Bronx residents rally for community space in Kingsbridge Armory

Bronx residents chanted in the streets after they packed the auditorium at St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church on Sunday afternoon to rally for control of the redevelopment plans for the Kingsbridge Armory-- their Armory.
 

In the 1990s, the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition (NWBCCC) began plans to turn the castle-like structure into a combined educational, community and cultural center with four new schools to alleviate serious overcrowding in district 10 schools. Today, the Coalition has joined hands with many religious, student and activist groups who want to make this goal a reality.

 This month, the City Planning Commission voted 8 to 4 to allow Related Companies to buy the Armory for $5 million (instead of the original $20 million appraisal) in order to spend approximately $320 million to transform the building into a mall. Residents fear chain stores such as Target and Wal-Mart could displace local businesses and replace current employment with low-wage, non-union jobs. 

Related Companies is a development real-estate firm with assets that exceed $15 billion. Founded by Stephen Ross (majority owner of the Miami Dolphins) in 1972, Related was originally a finance and developer of affordable housing. By the turn of the century, Related was contracting with major companies and investors such as Time Warner and Goldman Sachs.

If Related gets their way, they will be permitted to move into the Armory without conceding to the community's demands for living-wage jobs--$10 an hour plus benefits.

Last week, Related Companies told the New York Times that the project will "bring new jobs and much needed business to the working class neighborhood while giving new life to a neglected landmark." A Related attorney stated that a living wage would drive away potential tenants

"I have no problem with development," said union representative of DC 1707 local 215 Marvin Almengor, "but I want it to be responsible to the community." Almengor, who has lived blocks away from the Armory since the 1970s, is concerned that local businesses that provide "would be put out of business and hundreds of families could be affected by it." 

All photos Copyright  2009 Hana Denson - All Rights Reserved