When will mall construction finish?

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Broadway Plaza, the mall housing several big box stores near the intersection with West 230th Street, is expanding, but the building’s owner is not saying when the construction will be complete.

The main part of the mall, housing a Sports Authority, TJ Maxx, Party City, Aldi Food Market and other stores, opened in the fall.

Recent weeks have seen rapid construction on a large addition and signs advertising a Blink Fitness and a Starbucks.

Both the mall’s owner, Equity One, and construction workers at the site declined to state when the construction is scheduled to end or what other stores are coming to the neighborhood.

Borough officials have been unhappy with the mall to date.

Earlier this year, Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. accused Equity One of not hiring enough Bronxites. At the time, the real estate investment company insisted a majority of jobs inside the mall have gone to people who live in the borough. A job fair at Kingsbridge Library last year featured representatives from stores at the shopping center.

In a recent phone interview, Marlene Cintron, president of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, echoed Mr. Diaz’s criticism. She said local unions showed her organization information indicating Equity One has hired people from Long Island for construction in spite of a promise to hire Bronxites.

Ms. Cintron also criticized the appearance of the mall, saying, “The structure itself is very unattractive and uninviting. Anybody who is driving by just sees a grey structure with no windows and no feature of interest.”

She also said Broadway Plaza should house local businesses, not just chain stores.

Throughout the day, a steady flow of foot traffic trickles to and from the mall. But a supervisor at Sports Authority said business has been a bit slow since the store opened in October.

“It’s okay. It’s been picking up gradually,” said Cristina Alvarado. “A lot of people don’t know that we’re here, but I think when the gym opens, we’ll see more people.”

As for still vacant retail space at Broadway Plaza, Ms. Cintron hopes people in the community voice their preferences.

“It’s really and truly up to the community to determine what their needs are and express those to the developer,” Ms. Cintron said. “If they don’t find what is being put in there as something that’s worth their time and money, then certainly, they have other choices.”

Broadway Plaza, Equity One, Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, construction, Daniel Ynfante

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