Meeting To Explore Uses For Former New Lebanon Supermarket

by Fidel Moreno
A community meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 13, at 7 pm at the New Lebanon Library to explore establishing a local food co-op and a community activities and meeting space at the site of the former New Lebanon Supermarket, which closed recently.
The former grocery store site has 8,000 square feet, freezers, refrigeration, a commercial food prep area, easy and accessible parking and is available for lease. Several community members and a local non-profit organization have been conducting some preliminary research, and it seems the present owner, Mr. Mooney, is open and interested in a proposal outlining use for a food co-op at the now empty site.
Some of the ideas to be explored are combining several community networks and non-profits, i.e. local community supported gardens and produce growers, local artists and crafters, teen groups, church youth groups and clubs (quilt club, slow food club, etc.) to create a multi-purpose mixed use commercial space to support a food co-op and possibly a performance space in a coffee house format for local musicians and performers.
The former grocery store site in New Lebanon is right on a busy major road, Rt. 20, in an already established mixed use, commercial, small mall area with existing businesses, a bagel shop, a bank and the post office. This already provides a steady stream of traffic; the site is accessible and has plenty of parking.
Some of the ideas for the mixed use site is a “Conscience Cinema” independent community film house, a local artspace/gallery for local artists to showcase their work, a teen center for local teen dances and youth related activities and a cafe and community kitchen operated and managed by youth and community members.
Organizers feel that given the 30-45 mile treks to Williamstown, Great Barrington and Pittsfield, MA, or Averill Park, Albany, Troy or Bennington, VT, for fresh, organic or pesticide free and nutritious foods is difficult and, with gas prices likely to rise, economically challenging for many local residents. Also food purchases in local convenience stores that double as gas stations can be costly.
Community input is welcome and encouraged! For more info, call 518-733-9227.