Public hearing to be held on ice rink for The Bronx

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. will hold a public hearing 3 p.m. Friday at the Veterans Memorial Hall, 851 Grand Concourse, to hear community input regarding the conversion of the former Kingsbridge Armory into the world's largest ice-skating facility.

On Tuesday, Community Board 7 voted 20 to five in favor of "The Kingsbridge National Ice Center," melting away yet another hurdle for the ambitious project which will feature nine ice rinks.

Some Bronx residents have complained the chilly megaplex will aggravate parking hassles, prove too expensive for locals, and provide too few new jobs, but "those are concerns that can be worked out down the line," said Diaz spokesman, John DeSio. "We think this is responsible development that will benefit the Northwest Bronx and the Bronx as a whole."

Those with questions about the hearing, which requires speakers to register, can call 718-590-6124.

Various community leaders and private interests have been pushing for redevelopment of the landmark, which spans from Kingsbridge Rd. and 195th St. to Reservoir and Jerome Avenues, since 1994. A previous plan to turn the five acre complex into a shopping mall, faced emphatic community opposition and was rejected by the City Council