A pair of rallies, held on different days, focused on the Kingsbridge National Ice Center (KNIC). But while one called for the city to finally hand over the keys to the ice center developers, another once again urged the public to know the consequences should it be built.

People Power Movement, a progressive grassroots group, staged a rally on May 1, a date corresponding with the yearly May Day, also known as International Workers Day. A group of people (picture left) stood in front of the Kingsbridge Armory, the purported site of the impending Kingsbridge National Ice Center, calling on neighbors to learn about the potential implications behind the massive project. Organizers pointed to reports of rent hikes and mistreated employees happening around the Kingsbridge Heights neighborhood, which they say are indirectly linked to the development of the 750,000 square foot landmark. A community benefits agreement between community members and KNIC was signed to help keep the existing residents in the neighborhood. Among the stipulations was 51 percent of KNIC’s employees would be from the Bronx.

Two days later, a cadre of community stakeholders and elected leaders joined members of KNIC, including president and all-star hockey veteran Mark Messier at a “hour of prayer” in front of the Armory. Together they called on the city to release the Armory lease that’s remained in escrow for over a year. Borough President Ruben Diaz (picture right, Diaz at podium, with Messier at center, and KNIC developer John Neary, far left), KNIC, and the New York City Economic Development Corporation remain in a legal battle over lease-related stipulations. KNIC says it has the necessary funds to proceed with the project’s first phase. The city disagrees.

The two sides are expected to go to trial at the Bronx Supreme Court on June 30.