Chair Lee questions OMB on city-supported grocery stores development
Lee asks about the $70 million for city grocery stores, whether they'll be contractor-run, and workforce plans. Solomon says EDC is identifying sites including La Marqueta and Hunts Point, optimal program design is under consideration, and more information will be shared as progress is made.
Okay, and then lastly on the citywide grocery stores, FY27 Executive Capital Commitment Plan includes $70 million for the development of city-supported grocery stores.
As we've heard, two of the five proposed sites have been identified already, one at La Marqueta in East Harlem and the other at Hunts Point in the Bronx.
If the city plans to open up city grocery stores, is it going to be run by contractors or what are some of the other options that you're looking at?
In terms of the sites and spaces, we are looking at, you know, the EDC is looking at
spaces that make sense to house these sites across the city.
We obviously will have specifics at some point about any lease negotiations and specifics in terms of where they will exist.
I would say that optimal program design is still under consideration, but we are making sure that
We're looking at the parameters of store operations that EDC is looking at and to make sure that it also comports with what the vision is that was initially set forth.
We're making sure that we're committed to economic justice addressing the affordability.
Obviously, worker dignity and neighborhood visibility.
So we hope to make more progress and share more information soon.
That'd be great.
And if you could just let us know as things progress, you know, who's going to be selected, the type of workforce that you're going to be engaging in, all of those things would be great.
Certainly.
Okay.
I'm going to...
Okay.
Sorry, just another PSA.
We're moving the next two hearings into the committee room next door at 3.30 for those in chambers and listening via live stream.
So just wanted to let you guys all know that at some point we are going to have to get kicked out of this room and we'll move to the committee room to prepare for an event here tonight.