Show gives Doctoroff West Side platform.

The city's economic future depends on the Far West Side development, said Deputy Mayor Daniel Doctoroff at the 24th Annual Buildings New York Trade Show last week.

"It is absolutely essential, all of us together seize the opportunity today, to invest in our future," Doctoroff said. "New revenues to the city and state over the period of 2005 to 2035, new revenue that will not exist if we do not do what we are talking about, is $67 billion."

Doctoroff kicked off the two-day event held at the Javits Center that is to be expanded as part of the city's $4.5 redevelopment proposal. The project includes commercial, retail, residential and hotel development, as well as the Jets sports and convention center.

Earlier this month, Gov. George Pataki proposed legislation that would allow the Javits Center to be expanded.

"This is great building. It is run very well by the Javits Center management, but it is pathetically too small," Doctoroff said during his speech. "If you have any influence in Albany, in order to expand the Javits Center, we need state legislation."

He also asked for support for the New York Jets stadium, that will double as a convention center space, as well as the Olympic Stadium should the city win the 2012 Olympic bid.

"New York Sports and Convention Center plays a critical role in our plans for the Far West Side," Doctoroff said. "In fact, not only does it offer a great financial return, it will accelerate development in the surrounding area by filling up that gaping hole that the rail yards represent."

He said the city and state's invest of $350 million each is nothing compared to the investment the Jets are going to make.

"The Jets are not only making the largest contribution to a comparable facility in world history, they are also agreeing to indemnify the city and state against any cost overruns," he said. "Our exposure in limited, they are taking all the risks in terms of construction."

When asked about other venues for the stadium, Doctoroff said Manhattan was the best choice.

"There are only two (stadium locations) in New York City," he said. "One is at Willets Point next to Shay Stadium. By the time you clear the tenants out of there, do environmental remediation, drive deep piles into the marsh land off of Flushing Bay, it costs the same as it does to build a platform and a stadium in Queens as it in Manhattan."

The multi-use center is a perfect fit for the Far West Side, which is currently home to 141 residences, he added.

"What really makes this work is the combination of a sports facility, as well as a convention facility," said Doctoroff. "And the truth is, you cannot get conventions to go to Queens."

There will be public comment period over the next several months pursuant to a general project plan that will be filed with the Empire State Development Corporation, he said.

Approval for the Jets project is expected to follow in November.

The city's Far West Side plans are also rolling along, with the uniform land review process beginning by the end of the month and the environmental impact statement being completed, as well.

"I'm told it is the largest environmental impact statement in New York City history," Doctoroff said. "It's 6,000 pages long. That begins a seven-month process, culminating in a review by the City Council in January."

Doctoroff said the city's chances of winning the 2012 Olympic were great--if they proceed with the plans.

"We can win, 1 believe we will win next July 2005, but we will only do it if we have started on that building," he said.

"We like to say the investment in the west side generally is the single best investment New York can make in its future."