March of Dimes Westchester/Fairfield Real Estate Awards Breakfast Honors Susan Fox and Mark Stagg

L-R Joseph Simone, Simone Development Companies; Annette Trotta-Flynn, March of Dimes; Susan Fox, White Plains Hospital; Patricia Valenti, Newmark, Mark Stagg, Stagg Group; Tara Rosenblum, News 12 Network

March of Dimes Westchester/Fairfield Real Estate Awards Breakfast Honors Susan Fox and Mark Stagg

Event Breaks Fundraising Record

(Westchester, NY) November 14, 2025 – March of Dimes NY/NJ Market, the leading organization fighting for the health of all moms and babies, honored Susan Fox, President & CEO of White Plains Hospital and Regional Senior Vice President for the Hudson Valley, Montefiore Einstein, received the Martin S. Berger Lifetime Achievement Award which was presented by Joseph Simone, President of Simone Development Companies who is a past recipient of the award.

Mark Stagg, Founder & President of Stagg Group, received the prestigious March of Dimes Real Estate Award. The award was presented by Adolfo Carrion Jr., Deputy Mayor of New York City for Housing and Economic Development and Workforce. The 2025 Westchester/Fairfield Real Estate Awards Breakfast was held on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at Brae Burn Country Club in Purchase, NY.

The event brought together leaders from the real estate and construction industries to celebrate those making an incredible impact on their communities while supporting the mission of March of Dimes – fighting for the health of all moms and babies. The 38th annual breakfast drew nearly 500 attendees and raised over $1.3 million, a new record, to support March of Dimes research, programs, and advocacy that improve maternal and infant health outcomes.

Susan Fox has been recognized as one of Westchester County’s most influential executives and a visionary leader in healthcare transformation. Over the past decade, she has led White Plains Hospital through a period of extraordinary growth, forging strategic partnerships, recruiting top clinical talent, and expanding access to care across the Hudson Valley. Under her leadership, the hospital has become a tertiary care hub for Montefiore Health System and a regional leader in advanced healthcare delivery.

“It is an honor to be recognized by the March of Dimes. For more than 25 years, the March of Dimes and White Plains Hospital have partnered to advance maternal and infant health, and we are so grateful for their research and support which continues to help make the lifesaving work in our NICU possible,” said Fox. “I would also like to congratulate Mark Stagg on receiving the Real Estate Award, and thank him for his tireless work within our community.”

Mark Stagg has been creating homes for nearly 30 years. Through his leadership of the Stagg Group, he has built more than 5,000 market rate and affordable housing units, with more than 3,000 additional units in the pipeline. His projects, including The Riverdale Tower in the Bronx, West View Apartments in New Rochelle, and Whitlock Point in the Bronx, reflect his unwavering commitment to providing high-quality, affordable housing for working families. His philanthropy extends beyond his business, supporting community causes such as Thanksgiving food drives, Camp Bronx, and the continued expansion of White Plains Hospital.

“On behalf of Stagg Group and my family, we are humbled to be recognized for our work in the real estate community and for our support of the March of Dimes,” said Stagg. “We also want to congratulate Susan Fox and thank all of the sponsors for their support of the important work that the March of Dimes does to improve health conditions for all mothers and infant children.”

The Westchester/Fairfield Real Estate Awards Breakfast was emceed by News 12 Network’s Emmy Award-winning Anchor/Host/Reporter Tara Rosenblum and co-chaired by Patricia Valenti, Executive Managing Director for Newmark, and Don
Bucci, Managing Director for JLL. “It is my honor and privilege to serve as co-chair of the March of Dimes Westchester/Fairfield Real Estate Awards Breakfast and to
have the opportunity to support the important mission of ensuring babies have the best possible start,” said Valenti.

This year’s event sponsors include the Kylie and Louis R. Cappelli Foundation, Stagg Group and White Plains Hospital, along with many other corporate and community supporters.

About March of Dimes
March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. We support research, lead programs and provide education and advocacy so that every baby can have the best possible start. Building on a successful 80-year legacy of impact and innovation, we empower every mom and every family. Visit marchofdimes.org or nacersano.org for more information. Visit shareyourstory.org for comfort and support. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

2025-11-21T10:52:15-05:00November 14, 2025|

Simone Development Companies, Montefiore Einstein Hospital, and Yondr Honored by the Center for Educational Innovation

Executives Recognized for Work Advancing the Student Experience

NEW YORK , NY (September 18, 2025)Simone Development Companies, a full-service real estate investment company specializing in the acquisition and development of healthcare, mixed-use, office, industrial, retail and residential properties, was recently honored by the Center for Educational Innovation (CEI) at their annual gala at the Plaza Hotel in Manhattan.

Allan McLennan, Board Member, CEI; Dr. Michael Kohlhagen, President/CEO, CEI; Joe Simone, president of Simone Development Companies; Judy Roth Berkowitz, Chair Emerita, CEI; Patrick Duff, Chairman, Board of Directors, CEI; Gail Badillo, Board Member, CEI; and Dr. Meisha Porter, Visiting Senior Fellow, CEI. Photo by Don Pollard

Pictured left to right are: Allan McLennan, Board Member, CEI; Dr. Michael Kohlhagen, President/CEO, CEI; Joe Simone, president of Simone Development Companies; Judy Roth Berkowitz, Chair Emerita, CEI; Patrick Duff, Chairman, Board of Directors, CEI; Gail Badillo, Board Member, CEI; and Dr. Meisha Porter, Visiting Senior Fellow, CEI. Photo by Don Pollard

Joe Simone, president of Simone Development Companies, accepted the award on behalf of the organization for the company’s ongoing efforts to expand access to education and create opportunities for students in the Bronx.

“I’m deeply honored to accept this recognition from CEI on behalf of Simone Development Companies. We are proud to continue our support of initiatives that strengthen STEAM education and healthcare-focused programs in the Bronx and beyond, preparing the next generation for future success,” said Mr. Simone. “Thank you to CEI for this meaningful recognition and for your continued commitment to ensuring every child has access to a quality education.”

In addition to Simone Development, Montefiore Einstein Hospital was also recognized with awards presented to former Assemblyman Marcos A. Crespo, now continuing his advocacy for public health and quality of life as Senior Vice President of Community Affairs at Montefiore Einstein, and former Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., now Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives for the hospital.

Rounding out the honorees was Graham Dugoni, founder and CEO of Yondr, a pioneer in creating phone-free spaces. Yondr has partnered with thousands of schools across New York State to transform the school day experience and with venues worldwide to create phone-free concerts and events.

CEI is a nonprofit education organization located in New York City and a recognized leader in advancing meaningful reforms in public education. CEI’s mission is to make the school the center and driving force of public education reform and innovation, working directly with teachers, school leaders, and the community to create the schools their children need to succeed. CEI’s vision is to help build a public education system where every child has access to an excellent school.

2025-11-12T12:40:20-05:00September 18, 2025|

Supermarket Turned Warehouse Holds 53rd Annual Bronx Ball

A former Bronx supermarket at 1720 Eastchester Rd., recently redeveloped and converted by Simone Development Companies into a 190,000-square-foot warehouse and distribution center in the Morris Park section of the Bronx, was once again transformed, this time into a ballroom to host the 53rd Annual Bronx Ball. The event marked the culmination of borough-wide Bronx Week
Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson and The Bronx Tourism Council co-hosted the event, one of the highlights of Bronx Week and the official celebration of this year’s inductees to the Bronx Walk of Fame. Rhonda James of E218 Events Management; Ralph Mercado of Ralph Mercado Enterprises; and Ruben Rodriguez of Havana Catering collaborated on the Bronx Ball interior transformation.
“For a long time, the East Bronx has had a critical need for new, modern last-mile warehouse distribution centers to serve the growing delivery needs of the well-established residential communities in the area,” said Joe Simone, president of Simone Development Companies. “We are honored that the organizers recognized this transformation and selected our property to host the annual Bronx Ball.”

https://www.connectcre.com/stories/supermarket-turned-warehouse-holds-53rd-annual-bronx-ball/

2025-06-09T16:13:39-04:00May 27, 2025|

Leading Furniture Maker Anthony Lawrence-Belfair Signs New Lease at Simone Development’s 1200 Zerega Ave. in the Bronx

1200 Zerega Avenue Bronx

BRONX, NY (October 24, 2024) – Simone Development Companies has announced that Anthony Lawrence-Belfair, a leading furniture company specializing in the manufacturing, distribution, repair, and restoration of furniture and home goods, has signed a long-term lease for 25,214 square feet of warehouse space and 19,312 square feet of land at 1200 Zerega Ave. in the Bronx. The new space will serve as a showroom and studio, supporting the company’s relocation from Long Island City.

Simone Development was represented by in-house leasing and legal teams alongside Mat Diana of DY Realty, while Anthony Lawrence-Belfair was represented by Helen Paul of Cushman & Wakefield and Joseph Caputo of Exit Realty Premier.

“With its strategic location, ample outdoor storage options, and flexible space configurations, 1200 Zerega Ave. is an ideal fit for companies like Anthony Lawrence-Belfair,” said Josh Gopan, Vice President of Leasing for Simone Development Companies. “The property offers quick and easy access to major highways and public transportation, making it a highly attractive choice for businesses looking to optimize their operations and better serve their customers.”

The lease secured the final warehouse and ground floor space offered at 1200 Zerega Ave. The property has a remaining 12,891 square feet of office space available on the second floor, which comes with over 12,000 square feet of parking, a dedicated elevator, and four sides of window frontage. The building is conveniently located near the #6 subway line, multiple bus routes, and major highways including the Hutchinson River Parkway, the Bruckner Expressway, and the Cross Bronx Expressway.

2024-10-29T09:34:43-04:00October 24, 2024|

Simone Development Companies Signs Another Full-Building Lease with Fastenal Company, North America’s Largest Fastener Distributor

1385 Commerce Avenue Bronx, NY

Company Snaps Up 10,347 SF Warehouse Property in Westchester Square Section of The Bronx

BRONX, NY (October 23, 2024)Simone Development Companies announced that the largest fastener distributor in North America, Fastenal Company, has signed a 10,347-square-foot, long-term warehouse lease at 1385 Commerce Avenue in the Bronx, NY.

Simone Development Companies was represented by in-house leasing and legal teams while Fastenal Company was repped by Mathew Diana of DY Realty.

Fastenal will use the building for warehouse space and storage of construction and hardware materials, as well as ancillary office space. The deal marks the most recent lease for the company at a Simone property. In 2023, Fastenal Company signed a long-term lease for 7,100 square feet at Simone Development’s nearby 1448 Ferris Place in the Bronx, NY.

Fastenal is a diverse company that provides a variety of services to different organizations: an expert consultant, a logistics company, a technology provider, and more generally a distributor of wide-ranging industrial and construction products.

“We are thrilled that Fastenal Company has once again chosen a Simone Development property for their latest expansion,” said Josh Gopan, Vice President of Leasing at Simone Development Companies. “The building’s excellent condition and accessible location with proximity to major highways and public transportation make it a perfect fit for Fastenal.”

The street-level property is in move-in condition and offers 20-foot ceiling heights, two drive-in doors, and heavy power. It is a short walk from the Westchester Square #6 subway station and convenient to the Cross Bronx and Bruckner expressways.

2024-12-11T13:22:15-05:00October 23, 2024|

Arsen’s Gym Leases 9,000 SF at Simone Development Companies’ 316 Courtland Avenue in Stamford, CT

STAMFORD, CT – October 8, 2024 – Simone Development Companies has announced that Arsen’s Gym has signed a new, long-term lease for a 9,000 square-foot fitness facility at 316 Courtland Avenue in Stamford, CT. The new gym is Arsen’s sixth location and will feature a range of equipment, including cardio machines, boxing bags, free weights, and cable machines.

Arsen’s Gym signs lease at 316 Courtland Ave property

Simone Development Companies was represented by in-house leasing and legal times along with Kevin Langtry from RM Friedland, who also represented the tenant in the lease.

“We are very pleased to welcome Arsen’s Gym to our property at 316 Courtland Avenue,” said Josh Gopan, Vice President of Leasing for Simone Development Companies. “This addition complements our existing fitness-oriented tenants at the property, including Advanced Therapy & Performance and Empowered Aerial Fitness. Arsen’s Gym is a valuable asset to the local community and will enhance the overall fitness landscape and offering in the area.”

The new lease brings occupancy to 95% at the property, with just two remaining spaces available for 2,508 square feet and 3,500 square feet, respectively. The 115,453-square-foot building offers flexible layout options, an elevator to the second floor, and abundant parking with 243 spaces. 316 Courtland Avenue is also conveniently located just a mile from I-95 and a half-mile from the Glenbrook train station.

2024-10-15T11:27:54-04:00October 8, 2024|
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