Fresh Direct Funding Request Hits Snag
Mott Haven Herald
By Anacaona Rodriguez Martinez
The New York Empowerment Zone said “no” to FreshDirect’s request for $3.5 million to help them move to Port Morris.
FreshDirect’s planned move to Port Morris hit a hurdle on December 18, when the online grocer’s request for a $3.5 million loan from the New York Empowerment Zone was tabled.
The six-member panel announced it was postponing its decision on the Queens-based company’s request just before the morning hearing, leaving the status of the loan in limbo. Members must agree on projects unanimously before they can be approved.
Rep. Jose E. Serrano, a member of the panel, announced he opposed allocating more public funds to FreshDirect than it has already received, and will continue to give it the thumbs-down.
Serrano was one of four elected officials representing Mott Haven who urged the state’s Department of Transportation in May 2012 to declare a moratorium on all new developments in Port Morris’ Harlem River Yards where FreshDirect plans to build, pending an audit to reevaluate the environmental impact projects could have on the neighborhood.
