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The Repurposing of the Armory at Bedford and UNION - Page 3 — Brooklynian

The Repurposing of the Armory at Bedford and UNION

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Comments

  • lilern
    lilern
    EXACTLY - people will go to this meeting where we see all 6 proposals for pure theatre - but we know by then the decision would have already been made - if it hasn't already. 
  • lilern
    lilern
    do you mean EDC?  is ESDC the same?  There were so many acronyms and organizations thrown out last night - I couldn't keep up - LOLOL
  • whynot_31
    whynot_31
    Yes, this RFP was issued by the NYC EDC. ...I get it confused with the the NYS version.

    Here are links to the actual RFP that was issued: https://www.google.com/#q=nyc+edc+armory+union

    BTW, the idea that EDC would stipulate that the successful bidder would abide by the "demands" of last nights coalition is fanciful. Bidders do not have to do things that were not in the RFP, and the EDC is not going to put itself in a position where it must force two entities to get along.

    If the neighborhood wants locals employed at the new armory, they should make sure that locals know about the positions and then are prepared to convince the employer they are best for the job.

    Otherwise, this will become a mere charade of hiring local.
  • MatthewTaub1
    MatthewTaub1
    I covered the event and the story will hopefully be picked up by the Brooklyn Eagle:

    If I got anything wrong, or if there is additional information, please kindly advise. Nobody is perfect and I'm new to this subject. If I left something out I can add it in. Thanks for your help.
  • lilern
    lilern
    yah - the one thing I notice about last night is that while passionate the focus was off - the community needs to ZERO IN with a laser beam on what they want - there were too many other things coming up - senior centers closing - candidates making 2 minute election speeches - Tivoli Towers situation, tenant unions, etc.  While I understand all these are important I would recommend to CHCC to table other topics and stay ON POINT with the armory only and deal with the other issues at other times.  And there are WAY too many people and organizations involved - the people running the meeting couldn't even keep up.  I would have ONE org - TWO at the most become the 'voice' for the armory and become the umbrella for the community.  as you correctly stated above, the 'community' is already fighting an uphill battle and to make the best fight possible they need to make some major changes and quickly if they hope to take on the city.  Just my two cents based on what I saw and heard last night.       
  • mugofmead111
    mugofmead111
    @whynot_31, One of the people in your picture is my neighbor. 
  • whynot_31
    whynot_31
    edited June 2014
    Hopefully she got one of the ~100 cards I passed out at the mtg:

    image
  • lilern
    lilern
    I picked up 10 to pass out at my building - 345 Montgomery Street (The Dearborn).

    :-)
  • whynot_31
    whynot_31
    The redevelopment of thr Kingsbidge Armory into an ice rink is now stalled due

    http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20140606/kingsbridge-heights/kingsbridge-armory-project-on-thin-ice-amid-feud-among-its-developers

    I seems that could happen at "our" armory as well.
  • crownheightster
    crownheightster
    Okay, I have finally realized what I would love to see at the Bedford-Union Armory space, perhaps as the ground floor retail tenant of whatever type of housing ends up on site: a TRADER JOE'S! Everyone likes Trader Joe's. The price points are great, the variety of foods, wines and beers are terrific, and the company treats its employees fairly progressively and well. The one in Carroll Gardens is so crowded...and I see so many people walking around CH and PLG with Trader Joe's bags already, so I think it would be a great success!
  • southeast
    southeast
    @crownheightster  Great idea!
  • sunnyfriday
    sunnyfriday
    @crownheightster, you're a person after my own heart!

    First the idea of a Duane Reade/CVS on Nostrand, then a Trader Joes at the Armory... I would just die of happiness :)
  • clayfilms
    clayfilms
    Yeah a neighborhood trader joes would be fabulous!!
  • whynot_31
    whynot_31
    I could see the base of the new "affordable housing building" (see photo above) being made into retail, but I do not think the main armory building will be converted into such a use.

  • Vanderbilly
    Vanderbilly
    Yes!  Let's not over think it.  TJ's, or some other market/store that offers daily convenience is the answer.  A skating rink?  We're not there yet.
  • crownheightster
    crownheightster
    No, you'd definitely want to preserve the drill hall for some kind of "community use" thing. But a Trader Joe's! :) Oh, I'd die of happiness.
  • crownheightster
    crownheightster
    Also, as a community member, I'd get much more out of a Trader Joe's than a skating rink. though the youth may differ in opinion.
  • whynot_31
    whynot_31
    I hope the EDC is able to announce what will actually be coming by July 1.

  • naturegirlbk
    naturegirlbk
    Ditto on the thrill of the idea of a Trader Joe's!!! A Duane Reade would also be an amazing and much needed addition to the nabe!! I hope for both!!!
  • grwd
    grwd
    I'd really like to see an all-of-the-above kind of place. It should primarily host the kinds of uses that require large spaces.

    A little bit Chelsea Market, a little bit soundstage, a little bit velodrome, and a little bit Third Ward-style pay-as-you-go woodworking & metalworking shop.

    (I'd put the Trader Joe's on the site of the former gas station.)
  • Schmu
    Schmu
    Any news on this. I thought we were going to hear something on July 1. I am waiting impatiently.
  • whynot_31
    whynot_31
    I have heard the delay is due to prolonged discussions about how much affordable housing will be built, and that they may separate the operation of that portion of the property from the "domed armory part".

    Lots of eyes are on this site, and developer of the former Dunkin Donuts gas station may be taking a wait and see approach.

    ....I would.
  • Schmu
    Schmu
    Is it still slated to be a marriot something or apartments?
  • whynot_31
    whynot_31
    It is zoned commercial, so a hotel would be allowed, but not apartments.

    Here is all I know: http://www.brooklynian.com/discussion/38184/the-gulf-stationdunkin-donuts-at-ep-and-bedford-1550-bedford
  • yuppie_scum
    yuppie_scum
    edited July 2014
    @Naturegirlbk, there's a RiteAid three blocks south on Bedford.
  • mugofmead111
    mugofmead111
    @Naturegirlbk, there's a RiteAid three blocks south on Bedford.
    A Walgreens has also been announced on Empire Boulevard, down one block and over one block from that Rite Aid. :)
  • whynot_31
    whynot_31
    I can't help but think that whatever "our" armory becomes, it may have a similar effect on local commercial rents as the big one about to be renovated in the Bronx.

    http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/bronx/merchants-iced-article-1.1872643?__hstc=109812634.4b324a351083243766f8b9a1c9dc5fd2.1394802287275.1405943628450.1405957454763.253&__hssc=109812634.10.1405957454763&__hsfp=309987890

    Spoiler: Commercial rents are soaring in anticipation
  • whynot_31
    whynot_31
    Unlike the armory at Bedford and Union, control over an armory in Williamburg has not been transferred from the state to the city.

    The state isn't clear what it plans to do with it: http://therealdeal.com/blog/2014/07/28/state-calls-off-bidding-process-for-williamsburg-armory/
  • whynot_31
    whynot_31
    The big armory in the Bronx is estimated to be getting a total investment of $350M.


    The winner of the bid for the armory at Bedford and Union will need to play in a similar league.  
  • Schmu
    Schmu
    Where are the investors when we need them? Let's get this armory thing going already!
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