CPC UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES KINGSBRIDGE ARMORY

 

  In a unanimous vote, the City Planning Commission today approved the Kingsbridge Armory ULURP application, moving the much-heralded Kingsbridge National Ice Center (KNIC) project one step closer to completion. The project now heads to the Bronx Borough Board and then to the City Council, where it will seek its final approvals before it reaches the mayor’s desk.

“This is an extremely important, transformative project that will not only reshape this historic structure, but will provide living wage jobs, recreation opportunities and community programming. This project will not just help revitalize the surrounding neighborhood, but will add to the borough’s new reputation as a sports mecca while advancing the concept of the ‘New Bronx.’ I look forward to its approval at the City Council,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

Borough President Diaz added, “The KNIC Proposal will preserve a significant and irreplaceable architectural and engineering icon and landmark, which will now be saved for posterity. Developed for military use, the Armory will now become a cultural and recreational asset for our great borough and city in the near future.”

“Today’s vote will facilitate the construction of a world class skating, community and educational facility that will promote the Borough, produce many needed permanent jobs, teach the art of skating, promote the art of competitive ice hockey and be the catalyst for the rebirth of the Kingsbridge Heights section of the Bronx, the entire borough of the Bronx, the City as a whole and the entire region,” said Orlando Marin, Bronx Representative to the City Planning Commission.

“I am very pleased that the City Planning Commission has approved the Kingsbridge Armory proposal.  The project is enormously important for the Bronx and will transform the Kingsbridge Heights neighborhood. I will be a vigorous advocate for prompt Council approval,” said City Council Member G. Oliver Koppell.

“I am incredibly pleased that the City Planning Commission has unanimously approved the Kingsbridge National Ice Center project. This decision brings us one step closer to transforming the Kingsbridge Armory into an important economic engine for the Kingsbridge community and the Bronx as a whole,” said Senator Gustavo Rivera. "I am proud that we have been able to move forward a deal that will revitalize a Bronx landmark while providing living wage jobs, community programs and economic development to the community I serve,” said State Senator Gustavo Rivera.

“This unanimous vote by the City Planning Commission on the proposal of the Kingsbridge National Ice Center (KNIC) is great news for the Bronx and New York City.  I want to commend Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. for his leadership on this important initiative. The KNIC proposal will give the children of our borough and our city an amazing recreational outlet, bring numerous jobs for the people of the Bronx and revenue to the surrounding merchants in the area, and is deserving of such strong support,” said City Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito.

“Community Board #7 is very happy that the NYC City Planning Commission has approved the Kingsbridge National Ice Center proposal and we look forward to the opening of this wonderful facility which will empower our community and its residents,” said Adaline Walker Santiago, Chairperson, Bronx Community Board #7.

"This is great news for Kingsbridge Heights and all of the Bronx. I have strongly supported the proposal by KNIC because it promises to not only bring living wage jobs to the community, but also provide world class facilities that will benefit young people from throughout the Bronx and beyond. I also believe that this project will revitalize the Kingsbridge Road shopping district and the entire community. Kudos to Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. for his steadfast leadership, without which this project would not have been possible,” said Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz.

“It’s exciting to know that the Bronx is one step closer to becoming home to the world’s largest indoor ice skating rink,” said Marlene Cintron, President of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation. “I believe that the Kingsbridge National Ice Center will attract numerous visitors from all over the world, which is always great business for the Bronx.”

City Planning Hearing - Testimony of Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. Re - Armory Proposal

 

Testimony of Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

at the City Planning Commission RE: Kingsbridge Armory

October 9, 2013

Good day, Chairperson Burden and your fellow commissioners.  I am here today to offer my enthusiastic support for the Kingsbridge Armory National Ice Center and the four ULURP applications, which when approved will facilitate construction of one of the most outstanding ice arenas in the world.  This project will transform an iconic landmark into a destination for thousands, all while revitalizing an entire community and offering permanent, “living wage” jobs for Bronx residents. 

This project represents the culmination of a comprehensive participatory process that included all those who have an interest in the future of the Kingsbridge Armory.  These parties include representatives of the surrounding community, the borough’s elected officials, the Mayor’s Office and the city’s Economic Development Corporation, as well as those associated with the Kingsbridge National Ice Center’s development team.   

There are numerous statistics and figures that can back up my strong support. This project will bring $300 million in  investment to restore and preserve this historic Bronx landmark, including the reconstruction of the entire drill hall floor.

170 full-time positions will be created at the Kingsbridge Armory. And the jobs created at this project will pay a living wage. In addition, this project will create 885 construction related jobs on site, plus a total of 2,700 off-site jobs as a consequence of its development;

At least 580,000 annual visits to the Kingsbridge Armory are anticipated, which will generate new economic activity approximating $42 million annually.

My enthusiasm for this proposal and what it will offer the Bronx and our city is only surpassed by my support for the Community Benefit Agreement that has been achieved.  This agreement is historic, as it sets to paper benefits I believe establish a gold standard for all future projects that rely on the disposition and use of public sector assets. 

Key components of this agreement include that 51 percent of those working at the Armory will be Bronx residents, and that employers shall award 25 percent of the funds spent on employees performing construction, to minority and women/owned Bronx businesses.

Beyond these stipulations, the developer has also pledged to provide an initial monetary contribution of $8 million towards developing and building out the 50,000 square feet of community facility space, for an annual rent of $1. In addition, the developer will provide $1 million in annual ice time for local schools and community organizations, as well as $250,000 for capital improvements to neighboring properties and local businesses. The developer has also entered into a historic profit-sharing agreement with the local community, and will contribute one percent of profit realized up to $25 million, or two percent of profit realized for more than $25 million, to these local organizations.

I am also especially proud to note that this entire project will be environmentally sound, as a LEED Silver designation is being sought.

My administration is very proud of what the entire proposal represents.  It is a project that broadens the profile of the Bronx as a place where new ideas can become reality, where new approaches can bring about better results.  I therefore recommend approval of these applications and by so doing continue to endorse the development of the Kingsbridge Armory by the Kingsbridge National Ice Center.