FreshDirect’s Bronx Move Hits Snag as Congressman Opposes $3.5M Subsidy
DNAinfo
By Alice Speri
THE BRONX — FreshDirect’s proposal to relocate to the South Bronx hit a setback this week, after Rep. Jose Serrano announced his opposition to the company’s request for $3.5 million in public subsidies for the move.
Securing the funding would require the unanimous approval of the New York Empowerment Zone Board, which provides incentives for private investors revitalizing poor communities. FreshDirect removed its application for funding from the board’s agenda after Serrano made clear Wednesday that he would vote against it.
“I, along with several other elected officials and many community residents, have had deep misgivings about this project because of its impact on the health of Bronx residents,” the Bronx congressman said in a statement following the board meeting. “My understanding is that this project was removed from the agenda in light of my concerns.”
FreshDirect was slated to receive a much heftier package in public subsidies and tax breaks, including from state and city sources.
