Community members, union workers and elected leaders gathered on Tuesday to reimagine the Kingsbridge Armory, which has sat vacant for decades.   

“I remember this, walking by this building and see it like, ‘what is that?” said Eddie Alamo, who is a union worker with Local 28 and lives in the neighborhood. 

The group gathered on Tuesday to support a new agreement between the 8th Regiment Partners, which is the developer selected by the city, and the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition.  

“The community has called for community ownership for so long, and this is the celebration of that hard work,” said Sandra Lubo, executive director of the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition.  

Their vision includes 125,000 square feet for community ownership, as well as space for new businesses, workforce development and affordable housing.   

Leaders said they’ve already secured $220 million for the project thanks to local, city, state and federal money.  

This all comes after two failed attempts to previously redevelop the property, and as the city faces a lawsuit against another potential developer claiming political interference and favoritism.  

Alamo said he hopes the future of the Armory moves forward.   

“This is excellent for the Bronx,” Alamo said. “It brings jobs to the neighborhood, and we need it. We definitely need it.”  

Organizers said if all goes according to plan, they’re hoping to break ground on this project within a year.

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