The Arker Companies and Slate Property Group sign lease 27,676 s/f to ShopFair Supermarkets at Edgemere Commons

Queens, NY According to The Arker Companies and Slate Property Group, ShopFair Supermarkets signed a 25-year, 27,676 s/f lease agreement at Edgemere Commons, a mixed-use development located in Edgemere. The lease represents the developers following through on their commitment to deliver a supermarket to the community as a part of Edgemere Commons, an area that is considered a food desert. The supermarket, which has three other locations in Far Rockaway, is slated to open in spring 2024.

In January 2022, The Arker Companies and Slate Property Group broke ground on the first phase of Edgemere Commons, which in addition to the new supermarket will deliver 194 affordable homes, including 59 with supportive services. Upon completion, Edgemere Commons will offer over 2,000 affordable homes, retail, community space, medical facilities, and outdoor public space.

“From our first meetings with community members, we knew that creating a development that met the needs of Edgemere residents meant delivering a quality grocery store,” said Dan Moritz, principal at The Arker Companies. “The addition of ShopFair to Edgemere Commons will help eradicate a food desert and make healthy, nutritious food more accessible for the community.”

“Today’s announcement brings us one step closer to helping revitalize the Edgemere community and turn the vision of Edgemere Commons into reality,” said David Schwartz, principal at Slate Property Group. “ShopFair is a grocery store that the Far Rockaway community already knows and loves, and we’re looking forward to its grand opening next year.”

“The signing of a lease for a supermarket in Edgemere Commons is a major milestone in the effort to create a first-class, affordable, mixed-use development in the Rockaways,” said Queens Borough president Donovan Richards Jr. “The days of the Rockaways being a food desert are coming to an end, as this supermarket represents a significant investment in the fight against food insecurity. Thank you ShopFair Supermarkets, and welcome to the neighborhood!”

“Every community deserves high-quality, affordable food options,” said councilmember Selvena Brooks-Powers, NYC Council Majority Whip. “We know there is a correlation between chronic diseases and the lack of nourishing food options. With today’s announcement I am excited our community will welcome a new supermarket, which will greatly benefit the residents of this development and the greater Rockaway community. I thank the developers for delivering on their commitment and look forward to the opening of a new ShopFair.”

Greg Parassio of Booth Capital Advisors represented ShopFair Supermarkets in the deal.

“ShopFair is excited to bring a fourth location to the Far Rockaway community,” said Anibal Rodriquez, owner and operator of ShopFair Supermarkets. “We’re thankful to the whole Edgemere Commons team and Greg Parassio at Booth Capital Advisors for helping make this happen, and we can’t wait to see the excited faces of community members when they walk through our doors.”