The city will not invest $14 million into redeveloping the Bedford Atlantic Armory, a landmarked property that has been serving as a shelter for homeless men.
Three years ago, officials announced a redevelopment plan of the complex, Crain’s reported, and put out a request for proposals. Even though multiple developers responded, nothing changed, according to Crain’s.
It turns out that officials decided back in December to halt the redevelopment plans after they realized that the armory’s hall could serve as an evacuation center in case of an emergency. The city also decided it needed the space for homeless services.
“The Bedford Atlantic Armory site remains important to those seeking shelter services, and it is also a critical emergency-response center for Hurricane Sandy-type situations,” a Department of Homeless Services spokesperson told Crain’s.
The nearby Bedford Union Armory — which is also city-owned and is less than a mile away — is being renovated by the city and could end up being a hotel, a convention center or business incubator. [Crain’s] — Claire Moses