Farkas of Metropolitan Realty Associates honored by U.S. house of representatives, NYS assembly and KRVC for his work on Riverdale Crossing

Shown (from left) are: Farkas and Engel.

Bronx, NY According to Metropolitan Realty Associates (MRA), the firm’s president and founder Joseph Farkas was honored by the U.S. house of representatives, the New York State assembly, and the Kingsbridge Riverdale Van Cortlandt (KRVC) Development Corp. for his work on Riverdale Crossing, the 165,000 s/f outdoor shopping mall that has revitalized the former Stella D’Oro cookie factory.

The honors were awarded during KRVC’s annual Greenway Gala at the Hebrew Home in Riverdale, where he joined fellow honorees Daniel Reingold, president and CEO of Riverspring Health, and representatives from NewYork-Presbyterian The Allen Hospital and the North Riverdale Merchant and Business Association.

“I rise today to honor a true leader in the Riverdale community, Joseph Farkas, who has been a prominent force in the growth and development of our Riverdale community for several years,” said rep Eliot Engel (D-NY 16^th District) in the U.S. congressional record for the 114^th congress, noting that Riverdale Crossing has generated over 500 jobs for the borough. “This creation of activity and growth has had an incredible impact on our community, and it would not have been possible without Mr. Farkas.”

Riverdale Crossing is a joint venture between MRA and longtime equity partner Angelo, Gordon & Co., which together purchased the five-acre site in 2011. The shopping mall is conveniently located between the Major Deegan Expressway and Broadway and adjacent to the 238th Street New York City Subway stop. Anchor tenant BJ’s Wholesale Club joins Bank of America, Chipotle, Subway, Smashburger, Dunkin’ Donuts, CityMD, T-Mobile, Petco and Buffalo Wild Wings, which all serve an area that has been historically under-retailed and bring quality, selection, shopping convenience and employment opportunities to Bronx residents.

“It is the sense of this Legislator that those who enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State,” said Farkas’ proclamation by Asm. Jeffrey Dinowitz (D-Bronx). 

“I am thrilled to be honored and thank the New York State Assembly, U.S. House of Representatives, and KRVC for recognizing MRA’s work at Riverdale Crossing,” Farkas said. “The property is one of the best examples of the firm’s commitment to turning vacant and underutilized properties into thriving retail, office and mixed-use hubs for the betterment of the surrounding community.”