The Bronx’s proposed Kingsbridge Armory redevelopment is one step closer to becoming a reality, though there are still some hurdles to clear. On Monday, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced in one of his State of the State addresses that Albany will provide the project with a $108 million boost, reports The Real Deal.
Former NHL player Mark Messier is one of the main players involved in transforming the armory into the Kingsbridge Ice Center, a massive ice skating center and hockey rink. However, developers have been quarreling with the city for years over everything from funding to transfer of the lease—and that’s not even getting into community concerns over the project.
In June 2016, a judge asked the city to consider handing over the lease on the property to the developers on the condition that they secure the funding for phase one of construction by February 2017. Now that Governor Cuomo has pledged that the state will provide a chunk of the projected $350 million cost, and developers secured a $30 million loan from the Empire State Development Corporation, the ball is in the city’s court.
In a statement, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. had this to say:
I am … thrilled that Governor Cuomo has offered his support to major Bronx proposals and institutions, specifically the reconstruction of Orchard Beach and the future of the Kingsbridge Armory. These projects are top priorities of my administration and have the overwhelming support of Bronx residents. However, we continue to see a lack of partnership and enthusiasm for them from City Hall. Strong backing from Albany will allow them to prosper. We can only hope now that the administration will see the wisdom in bringing these projects to fruition.
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