Borough President Diaz: KNIC Clearly the Best Choice for the Kingsbridge Armory & the Entire Bronx

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    • Borough President Diaz: KNIC Clearly the Best Choice
    for the Kingsbridge Armory & the Entire Bronx

    Study shows impact of ice proposal on New York City at $1.3 Billion

    Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. today hailed a newly released report outlining the economic impact the Kingsbridge National Ice Center proposal would have on New York City.

    The Kingsbridge National Ice Center (KNIC) would bring a total of nine regulation hockey rinks to the Kingsbridge Armory, featuring a 5,000 seat showplace arena as its anchor, making it one of the largest ice sports centers in the world.

    According to a March 2012 study by HR&A Advisors prepared for the KNIC proposal and released today, the proposal to transform the Kingsbridge Armory into a world-class ice sports center would have a net new economic impact of $1.3 billion on New York City. In addition, the report found that the proposal would complement existing business in the area, such as the Fordham Road shopping district, rather than redirect spending from neighboring businesses.

    In late August, Borough President Diaz joined hockey legend Mark Messier and Olympic gold medalist Sarah Hughes to announce his support for the KNIC proposal. Other elected officials and labor leaders have also announced their support for the KNIC proposal, including City Council Member G. Oliver Koppell, State Senator Gustavo Rivera, Assembly Members Jose Rivera, Jeffrey Dinowitz and Nelson Castro, and RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum.

    “It is clear that the KNIC proposal is the right choice for the Kingsbridge Armory, and the right choice for the entire Bronx. When I offered my public support to this project in August, I noted that this development would complement the surrounding neighborhood, especially Fordham Road, bringing new consumer traffic to this important commercial district. This report proves that, illustrating just how great a financial benefit this project will have for our borough and our city,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

    The report also notes that the project will create a total of 1,850 construction jobs city-wide, including 890 in the Bronx as a direct result of construction at the Armory itself and 1,300 as a result of visitor spending and new economic activity. Additionally, more than 170 permanent, full-time jobs will be created at the Ice Center as well as 380 in the Bronx as a result of visitor spending and new economic activity, with a total of 590 permanent jobs city-wide.

    “This project will create good, living wage jobs for our borough while generating high-level economic development. I am proud to support this project, and I urge the City to select KNIC for the future of the Kingsbridge Armory,” said Borough President Diaz.

     

     

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