New GreenStar Store in Collegetown? Members Will Decide!

Last Updated on Monday, 27 February 2012 17:32 Friday, 17 February 2012 16:29

There is some important news to share with member-owners of GreenStar - about an opportunity for the Co-op to open and operate a third store in Ithaca.

As you may have heard, the owner of the property at 307 College Avenue wants to replace the existing building there with a new, 6-story, mixed-use structure that would include a grocery store on the ground floor. The owner approached GreenStar, through me, and the Co-op's Council asked me to explore this possibility, which I have done with enthusiasm. It is important to note that both the Council and the Membership have endorsed a policy of supporting the expansion of the Co-op, through a larger, primary store and/or through the opening of satellite stores (such as the Oasis operation).

You may have seen a recent article in the Cornell Daily Sun, which made it appear that the decision for GreenStar to open a store at this Collegetown location has already been made. My emphasis to the Sun on the Co-op's democratic decision-making process was not clearly expressed in the article.

Here are some key facts:

- Ultimately, our member-owners will decide, in a vote (conducted at a special Membership Meeting and over a period of weeks), whether or not we will open a new store in Collegetown.

- The preliminary investigation and negotiations we are now involved in are intended to enable me to present a solid and detailed business plan to our staff, Council and membership for feedback, prior to any lease commitment. Given the research I have done thus far, as General Manager of GreenStar I along with the Management team believe that this project is a positive and solid business decision.

- The property owner's current development proposal requires a variance from the City's Board of Zoning Appeals, because it would not supply required, off-street parking (seeking instead to encourage car-free residency and shopping). Also, the site plan requires approval from the City's Planning Board. These decisions are expected over the next several months.

- A third store would not preclude the effort to expand and improve our West End store.

If this particular plan falls through, I believe Collegetown to be the ideal and most promising location for our next cooperative store front and will continue to explore possible locations.

Thank you for taking the time to read this notice! I believe the only way to operate a cooperative business is through complete transparency with our membership. Please feel free to contact me via email with any questions and feedback you have on this concept. And remember that when enough information is gathered, there will be membership meetings held to focus particularly on this subject, leading up to the voting process.

Yours in cooperation,

Brandon Kane,
General Manager, GreenStar Cooperative Market