Simone celebrates grand opening of Throggs Neck Shopping Center

Simone Development Companies marked the grand opening of the new Throggs Neck Shopping Center in the Ferry Point section at the intersection of Lafayette Ave. and the Hutchinson River Pwy. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by a host of elected officials and community leaders. Anchored by a 165,000 s/f Target department store - the retailer's third area store - the center features a dozen new stores and restaurants including TJ Maxx, Famous Footwear, Sleepy's, Petco, Skechers, Metro Optics, BX Sports and Super Wines and Liquors, and coming soon, T-Mobile and Starbucks. For food there is Applebee's, Five Guys Burgers & Fries, Subway and Sarku Japan. The shopping center also includes free parking for 600 cars. Speakers at the ribbon cutting ceremony included Joseph Simone, president of Simone Development Cos., borough president Ruben Diaz, NYS senator Jeff Klein, NYS assemblyman Michael Benedetto, NYS assemblyman Mark Gjonaj, NYC councilman James Vacca and Lenny Caro, executive director of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce. Joseph Kelleher, president, Simone Metro Properties, emceed the event. "This wonderful new retail center is yet another example of how Simone Development is helping to transform and revitalize the New Bronx with innovative commercial and retail projects that create new jobs and boost the Bronx economy," said Simone. "I'd also like to recognize Aaron Malinsky, principal of Curbcut Urban Partners, and Paul Slayton of Slayton Investments, for their experience and involvement in this project." The new Throggs Neck Shopping Center is a prime example of Simone Development Cos.' dedication to repurposing vacant and under-utilized commercial property in the New York metropolitan area. Simone Development Cos. acquired the 7.9-acre site in 2011. The property had been used as a Postal Service equipment transfer station for many years and had been closed since September 2010. Miles Mahony of Ripco Real Estate is exclusive leasing agent for Simone Development and its partners. Only 12,000 s/f of additional space is currently available at the Throggs Neck Shopping Center in various configurations. Shown (from left) are: Thomas Messina, representative of Congressman Joseph Crowley's office, assemblyman Michael Benedetto, senator Jeff Klein, Bronx borough president Rubin Diaz, Joseph Simone, president of Simone Development Cos., Joseph Kelleher, president Simone Metro Properties, Marlene Cintron, president of BOEDC and Lenny Caro, president of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce.