No Wal-Mart in Albee Square

Opponents of a mega-development on the site of The Gallery Mall--sold this week at a $100 million profit by Thor Equities--won't have Wal-Mart to kick around. While the mall will be demolished to make way for a high-rise, both the city's Economic Development Corporation and the new owners have said no to Wal-Mart. An anti- Wal-Mart in Brooklyn coalition announced an agreement with Albee Development LLC that means Wal-Mart in the new development. According to the New York Press:

"On the issue of Wal-Mart, the developer and their representatives acted in a professional and responsible manner hearing our concerns about the devastating effect a Wal-mart would have in Brooklyn," stated UFCW Local 1500 President Bruce W. Both. "They have made it clear to us that there are no plans now, nor will their be in the future, to bring Wal-mart to the Albee Square Development."

The new plan is for a mixed residential and office tower with retail, totaling 1.8 million square feet. The battle should now shift to tax breaks requested by the new developers.