Wal-Mart Developer Gives Up Plans for Monsey, NY Store

The National Realty and Development Corp. of Purchase, NY has notified Ramapo officials that it has decided to cease its two year effort to gain approval for the construction of a super sized Wal-Mart in the town’s Monsey section. While the notification, sent by facsimile, gave no explanation for the developer’s decision it is believed that broad opposition to the project among local unions, politicians and the area’s Orthodox Jewish population rendered the approval for the project unlikely.

The store was to have been a super Wal-Mart encompassing 215,000 square feet on land currently occupied by a defunct drive-in theatre. Wal-Mart representatives have not said if plans for the store either in Monsey or elsewhere, will continue to be pursued utilizing another developer.

Unions joined the opposition as a part of a continuing campaign against Wal-Mart for its anti-union practices, low wages and poor benefits. Most of the political opposition to the store centers upon the heavy traffic that local two-lane roads would be required to carry as well as the increased sewer requirements of the development. Local Jewish residents, comprising the majority of the population, are opposed for quality of life reasons.

We wish to apprise all of our members that UFCW Local 464A, along with our sister Local 1262, worked diligently in opposition to the approval of this Wal-Mart location. Many of our staff members and Monsey members participated on picket lines, rallies and appearances before the Zoning and Planning Boards. We extend a heartfelt thanks to our members and all others who helped us attain this great victory.