Council Big Puts Squeeze on Kingsbridge Armory Developer for "Living Wage"

Last month the city planning commission approved the Kingsbridge Mall project, in which Related Companies will turn the old Bronx armory into a shopping center, without adding a "living wage" requirement as Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. had hoped. But the city council may yet put the screws on. Joe Rivera, the council majority leader, claims to have the votes to block the project in the subcommittee on zoning and franchises if Related doesn't agree to pay employee s something they could live on, as opposed to the $7.25 minimum wage. Related says it can't get financing under such terms. The game of chicken continues when the committee meets today. Image via Bridge and Tunnel Club.