Image courtesy of ARK
An airline terminal just for animals?
An airline terminal just for animals.
A deal first announced in 2012 will come to fruition in the first quarter of 2016 as the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and RK Development LLC begins construction and renovation of an existing terminal at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York that will be used exclusively for animals who are traveling.
The new facility, dubbed ARK, will offer a state-of-the-art veterinary hospital, animal daycare services and more efficient ways to transport animals worldwide, including exotic species. It will create 190 jobs, $12.3 million in wages and $50.5 million in economic activity during the span of the project's 20-year lease, according to a release from the PA/NYNJ.
ARK Development LLC will take over the currently vacant Building 78 at JFK and 14.4 acres of ground area as part of a 20-year agreement, in a $48 million project. The Port Authority anticipates receiving more than $108 million in rent over the lease term, consisting of fixed rent and revenue-sharing percentage fees.
The center also will include a three-day equine quarantine area, dog and cat kenneling and grooming services, an aviary, lawn space for exercising animals and a veterinary hospital and rehabilitation center for horses and other large animals. There will be no animal testing done at the facility.
"It is indeed unique. Some people seem to question its necessity, but if a private company wants to sign a multi-decade lease with PANYNJ, then by all means (do it)," Phil Derner of NYC Avaition told the Gothamist. "When it comes to travel, animals have always had the short end of the stick, flying in dangerous and uncomfortable conditions in the bellies of aircraft. Regardless of animal type, I am all for anything that improves their treatment. As long as this being in the cargo area doesn't bring about a horse-related Goodfellas Lufthansa heist, it is just fine with me."
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