The company released a statement saying, "Wal-Mart today announced that we were unable to agree upon economic terms for a project in East New York. We remain committed to bringing new economic development and shopping options to New York City, especially in the neighborhoods that need them most. Two things remain constant: most New Yorkers want us here and we remain interested in providing more convenient access to Walmart for local residents. We appreciate all our supporters: the Mayor's office, Borough President Markowitz, Reverend Youngblood and countless others in and outside East New York, who helped us strengthen local relationships and build bridges with the community. In addition to providing good jobs and affordable groceries, residents want a retailer in Brooklyn that would hire and buy local, and look to make a positive economic impact by hosting job fairs, workforce development initiatives and supplier summits. Wal-Mart will continue to evaluate local opportunities across all five boroughs."
Stuart Appelbaum, the President of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) released a statement on the Announcement of Related Companies and Shop-Rite Agreement for Gateway II saying, "Once again, the people of New York City have said no to Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart's destructive ways of doing business hurt communities, the environment and working people. New York has shown again that it expects better than Wal-Mart."
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