Mamdani’s East Harlem grocery store site already got $25M in NYC taxpayer funds
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s Controversial Plan for a City-Owned Grocery Store in East Harlem
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has proposed a $30 million city-owned grocery store in East Harlem, set to be located at La Marqueta, a market under the elevated Metro North tracks on Park Avenue. This plan has raised eyebrows as the site was already approved for a $25 million public upgrade nearly a decade ago, bringing the total cost of the project to a staggering $55 million.
The new grocer aims to offer competitive prices as it won’t have to pay rent or taxes, unlike neighboring stores. However, concerns have been raised about the high cost of the project. The City’s Economic Development Corporation had previously approved a project to revamp La Marqueta with amenities like a playground, a dog park, outdoor seating, and a market offering fresh produce and grocery items.
Experts like Stephen Zagor have criticized the $30 million price tag for the new grocery store, especially considering the additional $25 million allocated for La Marqueta’s redevelopment. The lack of transparency around the project has also drawn criticism from local business leaders.
The EDC’s proposal includes features like a parking lot with charging stations for electric vehicles, sparking further questions about the target market for the store. Mamdani has allocated a total of $70 million for five city-owned stores, with each store averaging $10 million in costs except for the East Harlem location.
Despite the controversy, Mamdani has also announced plans for a public grocery store in the Bronx, further fueling concerns over the disparity in costs between different locations. The EDC has confirmed that the $30 million for the East Harlem store and the $25 million revamp project are separate investments.
The project at La Marqueta has faced delays due to the pandemic and MTA capital improvement projects, leaving tenants like the Urban Garden Center uncertain about their future. The EDC is working with the community to ensure the public grocery store benefits residents and strengthens neighborhood food access.
