The Kingsbridge National Ice Center (KNIC) is edging close to actual construction at the Kingsbridge Armory, with progress in the form of the state’s financial support towards the project.

Not much of a sound was heard about the Armory in 2015, though developers insisted plenty was going on behind the scenes. That’s true, and it’s thanks to the working relationship between Governor Andrew Cuomo and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

Since the early part of 2015, the pair has forged an ever-strengthening bond that’s allowed Diaz to check off some items (though not yet achievements since certain projects haven’t begun yet), laying the groundwork in time to run for higher office.

Cuomo oversees Empire State Development (ESD), the state’s real estate and economic development board that recently approved part of a $130 million construction loan to KNIC that was given final approval by the New York State Public Authorities Control Board, a barely known state panel. ESD’s president is Howard Zemsky, appointed by Cuomo in January 2015. Zemsky is a Cuomo loyalist, donating consistently to the governor’s campaigns.

In August 2015, the prospect of KNIC approaching the state for a loan was made possible. All this couldn’t have happened had the allegiance between Cuomo and Diaz not been there. There’s politics in everything, it seems, good or bad. What’s unclear is what Cuomo gains from this. Perhaps an ally that weakens Mayor Bill de Blasio’s overall sphere of influence in New York City politics.

Diaz was already a major downstate ally of Cuomo’s, chosen as part of the governor’s transition team in 2010. Diaz gained more state influence after another ally, Assemblyman Carl Heastie, ascended to Assembly Speaker, becoming a key power player in Albany.

Within the last year, Cuomo has kept an eye on the Bronx. Most recently, he came to the rescue for many projects Diaz has pushed in his agenda, including financing for four Metro-North stations in the East Bronx, a highly anticipated project. It’s arguably a bigger harbinger of change for the Bronx, given the $1 billion price tag and the positive aspects the rails typically can do for neighborhoods.

The latest advancement from the KNIC project once again places Diaz, a fond admirer of the project, as an effective non-legislator, getting by on influence and appeal to schmooze state lawmakers into eyeing the Bronx. He certainly has to extend a huge thanks to Cuomo for listening.

With the obligation met, what’s keeping the New York City Economic Development Corporation from releasing the lease that’s been in escrow for more than a year? KNIC cannot put a shovel on the ground until that stipulation is met.

EDC holds the cards. Holding EDC’s cards is Mayor Bill de Blasio, whose fractured relationship with Cuomo has him developing a distant relationship with Diaz.

A check of archived transcripts and press releases from City Hall shows de Blasio has said little about the KNIC project since taking office. He inherited the impending ice center project from his predecessor, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who touted it as a profitable economic engine. That praise could have also been driven by Bloomberg’s relationship with Kevin Parker, KNIC’s founder. It seems de Blasio and Parker have little connection.

If de Blasio showed an inkling of interest in the project, he would convince the EDC to activate the 99-year lease today.

But this was not part of de Blasio’s vision, so the project could have remained in limbo hell for years. He neither gains nor loses if the ice center is built. These days, the mayor has kept his eye on the national spotlight, raising it thanks to his involvement in the 2016 presidential race. Projects like this are not part of the agenda.

Political allegiances do nothing for communities who’ve yearned to see something built at the dormant Armory. As of now, because of distrust and unmet assurances for transparency, activists in Kingsbridge Heights have grown testy with city and state legislators over little talks they’ve had with the neighborhood. Chatter over concerns of gentrification persists in a neighborhood that’s working poor. Who will listen?

There is politics in everything, and politicos should definitely keep in mind that relationships go beyond those with legislators. They should extend to the communities and not just lawmakers.