10 July 2025
💼 Babylon’s $1.8 Billion Breakthrough: How the IDA is Creating Jobs and Opening Doors for Small Business
The Town of Babylon is making serious economic waves—and we’ve got the numbers to prove it.
According to a brand-new report released by New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, the Babylon Industrial Development Agency (IDA) managed 171 active projects valued at $1.88 billion in 2023 alone. These projects are on track to create over 6,000 new jobs, while retaining more than 5,000 existing ones.
“This year’s report affirms the Babylon IDA’s commitment to generating real results—new jobs, stronger businesses, and a thriving tax base,” said Tom Dolan, CEO of the Babylon IDA.
It’s a proud moment—and a far cry from where we were just a decade ago.
🕰️ A Look Back: Then vs. Now
About ten years ago, many local small business owners felt locked out of IDA programs. Back then, the standard threshold for eligibility was tilted toward larger enterprises—typically those generating $5 million or more in revenue. That meant your average local café, contractor, or startup didn’t qualify for help, even if they were hiring or investing in property.
In interviews with small business owners back then, we heard the same story: “It felt like the IDA was for developers and manufacturers, not Main Street.”
That’s changed—and dramatically.
Today, the Babylon IDA has made a clear shift toward inclusivity and sustainability, working with a wider range of local businesses, and balancing large-scale development with community-based growth. That includes increased access to incentives for smaller, homegrown companies and a push to reinvest those gains right here in Babylon.
💡 What’s the Impact?
Let’s break it down:
- 13,767 full-time equivalent jobs are now tied to IDA-backed projects, up from 7,674 before agency involvement.
- 6,123 projected new jobs in 2023 alone.
- $24.45 million in PILOTs (Payments in Lieu of Taxes) contributed to local schools, roads, and essential services.
Unlike traditional tax breaks, PILOTs ensure that growth pays dividends for the entire community.
Babylon is seeing real results—from new commercial construction to revitalized industrial space, from skilled labor jobs to back-office expansions.
👥 Local Voices, Local Benefits
Councilman Anthony Manetta, who previously led Suffolk County’s IDA and now serves Babylon, spoke about the shift on a recent episode of I Love Babylon LIVE:
“We’re making sure this isn’t just about big projects—it’s about sustainable local development. That means working with small businesses, startups, and community stakeholders to create opportunity across the board.”
From Wyandanch to West Babylon, and from North Amityville to Lindenhurst, the effect is being felt. Jobs are coming. Buildings are going up. Local families are benefiting.
🚀 What’s Next?
As the IDA continues to build momentum, the focus remains on:
- Workforce development
- Redevelopment of underused properties
- Support for small and mid-size businesses
Want to see the projects for yourself? Visit BabylonIDA.org to explore the work being done—and see how you or your business can benefit.
🔗 Learn more about the Babylon IDA here: https://babylonida.org
📺 Watch my full interview with Councilman Manetta on I Love Babylon LIVE – coming soon to our Facebook and YouTube pages.
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