Great article, Mr. Benjamin’s analysis is “dead on”. We do need change in the Bronx, I personally love Mr. Woo’s idea, we do need a retail space for local artisans and crafters, however which ever proposal is accepted I also hope that Mr. Bloomberg and Mr. Diaz will be able to finally realize the dreams of so many Bronxites and develop the armory and in so doing create the much needed jobs here in the Bronx.
Reply · 2 · 9 hours ago
the premise of this article is despciable. the people of the bronx don’t ‘naysay’ for the sake of naysying. they do it because historically their representatives and developers don’t have their community’s best interests in mind when they cut deals. unfortunately, in many cases their concerns have been proven to be justified… and so to wipe away issues they might raise in the future with a sterotypical assumption is a dangeruos notion. so, yes, we need the right development in the kingsbrdige armory… and all over the bronx. but if there’s something wrong with a proposal then i urge ALL bronxites to stand up and be counted andn make sure things are done right before they accept anything less. i assure you, #1, i will be standing right with them and #2, i will provide a responsible public forum to shed light on their contentions.
Reply · 7 hours ago
John Denizard · Whedco Urban Horizons Culinary Arts- Columbia University
young woo id love the chance to open up a concession stand if the price was right- I support the use of the armory as a retail space for local artisans and crafters and designers much like the revival of the old limelight club in nyc which has been revamped as a retail space for local small businesses.
Reply · 1 · 9 hours ago
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Richard Garey · Bronx, New York
The key point here is that the National Ice Center will attract 3 Million visitors annually. The neighborhood is already over saturated with retail. The Market Mercado will only hurt the Fordham Road Business District.
competition in retail has proven to be successful in many cases it provides options for a consumer and allows for there to be a variation if you will in quality – and the right for a consumer or customer to have an option if they want a hostos cup cake from a super market or a portion controlled miniature dessert made by my company from fresh local ingredients – Competition is wonderful and allows us to choose what we want and not have to buy whats readily available- Im sure you are an avid hockey fan so i wont knock that your probably one of few who would like to see a rink open their but its just not as profitable for any one let alone the city- hmm
Reply · 6 hours ago
Richard Garey · Bronx, New York
One can travel to any small town or city in America and see a new shopping center going up and an old one shutting its’ doors. That process does not improve a community. If anything, it generates blight. Stores on Fordham Road or Kingsbridge Road will start closing due to competition from Market Mercado. The fact is that there are X consumers in any given market area and you only need a finite amount of retail to service them. Those consumers have a certain amount of purchasing power and the types of stores within the community reflect that. Currently, I reside in the South Bronx now and I doubt I’d make any special trips up to Market Mercado because Manhattan is just as close. On the other hand I would take my family and friends up to the ice center. I am not an avid ice sports fan however I used to live a 2-minute wal
k from the Kingsbridge Armory. So I would say that I have some insight into the needs of the community. The National Ice Center would bring people throughout the region into the neighborhood and bolster the local economy. NYC has 8.5 million residents and how many year-round venues to go ice skating??? As someone affiliated with Columbia University you might be interested to know that the girls figure skating team practices in Hackensack, NJ. Perhaps, that would change if the ice center opened. You could open up a designer cupcake store nearby to sell to them and the other 3M+ visitors. Otherwise, you might want to consider locating down by Yankee Stadium because somehow I don’t think designer cupcakes are going to be flying off the shelves in Kingsbridge otherwise.
Reply · · 6 hours ago
hey rich I too am from the same are of the bronx and indeed I know the area well- I would be happy to see any plans that would be beneficial to improving the area – my company produces much more than just cupcakes and have been a part of many events in that area from fordhams grand concourse on down – there is alot of building of the community going on and im pleased to say i myself and my company have been plenty happy to serve each and every individual in that neighborhood- not only did I attend school in this area but i live just a few minutes away we are also busy educating children about food- food science and nutrition – so if you would like to stop in for a session to see what we really do ill drop you an invite – as far as columbia u they can go skate in rockerfella plaza or central park or the seaport should i continue to name a few others – due some research – they have enough money to build there own ring gimme a brake- no offense i respect all peoples opinions and all members of the community have the right to suggest what they would like to do to help build up where they live more people like us should be involved with what is going on around us–GOOD DAY:)
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