In the news: Fresh Direct Spurs Border War with New Jersey
Fresh Direct, which has received over $2 million in New York City subsidies, threatened to move its operations from Queens to New Jersey unless it received an incentive pacakge from City, State and Bronx officials worth over $100 million. Fresh Direct, which is often criticized for its low wages, has been approved for an $81 million subsidy package through the New York City Industrial Development Agency to build a new facility at Harlem River Yards in The Bronx (IDA materials are here, here and here). The firm is expected to recieve approximatley $40 million more in capital grants, tax credits and loans from New York State and the Bronx Borough President and Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation.
Read GJNY's 10 Reasons Why You Should Sour on Fresh Direct's Proposed Subsidies for Expanding at Harlem River Yards in the Bronx
February 14, 2012:
The IDA Board of Directors voted to approve the project with one dissenting vote from the New York City Comptroller's Office. As a result of pressure from the community, immediatley after the vote, the Bronx Borough President's Office released a Memorandum of Understanding with Fresh Direct to address communtiy concnerns.
February 13, 2012:
Community group, South Bronx Unite - Stop Fresh Direct releases comments in advance of a press conference reagding the upcoming vote on city subsidies.
Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito asks members of the IDA Board to delay its vote on proposed subsidies for Fresh Direct, to allow more time for community input.
February 9, 2012:
The New York City Industrial Development Agency held its monthly public hearing: Good Jobs New York joined community members, enviornmental advocates and transportation experts to testifiy against proposed benefits to for Fresh Direct to relocate in the South Bronx. See a sampling of testimony:
Bronx Council for Environmental Quality
Charles Komanoff, analysis of traffic delays
New York City Coalition Against Hunger
The POINT Community Development Corporation
Tri-State Transportation Campaign
February 7, 2012:
New York City , State and Bronx officials announce a susbsidy packageof approximately $120 million just two days prior to the public hearing orvote by the IDA board. The lack of public process ignited a groundswell of opposition from local residents and community groups.
Recent news highlights:
Bronx Times, February 20, 2012
The New York Times, February 20, 2012
The Riverdale Press, February 15, 2012
The Mott Haven Herald, February 14, 2012
The New York Times, February 14, 2012
Village Voice, liveblog of IDA Board Meeting, February 14, 2012
Crain's New York, February 13, 2012
New York Post: Column, February 10, 2012
Queens Courier: January 18, 2012
New York Daily News: January 16, 2012
The New York Times: January 10, 2012
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