Army Corps mulls Manhattan move, despite 10-fold jump in rent

The Army Corps of Engineers is looking to move out of its Fort Hamilton Army Base digs in favor of a Lower Manhattan space, in a move that would force a 10-fold increase in the annual rent it pays, according to the Brooklyn Paper. The corps said a Manhattan base would make it easier for employees and customers to reach them. But local officials have balked at the plan, citing the increased drain on public funds and the potential closure of Fort Hamilton that the move could force. The corps, considered one of the fort’s largest tenants, would leave behind a considerable vacancy if it departed. “If their troops have issues, we’re going to do what we can to alleviate those issues and support the,” said Rep. Michael Grimm, whose district includes Bay Ridge, where Fort Hamilton is located. It was not immediately clear when the corps would make its decision. [Brooklyn Paper]