State and city officials in New York began planning some eight years ago to develop the Brooklyn Army Terminal into a biotech hub in the city. But disputes between SUNY Downstate Medical Center and the city's Economic Development Corporation, the two organizations leading the effort, were often at odds over how to manage the project, the Wall Street Journal reports.
However, the Journal adds, the project, called BioBat, may now be moving toward its goal. IRX Therapeutics is in the midst of signing a lease for some 7,000 square feet in main space at the center. The International AIDS Vaccine Initiative is already in part of BioBat, but not in the portion dedicated to biotech, and it has recently sub-leased space to Modern Meadow, which is working on developing meat and leather products in the lab.
"If you and I were having this conversation in the fall, I would say that I'm concerned about BioBAT and what the next steps are. Even though there was a period of concern, I think there is momentum at the space," EDC President Kyle Kimball says.
The project has been given a Start-UP NY Zone designation, which means that business there can operate tax-free for 10 years, the Journal adds.