Developer: "There will be NO WAL-MART IN BROOKLYN..."

We receieved great news late last night that the Developer for the Albee Square project will not allow a Wal-Mart in the Gallery. Here is the Press Release we received from Local 1500...

States Largest Grocery Workers Union, Community Groups, Elected Officials and Faith Leaders Reach Historic Agreement: No Wal-mart in Brooklyn

On Thursday, February 8th at 1:00 P.M. United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1500 will join with community organizations, members of the New York City Council, the Working Families Party, State Senator Eric Adams, Faith Based Leaders, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz and other Unions to announce an historic agreement with the developers of the proposed Albee Square Mall that will exclude Wal-mart from the project.

Representatives of the coalition and Albee Development LLC reached an agreement late Wednesday evening. “On the issue of Wal-mart, the developer and their representatives acted in a professional and responsible manner hearing our concerns about the devastating effect a Wal-mart would have in Brooklyn,” stated UFCW Local 1500 President Bruce W. Both. “They have made it clear to us that there are no plans now, nor will their be in the future, to bring Wal-mart to the Albee Square Development,” concluded Both.

Despite the agreement, the protest against Wal-mart, not the development, will take place. Protesters scheduled to participate in addition to the U.F.C.W. are the Change To Win Union, Jobs With Justice, F.U.R.E.E (Families United for Racial and Economic Equality) the Working Families Party, the New York Central Labor Council, A.C.O.R.N., New York City Council Members Leticia James, Erik Dilan and David Yassky, State Senator Eric Adams, the Teachers Union, the Laborers Union and the RWDSU.

While unable to attend the rally due to a previous commitment, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz has been supportive throughout the process and instrumental in reaching an agreement.

While expressing praise for the agreement, Director of Special Projects for UFCW Local 1500 Patrick Purcell Jr. said there is still work to be done before Albee Square’s final plans are reached. “The developers representatives, keeping with their cooperative approach, have agreed to continue to meet with the coalition to discuss other issues such as affordable housing,” Purcell stated “All parties understand the win-win situation that come from accountable and responsible development and open communication between developers and the communities. The people in the community want and deserve a voice. We look forward to a continued open and positive dialogue,” Purcell concluded.