Two members of Congress, the Bronx Borough President and state officials joined State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli to call for federal help to assure that the world’s largest food distribution center will remain in Hunts Point.
The market needs to be rebuilt, said DiNapoli as he released a report on it at a press conference in Hunts Point on Dec. 22.
He and the others, repeated warnings that the market—which wholesales fruits and vegetables to small stores, catering facilities–is being wooed by New Jersey.
A new facility, the comptroller said, would create new jobs, reduce truck emissions and be energy-efficient.
“New York needs help to get this facility built. It’s a bold project that is right in line with President-elect Obama’s bold vision,” he said. “It should be at the top of the list of federal economic revitalization projects.”
If the market were to move to New Jersey, “not only would New York lose a tremendous amount of high paying blue-collar jobs, but our region would also see an enormous increase in truck traffic, air pollution, carbon emissions and energy use,” said Congressman Jerrold Nadler.
”Hunts Point Market is a cornerstone of our Bronx community, and we need to partner at all levels of government to make its revitalization a reality,” added Congressman Joseph Crowley.
“We must rebuild the Hunts Point Terminal Produce Market,” said Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion. “During these tough financial times we simply cannot afford to lose jobs and revenue.”