Hunts Point Market Considers Move From The Bronx To New Jersey
NEW YORK (WCBS 880) - There may be a sweeter deal on the other side of the Hudson River for the Hunts Point produce market's 47 vendors and 8,500 jobs.
WCBS 880's Marla Diamond In The Bronx
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Teamsters union president Daniel Kane says they've simply outgrown the facility.
"This market was built in the 60s, really designed in the 50s. Trucks are bigger. The amount of producer is larger. There's a lot more items that are sold at the market. So, it takes more space," Kane told WCBS 880 reporter Marla Diamond.
Kane represents 50 owners and 1,200 workers.
"There is a new governor in New Jersey and I think that the governor approached the market merchants and said, 'Well, this is an option,'" he says. "I think, for our members, we'd rather stay here. I think that's what should happen, but then again, the economics of the situation has to be worked out."
Talk of renovation, he says, has been going on through many administrations. The cost of renovation has been estimated at $350 million.
"No pun intended, if the time is ripe to make this deal happen," he says. "I think the city, as the landlord, will step up to the plate here - the vendors sit down and get this deal done."
Though New Jersey is courting the market with tax incentives, the Crain's New York Business reports the market is nearing a deal to stay in its current Bronx location for at least another year.
