By MIAWLING LAM National chains Petco and Bank of America and the casual dining restaurant Buffalo Wild Wings are negotiating leases to occupy space at Riverdale Crossing, the mall’s developer has confirmed. Metropolitan Realty Associates president Joseph Farkas last week revealed the three businesses were currently poring over leases to become future tenants at the $80 million yet-to-be-built mall, located on Broadway between West 236th and West 238th streets. Although rumors have swirled that the chains were interested in joining the center’s anchor tenant, BJ’s Wholesale Club, Farkas has not until now com-
mented on the leasing process. Speaking at the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation’s inaugural Bronx Commercial Investment Forum at the Hutchinson Metro Center last Friday, Farkas said while none of the three have signed on the dotted line, signs were promising. “We’re just negotiating leases. Nothing is finalized and there’s no guarantees, (but) we have a lease out with the national pet store, Petco, who is going to take approximately 9,500 square feet on the Major Deegan side of the project,” he said. “We also have a major bank—Bank of America—taking what we call our end cap on Broadway to round out some of the national names.”
Film shoot disrupts Riverdale
By MIAWLING LAM and PAULETTE SCHNEIDER It was the day Ben Stiller came to Riverdale to film his new feature film, but there was nothing funny about his visit. Nearly two-dozen cars were towed from Independence Avenue on Monday, June 18, to accommodate film crews shooting a remake of the 1947 film, “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.” According to several residents who live in the area, city officials began plastering fluorescent yellow “No Parking Tow Zone” signs along Independence Avenue from West 237th to West 246th streets around lunchtime on Monday. More than 100 spaces were set aside to facilitate filming and staging of equipment trucks. But with the tow-away zone effective from 10 p.m. that same evening, locals
acting as a leasing agent for Metropolitan Realty Associates. During the 10-minute presentation, Farkas also revealed more than 250 local trade contractors have submitted resumes and could eventually fill a portion of the 500 union construction jobs on offer. Residents first broached the idea of hiring locally during a Community Board 8 meeting earlier this year. As a result, Farkas said he took it upon himself to ensure Riverdale, Kingsbridge and surrounding areas reap the benefits of the development. Meanwhile, Farkas defended the name Riverdale Crossing after several residents voiced their displeasure that the mall neglected to reflect its true location. The former Stella D’oro cookie factory is technically located within the boundaries of Kingsbridge rather than Riverdale. Continued on Page 18
were given fewer than 10 hours’ notice. Because many residents were unaware of the signs, 22 cars were towed from two sections on Independence Avenue and relocated to nearby blocks, according to commanding officer of the 50th Precinct Captain Kevin Burke. When asked what time the signs were posted, Captain Burke said the NYPD’s Movie/TV Unit usually tries to provide at least 48 hours’ notice. Community Board 8 member Robert Press said he was outraged that residents were given so little notice. “I know Riverdale is a desirable place to shoot on location, but the community has to be notified more than 12 hours in advance,” he said. “Notices should also go up inside buildContinued on Page 18
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3 The RIVERDALE REVIEW • Thursday, June 21, 2012
Leases out at former Stella D’oro mall
Farkas said a lease has been sent to Buffalo Wild Wings, a themed restaurant chain that sells 40 different types of Buffalo wings. “It’s going to be a great place for families and youngsters in the neighborhood, and from afar, to come and get together to watch a lot of sports and get some good food and entertainment.” The Riverdale Review first reported that Petco, Bank of America and Buffalo Wild Wings were toying with the idea of coming to the northwest Bronx after various versions of a leasing brochure appeared on Ripco Realty’s website. Providing further fuel for speculation was a picture showing the Buffalo Wild Wings logo superimposed on a mock sign alongside the mall’s anchor tenant, BJ’s Wholesale Club. Ripco Realty is currently recruiting retailers to set up shop at the mall and is