Mayor Zohran Mamdani Plans First City-Run Grocery Store in East Harlem

Mamdani announced plans to open the city's first municipally-operated grocery store at La Marqueta in East Harlem.

“MASPETH, Queens (WABC) -- New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani unveiled plans for New York City's first city-run grocery store at La Marqueta in East Harlem”

ABC7 New York

The administration plans to open five city-run stores, one in each borough, by the end of 2029.

ABC7 New York

The plan includes partnering with third-party operators to control pricing and labor.

The announcement came during Mamdani's 100 Days address in Queens.

Mamdani framed the initiative as a public option to counter rising food prices.

La Marqueta was first established by Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia in 1936.

Mamdani invoked LaGuardia's legacy in his announcement.

CBS News

Nearly 38% of East Harlem households received public assistance in the past year.

Councilwoman Elsie Encarnacion praised the plan.

Councilman Yusef Salaam called it a significant step toward fighting food insecurity.

The program's cost was estimated at $60 million.

“Skip to main content Politics & Policy Mamdani to announce new city-owned grocery store during 100-day speech Gift Article Share Expand”

Crain's New York Business

The East Harlem store would consume nearly half of the $70 million proposed.

The stores would operate without paying rent or taxes.

The plan raises questions about competition with private grocers.

The announcement was met with both enthusiasm and skepticism.

Mamdani's party included controversial figures such as Mahmoud Khalil.

National Today

Senator Bernie Sanders made a surprise appearance to endorse the plan.

Mamdani framed the initiative as a test of democratic socialism's ability to deliver.

He asked, if government can't do the small things, how could you trust it to do the big ones?