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|
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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|
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Nearly 1,000 Affordable Homes Approved for the Bronx Amidst Historic Housing Crisis

City Council Votes 47-0 to Approve Community-oriented Development by
Long-time Property Owners Simone Development

City Leaders Applaud Effort that Will Create Needed Housing on Underutilized Site and
Open the Bronx River Waterfront to the Community

Bronx, New York – September 28, 2023 – The City Council today took its most significant action so far this year to address the urgent and growing housing crisis, voting 47-0 to approve a proposal by Simone Development that will create 970 permanently affordable homes in the Bronx. It is among the largest affordable housing applications approved to-date in 2023.

“As an organization that cares deeply about the borough that we have called home for decades, we are grateful for the opportunity to not only help address our housing crisis, but also connect our community to its beautiful waterfront,” said Patricia Simone, principal of Simone Development. “We applaud Chair Salamanca, Speaker Adams, members of the City Council, Mayor Adams, and Borough President Gibson for their leadership and action to create new, high-quality affordable homes for our neighbors.”

Simone Development, a Bronx-based company with a rich legacy of driving economic development in the borough, has owned the site for three generations and is expected to invest approximately $500 million in the development along the Bronx River. The development will consist of apartments thoughtfully designed to cater to diverse needs and family sizes, with studios, one-bedroom units, two-bedroom residences, and three-bedroom homes.

“I am thrilled that Simone Development’s proposal to bring 970 affordable housing units to the Bronx has been approved. This transformative project will help address our City’s ever-growing housing crisis by providing truly affordable residential units to working class individuals and families, and will also bring new life to the underutilized land that has gone untouched within my District,” said New York City Council Member Rafael Salamanca. “I would like to thank Speaker Adams, my City Council colleagues, and Mayor Adams for their dedication to helping us see this project over the finishing line, and I look forward to seeing the positive change that this development will bring to my community.”

“We need all hands on deck to address the shortage of high quality affordable housing in our city and Simone Development is stepping up with a transformative vision for this transit-oriented site along the banks of the Bronx River,” said HPD Commissioner Adolfo Carrión Jr. “Congratulations to the development team and the City Council for moving this plan forward – we look forward to collaborating with Simone to bring nearly 1,000 new affordable homes and more open space to this growing part of The Bronx.”

It’s expected that a portion of these new homes will be deeply affordable and accessible to individuals earning up to $49,000 a year, with others available to individuals earning a range of incomes up to $108,000 a year, including essential workers such as firefighters, teachers, and union laborers. Simone Development has been working closely with the community throughout this process and will continue to do so as it engages with key stakeholders and financing agencies to develop a mix of affordability that reflects the community’s goals.

In addition to providing much-needed affordable housing, this project will create over an acre of new public open space along the Bronx River. The development will include an amphitheater, a pedestrian promenade, river overlooks, outdoor dining and seating areas, native plantings, bio-swales, and connections to neighboring parks and greenways. It is a testament to Simone Development’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for the Bronx community and ensuring that residents have access to green, recreational spaces within the city.

The proposed development will consist of three buildings, each designed to harmonize with the surrounding neighborhood’s architectural aesthetics.
Historically, the Proposed Rezoning Area has been home to industrial and transportation-related uses. The site at 1460 Sheridan Boulevard housed several railroad companies, including a powerhouse and other operational facilities during the early 20th century. The existing building on this site was constructed in 1965 and later used as an ironworks facility in the 1970s. Similarly, 1480 Sheridan Boulevard was occupied by a coal and lumber yard during the first half of the 20th century and later used for concrete slab manufacturing, welding, and automobile repair. The existing buildings on the site date back to 1924, reflecting the rich history of this location.

About Simone Development:
Simone Development is a family-owned and operated real estate company with a strong commitment to economic development in the Bronx. With a legacy spanning three generations, Simone Development has been a driving force behind transformative projects that enhance the Bronx community and provide vital resources such as affordable housing – including the Hutchinson Metro Center, one of the largest mixed-use developments in the region. This $500 million development at 1460-1480 Sheridan Boulevard reflects Simone Development’s unwavering dedication to creating positive change in the Bronx.

2023-12-21T15:03:42-05:00September 28, 2023|
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Mercy College Signs Long-Term Commitment to Bronx Campus at Simone Development’s Hutchinson Metro Center

Original Anchor Tenant at Borough’s Most Successful Commercial Development Extends Lease

BRONX, NY (May 11, 2023) – Simone Development Companies has signed a long-term lease renewal with Mercy College for 125,522 square feet of classroom, administrative and amenities space at 1200 Waters Place in the Bronx, renewing the institution’s commitment to the borough and the Hutchinson Metro Center, which they helped anchor more than 20 years ago.

James MacDonald, vice president of leasing at Simone Metro Properties, assisted by Sean Heneghan, assistant general counsel, represented the owners in the lease negotiations. Bill Cuddy and Greg Maurer-Hollaender of CBRE represented Mercy College in the renewal.
“Mercy’s lease renewal with Simone Development Companies for its Bronx Campus demonstrates the College’s confidence in the site to provide the best possible environment for our deserving students, staff and faculty,” said Mercy College President Tim Hall. “The Mercy College Bronx Campus will continue to offer state-of-the-art facilities and academic programs that lead to in-demand jobs. It will also position Mercy to continue to evolve to meet the workforce and educational trends of the future and strengthen the College’s impact in the Bronx community.”

The Mercy College Bronx Campus at the Hutchinson Metro Center provides a vibrant, diverse student population the opportunity to achieve their academic and professional goals in a dynamic and modern learning environment. The undergraduate and graduate degree and ceritifcate programs offered at the Bronx Campus prepare students for in-demand careers, so that they are hired soon after graduation.

Degree programs include nursing, childhood education, community health, gerontology, data analytics, health services management, criminal justice, cybersecurity and finance, among many others. State-of-the-art facilities, such as fully-equipped health and science labs and anatomage tables provide maximized opportunities for learning, while student-centered spaces such as the Veterans Lounge facilitate students’ positive assilimiation to college. A landscaped courtyard offers a serene setting for study and reflection in an otherwise bustling, New York City-borough. Partnerships between the Campus and Bronx community organizations and businesses have resulted in extensive and rewarding internship, clinical and volunteer opportunities, many of which are conveniently located for Mercy Bronx students.

“More than 20 years ago, Mercy College was instrumental in the development of 1200 Waters Place and the success of Simone Development’s Hutchinson Metro Center, transforming an underutilized, obsolete state hospital site that was closed off to the public into a vital part of the Northeast Bronx community,” said Joe Simone, president of Simone Development. “Today we are extremely gratified that Mercy has chosen to renew their commitment to our borough and our expanding development.”

In 2003, Mercy College became the second anchor tenant to commit to 1200 Waters Place, a three story, 433,286 square-foot new development that at the time was the first Class A office building developed in the Bronx in more than a decade. During the next 20 years, the 42-acre Hutchinson Metro Center became the most successful commercial development project in the history of the Bronx. The current center is a 1.4-million-square-foot mixed-use campus of office, medical, retail, hospitality and academic space. The Hutchinson Metro Center is currently home to over 80 leading businesses, healthcare and educational institutions, and federal, state and city agencies, employing over 8,000 people and welcoming more than 5,000 daily visitors.
In addition to Mercy College, other major tenants at 1200 Waters Place include The New Jewish Home, New York City Housing Authority, the Administration of Children’s Services, and a major federal agency.

About Simone Development Companies
Simone Development Companies is a full-service real estate investment company specializing in the acquisition and development of healthcare, mixed-use, office, industrial, retail and residential properties. Headquartered at the Hutchinson Metro Center, it boasts a portfolio of over 7 million square feet throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, Long Island, Westchester County, Orange and Fairfield Counties and New Jersey. With services spanning acquisition, development, construction, finance, asset management, accounting, leasing and property management, Simone Development Companies is set apart by its vertically integrated management team, long-term asset ownership and its pursuit of visionary development.

2023-05-15T10:34:10-04:00May 15, 2023|
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Joseph Simone of Simone Development Says Greenway to Enhance New York City’s Expanding Bike Lane Network

Bronx, N.Y. (May 1, 2023)—New York City’s expansion of the Harlem River Greenway will complement Simone Development Companies’ decision to build a greenway on its undeveloped property, said president Joseph Simone.

“Public greenways with dedicated bicycle paths will help private property owners develop new facilities for the growing life-sciences sector whose employees demand alternative modes of transportation,” said Joe Simone, president of Simone Development Companies.

On April 18, New York City launched a series of public-engagement sessions to plan the Harlem River Greenway expansion into the Bronx. The proposed seven-mile route will connect Randall’s Island at the southern tip of the Bronx to Van Cortlandt Park in the north, with a critical north-south bike commuting corridor.

Greenways are expanding throughout New York City, particularly in areas targeted for new development. At the Manhattanville Factory District in West Harlem, the construction of a three-block pedestrian greenway along buildings containing wet labs and offices provides the emerging innovation corridor with an attractive amenity for tenants and their employees.

Simone Development Companies is pursuing a similar strategy at its Hutchinson Metro Center in the Bronx. The Hutchinson Metro Center’s undeveloped southern section will include lawns, seating areas and a greenway through the center of the development. The complex already has a health club, hotel and bicycle trails running along the Hutchinson River Parkway.

“We’ve heard from employers that outdoor amenities like bike trails or landscaped plazas are becoming increasingly important to the top talent that they seek. Simone Development Companies is focused on designing optimal outdoor environments for its Hutchinson Metro Center expansion to accommodate this focus on public spaces,” said Megan Guy, Simone Development Companies’ senior vice president of development.

Simone Development Companies is a full-service real estate investment company specializing in the acquisition and development of healthcare, mixed-use, office, industrial, retail, and residential properties. Headquartered at the Hutchinson Metro Center, it boasts a portfolio of over 7 million square feet throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, Long Island, Westchester County, Orange and Fairfield Counties and New Jersey. With services spanning acquisition, development, construction, finance, asset management, accounting, leasing and property management, Simone Development Companies is set apart by its vertically integrated management team, long-term asset ownership and its pursuit of visionary development.

2023-05-02T09:35:29-04:00May 1, 2023|
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New York’s award of $13.5 million for carbon-neutral housing is motivating builders to embrace sustainable technologies, said Joseph Simone of Simone Development Companies

Bronx, N.Y. (April 5, 2023)—New York’s March 21 award of $13.5 million for low-carbon residential projects is motivating builders of affordable housing to incorporate the latest sustainable technologies, said Joseph Simone of Simone Development Companies.

“New affordable housing complexes often emphasize amenities like fitness and community rooms, but it is equally as important that builders consider the cost feasibility of climate-friendly measures like low-flow plumbing, LED light fixtures and geothermal heat pumps as electricity and natural gas prices rise,” said Joe Simone, president of Simone Development Companies.

Climate-friendly affordable housing made news on March 21 when New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the winners in the third round of the Buildings of Excellence Competition for the design, construction and operation of clean, resilient, and low-carbon or carbon neutral multifamily buildings. The competition supports New York’s goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 85 percent by 2050.

In New Rochelle, N.Y., Simone Development Companies and Stagg Group are building West View Apartments, a 186-unit affordable housing development for families whose income is at or below 60% of the area median income.

West View Apartments’ design embraces the spirit of the Buildings of Excellence Competition with sustainability measures that include compliance with Enterprise Green Community and Energy Star MFNC (multifamily new construction) standards, low-flow plumbing fixtures, LED light fixtures with motion sensors, dark-sky-compliant exterior light fixtures and the use of paint and sealants with low volatile organic compound emissions.

New Rochelle is in the midst of a transit-oriented development boom that has 25 significant downtown projects either completed or under construction. Simone Development Companies’ and Stagg Group’s West View Apartments tower will deliver a complex with all-affordable units to this dynamic residential market.

“We are proud to offer New Rochelle a lower-cost and amenity-rich residential opportunity that upholds the highest environmental standards while looking no different from the surrounding luxury towers. This building proves that climate-smart affordable housing is doable with careful planning,” said Megan Guy, senior vice president of development at Simone Development Companies.

Simone Development Companies is a full-service real estate investment company specializing in the acquisition and development of healthcare, mixed-use, office, industrial, retail, and residential properties. Headquartered at the Hutchinson Metro Center, it boasts a portfolio of over 7 million square feet throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, Long Island, Westchester County, Orange and Fairfield Counties and New Jersey. With services spanning acquisition, development, construction, finance, asset management, accounting, leasing and property management, Simone Development Companies is set apart by its vertically integrated management team, long-term asset ownership and its pursuit of visionary development.

2023-04-05T11:33:39-04:00April 5, 2023|
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