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

Wed Apr 6 19:58:54 EDT 2022

Can someone share the link for the 8 pm meeting?

On Wed, Apr 6, 2022, 6:36 PM mary ann <maryann.brazell at gmail.com> wrote:

> Thanks for the information. My one perspective (as the owner of the
> Cupboard  at 1504 at East Capitol) is these stores are difficult to manage,
> dealing with DCRA, ABRA, payroll, inventory, finding good employees etc is
> painful. We have had more than one employee who has been drinking on the
> job, smoking
> Pot, customers stealing etc.
>
> And if you can’t sell wine/beer- making a profit will be difficult. That
> is basically how we make $- plus our deli.
>
> Just be prepared for all the nuances and maybe find a consultant to help
> you out with the store logistics.
>
> Mary Ann
>
> On Wed, Apr 6, 2022 at 6:23 PM Eli Rosenfeld <rosenfeld.eli at gmail.com>
> wrote:
>
>> Also, please see attached if you haven’t seen the business plan yet.
>>
>>
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>> On Apr 6, 2022, at 6:20 PM, Jordan LaCrosse <jordan.a.lacrosse at gmail.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>> 
>>
>> 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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