GOP comptroller hopeful says NYC's municipal grocery plan could cost $206 million

A financial review prepared by GOP comptroller candidate Joseph Hernandez puts the cost of Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s municipal grocery venture at $206 million over the first three years. The breakdown includes $70 million for building the stores, $106 million for ongoing operating expenses and an estimated $30 million in revenue loss for surrounding bodegas and grocery outlets. Hernandez warned that about 450 local shops could each see average losses of $22,250, and up to 67 might be forced to shut down.

The Multicultural Business Coalition, which recently filed a lawsuit challenging the plan, argued the government-run stores would unfairly compete with private businesses. A former co-owner of a supermarket chain described the spending as an irresponsible use of taxpayer money, while city officials have yet to release projections on potential consumer savings or store revenues. Hernandez is contesting incumbent Democratic Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli in the November 3 election.