Bedford-Union Armory could be converted into roller skating rink

The Kingsbridge Armory isn’t the only former military facility that could become a skate haven. The New York Daily News reported that one of the proposals being considered for the vacant Bedford-Union Armory in Crown Heights is to convert it into a roller skating rink.

The concept emerged from a report conducted by NYU graduate students for Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz. The state National Guard is transferring ownership of the Bedford-Union Armory to the city and Markowitz has pledged a total of $1 million in funding for its redevelopment. Besides a roller skating rink, other proposals from NYU for the space include bringing in a community recreation center or an entertainment venue.

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The report also indicated that financing for helping operate the armory space could come from rezoning the area and erecting residences on the site of the armory’s parking lot. But Markowitz would want affordable housing included if that were carried out.

As previously reported, proposals for the Kingsbridge Armory in the Bronx are also coming in, and one spearheaded by Deutsche Bank executive Kevin Parker aims to convert the space into the world’s largest ice sports center. [NYDN]