'Wasteful distraction': Experts slam Mamdani's taxpayer-funded grocery stores

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's plan for city-owned grocery stores faces criticism from economists and business owners, who argue it could harm small grocers and burden taxpayers. The initiative, part of a larger redevelopment project in the Bronx, aims to lower food costs but is seen as a 'wasteful distraction' by critics like Adam Lehodey of the Manhattan Institute. A second store is planned for East Harlem, despite existing grocery options in the area.