Empire State on space hunt

MANHATTAN - New York State's economic development arm has begun contacting Long Island and other area real estate holding companies in an effort to find space for companies and government agencies displaced by Tuesday's terrorist attack on the World Trade Center.

The Long Island landlords approached

More than 1 million square feet of space is available at the former LockheedMartin facility, according to National Resources principal Lynne Ward, who noted that 200,000 square feet of space could be ready for occupation within two weeks.

The developer has also been contacted by such firms as American Express, which expressed interest in leasing the entire facility. But Ward said inquiries made on behalf of the Port Authority of New York-New Jersey and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority would be given first consideration.

Ward said the agencies are looking for about 300,000 square feet of space each.

Ward said she had contacted both North Hempstead Town Supervisor May Newburger and Village of Lake Success Mayor Robert Bernstein to garner support for the moves.

"What we're looking to do is have them move in - then we'll work out a deal," Ward said.

She said work crews are already at the site preparing for the arrival of AXA Financial, scheduled for a Sept. 17 move-in.

In a related development, Melville-based Totus, a provider of temporary office space at 105 Maxess Road, is contacting World Trade Center tenants to offer emergency space for displaced employees.

A total of 35 office suites are available and Totus officials are offering one month of rent free, charging only for telephone and service fees.