Kingsbridge Armory project gets City Planning Commission okay

The contentious Kingsbridge Armory redevelopment plan was approved Monday in an 8 to 4 vote by the City Planning Commission. The $310 million project, through which the Related Companies will turn the vacant Bronx landmark into a retail mall and movie theater, has been under in recent months from opponents who say a proposed supermarket there will drive nearby Morton Williams out of business. At the vote on Monday, protestors also argued that the developer should allow workers to form a union, holding signs that read “Say no way to poverty pay” and chanting “Two four six eight, Related must negotiate.” Related has said the project will bring thousands of permanent and construction jobs to the area. Mayor Bloomberg, who is in favor of the plan, said in a statement that the project is “an enormous opportunity to revitalize [the Armory] as a hub of activity and jobs in the West Bronx.” A City Council vote on the project will take place within 50 days. [NYT]