[Lincolnparkdc] Save Mott's Market Coalition: Updated FAQ

Wed Apr 6 18:17:39 EDT 2022

Hi neighbors,

Passing along a quick update from the Save Mott’s Market Coalition:

In less than a week, the Save Mott’s Market (SMM) coalition has grown from
a simple dream to a functioning coalition. With over 100 members ranging
from current Capitol Hill residents to former neighbors that have since
moved away, the group is committed to preserving a small bit of our
community’s rich history.

Growing so quickly, we recognize that there are some questions that might
not have been answered yet. We hope this brief FAQ will allow for more
transparency in the progress that has evolved over the last week.

*I'm not familiar with the market, what does this market mean to the
neighborhood?*

For more than a century, Mott’s Market has served our community as a
pantry, gathering place, and safe haven for neighbors of all ages and
backgrounds. From being a favorite among kids for an after school snack, to
being a critical resource during snow storms and pandemics, our corner
market has watched generations of families grow up and has enriched our
neighborhood's history. The corner market represents a way of life that is
disappearing on Capitol Hill. We have lost many similar markets in the past
decade and recognize that we can’t let this moment pass us by.

*Who started this initiative and why?*

The beginnings were organic but can be traced back to a few casual porch
discussions among neighbors. After coming to the conclusion that multiple
neighbors dreamed of saving the Market, we decided to try to make it a
reality.

*What is the goal of the Save Mott's Market Coalition?*

Our goal is simple, to save the corner market. But what does that mean in
tangible terms? The SMM coalition is banding together to purchase the
property through a multi member LLC. Neighbors that are interested in
investing to purchase the property together have been meeting every other
night for the last week to walk through the nuts and bolts of how this
agreement will work.

*Wow, 100 members! Are they all investors?*

Currently about 20 members have signed up to be investors at various dollar
amounts. The rest of the members have been active in the communications
effort.

*How can I learn more about becoming an investor?*

Meeting details have been sent out to folks that have registered on our
website, SaveMottsMarket.com. We welcome interested parties to join us at
our next virtual meeting on Thursday, April 8th at 8pm. You can also email
SaveMottsMarket at gmail.com to set up a one-on-one meeting to learn more. We
are also having a grassroots meeting tonight, April 7th at 8pm to discuss
communications efforts such as lawn-signs and stakeholder outreach for
those not interested in investing.

*Who will run the market?*

If successful in purchasing the property, the LLC will work to preserve the
lower level of the property as a corner market by renting the space to a
viable retailer that shares the community’s vision. The LLC does not intend
to run the market.

*What about the upstairs unit? Will that be turned into retail space?*

No, the upstairs will remain a residential rental unit.

*What will the market look like? Can I buy fancy cheese and toilet paper?*

We have been approached by multiple neighbors and local businesses that
have interest in running the market. But while it is fun to dream about
what color awning the market might have or milk selection the market might
offer, we must keep our eye on the prize: purchasing the property. The LLC
terms are simple, the group must rent the lower half of the property to an
entity that will maintain the space as a corner market. The benefit of
having a multi member LLC made up of a group of neighbors is that any
decision on what entity will be allowed to rent the space will need to be
approved by the members rather than one individual.

*I don’t have money to invest but I have a lot of thoughts about the
market. Where can I share these thoughts?*

We truly intend for this to be a “for the community, by the community”
effort and welcome feedback from all neighbors. While we don’t intend to
micromanage the market owners, whomever they end up being, we do intend to
solicit feedback from the community in determining what sort of retail
market we should choose to occupy the space. The goal is to select a
retailer that can not only revitalize the space (perhaps add a coffee and
prepared food section) but also maintain the simplicity of a corner market
by continuing to sell basic sundries such as toilet paper and food
essentials. Please feel free to submit any thoughts to
SaveMottsMarket at gmail.com and stay tuned for a more formal comment form on
our website if/when the purchase is successful.

*Will the new store still sell beer and wine?*

We hope so! But again, this is TBD.

*If Mott's couldn't survive, what makes you think a new market would?*

In addition to preserving the corner market, we also intend to revitalize
the space and select a retailer that can expand the offerings. We intend to
select a retailer that could provide some prepared food, coffee, and baked
goods alongside the corner store staples. Our research indicates that this
will allow for a higher profit-margin.

*Have more questions?*

There are many questions that simply don't have answers yet, but we will
try to address questions as they pop up. We welcome you to submit questions
to SaveMottsMarket at gmail.com and join us for our nightly virtual meetings.
Don't be shy, all are welcome.

-- 
Kind regards,

*Jordan Ashley LaCrosse*
(239)272-4343
jordan.a.lacrosse at gmail.com <jalacros at gmail.com>
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