FIRM EXPANSIONS AND CONTRACTIONS

Hudson Valley Region

Annual 2016 Report

New York State Department of Labor Division of Research and Statistics 120 Bloomingdale Road, Room 218 White Plains, NY 10605 914-997-8798

This briefing provides information on firm-specific hiring and layoff announcements in the Hudson Valley. The information in this report is derived from press releases, newspapers, business journals, newsletters and other public sources. It does not include all expansions and contractions in the region – only those for which public information has been obtained. An attempt is made to present only current information – events that have recently occurred or will occur in the near future.

BUSINESS EXPANSIONS FOR THE HUDSON VALLEY REGION

January 2016

Dutchess County Northern Dutchess Hospital recently celebrated the grand-opening of its new $47 million pavilion. The three-story, 87,000 square foot Martin and Toni Sosnoff pavilion is complete with high-tech medical equipment and more patient-oriented private suites. No job numbers were announced.

Orange County CVS announced plans to build a new store on Route 52 and Route 300, in the Town of Newburgh. The company is waiting for site plan approval from the town’s Planning Board. No job numbers were announced.

Putnam County Stop&Shop recently signed a lease for a new 54,000 square foot store at the Lake Plaza Shopping Center. No job numbers were announced.

Rockland County Autobahn Indoor Speedway, the largest indoor go-karting facility in , will soon open at the former Sports Authority location in the Palisades Center mall. The 40,000 square-foot facility will feature electric Formula One-inspired, Italian-made go karts capable of reaching speeds of up to 50 mph. No job numbers were announced.

Syncsort Inc., a Big-data software provider, will relocate its headquarters and workforce of about 145 employees from to new office space at Blue Hill Plaza in Pearl River. The company plans to invest $2,895,000 in its new location. Operating in a designated Start-UP NY area, Syncsort will pay no state taxes for 10 years. Employees residing in New York will pay no state personal income taxes for the first five years and for the second five years, employees will be exempt from state taxes on income up to $200,000 for a head of household and $300,000 for taxpayers filing jointly.

Sullivan County Nothing to report.

Ulster County Nothing to report.

Westchester County Fareri Associates, in collaboration with Westchester County, announced plan to build a $1.2 billion biotech lab on undeveloped county-owned land known as the North 60 in Valhalla. Dubbed “The Westchester BioScience & Technology Center,” the campus will include 2.25 million square feet of biotech and research space, 400,000 square feet of medical office space, a 100,000 square-foot hotel with 100 rooms, 114,000 square feet of ground floor retail space and a 34,000 square-foot Children’s Living Science Center. Fareri Associates owns 20 acres next to the 60 acres of county-owned land it would rent under a 99-year lease. It is estimated that the project will create about 12,000 new jobs, including 4,000 temporary construction jobs and another 8,000 jobs once the project is completed.

Real estate developer LCOR Inc. recently began construction of 55 Bank St, a mixed- use residential/commercial development project. The $250 million real estate development project will feature two 16 story buildings with each offering 3,000 square feet of retail space and a total of 561 residential units. The construction of the residential complex will be completed in two phases, with the first tower set to be completed by summer, 2017, and the second phase shortly after. It is estimated that the project will create 533 construction and permanent jobs.

New York-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital in Bronxville will open its new $60 million surgery and oncology pavilion in March, 2016. The new center, dubbed a “one- stop shop,” will offer a host of services, including on-site radiation treatment, as well as additional infusion stations and a pharmacy. No job numbers were announced.

February 2016

Dutchess County Cardinal Court Apartments was granted final approval for some tax breaks. The $6.4 million project will convert an old abandoned building on Canon Street in the City of Poughkeepsie into 49 upscale apartments, two two-story penthouse units, as well as six commercial units. No job numbers were announced.

Meadow View Properties, LLC., the developers behind a 288-unit apartment complex and 85,400 square-foot of commercial space in the Town of Poughkeepsie, is seeking some tax incentives from the Dutchess County IDA for the $58.5 million project. No job numbers were announced.

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen plans to open a new restaurant at the former Nellie Kelly’s Bar on Haight Avenue in Poughkeepsie. The fast food chain is awaiting site plan approval from the Town’s Planning Board. The franchise operates 51 restaurants in New York and the Poughkeepsie location would be the first in Dutchess County. No job numbers were available.

Ulster Savings Bank has recently opened a new branch on Route 300 in Newburgh. The new branch offers easier access, drive-up banking and a 24-hour ATM. The bank is also scheduled to open another branch in Wappingers Falls. No job numbers were announced.

Orange County National Wholesaler Restaurant Depot plans to open a new location in the Town of Newburgh. The 62,300 square-foot warehouse will be built on a 9-acre parcel of land, behind the Ramada and Super8 hotel on Route 300. The store would employ between 40 and 50 people.

Putnam County Nothing to report.

Rockland County Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide Inc. plans to expand with 10 new hotels in New York State in the next three years. The bulk of that growth will be centered in the New York City metropolitan area, as well as one hotel in Rockland County. Starwood will open Element Spring Valley at the Spring Valley Marketplace in 2018. No job numbers were announced.

Sullivan County Nothing to report.

Ulster County Nothing to report.

Westchester County Balducci’s Food Lover’s Market, a specialty gourmet food retailer plans to open a new store in Rye Brook. The 18,000 square-foot store is scheduled to open in the fall, and will be the company’s sixth location in the U.S. No job numbers were announced.

Comstock Residential Contracting plans to build a 21-unit apartment building on Mamaroneck Avenue. The $6.5 million project is expected to create 40 construction jobs and six permanent jobs. The Westchester County IDA approved $56,000 in mortgage recording tax exemptions and $150,000 in sales tax exemptions for the project.

Ha! Comedy Club, a comedy venue boasting national and local talent, is scheduled to open its doors at the Ridge Hill complex in Yonkers in early February, 2016. The club will split into two sections, with the front area offering a bar and stage for Karaoke and smaller acts, while the back half will offer a 130-people showroom. No job numbers were announced.

March 2016

Dutchess County Construction broke ground recently on the Gagliardi family’s $7 million, 81-room hotel on Route 208 in South Blooming Grove. The 40,000 sq. ft. hotel will create an estimated 80 temporary construction jobs and about 20 permanent jobs once in operation. The Gagliardi family has entered into a franchise agreement with Choice Hotels brand to operate a Sleep Inn & Suites.

Golden Corral, a buffet-style chain restaurant, plans to open a new eatery on Route 9 in the Town of Poughkeepsie. Construction recently began on the new restaurant, with a scheduled opening for either August or September. Prominent in the south, Golden Corral is focused on expanding into different regions nationwide following the popularity of restaurant openings in California. Once in operation, the buffet-style restaurant will create about 125 jobs, including four manager positions with an annual salary of $45,000.

Silo Ridge Field Club, an upscale housing project featuring 245 residential units and an 18-hole golf course in the Town of Amenia, has finally received permit approvals from the state Department of Environmental Conservation and the Dutchess County Health Department. The $500 million project, which has been in the planning stages since 2009, is hailed as a boost for eastern Dutchess County and is projected to generate 3,000 construction jobs and 200 full-time jobs when completed. Silo Ridge is aimed at high- end buyers, with residential units ranging between $1 million and $10 million. The development will also include an indoor field house, an activity barn with a bowling alley and a movie theatre.

Orange County Nothing to report.

Putnam County Nothing to report.

Rockland County Nothing to report.

Sullivan County Nothing to report.

Ulster County Nothing to report.

Westchester County AvalonBay Communities, a national residential developer, is in discussion with Yonkers city officials about a 580-unit apartment complex near the downtown riverfront. The plan calls for studios, one and two bedroom apartments in a building no taller than six stories high. The Virginia-based developer has not yet submitted any formal applications with the city Planning Board. AvalonBay has built seven projects in Rockland and Westchester counties.

Connecticut-based Starwood Capital Group has proposed a $300 million mixed-use development on the former site of United Hospital in Port Chester. The company purchased the property for $28 million in 2006. Starwood’s project calls for a 135-room hotel, 217,000 sq. ft. of medical office space, 90,000 sq. ft. of boutique shops and restaurants, 500 residential units for young professionals and 250 55-and-over age- restricted housing units. Starwood Capital Group is seeking a $60 million agreement over 20 years. The project is expected to create 2,800 jobs and bring in about $2 million annually to the village school district.

Target plans to open a new store between Austin Avenue and Sprain Road, near a Stew Leonard’s in Yonkers. New Jersey-based developer Morris Builders will erect a 175,000 square-foot building for Target, on vacant land near the Ridge Hill shopping complex. The builder is also constructing an 80,000 sq. ft., two-story retail facility there as well. The developer is awaiting zoning approval from city officials before submitting a site plan application with the Yonkers Planning Board. No job numbers were announced.

Westchester Medical Center Health Network recently unveiled its plan to build a $230 million ambulatory care pavilion adjacent to the Westchester Medical Center, on its Valhalla campus. The 280,000 sq. ft. medical pavilion will include 185,000 sq. ft. of ambulatory care service space, featuring an advanced imaging center, ambulatory surgery center, and a heart and vascular institute. The project will also include a 20,000 sq. ft. private-room expansion for Westchester Medical Center, as well as 70,000 sq. ft. for physician offices. Construction on the new facility is expected to break ground in spring, 2016 and will generate 180 full-time jobs and 225 construction jobs.

April 2016

Dutchess County The Dutchess County IDA is considering a resolution for sales and mortgage tax exemption for a hotel project in the Town of Poughkeepsie. Empire Hotel Development is seeking incentives for a $10.5 million, 93-room hotel project. No job numbers were announced.

ShopRite opened a new store at the former A&P site in LaGrangeville. The grocery store will be similar to other ShopRite stores, featuring deli, seafood and bakery sections as well as a wide range of both national and local products. The new store created 175 jobs.

Tilted Kilt, a Celtic-themed franchise known for the revealing, tartan uniforms worn by its female staffers, will open a new sports bar and restaurant at the former Bugaboo Creek Steakhouse location in the Town of Poughkeepsie. The new eatery is scheduled for a September opening. No job numbers were announced.

Orange County Castle Fun Center is moving forward with its $3 million renovation of its amusement park. The 18-month project will add new rides and reconfigure old ones. The project will create 20 new jobs to its existing workforce of about 48 employees.

Rhinebeck Bank plans to officially open a new branch in Goshen on June 3, 2016. The Poughkeepsie-based bank already operates nine branches in Dutchess County and one in Ulster County. No job numbers were announced.

Putnam County Nothing to report.

Rockland County Nothing to report.

Sullivan County Empire Resorts is seeking tax incentives for its planned $15.9 million upgrade of The Monster Golf Course in Kiamesha Lake. The company is asking for $591,408 in sales-tax exemptions from the IDA, and an estimated $200,000 in mortgage-tax exemptions, as well as an unspecified abatement on property taxes. Empire Resorts promises to create 20 – 35 temporary construction jobs and 55 full and part-time jobs at the golf course.

Ulster County Nothing to report.

Westchester County Starwood Capital has resubmitted a zoning proposal that would nearly double the allowable size for development, thereby paving the way for the $300 million makeover of the former United Hospital in Port Chester. The zoning amendment would give Starwood the option to increase the allowed project size at the former hospital site from 536,659 sq. ft. to 939,153 sq. ft. Starwood is looking to build 1.05 million sq. ft. of apartments, hotel space, restaurants, shops and office space on the 15-acre site near Interstate-287. The developer will build a total of 730 apartments, of which 500 will be marketed toward millennial and 230 apartments will available to tenants 55 years or older.

Touro College was recently granted state approval to establish the Touro College of Dental Medicine at its New York Medical College campus in Valhalla. The new school will be New York State’s first dental school in nearly half a century. The school is expected to begin this fall with an anticipated enrollment of 110 students. Touro anticipate hiring new faculty staff for the new school.

May 2016

Dutchess County The Dutchess County IDA recently granted preliminary approval for financial incentives to Empire Hotel Development for a hotel construction project. The $10.5 million, 93- room Hyatt Place hotel project will be built on 8.4 acres of land in the Town of Poughkeepsie. No job numbers were announced.

The Bonura family announced plans to build a 136-unit apartment complex in the city of Poughkeepsie. The estimated $30 million project, dubbed “Water Club Luxury Living,” is one of a series of developments that is revitalizing the city’s waterfront and downtown areas. The apartments will range in size from 780 sq. ft. to 1,995 sq. ft. The complex will feature concierge service, a heated parking garage, electric-car charging stations, a gym, a club room and a rooftop terrace. No job numbers were announced.

Orange County Aurochemicals, a Washingtonville-based leading manufacturer and supplier of natural aroma chemicals primarily used in the flavor and fragrance industry, is in the midst of its second expansion since 2012 as the company recently purchased a 25,000 sq. ft. building in the Town of Chester. The newly acquired facility will provide additional warehouse, manufacturing and laboratory space. The company currently employs about 16 employees and expects to add six to 10 new employees in Chester in six months or so.

Jeff Bank, a dominant bank in Sullivan County with 12 locations, plans to venture outside of its home-base and open a new branch in Port Jervis. No job numbers were announced.

Lakeland Bank recently opened a loan office in Highland Mills. The office offers commercial and corporate lending. The bank which has 49 branches in northern and central New Jersey also plans to add a branch at the same location. No job numbers were announced.

Matrix Newburgh was recently granted financial incentives to build a large distribution/warehouse center in the Town of Newburgh. The facility will be built for AmerisourceBergen, a health care product company which plans to bring 121 new jobs to the site.

Primo Sports will start construction of its $10.6 million sports complex in the Town of Chester. The company is finalizing the purchase of a 26-acre parcel on Route 94 where the facility will be built. The complex will feature a 61,850 sq. ft. indoor recreation building, four outdoor soccer fields, two Little League baseball fields and a bocce court. The facility will also include an indoor soccer field and a restaurant. No job numbers were announced.

Rhinebeck Bank is scheduled to open a new branch in Goshen in June, 2016. Based in Poughkeepsie, the bank has nine branches in Orange County and one in Ulster County. No job numbers were announced.

Walden Saving Bank recently opened a new branch in the Village of Montgomery. The new branch is located on Union Street in the former Bank of America building. No job numbers were available.

Wilder Balter Partners, Inc., the developers behind the stalled LOOP retail development project in the Town of Newburgh is seeking zoning amendment from the Town’s council that would allow the developer to build homes on the property as part of a scaled-down version of the original project for which it is still pursuing financing. The company is seeking a change that would allow it to build up to 300 multi-family residences in the town’s Interchange Business District.

Putnam County Nothing to report.

Rockland County Hudson Valley Harley-Davidson will open a new dealer inside a former La-Z-Boy and Monster Mini-Golf location on Route 304 in Nanuet. The new store will employ about 20 employees.

The Time Nyack celebrated its grand-opening on May 12. The 133-room facility bills itself as the only upscale, boutique hotel with loft-style accommodations in Rockland County. The hotel features an outdoor patio, restaurant, rooftop lounge, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, shuttle service and event and meeting space. No job numbers were available.

Sullivan County Construction on the new $90 million Z Living/Veria Nature Cure & Ayurvedic Wellness Center which began last year, is on track to open in 2017. Construction crews have laid the concrete foundation and have begun grading the site and installing the initial steel work for the hotel wing. The 290,000 sq. ft. structure which is being built on the Western bank of Bailey Lake in the town of Thompson, will feature a two-story wellness center, a six-story, 131-room hotel and restaurants. The Essel Group, an Indian conglomerate is funding the project. LeChase Construction which is building the facility, currently has a 45-member crew working on the project and is expected to more than triple that workforce by August.

Ulster County While construction on the Nevele Prosport Campus is not expected to begin until early 2017, the developer for the project plans to start tearing down parts of the shuttered hotel in mid- to late summer 2016. The $165 million project planned for the site of the former Nevele Resort will feature four professional-regulation baseball fields, four regulation Little League fields, six multi-purpose and long fields for soccer, lacrosse and field hockey. The facility will feature a winter-season ice hockey rink and a hotel. In addition, the complex will also feature a $750,000 multi-acre outdoor park that will include zip lines, a ski park, rock climbing facilities, trails, a golf course, indoor and outdoor pools, as well as an indoor water park. It is estimated that the project will create about 600 jobs.

Westchester County Edge-on-Hudson, a $1 billion mixed-use development project for the village of Sleepy Hollow, was officially launched by the developers. The joint venture between SunCal and Diversified Realty Advisors plans to build a waterfront community with 1,177 residential units, in addition to restaurants and retail space, as well as a hotel. The mixed- use development project will be built on a large parcel of land that formerly housed the General Motors assembly plant. No official job numbers were announced.

U.S.-based, Sabra Dipping Co. LLC., one of the leading manufacturers of humus and other Middle Eastern-style foods recently signed a 5-year lease for an additional 36,345 sq. ft. of space, expanding its headquarters in White Plains. No job numbers were announced.

Target plans to open a new store between Austin Avenue and Sprain Road, near a Stew Leonard’s supermarket, and adjacent to the Ridge Hill shopping complex in Yonkers. New Jersey-based developer Morris Builders will erect a 175,000 sq. ft. building for Target and a two-story, 80,000 sq. ft. retail facility there as well. The developer is awaiting zoning approval from city officials before submitting a site plan application with the Yonkers Planning Board. The Westchester County IDA is expected to give the development a 10-year property tax break. It is estimated that the project will create about 560 full-time permanent jobs.

June 2016

Dutchess County Nothing to report.

Orange County After months of exploring several options sites, Merlin Entertainment recently announced plans to build a Legoland theme park off of Harriman Drive in the Town of Goshen. The company’s first choice in the Hudson Valley was in the Town of Haverstraw in Rockland County, but the town pulled out because of a multitude of concerns raised by its residents. The $800 million project will be the largest Legoland park in the world, and once in operation, the park will employ an estimated 1,500 people. Construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2017, with an anticipated opening for spring, 2019. Representatives from Merlin Entertainment will present their plans to the Goshen town Planning Board in mid-June 2016.

Putnam County Nothing to report.

Rockland County Warby Parker, a designer of high-quality and yet very affordable eyewear, will move into a new 34,000 sq. ft. optical lab in Sloatsburg, creating an estimated 128 new jobs over the next five years. The Manhattan-based company will invest $15 million to build and outfit the new factory. Empire State Development Corporation will give the company $1.32 million in Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits with the possibility of additional credits if the company creates 145 new jobs while maintaining its current NYC workforce of 271 through 2025.

Sullivan County Nothing to report.

Ulster County Marriott Residence Inn is scheduled to open on June 30, 2016 in the Town of Ulster. The 92-suite hotel on Frank Sottile Boulevard will offer complimentary breakfast daily and a variety of meal options. No job numbers were announced.

Westchester County Alma Realty Group, a real estate development company has filed a demolition permit for an old school building that it is targeting for housing. The real estate developer, which purchased the facility for $662,350 in 2014, wants to raze the former school 19 building at Jackson Street in Yonkers and build a 91-unit apartment complex. No job numbers were announced.

Balducci’s, the upscale gourmet grocery store, will open a new location in Rye Brook. The new 18,000 square-foot store, in the former D’Agostino’s location at the Rye Ridge shopping center, will be a full-service grocery store, with a butcher, fishmonger and a produce department. No job numbers were announced.

Barnes & Noble is slated to open a concept store in the former Borders location in Eastchester in October, 2016. The new store will have an assortment of books, in addition to a full-service restaurant, which will also serve beer and wine. No job numbers were announced.

RXR Larkin Tower L.L.C., the developer behind the $197 million housing project in Yonkers, has begun demolition work for the new facility. Contractors have begun razing the former Rising Media building at 25 Warburton Avenue to make way for the new 442- unit housing complex. The new facility will feature two towers, a parking garage, retail space and rooftop lawns with a gym. No job numbers were announced.

St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Yonkers proposed to build an 80-unit affordable apartment complex in Yonkers. Part of the building will have apartments for those who have had mental illness but are stable and can live independently, with the rest of the building geared for affordable housing. The building will not provide treatment services, but there will be a 24-hour supportive staff for those special needs residents. No job numbers were announced.

July 2016

Dutchess County The Dutchess County IDA granted Empire Hotel Development some financial incentives to build a 93-room Hyatt hotel in the Spackenkill area in the Town of Poughkeepsie.

Construction is underway for the Hudson Heritage. The $250 million mixed-use project, consisting of 750 residential units including multi-family apartments, townhouses, and detached single-family homes with 350,000 sq. ft. of retail space and 80,000 sq. ft. of hotel and hospitality space, will transform the 156-acre former Hudson River Psychiatric Center property in the Town of Poughkeepsie into a hub of commercial and residential facilities. The project is a joint venture between EnviroFinance Group (EFG) and Diversified Realty Advisors (DRA). It is estimated that the project will create more than 870 new jobs in the community, and about 300 temporary construction jobs.

Orange County Piller USA, a company that manufactures uninterruptable power supplies, built its new American headquarters in the Town of Wallkill. The international company which had rented out space in Wallkill will now move into its new 24,000 sq. ft. headquarters and light manufacturing facility on Warren Drive. During the construction phase, the project created 84 temporary construction jobs. The new facility will employ 50 people.

Putnam County Nothing to report.

Rockland County Nothing to report.

Sullivan County Metalized Carbon Corporation recently broke ground on a new 15,000 sq. ft. factory in Fallsburg. The facility will manufacture products for the company’s Metcar Aerospace Materials Division. Metalized Carbon’s main operation is in Ossining in Westchester County. The new facility will create about 10 new jobs, while preserving 117 jobs at the company’s Westchester factory.

Construction on the new $90 million Z Living/Veria Nature Cure & Ayurvedic Wellness Center which began last year is on track. Construction crews have already laid the concrete foundation and have begun grading the site and installing the initial steel work for the hotel wing. The 290,000 sq. ft. structure, which is being built on the Western bank of Bailey Lake in the Town of Thompson, will feature a two-story wellness center, a six-story 131-room hotel and restaurants. The center is scheduled to open in 2017. The Essel Group, an Indian conglomerate, is funding the project. LeChase Construction, which is building the facility, currently has a 45-member crew working on the project and is expected to more than triple that workforce by August.

Ulster County Nothing to report.

Westchester County Audi will open a new dealership at the former Saw Mills Complex in Hawthorne. The new 71,000 sq. ft. dealership at 151 Saw Mill River Road will feature a two-story facility, with a showroom and full-service car wash. When operational, the dealer will employ an estimated 60 employees.

Brightview Senior Living L.L.C., a subsidiary of the Shelter Group, would like to build 160 units of senior housing on the former Granite Quary location in Harrison. The 169,000 sq. ft. development project is facing some opposition from local residents with regard to noise, increased traffic and potential flooding. No job numbers were announced.

Celtic Building Supplies is expanding its operation in Yonkers and is looking for truck drivers with class A and B commercial driving licenses. The company is also looking for some drivers with non-commercial driving licenses to operate their non-commercial delivery vehicles. It currently has an estimated workforce of about 70 employees.

DeCicco & Sons announced plans to open a seventh grocery store in a space formerly occupied by A&P in Millwood. The new Millwood store, at 230 Saw Mill Road, is scheduled to open by the end of the year. It will be similar to other DeCicco & Son’s stores, offering a broad selection of craft beer, a bar and dining area and a wide selection of produce. No job numbers were announced.

Mcquesten Development plans to build a $71 million apartment tower near the Mount Vernon West train station. The 20-story mixed-use apartment complex will feature 205 units, most of which will be allocated to those who make less than the area’s median household income. Rents will range from $1,000 to $3,000. No job numbers were announced.

Shake Shack, a NYC-based casual restaurant chain, recently opened its first Westchester County location at the Cross County Shopping Center. No job numbers were announced.

August 2016

Dutchess County Nothing to report.

Orange County Alto Music was recently granted tax incentives to expand its business in the Town of Wallkill. The company was approved for a sales tax exemption for the construction and equipment for the new space.

Buffalo Wild Wings Bar & Grill plans to open a 360-seat eatery on Route 300 in the Town of Newburgh. Construction on the 7,500 sq. ft. restaurant is scheduled to begin in October, 2016. When completed, the new eatery will be the company’s second location in Orange County. Buffalo Wild Wings operates a facility in the Town of Wallkill. No job numbers were announced.

Clear Key L.L.C. was granted tax incentives by the Orange County Industrial Development Agency to build a $6.5 million hotel in South Blooming Grove. The 81- room, 40,000 sq. ft. Sleep Inn and Suites will create 21 jobs while tapping into the county’s tourism industry.

Mavis Discount Tire plans to open a new facility on Route 300 in the Town of Newburgh. Mavis is currently awaiting a permit to begin demolition work on an existing structure at the new site where the company will build its new location. No job numbers were announced.

12th Rock Ministries received preliminary approval from the Town of Wallkill for an indoor sports complex. The new 91,000 sq. ft. sports facility will feature four hardwood basketball and volleyball courts, and a food services area. The sport complex is expected to open in about 2 years. No job numbers were announced.

Putnam County Durante Rentals L.L.C., a Queens-based, 7-year old construction equipment and tools rental company, recently opened a new store on Fields Lane in Brewster. Durante launched its first Putnam County store less than a year ago in Carmel. The company has several locations, including stores in the Bronx, Mount Vernon, Elmsford and West Nyack.

Rockland County AutoZone, a Memphis-based national auto parts company, has signed a 10-year lease for 7,225 sq. ft. of retail space for its new store at 218 Route 59 in the village of Airmont. No job numbers were announced.

Crystal Run Healthcare recently opened its new multi-specialty, outpatient facility in West Nyack. The two-story, 70,000 sq. ft. medical center building will serve a variety of medical needs, including primary care, urgent care, obstetrics, and gynecology, surgical services, imagery and laboratory tests. Crystal Run operates more than 30 medical facilities in the Hudson Valley and lower Catskill region. The medical care provider opened a similar sized medical facility late last year in Monroe (Orange County), creating an estimated 250 jobs.

Foodtown, the supermarket cooperative with stores in New York, New Jersey and eastern , recently opened a new store at the former A&P location on Route 303 in Valley Cottage. The 28,000 sq. ft. Valley Cottage store will be its first location in Rockland County. The new supermarket will create about 80 part and full-time jobs.

Sullivan County Nothing to report.

Ulster County Nothing to report.

Westchester County ABC Drugs, a pharmacy based in the Bronx, plans to open its first Westchester County location in the Purchase Professional Park complex. The company operates 3 outlets in the Bronx and Harlem. The new store will only dispense prescription drugs and other medicines. No job numbers were announced.

Alpha-En, a lithium metal manufacturer, expects to move into the Yonkers’ i-Park campus in October, 2016. The company is expected to employ about 20 to 25 people at its 10,000 sq. ft. office on Wells Avenue.

Capitol Seniors Housing plans to build a 101-unit senior housing facility on the former site of Frank’s Nursery and Crafts in the Town of Greenburgh. The company recently presented its plans to the Town Board for its 90,651 sq. ft. facility on Dobbs Ferry Road. The senior housing facility will consist of 71 assisted living rooms, five of which will be affordable, and 30 memory-care units. No job numbers were announced.

CVS Pharmacy will open a new 10,000 sq. ft. store at the Golden Horseshoe shopping center in New Rochelle. The center has a myriad of shops and eateries, including a bagel store, Chinese and Japanese restaurants, a U.S. Post Office and exercise studio and several clothing boutiques. Chopt Creative Salad Company, a chain of fast casual restaurants, is also discussing the possibility of opening a new store at the shopping center. Chopt’s application is under review. The chain currently has two stores in Westchester County, with locations in Rye Brook and Mount Kisco.

Dairy Queen, the soft-serve ice cream and fast-food restaurant chain, plans to add 100 locations in New York over the next 10 years, including its first Westchester County location. No job numbers were announced.

Developer Ossining Land L.L.C. plans to build a multi-unit mixed-use complex on a six- acre former textile plant site in the village of Ossining. The project, dubbed “Hudson Steppe,” will feature 189 residential units and 7,500 sq. ft. of office space, as well as an underground 231-space automated garage. No job numbers were announced.

JMF Properties Group, a NJ-based developer plans to build a 200-unit luxury apartment complex on a 22-acre site in the Town of North Castle. The 248,000 sq. ft. apartment complex dubbed “The Vue” will feature one and two-bedroom rentals ranging from $2,800 to $3,200 per month. No job numbers were announced.

Modell’s Sporting Goods recently opened its new 12,800 sq. ft. store on East Main Street in downtown Mount Kisco. The sports retailer opened the store in a building that formerly occupied Borders Books and Music. No job numbers were announced.

Spavia, a day spa offering massage, skin care and body treatments, opened its first New York location on Main Street in White Plains. The company has locations in Denver, Chicago, New Jersey, Nevada, Kentucky, Ohio, Florida, Washington and Texas. No job numbers were announced.

Ultimate Autobody opened its fourth auto body repair shop in Westchester County on Washington Street in Peekskill. The company’s other locations in Westchester include Bedford Hills, Bronxville and Mount Vernon. No job numbers were announced.

September 2016

Dutchess County Vassar Brothers Medical Center, the flagship hospital of Health Quest is scheduled to break ground on September 13, 2016 on the construction of its new $466 million medical facility in the city of Poughkeepsie. Vassar Brothers will build a seven-level, 696,000 sq. ft. inpatient pavilion with 264 private rooms for medical and surgical patients, 30 intensive-care rooms and a rooftop helipad for medical transport. The construction phase of the project is expected to create about 300 to 400 jobs, with the pavilion opening by early 2019. In addition, Health Quest has about 300 open positions, many of which are located at Vassar Medical Center. These positions include: patient care technicians, patient registration, laboratory workers, entry level positions in environmental services, housekeeping, dietary and patient movers.

Orange County Kolmar Laboratories, a cosmetic manufacturer of skin care and personal care products is expanding its Port Jervis location with the acquisition of a 100,000 sq. ft. warehouse. The warehouse will allow the company about 40 percent more storage capacity for future growth while adding 10 jobs to its existing workforce of about 500 people.

Putnam County Nothing to report.

Rockland County Nothing to report.

Sullivan County Nothing to report.

Ulster County Kingston Hospital recently announced plans for a $133.6 million expansion that will include adding a four-story tower to the Mary’s Avenue campus of HealthAlliance of the Hudson Valley, as well as some renovations to other existing structures and transform the hospital’s Broadway campus into a medical village. The Westchester Medical Center Health Network, parent company of HealthAlliance is assisting with the planning and financing while the state will provide about $88.8 million in funding. No job numbers were available.

Saugerties Pharmacy, a local drug store, recently opened shop at 250 Main Street in the Town of Saugerties. The new pharmacy offers a selection of home health care and medical equipment, as well as a gift shop. No job numbers were available.

Westchester County Colony Grill, a -based pizza chain, plans to open its first Westchester County location in Port Chester. The owners are hoping to open the new location by the summer of 2017. No job numbers were available.

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, a leading biotechnology company with headquarters in Westchester County, announced plans to build a research and development campus on a vacant 100-acre parcel in the Town of Greenburgh. The undeveloped land, which adjoins the company’s headquarters at The Landmark at Eastview, was purchased last year for $73 million by Loop Holdings, a wholly owned subsidiary of Regeneron. The pharmaceutical giant plans to build nine buildings totaling 1,016,100 sq. ft. of office space on the site, in addition to five parking structures, some of which will be underground. The building sizes will range from 40,000 sq. ft. to 280,000 sq. ft. The build-out is expected to be completed in phases over a 10-year period, with the construction timeline matching the company’s hiring needs. Regeneron employs about 2,500 employees at its Landmark at Eastview campus and expects to employ the same number of workers at its new site, according to Joanne Deyo, the company’s Vice- President of facilities.

RMS Companies, a Connecticut-based developer of luxury homes, plans to build a 74- unit apartment complex on a vacant land on Warburton Avenue in Yonkers. No job numbers were announced.

October 2016

Dutchess County Nothing to report.

Orange County Aurora Innovations, Inc., a Eugene, Oregon-based national manufacturer and distributor of organic garden products, will open a mid-Hudson manufacturing and distribution plant. Aurora, in connection with SUNY Orange, is participating in the Start- up NY program that creates tax-free zones at or near colleges to benefit participating companies. The company will invest nearly $5 million and create 53 jobs.

Round One, an entertainment provider from Japan, plans to open a 45,000 sq. ft. multi- entertainment center at the Galleria Mall at Crystal Run. The center will feature a host of activities including ping pong, pool, karaoke and bowling. The company occupies 14 centers across the country. No job numbers were available.

Putnam County Nothing to report.

Rockland County Nothing to report.

Sullivan County Catskill Regional Medical Group, a member of the Greater Hudson Valley Health System, will build a new medical office in the Town of Thompson. The new facility located at the corner of Route 42 and Concord Road in Kiamesha, will offer urgent care and primary care. No job numbers were announced.

Ellenville Regional Hospital plans to build a new $50 million facility on either side of the current hospital and then demolish the old building and fill in the area with parking for the new hospital. The new hospital is expected to be nearly 25 percent larger than the current facility, with more space for outpatient care, including outpatient surgery, rehabilitation, radiology, and other services. No job numbers were announced.

Ulster County Nothing to report.

Westchester County Balducci’s, an upscale grocery market, will open a new store at the Rye Ridge Shopping Center in Rye Brook. The store will be a full-service grocery store with a butcher, fishmonger, cheese counter and produce department. No job numbers were announced.

Dannon Co. Inc., subsidiary of the French company Danone, is considering moving its headquarters to downtown White Plains, along with its 300 employee workforce. The company recently applied to the White Plains Common Council for a zoning change that would allow it to operate at The Source at White Plains building at 100 Bloomingdale Road.

Hampton Inn recently opened a $15 million, 150-room hotel on Tuckahoe Road in Yonkers. The new 5-story, 180,000 sq. ft. building is the newest hotel in the southern Westchester market. In 2014, the Yonkers Industrial Development Agency approved $923,000 in mortgage and sales tax exemptions and property tax abatement for the development. No job numbers were announced.

Lowe’s plans to open a new store in Yorktown. JAZ L.L.C., a subsidiary of Garden City-based Breslin Realty Development Corp., will build the new 120,663 sq. ft. store on a vacant site on Crompond Road. The development replaces a previously approved plan for a 151,092 sq. ft. and a members-only gas fueling station on the site. Costco pulled out of the plan development earlier this year. The Yorktown planning board will decide whether a supplemental environmental impact study is required for the amended project. No job numbers were announced.

Million Air, a Houston-based fixed base operator chain, which provides aircraft services from fuel sales to aircraft storage and maintenance, recently broke ground on the construction of an $88 million-plus hangar and terminal facility on a 23-acre parcel at the Westchester County Airport. The project received financing through the county Industrial Development Authority using tax-exempt bonds.

November 2016

Dutchess County Nothing to report.

Orange County DHL, the largest logistics company in the world, will be conducting cargo operations at Stewart Airport early next year. The company is investing close to $500,000 to renovate a 21,000 sq. ft. distribution facility at . DHL, which signed a 10-year lease with the Port-Authority for the facility at Stewart, will be adding 30 new jobs when it begins operations in early 2017.

FlightLevel Dutchess, L.L.C. is an existing aviation services company in NYS that owns and operates Fixed Base Operations at the Dutchess County Airport. The company sells aviation fuels, and manages and leases hangar and ramp space for parking and storing aircraft. FlightLevel will expand by opening an aircraft maintenance operation at the airport and partnering with Dutchess Community College to offer an FAA certified A & P mechanics training program on the existing smaller fixed wing aircraft. FlightLevel, in connection with Dutchess Community College, is participating in the Start-up NY program that creates tax-free zones at or near colleges to benefit participating companies. The company will invest nearly $310,000 and create seven jobs.

Putnam County Nothing to report.

Rockland County Bartaco, a popular restaurant with locations in Port Chester and Stamford Connecticut, among others, will open a facility on the Nyack waterfront at the former River Club facility. No job numbers were announced.

Construction on the eco-friendly Element hotel is underway in the Village of Spring Valley. The $10 million, 15,102 sq. ft., eco-conscious building is being built on a 1.2- acre parcel in the Spring Valley Marketplace. Element hotel is a brand of Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide and is owned by Marriott International. Construction of the 87-room hotel will take 12 to 18 months to complete. The hotel anticipates taking reservations in 2018.

Hampton Inn by Hilton recently opened a new hotel in Yonkers. The new $15 million, 150-room hotel is built on a vacant parcel on Tuckahoe Road. In 2014, the Yonkers IDA approved $923,000 in mortgage and sales tax exemptions and property tax abatement for the project. No job numbers were announced.

Sullivan County Nothing to report.

Ulster County Nothing to report.

Westchester County Barnes & Noble recently opened a new store in Eastchester. The new store is the bookseller’s first “kitchen” concept store, which features a full-service restaurant, and outdoor patio. No job numbers were available.

December 2016

Dutchess County Shaner Hotel Group, in partnership with Connecticut-based developer Bellefield Development Partners, will build a 140-suite boutique hotel at Bellefield at Historic Hyde Park. The hotel, the first of two planned for the 339-acre site in Dutchess County, across from Culinary Institute of America campus, is part of a $23 million redevelopment project to turn the area into a major tourist destination. In addition to the two hotels planned for the site, construction will also include a conference center, a 10,000 sq. ft. restaurant, a 15,000 sq. ft. spa and 48,000 sq. ft. of retail space for culinary-based businesses on the ground floor of a 40-unit, market-rate apartment complex. No job numbers were announced.

Orange County Charter Communications, the company that purchased Time-Warner Cable and has branded its service as Spectrum, announced plans to hire over 65 employees at its call center in the Town of Wallkill. The company is looking to hire 52 customer service representatives and 15 technical support people.

Home2 Suites by Hilton, a 95-room extended stay facility on Route 211 in the Town of Wallkill recently opened for business. The hotel is owned and operated by Chet Patel and Jake Kerney. No job numbers were announced.

A New Jersey developer has proposed building about 1,500 homes and 250,000 sq. ft. of commercial space beside the Harriman Metro-North station. Developer Neil Gold of Teaneck, N.J. recently applied to the Woodbury Planning Board for conceptual approval for the project. The development, dubbed “The Gardens at Harriman Station” is to be built on a 112-acre land strip between Route 17 and the Thruway, just south of Thruway Interchange 16 and Woodbury Common Premium Outlets. It is estimated that the project will cost $443 million and create about 1,300 construction jobs over two years. Housing would consist mostly of apartments and town houses, with some single-family homes. The commercial space could include a 200-room hotel, a movie theater, restaurants and a supermarket.

Putnam County Heidenberg Properties Group, a NJ-based developer, was recently granted site plan approval by the Town of Carmel, for the renovation and expansion of the Lake Plaza Shopping Center. The new development will include the construction of a 54,000 sq. ft. Stop & Shop. In addition, the project will also include renovating the shopping center’s façade, repaving the parking area and upgrading the site’s lighting. The new Mahopac Stop & Shop will serve as a prototype for the grocery chain’s future stores, and will feature an expanded footprint with a new layout. The developer anticipates starting construction in the spring, with new and expanded tenants opening either in late spring or summer, 2017.

Rockland County Nyack Hospital recently broke ground on a $22 million expansion. The plans call for a two-story addition that will add 16,300 sq. ft. of space to the existing hospital. The project will expand the emergency department on the ground floor, doubling its size, and create a medical village on the first floor. The ER will have a separate urgent care facility, larger trauma bays, an imaging suite and a rapid assessment area. The medical village will house a 7,800 sq. ft. outpatient service center that will include primary and specialty care providers, as well as community based support services. The state contributed about $17.7 million to fund the project, with the balance through fundraising. The project, being hailed as the largest upgrade in the hospital’s 121-year history, is scheduled to be completed in 2018.

Retro Fitness, a national gym franchise business, has leased 11,660 sq. ft. of space at the Pacesetter Shopping Center on Route 202 in Pomona. The company has more than 150 locations in 16 states, with facilities in Cortlandt Manor, New Rochelle and Yonkers in Westchester County, and in New City, Pearl River and Tappan in Rockland County. No job numbers were announced.

Sullivan County Nothing to report.

Ulster County Nothing to report.

Westchester County Harbor Freight Tools, a California-based discount tools retailer, plans to open its first Westchester store. The company which operates more than 700 stores nationwide, has signed a 10-year lease for a 15,000 sq. ft. retail store that will be built on a razed site on Tarrytown Road in White Plains. No job numbers were announced.

The Z Hospitality Group recently opened a 6,000 sq. ft. restaurant in downtown White Plains. Dubbed “Mediterraneo of White Plains,” the new restaurant is located at 189 Main Street, an architecturally unique building developed by Cappelli Enterprises. The Z Hospitality Group owns and operates several restaurants in Fairfield County, CT., and Westchester County. No job numbers were announced.

Wegmans Food Market, a Rochester-based grocery chain operator plans to build a 125,000 sq. ft., two story grocery store in Harrison. The new $30 million store will also feature a café and 736 parking spaces. typically hires about 400 to 500 employees with each store opening, including 180 full-time positions, as well as full-time salaried positions such as store managers, department managers and pharmacists. It is estimated that construction of the new store will create about 200 temporary construction jobs.

Real Estate development firm RXR Realty recently began construction on a $120 million, mixed-use residential/commercial tower in New Rochelle. The plans call for 280 apartments, 28 of which will be designated for affordable housing, 10,000 sq. ft. of entertainment space including a “black box” theater, 17,000 sq. ft. of commercial space and a 234-space parking garage. The development will serve as the cornerstone to the city’s $4 billion, 10-year plan to add 12 million sq. ft. of space for new apartments, commercial/office and arts and cultural institutions.

RXR Realty and Rising Development recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the $190 million Larkin Plaza project in the city of Yonkers. The mixed-use development will feature 439 apartments, together with 35,000 sq. ft. of space for shops, restaurants and other retailers. No job numbers were available.

The Armory Foundation, a New York City-based nonprofit, plans to build a $25 million sports and event complex atop the Kawasaki Rail Car factory building in downtown Yonkers. The three-story Yonkers Sports and Event Center would include a 200-meter track along with 3,000 seats for meets and a 400-car parking lot. The plan also includes basketball courts, fitness studios, classrooms and swing space to host meetings and conventions. The Armory is also considering plans for restaurants and additional event space. The project is expected to create 230 temporary construction jobs and 150 permanent jobs when the center is in operation.

BUSINESS CONTRACTIONS FOR THE HUDSON VALLEY REGION

January 2016

Dutchess County Nothing to report.

Orange County Nothing to report.

Putnam County Nothing to report.

Rockland County Nothing to report.

Sullivan County Nothing to report.

Ulster County Precision Flow filed a WARN notice on January 21, 2016 with the NYS Department of Labor in anticipation of a mass layoff. The company will close its facility at TechCity in the Town of Ulster and lay off 96 employees. The layoffs will commence on April 20 and end on April 29, when the plant will shut down.

Westchester County All Westchester Saw Mill Multiplex Cinemas, a fixture in the Hawthorne community for the past three decades, closed its doors in January. theater will be replaced by a 67,000 square foot Audi Car dealership.

Macy’s filed a WARN notice on January 6, 2016 in anticipation of a mass layoff. The department store will close its Hudson Valley Mall store in the Town of Ulster and lay off 72 employees. The department store giant had recently announced plans to close 40 underperforming stores across the country.

February 2016

Dutchess County Principle Service Solutions, Inc. @ Global Foundaries filed a WARN notice with the NYS Department of Labor in anticipation of a mass layoff. The company laid off 28 employees at its Hopewell Junction facility.

Orange County Nothing to report.

Putnam County Nothing to report.

Rockland County Nothing to report.

Sullivan County Nothing to report.

Ulster County Nothing to report.

Westchester County Fujitsu Network Communications Inc., a developer of fiber optic communication equipment, announced plans to lay off 77 employees in its Pearl River office in May, 2016. The company is consolidating its hardware development functions. Some of the functional responsibilities and jobs currently at the Pearl River office will be relocated to the Texas facility and others will be shifted to the company’s development facility in India. The layoffs will occur over a 14-day period commencing on May 2, 2016.

New York Life Insurance Company filed a WARN notice with the NYS Department of Labor in anticipation of a mass layoff. The company will lay off 21 employees at its office in Sleepy Hollow. The layoffs will commence between April 29 and December 31, 2016.

March 2016

Dutchess County Jabil Circuit, Inc. filed a WARN notice with the NYS Department of Labor on March 29, 2016 in anticipation of a mass layoff. The company will lay off 45 employees on June 30, 2016 at its facility in Poughkeepsie.

Orange County Construction of the $200 million LOOP-Hudson Valley complex in the Town of Newburgh may not get off the ground. Several sources have confirmed that the developers, Wilder-Balter Partners, are not moving forward with their plans to build the mega shopping complex that was to become home to stores like BJ’s Warehouse Club, Dick’s Sporting Goods, ShopRite and Michael’s. The LOOP had been projected to create about 1,000 construction jobs and 1,000 permanent management and sales jobs in the 50-store, plaza-style shopping center. The Orange County IDA awarded the company $5 million in sales-tax exemptions and a mortgage-tax exemption worth $500,000 for the project.

Putnam County Nothing to report.

Rockland County Nothing to report.

Sullivan County Nothing to report.

Ulster County Nothing to report.

Westchester County Sports Authority which recently filed for Chapter11 bankruptcy protection announced plans to close about 140 stores nationwide. The sporting retailer will close seven stores in New York, including the Yonkers store at the Cross County shopping center in Yonkers.

April 2016

Dutchess County Sears Holdings, the parent company of K-Mart announced plans to close 78 stores nationwide this summer, including 68 K-Mart and 10 Sears stores. The company will close six stores in New York, including a K-Mart store on South Road in Poughkeepsie. Employees that are being laid off at the closing stores will have an opportunity to apply at other stores that will remain open.

Orange County Nothing to report.

Putnam County Nothing to report.

Rockland County Pfizer Inc. filed a WARN notice on April 7, 2016 with the NYS Department of Labor in anticipation of another round of layoffs. The pharmaceutical giant will lay off 200 employees including 40 non-bargaining unit and 160 bargaining unit employees. The layoffs will commence on or after July 9, 2016.

Sullivan County Nothing to report.

Ulster County Vivint Solar announced plans to close its Kingston office. The facility was primarily being used as a warehouse and sales center. No announcements were made as to how many jobs were lost as a result of the closure.

Westchester County Rosenthal Jewish Community Center of Northern Westchester, Inc. filed a WARN notice on March 14, 2016 with the NYS Department of Labor in anticipation of a mass layoff. The Jewish Community Center will lay off 61 employees at its facility in Pleasantville. The layoffs will occur between June 17 and June 30, 2016. Some additional layoffs will also occur at its facilities in Yorktown Heights (6) and in Pound Ridge (5).

STRIKES AND LABOR DISPUTES

About 39,000 Verizon landline and cable workers in the Northeast recently went on strike after negotiations lasting almost a year failed to produce a contract. The 39,000 workers, members of two unions – the Communication Workers of America and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers had been working without a contract for nearly eight months. In White Plains, about 500 workers were picketing outside the Verizon building on Main Street, across from the Galleria Mall. Another 200 workers from Orange, Ulster and Dutchess Counties were picketing in front of a Verizon garage off Route 300 in the Town of Newburgh.

May 2016

Dutchess County Nothing to report.

Orange County Nothing to report.

Putnam County Nothing to report.

Rockland County Fairway Group Holdings recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in an attempt to restructure its debt to more favorable terms. The gourmet grocery retailer has a store in Nanuet and another in Pelham in Westchester County.

Sullivan County Nothing to report.

Ulster County Nothing to report.

Westchester County Allways East Transportation Inc., a bus company that transports children for the Yonkers Public Schools, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The bus company has about 200 drivers and monitors working out of the Yonkers location, and two contracts with the Yonkers Public Schools.

Sports Authority plans to close its remaining stores rather than reorganize under bankruptcy protection. The sporting goods retailer, which has a store in Yonkers and another in Elmsford, had filed for bankruptcy protection in March 2016. Sports Authority had initially planned to sell one third of its stores, but after failing to find a buyer, the retailer has decided to close its remaining stores and conduct a going-out-of- business sale. It has not yet been officially announced as to when the stores will close.

STRIKES AND LABOR DISPUTES

About 39,000 Verizon landline and cable workers in the Northeast who went on strike in mid-April will return back to work after reaching a tentative contract agreement that includes nearly 11 percent in raises over four years, 1,300 new call center jobs and health care plan changes that will save some money for the company. In addition to the raises, the tentative agreement includes $1,250 signing bonuses and health care reimbursements for new employees, a 25 percent increase in the number of unionized crews maintaining Verizon’s utility poles in New York state, and a one percent increase in pensions. The strikers, members of two unions – the Communication Workers of America and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers will vote to approve the contract, thereby officially ending what had been one of the largest strikes in the U.S. in recent years.

June 2016

Dutchess County Nothing to report.

Orange County Sodexo Inc. filed a WARN notice on June 17, 2016 in anticipation of a mass layoff. The company lost its contract to provide food services at Mount Saint Mary’s College in Newburgh, and, as a result, will lay off 72 employees. The layoffs are scheduled for July 31, 2016.

Putnam County Nothing to report.

Rockland County Pfizer filed a WARN notice on June 28, 2016 in anticipation of another round of layoffs at its Pearl River campus in Rockland County. The pharmaceutical giant will lay off about 151 employees, including 103 non-bargaining unit and 48 bargaining unit employees. The layoffs will occur between August 20 and October 28, 2016.

Sullivan County Nothing to report.

Ulster County Nothing to report.

Westchester County Nothing to report.

STRIKES AND LABOR DISPUTES

Union workers, members of 1199SEIU at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie, continued their informational protest on June 15, 2016, with regards to staff shortages at the facility. The workers have long expressed their concerns about inadequate staffing at the medical center which has resulted in employees working longer shifts.

July 2016

Dutchess County Nothing to report.

Orange County Nothing to report.

Putnam County Nothing to report.

Rockland County Cleveland-based KeyCorp, parent company of KeyBank, announced plans to close 106 branches in four states, including 15 in the Hudson Valley Region, as part of its agreement to acquire Buffalo-based First Niagara Financial Group. Once completed, the merger will make KeyCorp the 26th largest bank in the U.S., as it expands it network to more than 1,200 branches in 15 states. Although the Federal Reserve Bank recently approved the merger, it must still get approval from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. The bank expects to be completed by 3rd quarter 2016. The list of Hudson Valley branch closures released by KeyCorp includes the following:  First Niagara, 600 Bedford Road, Bedford Hills – closing in October  First Niagara, Erie and Route 303, Orangetown – closing in October  First Niagara, 101 Kings Mall Court, Kingston – closing in October  First Niagara, 117 East Route 59, Nanuet – closing in October  First Niagara, 219 South Main Street, New City – closing in October  First Niagara, 1 Lagrange Ave., Poughkeepsie – closing in October  First Niagara, 180 South Liberty Drive, Stony Point – closing in October  First Niagara, 62 Lafayette Ave., Suffern – closing in October  First Niagara, 16 Route 303, Tappan – closing in October  Key, 800 Westchester Ave. Floor 4, Rye Brook – closing in November  Key, 338 Route 59, Nyack – closing in 2017  Key, 23 South Moger Ave., Mount Kisco – closing in 2017  Key, 88 Croton Ave., Ossining – closing in 2017  Key, 230 N. Middletown Rd., Pearl River – closing in 2017  Key, 366 Windsor Highway, New Windsor – closing in 2017 KeyCorp also announced that all employees in the affected branches will be offered comparable jobs at other KeyBank locations.

Sullivan County Nothing to report.

Ulster County Nothing to report.

Westchester County Trusted Media Brands, Inc. filed a WARN notice on July 21, 2016 in anticipation of a mass layoff. The company will lay off about 31 employees commencing on October 21.

August 2016

Dutchess County Rouge’s Automotive filed a WARN notice with the NYS Dept. of Labor on August 3, 2016 in anticipation of a mass layoff. The company will close its store in Red Hook on November 3, 2016 and lay off all 40 employees.

Orange County Ruby Tuesday will close its restaurant at the Galleria at Crystal Mall. That location is among 95 under-performing sites that are scheduled to be closed. The workers at closed locations will be offered jobs nearby when possible. No job numbers were announced.

Putnam County Nothing to report.

Rockland County Nothing to report.

Sullivan County Nothing to report.

Ulster County Nothing to report.

Westchester County Hebrew Hospital Senior Housing Inc. filed a WARN notice with the NYS Dept. of Labor on August 4, 2016 in anticipation of a mass layoff. About 89 employees will be terminated on September 30, 2016 when the company closes its facility in Valhalla. The company, doing business under Westchester Meadows, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection at the end of last year.

Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. filed a WARN notice with the NYS Dept. of Labor on August 25, 2016 in anticipation of a mass layoff. Teva produces niacin, a cholesterol drug, at the site and also house its research and development there. The plant closing will allow Teva to consolidate its R&D at a site in Elizabeth, New Jersey. The company will shut down the Pomona facility and lay off about 236 employees. The layoffs began on August 25, 2016 and will extend through the plant’s closing date on February 28, 2017.

September 2016

Dutchess County Nothing to report.

Putnam County Nothing to report.

Orange County The Gap Distribution Center in Fishkill, which had been in the midst of a $96 million expansion, was ravaged by a massive fire on Monday, August 29, that immediately put hundreds of employees out of work. The warehouse, which operates 24 hours a day and serves as the hub for the retail giant’s Northeast operations, employs an estimated 1,300 workers and more during the holiday season. Building 100, a 990,000 sq. ft. warehouse, suffered extensive damage that halted the trucks streaming in and out of the facility. The site takes shipments of clothing and shoes from suppliers and loads trucks bound for stores in the Northeast. Most of the jobs at the distribution center are warehouse-type positions, but others are employed in truck unloading and loading, and some support jobs, including supervisory, security, maintenance and administrative support. The Governor’s office, Empire State Development and the NYS Department of Labor are coordinating with The Dutchess County Executive’s office to identify resources and offer assistance to meet the needs of the employees. DOL’s Rapid Response Staff has been communicating daily with company representatives offering a variety of assistance, including the benefits of the Shared Work program, to retain as many employees as possible. Approximately 700 employees returned to work in adjoining building 110 on Monday, September 5. Gap officials have assured the Governor’s office that there would be no layoffs and pay would continue for the 1,300 employees. The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, has determine that was purposely set and the investigation into the circumstances of that are ongoing.

Rockland County Wireless carrier Verizon plans to close call centers in five states, including New York, as the company consolidates its customer service operations across the U.S. A total of 3,200 jobs, including about 850 in New York State, are affected. Jobs will be lost at two New York locations, including 250 jobs at Orangeburg in Rockland County and 600-650 jobs at Henrietta in Monroe County. The job cuts in Rockland County represent about one- third of Verizon’s workforce at the call center. The job cuts in Orangeburg will take place by May 2017 and those in Henrietta by January 27, 2017. Employees who choose to relocate to another call center will be given relocation packages starting a $10,000, while those who choose to leave the company will be given severance, outplacement resources and other support.

Sullivan County Nothing to report.

Ulster County Nothing to report.

Westchester County Nothing to report.

October 2016

Dutchess County Nothing to report.

Orange County A & P Coat, Apron & Linen Supply, Inc., doing business as Unitex Textile Rental Services, filed a WARN notice with the NYS Dept. of Labor on October 7, 2016 in anticipation of a mass layoff. The company, which offers healthcare laundry and linen services, will close its facility on January 7, 2017 and lay off 65 employees.

Putnam County Nothing to report.

Rockland County Verizon recently announced plans to close call centers in five states, including New York, as the company attempts to reorganize its operations in a saturated market. An estimated 3,200 workers will be affected as the wireless carrier consolidates its customer service operations across the . Job cuts will impact workers at two call centers in New York (Orangeburg and Henrietta), as well as employees at call centers in Bangor, Maine; Lincoln, Nebraska; Wallingford and Meridan, Connecticut; and Rancho Cordoba, California. A total of 850 jobs will be lost at the two New York locations, including 250 jobs at the Orangeburg facility in Rockland County and 600 jobs at the Henrietta facility in Monroe County. The job cuts in Rockland represent about one third of the Verizon’s workforce at the call center. The company will move jobs in the telesales department to existing Verizon facilities in other states. The affected employees will be given a chance to transfer to Greenville, South Carolina; Irving, Texas; or Tampa, Florida. The job cuts in Orangeburg will take place by May, 2017 and those in Henrietta by January 27, 2017. Employees who choose to relocate to another call center will be given relocation packages starting a $10,000 while those who choose to leave the company will be given a severance package, outplacement resources and other support.

Sullivan County Nothing to report.

Ulster County Vecco Instruments Inc., a semi-conductor machinery manufacturer, filed a WARN notice with the NYS Dept. of Labor in anticipation of a mass layoff. The company will lay off 18 employees at its facility in Kingston. It will lay off 5 employees on December 31, 2016 and 13 more employees on March 31, 2017. Vecco will also lay off 12 employees at its other facility in Poughkeepsie.

Westchester County Gannett Co. recently announced plans to cut two percent of its workforce nationwide. The company will lay off five employees at its Journal News office in White Plains.

November 2016

Dutchess County Nothing to report.

Orange County Unitex Textile Rental Services filed a WARN notice with the NYS Dept. of Labor on October 7, 2016 in anticipation of a mass layoff. The company will close its Middletown plant in January 7, 2017 and lay off 65 employees. The move comes as Middletown is preparing to issue violations to the company for what city officials say are high levels of zinc the plant is releasing into city wastewater, a violation of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards.

Symrise, Inc., one of the world’s top suppliers in the flavors and fragrances industry, filed a WARN notice with the NYS Dept. of Labor on October 31, 2016 in anticipation of a mass layoff. The company will close its manufacturing facility in Chester and lay off 36 employees on February 1, 2017. The affected employees could be offered job opportunities at the company’s two facilities in New Jersey.

Putnam County Nothing to report.

Rockland County Nothing to report.

Sullivan County Nothing to report.

Ulster County Nothing to report.

Westchester County About 36 employees at the College of New Rochelle have been laid off or reduce from full-time to part-time due to the school’s financial crisis. The cuts include support staff across different departments on all six campuses. None of the cuts, so far, have included the faculty.

New York Life Insurance Company-Information Technology and Finance Operations filed a WARN notice with the NYS Dept. of Labor on November 4, 2016 in anticipation of a mass layoff. The company will lay off 45 employees at its office on Rockwood Road, in Sleepy Hollow. The layoffs will commence on February 17, 2017 and run through March 2, 2018.

December 2016

Dutchess County Nothing to report.

Orange County General Electric Company Flight Operations filed a WARN notice on December 2, 2016 in anticipation of a mass layoff. The company will lay off eight of its 40 employees on March 3, 2017.

Sears, Roebuck and Co. filed a WARN notice with the NYS Department of Labor on December 27, 2016 in anticipation of a mass layoff. The company will close its store at the Galleria Mall in Middletown and lay off 96 employees, including 88 from the retail department and the remaining eight from the Sears Auto Center. The layoffs will occur during the 14-day period beginning April 9, 2017. In all, the struggling retailer will close four stores in New York, including two in Erie County and one in Queens.

Putnam County Nothing to report.

Rockland County Sweetpea’s Market, an active health food store in the community for several years, recently announced plans to close its doors on February 28, 2017. No job numbers were announced.

Sullivan County Nothing to report.

Ulster County Nothing to report.

Westchester County Executive Jet Management filed a WARN notice with the NYS Department of Labor on December 6, 2016 in anticipation of a mass layoff. The company, a repair station and servicer of private aircrafts, will close its operation at the Westchester County Airport by March, 2017 and lay off 37 employees.