Hagaon Hacham Mordechai Eliyahu z.s.l.

The nation’s largest retailer is reportedly staking out its first Brooklyn location at the planned Gateway II shopping center at Jamaica Bay off Shore Parkway at Erksine Street. The City Council already approved the plans for the shopping center, clearing the way for the superstore to sign a lease.

But while many shoppers are excited about the plans – the nearest Walmart is at least a 30 minute drive away from central Brooklyn – some local politicians and labor unions are opposed to any plans to bring Walmart into the city.

“They will have the fight of their lives if they try to bring Walmart out here,” said Councilman Charles Barron (D–Canarsie). “To exploit workers the way they do is unconscionable.”

Area residents hoping that the new store could bring jobs to the area, however, are more hopeful. According to the Walmart Web site, full-time workers at its stores in New York make an average of $12.03 per hour – far more than the $7.25 minimum wage, and the company contributes to a combined Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plan.

Officially, Walmart is not confirming any plans for a New York City store, saying only that the company will “continue to evaluate potential opportunities here.”