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.
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