New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani‘s plan to open taxpayer-funded supermarkets is angering some immigrant business owners.
The New York Post reported on Tuesday, July 28, that the Multicultural Business Coalition’s (MBC) board voted to file a lawsuit against New York City claiming that the plan — which will see taxpayer-funded grocery stores offering a 30 percent discount on basic food items — is creating unfair competition.
According to a Thursday, July 30, Fox News Digital report, the group is also planning to sue Mamdani, 34, and begin legal action if the mayor does not respond or meet with the organization within the next three weeks.
“The [New York City] commissioner said this administration is open to speak to everybody, and they want to hear from everybody,” MBC chairman Frank Garcia told Fox. “So I’ve been waiting for a meeting for a couple of months. Why aren’t they having me?”
“We are ready to file the lawsuit if the mayor doesn’t meet with us,” he added.
MBC was formed earlier this year in response to Mamdani’s grocery policy. According to the Post, it represents Asian, African, Caribbean, Hispanic, Middle Eastern and Jewish-owned businesses in New York.
The mayor spoke about his plans earlier this week, with NYC.gov stating that New Yorkers will save an average of about $90 a month, or roughly $1,000 a year.
“Every week, New Yorkers walk into a grocery store hoping the prices haven’t gone up again,” said Mamdani. “A trip to the grocery store shouldn’t spell dread for New Yorkers.”
“That’s why we are guaranteeing a 30% discount on the most common and most critical groceries for families across the five boroughs — including eggs, milk, chicken and fresh fruits and vegetables,” he added. “In a city that’s defined by unpredictability, you deserve stability — no matter what aisle you’re in.”
However, some store owners think the plan puts them in jeopardy.
“Having items that sell for 30% less than our prices, means nobody will go to our stores,” Radhames Rodriguez, president of the United Bodegas of America told the Post.
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