Bronx Community Board 7 and the Kingsbridge Armory Redevelopment Alliance have forged a partnership to negotiate a Community Benefits Agreement for the coming redevelopment of the Kingsbridge Armory. It’s an interesting partnership given that the two sides were often at odds in 2009 over a previous proposal to turn the Armory into a shopping mall.

In a joint statment, the groups said their goal is to “ensure that an enforceable Community Benefits Agreement is signed by the selected developer and that community priorities are in the lease with the EDC [Economic Development Corporation].”

The groups said the agree on the content of the CBA and want it to include: “living wage jobs for local residents, community space, investment in a public school near or around the Armory grounds, sustainable, green development and operation, business incubator to facilitate wealth creation for local residents, and no big box retail such as Wal-Mart or Whole Foods.”

Paul Foster, the chairman of Boar 7, said, “Community Board 7 is ready to take the lead in this process and understands that this partnership with KARA is essential to the successful signing of a Community Benefits Agreement.”

“We have a lot to work through but we are clear that a Community Benefits Agreement must be a part of the conversation.” Alice McIntosh, a KARA Leader.

KARA also made it clear they wanted the support of local elected officials.

“We seek the support of our elected officials, Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and Councilman Fernando Cabrera, to stand with community stakeholders for community benefits that are part of an enforceable agreement,” said Pastor Doug Cunningham, a KARA member.

Diaz’s office is, at the least, supportive of the alliance.

“The borough president has been saying all along that KARA needs to work with the community board and the City Council member, and we think this is a step in the right direction,” said John DeSio, communications director for Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.