a leading role in generating investment in Westchester. Every film, television, and commercial production brings economic activity to our County. In addition to providing thousands of jobs for our residents, productions are using local vendors, increasing foot traffic to local stores and restaurants, hiring our talented residents, and showcasing our incredible locations to audiences around the world.”

Westchester County Tourism & Film Director Natasha Caputo said: “The data show that the collective efforts with our partners to attract new film business are paying off. The fact that we have exceeded pre-pandemic numbers speaks to the quality and diversity of our locations and affirms that we are creating a welcoming, film-friendly environment.”

In addition, the industry generates significant fiscal benefits for businesses and communities, contributing $7.4 million in sales tax, lodging-related tax, and permit and property rental fees. In 2021, 946 tourism jobs were created as a result of the film industry.

President of the Westchester Hotel Association and General Manager of the Cambria Hotel in White Plains Sean Meade said: “We’ve absolutely received a boost from the film industry. We’re happy to cater to film productions, whether to welcome crews after a long day of shooting or provide a unique location for filming. The industry has become an out-of-the-box source of revenue for us.”

Another benefit of the film industry in Westchester is “screen tourism,” Caputo added. “Our locations — such as Lyndhurst, the Belvedere Estate, and the Hudson River Museum/Glenview Historic Home — have been featured in popular shows, resulting in a boost in visitors at those locations.” The award-winning and popular shows that filmed in Westchester in 2020 and 2021 included The Blacklist (NBC); Dickinson (Apple TV+); The Flight Attendant (HBO); FBI and FBI: Most Wanted (CBS); The Gilded Age (HBO); Law & Order: SVU (NBC); Only Murders in the Building (Hulu); Severance (Apple TV+); Succession (HBO); and The Watcher (Netflix).

Meeting Industry Needs

Film business has steadily grown due in no small part to the services provided by Westchester County Tourism & Film. The film office provides location guidance, offers technical visits, and facilitates the permit process. The support makes a big difference in choosing where to film, according to many industry professionals.

Location Manager for HBO’s The Gilded Age Lauri Pitkus said: “What’s helpful about the film office is the coordination between agencies. They understand what we do on a day-to-day basis when we come here to film and in one phone call can get everyone on board. We can achieve many different looks in one area. It’s a turnkey operation.”

Mike Hartel, location manager for the show FBI: Most Wanted (CBS) agreed: “They understand our needs and pave the way for successful filming. Westchester provides a wide range of looks and plenty of space to park trucks and equipment, set up complicated shoots, and establish base camps. Whether I need a traditional English garden, a Florida marina, a suburban home, or a wooded area, I know that Westchester has a location and facilitators to make filming as easy as possible.”

Latimer added: “This economic impact report points to a film industry boom in Westchester County. It shows see FILM 7