Comptroller William Thompson Jr., today called for a fair and binding Community Benefits Agreement that provides opportunities for residents, community space and will ensure that the redevelopment of the Kingsbridge Armory will be good for both the people and the economy of the Bronx.

Thompson spoke to the more than 500 Kingsbridge Armory Redevelopment Alliance supporters who rallied at The Our Lady of Refuge Church in the Bronx. Afterward, they marched to the Armory and wrapped it with "Our Armory, Our Community" tape as a symbolic act of ownership.

The community is also demanding that the Old Fordham Library redevelopment include a full service community center, not just an animal shelter.

To the applause of the boisterous crowd in the Church's Parish Center, Thompson pledged, "I stand with you today for good, responsible development at the Kingsbridge Armory. That means guaranteeing living wage permanent jobs for community residents, creating a clean and healthy environment, building community space and protecting local businesses and local jobs."

Desiree Pilgrim-Hunter from the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition explained, "This is our opportunity to create our own economic stimulus package that will benefit everyone by establishing high road development. We demand full time living wage jobs with benefits and will convince the developer, The Related Companies, and our elected officials to do the right thing by our community. Related admits that major problems, such as traffic, cannot be mitigated. Their plans do not meet the City's requirements for the development and yet they want us to be grateful for 1,200 part time jobs with no benefits. Plus they will drive small businesses out of the community. The Armory was built to protect us, it should protect us from poverty wage, dead end jobs." 

"Economic development that creates jobs that keep people in poverty accomplishes nothing," said Stuart Appelbaum, President of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU). "We expect and demand that the Kingsbridge Armory be developed in a way that strengthens the community, and not just enriches the developer." Addressing the rally were also: City Council member Oliver Koppell, State Assemblyman , José Rivera ; Fred LeMoyne, Vice President, Bronx Board of Business Agents, NYC Building Trades; community members, clergy, and small business owners.

Community Benefits Agreements have been negotiated in cities around the country with developers receiving tax dollars and tax exemptions to help underwrite their projects. These agreements have helped developers build profitable projects while guaranteeing good jobs that pay living wages and provide health care, and create community spaces and affordable housing. Of particular concern to many Bronx residents are the types of jobs that will be created.

The Kingsbridge Armory Redevelopment Alliance (KARA), is a 19-member coalition of community groups, churches and unions that seek high road, equitable development for the Kingsbridge Armory. The alliance wants the redevelopment to meet the community's needs for living wage jobs, community space, recreational facilities and schools. City, state and federal officials have endorsed KARA.

Gary Axelbank of the Bronxnet Channel 67 program Bronxtalk Primetime interviews KARA members and activists Doug Cunningham from New Day Church and Morton Sloan from Morton Williams Supermarkets about the development of the Kingbridge Armory and how it affects the surrounding community.