With $25 Million in Play, Greater Transparency Is Called for in Choosing Apparel Production Projects

NEW YORK — The decades-long debate about how to modernize the Garment District appeared to be moving forward to more unified ideas last week, but now a few individuals involved with the process are questioning the objectivity of it and recommending a third party get involved to ensure fairness. The Garment District’s rezoning was approved by the New York City Council in December, and last week 12 members of the Garment District Alliance’s special program committee met to review 22 proposals geared toward rejuvenating local apparel manufacturing. The GDA has as much as $25 million to fund programs that support manufacturing and fashion production in the area over the next 10 years. The group’s recent meeting culled the candidates to four parties, which would be advised to collaborate to avoid any overlap. No formal action was taken, though the formation of a subcommittee was agreed upon, according to a few participants, including GDA president Barbara Blair. A date for a future meeting had not been set at that time. A few participants, who asked not to be identified, questioned whether the GDA should be overseeing the funding of apparel manufacturing initiatives after the group has welcomed so many nonfashion companies and businesses

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