A groundbreaking celebrated the start of construction for the Bronx Green Jobs Center.
The $14 million project is led by Fordham University and other city partners and contributors, including the New York State Dormitory Authority, New York City Economic Development Corporation, New York City Council and the One Girl Foundation.
The over 12,000 square-foot site at 585 East Fordham Road was used as industrial space for decades. It will soon be transformed into a state-of-the-art career hub featuring high-level job trainings, resources, work space and labs to support sustainable industries.
Bronx residents will be trained in growing green industries that are in high-demand for jobs. Those include electric vehicles, solar energy, urban farming and more.
"That's a healthier Bronx, that's a better economic future for people in the Bronx," said Landon Dais, Assembly member for the 77th District.
"The Bronx is going to be at the forefront of a green energy economy. And if we can make a green energy economy work here in the Bronx, we can make it work anywhere in America," said Rep. Ritchie Torres, from the 15th District.
Elected officials, project leaders, and local supporters gathered to celebrate the project and the opportunities it has to transform the overall community.
"This is about sustainability, it's about empowerment. This is about investing in our borough. We want to deal with climate change, environmental opportunities. We want to make sure that we focus on health care for equity, food justice, access to good paying, sustainable career jobs," said Vanessa L. Gibson, Bronx Borough President.
The center is set to open in the fall of 2026.