The City Council is set to hold a hearing about the possibility of Walmart opening its first store in New York City.

Walmart is hoping to open in the Gateway II Center in East New York, Brooklyn.

Opponents** say Walmart will hurt small businesses, but proponents say the store will provide jobs for New Yorkers and give them more affordable shopping options. Walmart tried to open stores in Queens and Staten Island 5 years ago but were unsuccessful.

Mayor Bloomberg has recently come out in support of the building of a Walmart.

Ahead of the City Council hearing, Good Day New York hosted a debate on the Walmart issue with City Councilman Eric Ulrich and Steve Barrison, the vice president of Small Business Congress of New York City.

**Supported by Make the Road New York (MRNY).

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