Kingsbridge Armory Development Selected
The city has selected a developer for the long-empty Kingsbridge Armory, following a competitive solicitation process based on community input.
Developer Chosen
8th Regiment Partners LLC will oversee the reconstruction and development of the armory and its operation once completed, as announced today by Mayor Eric Adams, Gov. Kathy Hochul, Rep. Adriano Espaillat, and Andrew Kimball, president and CEO of the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC).
El Centro Kingsbridge Plan
The new plan for the center, dubbed "El Centro Kingsbridge," includes sports facilities, event space, a workforce development center, and commercial and community space in the first phase, and 450 units of affordable housing in the second phase.
Community Input
The chosen developer was informed by the "Together for Kingsbridge Vision Plan," which was created with input from over 4,000 community members from 20 local events and 900 survey responses, said Council Member Pierina Sanchez.
Economic Impact
The armory is backed by $215 million in public dollars from local, state, and federal elected officials and is expected to bring $2.6 billion in economic impact over 30 years. The project will create 3,000 union construction jobs and 360 permanent jobs in an area where just 6% of locals both work and live in the neighborhood, according to the working group report.
Community Concerns
The announcement was met with some skepticism on the basis of worker safety and protection of the Kingsbridge community, which is home to about 85,000 people. Reporting by THE CITY raised potential concerns about the safety record of Joy Construction and Maddd Equities real estate firm, which collectively make up 8th Regiment Partners LLC.
Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition
The Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition (NWBCCC), a local advocacy group that dates back to the 1970s, issued a statement expressing wariness about how the project will meet the community-centered goals set forth by the working group. NWBCCC said it plans to launch a Coalition of Accountability to monitor the project and ensure the group’s priorities are met concerning good jobs, community ownership, anti-displacement, and environmental standards.
Timeline
Environmental review for El Centro Kingsbridge will begin this winter, and the ULURP (land use) process is expected to begin in mid-2025. A spokesperson for the NYCEDC said construction is expected to begin in 2027 with a completion goal of 2032.
Conclusion
The selection of a developer for the Kingsbridge Armory marks a significant step forward in the redevelopment of this historic site. While there are concerns about worker safety and community protection, the project has the potential to bring significant economic benefits and community resources to the area.
FAQs
Q: What is the plan for the Kingsbridge Armory?
A: The plan, dubbed "El Centro Kingsbridge," includes sports facilities, event space, a workforce development center, and commercial and community space in the first phase, and 450 units of affordable housing in the second phase.
Q: Who is the chosen developer?
A: 8th Regiment Partners LLC will oversee the reconstruction and development of the armory and its operation once completed.
Q: What is the timeline for the project?
A: Environmental review will begin this winter, and the ULURP (land use) process is expected to begin in mid-2025. Construction is expected to begin in 2027 with a completion goal of 2032.
Q: What are the concerns about the project?
A: There are concerns about worker safety and protection of the Kingsbridge community, which is home to about 85,000 people.
