RWDSU Stands with Coalition Partners to Demand a Community Benefits Agreement for the Bronx (3/5/09)

March 5th, 2009 - Joining dozens of community, faith and elected leaders, the RWDSU today joined the Kingsbridge Armory Redevelopment Alliance (KARA) at a press conference and Industrial Development Agency hearing to discuss more than $17 million in tax exemptions for the Related Companies. The Related Companies is requesting tax exemptions to support the redevelopment of the Kingsbridge Armory in the Northwest Bronx neighborhood of New York City. Under current plans, the developer intends to turn the Kingsbridge Armory into a retail shopping destination for the Bronx.

The RWDSU and our community partners are advocating for a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) that would require the Related Companies to guarantee the jobs created at the Armory pay living wages, provide health care and allow employees the right to organize a union free from harassment and intimidation. The coalition is also calling for adequate and affordable community and recreational space for the community.

"This development, based on what the Related Companies is telling us about the retail jobs they will create, will not be a real economic opportunity for the Bronx. It will be a center of working poverty," said Stuart Appelbaum, president of the RWDSU. "We cannot simply let the Armory be development as usual - we must seize this opportunity to negotiate a community benefits agreement and create good, family-supporting jobs for the Bronx."

Also speaking at the press conference were New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr., Joel Rivera, the Majority Leader of the New York City Council and District 11 Council Member Oliver Koppell - all of whom adamantly support our efforts to negotiate a Community Benefits Agreement.

The New York City Industrial Development Agency plans to make a final decision on the $17 million tax exemption on March 11^th.