At a rally outside of the Kingsbridge Armory last night, more than 200 activists gathered to send a message to Mayor Bloomberg and other city officials that whatever comes into this enormous historic building needs to benefit the community.

Submissions for development proposals were due today and activists from the Kingsbridge Armory Redevelopment Alliance and Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition made it clear they would be advocating for community benefits throughout every step of the process. During the last effort to develop the Amory — into a shopping mall, a project by the Related Companies supported by the Bloomberg administration — KARA and the Coalition spearheaded opposition to the project because it didn’t guarantee living wage jobs ($10 an hour, plus benefits or $11.50 without benefits).

During the rally, which concluded with a candle-light vigil and featured fiery speeches, songs, chants and a spoken word performance, KARA and the Coalition laid out their vision for the Armory. It would include:

• “Wall to wall” living wage jobs for local residents.

• A new public school.

• Community space for arts programs and events.

• Priority access for Bronxites.

• “Green” and sustainable development.

• No Big Box retail and limited retail.

• Non-competitive small business development and training programs.

Stay tuned. We’ll have some video and more Armory coverage tomorrow.