Wal-Mart Foes Say East New York Is Pleasant Small Town; Big Store Not Needed

Azi Paybarah — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 14:06:03 -0400

The legal options to block Wal-Mart from opening a store in East New York are rather limited. So, opponents are trying to win (or hold onto?) public sentiment that the big megastore will drive smaller, well-liked stores out of business.

A labor-backed anti-WalMart group is out with a video today, featuring Councilman Charles Barron and other local residents talking about their appreciation for local store owners who go out of their way to help local residents.

The aim is to pressure Wal-Mart and the developer who is working with them, Related, to speak with local residents about their plans.

"As a New Yorker, I also value public dialogue, and was distressed to hear that your company has declined invitations to engage community members in public discussion," the group wrote in an automatic letter they hope supporters will send to the head of Related.

Wal-Mart has argued that when they've opened up stores, other businesses improved.

Politicker » Wal-Mart Foes Say East New York Is Pleasant Small Town; Big Store Not Needed

Wal-Mart Foes Say East New York Is Pleasant Small Town; Big Store Not Needed