The community may have little say about the revitalization of the Kingsbridge Armory unless transparency is brought to the process, according to a City Council member.Residents fought last year to have the unused military facility turned into retail and public space to serve the community. Community Board 7 Chairman Greg Faulkner is a member of the task force that will decide the fate of the site. Faulkner claims the Economic Development Corporation (EDC), the city agency that is managing the project, asked him to sign a confidentiality agreement.

Councilman Oliver Koppell (D-11th District) says the EDC is stifling residents' input. Koppell argues the EDC is a "city agency that acts like a private company." The lawmaker says the group should open the process now, since the City Council will have the final say. Koppell estimates Kingsbridge residents won't see design plans for the project before 2011.

The EDC released a statement saying, "We are working closely with all of the members to develop an agreement that maintains the integrity of the selection process, keeping it competitive and fair."