NYCEDC Seeks Proposals for Development of a 200,000-Square-Foot Rooftop Farm in Hunts Point Section of the Bronx 
NYCEDC Seeks Proposals for Development of a 200,000-Square-Foot Rooftop Farm in Hunts Point Section of the Bronx
Farm Would Complement Existing Food Distribution Center
New York City, June 12, 2012 – New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) today announced a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the development and operation of a rooftop farm at 600 Food Center Drive, in the Hunts Point section of the Bronx. At approximately 200,000 square feet, the rooftop has the potential to accommodate what could be one of the largest rooftop farms in the world. The RFP is seeking users who could develop and operate a year-round rooftop farm that would complement and enhance the existing network of food distribution businesses in the area. Successful responses will further the growth of the City’s urban agriculture industry, and create new job opportunities for local residents.
“Hunts Point has played a critical role in the City’s economy for generations, providing fresh food to millions of New Yorkers while supporting thousands of jobs and generating billions of dollars in economic activity for the City,” said New York City Economic Development Corporation President Seth W. Pinsky. “With the opportunity to build one of the world’s largest rooftop farms, we will create important new opportunities to connect producers and distributors, greatly enhancing the existing food network and generating new jobs for Bronx residents.”
"The continued growth of Hunts Point is fundamental for promoting agricultural progress and stimulating economic development," said Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn. "With the potential construction of a new rooftop farm, the Hunts Point industrial area will be able to better provide greater quantities of produce to consumers while generating new employment opportunities for New Yorkers. This innovative urban agricultural model will also allow farms and distributors to forge new and closer relationships that will benefit both businesses and local residents. The continued development of Hunts Point is critical to strengthening the regional economy, supporting our local food system, and creating good local jobs."
"I am excited about the release of this new RFP, and I welcome the development of a rooftop farm in Hunts Point with open arms. This new proposal will not only create much needed jobs but will also provide fresh produce for countless Bronxites. The proposed new industrial roof farm will complement our food distribution center as well as my office’s Green Roof Initiative, which has already financed 13 green roofs across our Borough,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
“With hundreds of small and large scale projects ranging from school gardens to roof top farms, New York City has been at the forefront of the urban agriculture movement. By creating the opportunity for a new, multi-acre roof top farm, this RFP builds on that momentum and presents the potential to increase local production of fresh foods while advancing our economic development goals,” said Food Policy Coordinator Kim Kessler.
600 Food Center Drive is located within the Hunts Point Peninsula, which is home to approximately 800 businesses and over 13,000 employees. The building, which was originally constructed in 1969, is currently occupied by two food distributors, Sultana Distribution and Citarella. Approximately half of the Peninsula is occupied by the City’s primary food distribution facility, the 329-acre Food Distribution Center, which serves over 23 million customers in the greater metropolitan region. The Food Distribution Center is one of the largest such centers in the world, comprised of over 115 private wholesalers operating from the Hunts Point Terminal Produce Market, the Cooperative Meat Market, and the New Fulton Fish Market, who generate more than $3 billion in combined sales annually. The Food Distribution Center is also comprised of parcels leased to other major food and beverage distribution companies like Anheuser-Busch, Baldor Specialty Foods, Krasdale Foods, and Dairyland, a subsidiary of Chef’s Warehouse.
To obtain a copy of the RFP, please visit: www.nycedc.com/rfp. Responses are due no later than July 9, 2012.
851 Grand Concourse Ste. 301
Bronx, New York 10451
(718) 590-3500
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