Mamdani’s East Harlem grocery store site already got $25M in NYC taxpayer funds years ago — setting stage for $55M boondoggle
Mayor Zohran Mamdani's plan to open a $30 million grocery store in East Harlem has raised concerns due to a prior $25 million investment in the same site. The total cost for the redevelopment of La Marqueta could reach $55 million, leading to skepticism from local business leaders. Critics argue that the project lacks transparency and may not effectively serve the community's needs.
- ▪The proposed grocery store would not pay rent or taxes, allowing for lower prices.
- ▪Local business leaders have expressed disbelief over the high costs associated with the project.
- ▪The East Harlem grocery store is part of a larger initiative that includes five city-owned stores across the boroughs.
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Business exclusive Mamdani’s East Harlem grocery store site already got $25M in NYC taxpayer funds years ago — setting stage for $55M boondoggle By Lisa Fickenscher Published May 27, 2026, 6:00 a.m. ET See more of our coverage in your search results. Add The New York Post on Google New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s plan to open a $30 million, city-owned grocery store in East Harlem is aimed for a site that was already approved for a $25 million public upgrade years ago – setting the stage for a bizarre boondoggle that has perplexed local business leaders, The Post has learned. La Marqueta, the food-focused market between East 111th and East 119th Streets under the elevated Metro North tracks on Park Avenue – is where Mamdani last month proposed to open a government-owned supermarket.
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