By N. Clark Judd

Related Companies is set to get about $20 million in tax breaks as part of its deal to redevelop the Kingsbridge Armory after a vote by the city’s Industrial Development Agency last week. The project is expected to result in half a million square feet of retail and community space in Kingsbridge Heights.

The IDA preliminarily approved the state and city breaks over the objections of city comptroller and mayoral candidate William Thompson Jr., and despite strongly voiced protests by community groups. They have been calling for Related to guarantee minimum wages for jobs at the armory, as well as for a promise that space won’t be leased to direct competitors to local stores.

Mr. Thompson, who has a seat on the IDA, voted against the project through a representative, citing job numbers and wage issues in particular.

“A Community Benefits Agreement should be negotiated to resolve these issues before a vote and to ensure adequate community involvement in the process,” Mr. Thompson said in a statement.

“We are excited about moving the Kingsbridge Armory forward, and we look forward to continuing our discussions with the local council member, the community board, the borough president and all other area stakeholders to bring this important development to the entire community,” said Joanna Rose, a spokeswoman for Related.

The project at the armory should begin uniform land use review in the next few months, Ms. Rose said.

City officials expect construction to finish in 2013.