Brooklyn's Progress
June 2001

By Joe Chan Recently two Brooklyn Chamber Members partnered to create a real estate deal that will fill a vacant industrial building in East New York and fill the stomachs of thousands of Brooklynites. M.C. O’Brien Real Estate, Sholom and Zuckerbrot Realty worked in conjunction to bring Bianca Pasta, a manufacturer of gourmet pasta, to 25,000 square foot industrial building on Alabama Avenue in East New York. The Local Development Corporation of East New York also participated. When Bianca Pasta, which also owns New York’s Tutta Pasta restaurants, was looking for a new location, the owners contacted New York State Senator John Sampson. Senator Sampson in turn suggested that company owners contact the Local Development Corporation of East New York (LDC), a business service organization charged with growing East New York’s industrial community. After meeting Bianca’s principals and hearing the company’s real estate needs, Bill Wilkens, Empire Zone Coordinator of the LDC, contacted Michael O’ Brien III of M.C. O’ Brien Real Estate to assist Bianca in finding a viable location for Bianca. O’Brien quickly identified the Alabama Avenue site, which was represented by Brooklyn Chamber Member Natalie Hurwitz of Sholom and Zuckerbrot Realty. The site worked for Bianca on many levels; the building’s specifics met Bianca’s needs and landlord was amenable to Bianca retrofitting the building for food production. Soon after Bianca saw the Alabama Avenue site, company principals agreed that it was the right location for them. O’Brien and Hurwitz then proceeded to structure a ten year lease for the facility. Bianca is currently in the process of moving into the building. Aside from providing Bianca with a new home, the project will also have a positive impact on East New York’s local economy. Bianca will be investing approximately $1,350,000 to upgrade the building to a state-of-the-art FDA approved facility. The company will also bring approximately 25 jobs to East New York.