A planned 215,000-square-foot Wal-mart in Monsey continues to draw community ire more than two years after it was unveiled. The community of 28,000, mostly Hasidic Jews, say the store will disrupt their lives. They say they are fearful for the safety of families walking to synagogue. They wonder if frowned-upon items like bikinis and lingerie will be on display for all to see. They worry the outsiders who shop there will transform the atmosphere of the quiet, sheltered community.
"The reason a lot of us came to live in Monsey is because we wanted to raise our families in a safe place, away from the influences of the outside world," resident Yossi Weinberger told the New York Times. "I'm not sure it will be easy to do it if we have such a gigantic piece of the outside world move to our town."
Wal-Mart public affairs manager Philip Serghini has visited the community at least six times since October, according to the Times. He has also met in private with about two dozen rabbis to explain the company's proposal and to listen to their concerns.
The nation's largest retailer has heeded to public concern before, and sometimes hires local architects to meld stores into particular landscapes. Company officials say they have already agreed to conceal magazine covers that may be deemed offensive, such as ones with celebrities in provocative attire.
"The rabbis have a lot of concerns, and some of them are similar to those we've heard from other communities," Serghini told the Times. "But there are very specific elements to this experience. Definitely, this is the most unique place I've ever been to."
The planned Wal-Mart Supercenter would occupy a 22-acre site on Route 59, about three miles from access ramps to the New York State Thruway.
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