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Armory Retail Plan Dies in Council

NEW YORK CITY-The $310-million plan for the Bronx's Kingsbridge Armory was shot down by the City Council over the developer's refusal to guarantee a living wage.

By Paul Bubny | Updated on December 14, 2009

NEW YORK CITY-The Related Cos.’ plan to redevelop the long-vacant Kingsbridge Armory in the Bronx was declared dead on Monday after the City Council voted 45-1 to oppose the rezoning for the controversial mixed-use project. Opponents of the $310-million plan cited the developer’s refusal to guarantee living wages for workers at the 575,000-square-foot facility–a refusal supported by the Bloomberg administration.

“We believe, and I think most New Yorkers believe, that when public dollars are used to promote private development, New Yorkers have the right to expect something in return: that the jobs they’re creating will lift workers and their families out of poverty,” said Stuart Appelbaum, president of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, at a press conference after the council’s vote.

In a statement, Bronx borough president Ruben Diaz Jr., who opposed the redevelopment plan, says the project’s opponents wanted to have the armory “developed in such a way that not only the developer and the tenants benefit, but also the people of the borough of the Bronx. What today’s vote confirms is that we can no longer support any project that only ensures profits for the developer while leaving our residents in poverty.”

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