Walmart is reportedly eyeing the Bensonhurst waterfront for its first Big Apple store.
With opponents stalling the retail giant’s efforts to come to East New York, Walmart is now interested in another Brooklyn site, off Gravesend Bay between 34th and 35th streets, reported the Brooklyn Paper, citing the property’s broker.
But Councilman Domenic Recchia Jr., who represents Bensonhurst and surrounding neighborhoods, told the Post yesterday “there’s no way” Walmarts can work there.
“It’s just not big enough, said Recchia, who as local councilman has great influence over whether the City Council would back a zoning change for such a plan.
A Walmart spokesman said the company is looking at sites citywide but has no projects yet to announce.
Recchia said nearby streets like Shore and Bay parkways, and Cropsey Avenue, would not be able to handle traffic Walmart would bring – especially since developer Joe Sitt plans to bring a BJ’s Wholesale Club and additional retail to an adjacent property, and big-box chains Kohl’s and Best Buy are already a few blocks away at the Ceasar’s Bay shopping center.
Recchia said it’s his understanding that Walmart is still interested in opening a store at the planned Gateway II shopping center in East New York.