The Bronx Overall Economic Development Corp. today has asked developers for proposals to build a hotel and conference center on the site of one of Yankee Stadium’s parking garages, NBC New York reported. The site is at River Avenue and 153rd Street, bordering the park where the old Yankee Stadium stood. The plan would involve condominiums, shops and a high-end penthouse restaurant. Borough President Ruben Diaz said developers and hotel operators have expressed interest in such a hotel for years. [more]

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz wasn’t a fan of the Related Companies’ Kingsbridge Armory redevelopment plan, but that doesn’t mean he wants the massive structure to remain vacant. Yesterday, Diaz announced the creation of a new task force that will recommend a new use for the space and craft a request for proposals from developers. “A retail mall was not the best use for this space, given the traffic issues and its proximity to the Fordham Road shopping district. My critics have challenged me to come up with something better for the Kingsbridge Armory, and I am prepared to answer that call,” Diaz said in a statement, suggesting arts and recreation, green manufacturing, and a home for the film industry as possible alternative uses. Members of the task force include Marlene Cintron, president of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, Paul Foster, chairman of Bronx Community Board 7, Ned Regan, former state comptroller and Kathryn Wylde, president and CEO of the Partnership for New York City. [NYO]

After allegations that the Bronx Overall Economic Development
Corporation mishandled hundreds of thousands of dollars in funds from
the Community Benefits Agreement for the Gateway Center Mall, Bronx
Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. is calling for a complete accounting
of the corporation’s economic activities. Officials from the agency say
the lawsuit is frivolous and deny that they diverted any of the $1.8
million provided by Related Companies, developer of the mall being
constructed on the former Bronx Terminal Market site. Related
contributed the money to promote job training and local hiring at the
mall. The corporation said it expects to be cleared of any wrongdoing when the
economic reports are released. [more]