Clifton Market Archive
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August 27, 2017 11:48 AM
Clifton Market board erupts over future
ALEXANDER COOLIDGE | THE ENQUIRER
https://amp.cincinnati.com/amp/605165001
A Saturday owners meeting was called to discuss the market's future, which may include selling the store property at 319 Ludlow Ave. and leasing it back. But the meeting was immediately called illegal by other board members in a fiery Friday message sent to shareowners, obtained by The Enquirer.
"We are in danger of losing everything we have fought for over the last three years. A minority of Clifton Market Board Members are seeking to make radical changes to the Clifton Market organization at the Meeting that is to be held," the letter said.
Clifton Market on Ludlow Avenue opened in January. The site was home to Keller's
Market from 1939 to 2011.
THE ENQUIRER/CARA OWSLEY
The message quoted a legal opinion by the co-op's attorney, saying a formal
meeting could only be called by the board.
The letter accused board president Gary Crawford and member Ben Pantoja of "deceptive practices" in an effort to win approval to sell the market and lease it back. The letter objects to the move, saying the co-op would lose the main asset that secures most of the loans to the supermarket.
The letter urged shareowners to attend the meeting for informational purposes and to express their opposition to selling the property. The private meeting was scheduled to be held Saturday morning at the Esquire Theater.
Board member Marilyn Hyland said Crawford presented the sale idea at Saturday's meeting as an option, but no action was taken. She co-wrote the letter with other board members.
"It's not our Plan A – our Plan A is to raise more money," Hyland said, adding some shareholders at the meeting either pledged more money to support the co-op or wrote checks doing so.
Crawford and Pantoja could not be reached for comment Saturday.
Earlier this summer, Clifton Market officials confirmed the store was struggling since opening in January. Hyland said the store is doing less than half its projected $256,000 in weekly revenue.
Clifton Market competes with a newly-expanded Kroger 1.5 miles away in Corryville, which opened for business in March.
Previously Keller's IGA, community members reopened the 23,000-square-foot store as a co-op store owned by shareholders who paid in $200 a share.
In a letter sent to owners in late June, the co-op's board warned that weekly sales were "well below our long-term projections" and urged owners to buy more.
Clifton Market sales 'well below' projections
Video: Clifton Report July 15, 2015
Clifton Market secures 3 million in Loans
$700,000 needed from Community to start construction.
00:00 – 0:24 Clifton Market secured three million in bank loans.
0:24 – 0:42 Cliftionites have raised 1.4 million.
0:42 – 0:54 Clifton Market has $700,000 to raise through grants and loans.
0:54 – 1:38 After this money is raised it will take six months to open
the store.
1:38 – 1:53 Clifton Market has the time to raise the money but there are
always extensions.
1:53 – 2:19 Clifton Market has raised $350,000 in little over a month.
2:19 – 3:11 By becoming a shareholder for $200 you can loan to the market.
3:11 – Become an owner by going to cliftonmarket.com or come to the market.
Video: Clifton Report July 13, 2015
By Tom Lohre, Clifton Chronicle producer from winter 2008 to winter 2011 and
managing editor from spring 2009 to fall 2011, Clifton Market shareholder and
lender
Clifton Market remains a solution to a food desert since both Krogers are a
mile away if you consider a food desert is a full service grocery store a mile
away. A full service grocery store on Ludlow could raise property values at
least by the amount of shareholder loans in the $500- $2000 range, which make
up 43% of shareholder loans.
Clifton Market Press Conference 3 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, 2015 at the market.
Confirm the time on Wednesday at the market.
Who knows what the future will bring. Once Clifton Market is up and running
whose not to say fifteen years down the road they level the property and put
in a modern mixed use building owned by the community.
Confusion occurs when significant Cliftonites: trustees, board members and business
owners present their personal views at public meetings. Significant Cliftionites,
trustees and board members can have minions express their personal views to
avoid blurred lines.
Video of Clifton Town Meeting Monday, July 6, 2015
Police, Fire and Northside Farmers Market report missing.
This is a distilled transcrip, not exact, go to the video to hear the exact
words. This transcript in no way reflects the exact words. This transcript is
only for summery of the flavor of the meeting. Tom Lohre created this video.
He is not a member of CTM. He is a shareholder and lender of Clifton Market.
00:00 – 17:41 CliftonFest September 25, 26, 27, report from Pete Schneider,
28% percent increase in participants from last year, 46 vendors, 82% of vendors
want to return, Yoga on Sunday morning very popular, Survey showed need for
another beer booth, Restaurants were popular but participants want more food
on the street, Ludlow will now be closed on Saturday only, Music stage moves
to Ludlow and Ormand and will be the only music stage, Plaza will have other
events, Diggs Plaza will be the same, Many opportunities for sponsorship are
available, $5,000 profit from $35,000 event used to start this year’s
event
17:41 – 23:05 Defining CTM relationship to Ludlow 21, Ben Pantoja spoke
of the past and current relationship of CTM and Ludlow 21.
From the slide
Current state
- 2 CTM reps on Board of Ludlow 21 Working Group
- CTM communication often blurs relationship
- Ludlow 21 describes itself as:
- “working committee comprised of representatives from CTM, CBPA, Uptown
Consortium, and knowledgeable Clifton residents”
- “coalition of all the fundamental civic and business organizations in
this neighborhood”
- Implies influential, consensus voice for all Clifton
- Ludlow 21 may be changing soon what they want in the relationship, but need
to define today what CTM wants
Concerns about relationship
1. Ludlow 21’s lobbying of City Hall can be misconstrued as having CTM’s
support
- Ludlow 21 Zoning letter included comments dismissing concerns from Terrace
residents, causing residents to complain to CTM for “supporting the letter”
- CTM Executive Committee insisted “no more position papers”. Ludlow
21 refused. They said they will still send letters but will not mention CTM
in those letters.
o If there is a general perception that the organizations are linked, the letter
recipients may still assume CTM support.
- According to Sizemore and Hyland, when Jan Checco spoke at City Zoning meeting
she described herself as “part of CTM.”
23:05 – 23:20 Jan Checco said she said she was a member of CTM.
23:20 – 29:50 Ben went on to point out with slides
Concerns about relationship
2. Conflict of goals regarding grocery store
a) Data shows CTM, Clifton community, and Clifton businesses want a grocery
store on Ludlow
b) Ludlow 21 leaders have worked against Clifton Market grocery to allow development
that may not include grocery
2011, CTM to City Hall:
CTM’s goal is to promote a full-service grocery store that serves the
neighborhood from the Keller’s location – whether that is Keller’s,
or, in the event Keller’s is unable to reopen, another grocery store.”
2012, CTM to City Hall:
“I’m certain that you’ll continue to support the effort and
the financing package that has been recommended for Goessling’s Market
in Clifton.”
2014, CTM to City Hall
“the highest and best use for the property located at 319 Ludlow Avenue,
Cincinnati, Ohio 45220 is full service grocery retail…the solution could
be a grocery chain, an independent grocer, or a Food Coop. If the current building
is replaced, the solution could also be a mixed use property with a minimum
of 15,000 square feet of street level grocery retail in concert with a multi-story
co-occupant(s).”
Community/business interest in grocery store
Ludlow 21 Survey asked: “If Commercial Development is an option, what
kind of services would you wish to see?”
70+% of residents and 70+% of businesses chose “Food retail”
Survey asked, “What kind of food retail?” – Stores equal in
size to Clifton Market
70+% answered “Full service market like Fresh Market or Fresh Thyme”
Ludlow 21 leaders oppose the only current grocery store option
6/15 letter to City Hall from CTM Rep on Ludlow 21, Joyce Rich:
o “Please do not provide the co-op with a loan or any other funding.”
6/14 letter to City Hall from the other CTM Rep to Ludlow 21, Morgan Rich, after
identifying himself as a CTM Trustee, chair of CTM Business Committee, and founding
member of Ludlow 21:
“The Clifton Market proponents are a minority in Clifton, they just happen
to be very vocal and very organized. As a resident and community leader I am
asking you to vote against any city funds in support of this well-meaning but
misguided project.”
Ludlow 21 leaders oppose the only current grocery store option
Other:
-Records from phone call to Charlie Winburn’s office titled “Opposition
to the Clifton Market from Scott Crawford” (founding member of Ludlow
21) included “there was an alternative project for the Keller IGA site
that would have created condos, retail space, and more parking”
This “alternative” was not reviewed with the public. No stated commitment
to a grocery store.
- 1/26/2015 Next Door Clifton post from Ludlow 21 leader Jan Checco
- “it seems that the return of 22,000 sq ft of grocery/drygoods will put
our smaller stores in jeopardy. Along with more study of how mixed-use development
(that the mid-to-high range apartment/condos that are also greatly needed for
the empty nester Cliftonites, we must have a detailed and serious study of what
is really needed in our business district and at what scale.”
Summary of concerns about CTM/Ludlow 21 relationship
CTM should separate from Ludlow 21 for two reasons:
1. Lobbying by Ludlow 21 that is not subject to CTM review and approval
2. Conflicting goals regarding grocery store.
a. CTM, Clifton community, and Clifton businesses have demonstrated interest
in grocery store
b. Ludlow 21 leaders have demonstrated interest in stopping Clifton Market even
if there is no grocery store alternative.
Motion
Allow CTM support for specific Ludlow 21 efforts, but eliminate any appearance that CTM is formally connected to Ludlow 21
1. CTM is to no longer have official “representatives” on Ludlow
21. Trustees can volunteer for Ludlow 21, but they do as individuals.
2. CTM is to avoid any written communication that could create the appearance
that the organizations are linked such as “CTM wants your feedback on
these logos sent to Ludlow 21”. CTM could still announce Ludlow 21 events
but must word these announcements as if they were publicizing a meeting for
a separate organization.
3. Ludlow 21 is to cease referring to CTM as participating in its organization,
including references to “collaboration” with CTM or to being a “Working
Group” that includes CTM.
4. CTM may still choose to promote or fund Ludlow 21 events and other projects,
but would do so in the same way CTM might support CCAC projects with no suggested
overlap between the organizations.
29:50 – 31:53 Ben said we held back with this motion because of all the
good things Ludlow 21 does like: parking solutions, street beatifications and
programing on Clifton Plaza.
31:53 – 31:57 Motion seconded by Rama Kasturi
31:57 – 33:33 Tony Sizemore reiterated that CTM has a resolution that
the best use of the 319 Ludlow is a grocery store. We cannot vote on it because
so many of the Trustees are shareholders in Clifton Market. He said that anyone
who lives in Cincinnati has a right to a view.
33:33 – 34:55 Eric Urbas is worried about completely pulling out of Ludlow
21 is a wise decision. He thinks diversity on the board is critical. Maybe the
by-laws can be changed to accommodate a strong difference of opinion. So much
positive work has come out of Ludlow 21.
34:55 – 35:11 Ben reiterated avoiding that there is no appearance or perception
that our positons and viewpoints are aligned.
35:11 – 35:56 Shaun McCance questioned that we never had official representation
in Ludlow 21.
35:56 – 36:27 Ben said we did have official representation with the first
working group.
36:27 – 37:19 Morgan Rich asked if everyone got his email on Friday. Ludlow
21 is separating and incorporating. You can have a vote but it has already happened.
Four people out of probably fifteen working on Ludlow 21 are against the Market.
Ludlow 21 does not have complete consensus either. It is a little unfair to
say that Ludlow 21 is an organization whose sole purpose is to lobby against
all grocery stores.
37:19 – 38:06 Shaun said that if you are the official representative you
are not acting for yourself.
38:06 – 38:26 Ben reiterated that the first item is that we no longer
have two official representatives on Ludlow 21.
38:26 – 40:08 Mike Moran said, being on CTM for four years, Ludlow 21
has changed in an organic way. We have a right to descent. He would not be part
of this organization if he was muzzled. He thought this motion is over reaching
and not necessary. It does not foresee what happens five years down the road
when Ludlow 21 is working on something we cannot even comprehend now. It really
consists of one issue that is very contentious.
40:08 – 41:30 Mike Schur said his position that there needs to be some
clear defining separation. Ludlow 21 has grown into its own group has its own
members its own agenda and its own goals. He hopes that the two groups can be
aligned to do what is best for the Clifton community. He agreed with Mike Moran
that there is harm over formalizing this. We need to clarify the rules and move
towards two separate organizations.
41:30 – 43:54 Kevin Marsh said he was concerned about this motion from
the stand point of the future. Like Mike Moran said we don’t contemplate
what might happen when something formal like this gets passed. Also we spent
a lot of money on this Ludlow 21 report. Our arm to implement things in this
report was our business committee. It is amazing the successes that Ludlow 21
has had so far. And now we are saying we want to distance ourselves from those
successes. What is missing for me in this motion is what we are going to do
to implement the things in the Ludlow 21 report that we paid for. This feels
like it is half way there. It does not consider the future or that we invested
money. A lot of people give money and they come to these meetings and want to
know how we are spending that money. Even on the board we are negotiating how
we should spend our money. We spent a lot of money on this and it cannot go
on the shelf. Joyce and Morgan have been the spearhead in getting things done
for CTM. I do not think there is anything in this motion that fills that gap.
We are trampling on the June items that went on because we went on on topics.
And now we are in July and concerned that we are running out of time.
43:54 – 44:30 Nick Hollan said to quote Justice Scalia, “This is
pure applesauce.” What are the next steps for Ludlow 21?
44:30 – 46:24 Morgan said they will work on parking, programing on the
plaza, anything that might have come out of the survey, any number of things
in the Ludlow 21 report. It has evolved organically and it is pro development
unabashedly. If you look at our CTM by-laws it says to grow and develop the
community of Clifton. He thinks that we should be mindful of that. There are
two groups that have sprung up in in recent years in Clifton that want to tackle
these issues. That happens when there is a vacuum. There are issues we are not
taking up and other groups are. Prior to Ludlow 21 prior to Clifton 20/20 there
was MainStreet and StreetScapes. These things have popped up because CTM is
not taking the helm on them. There should really only be CTM and CBPA. That
is why Ludlow 21 popped up. It is unfortunate we have to part ways.
46:24 – 47:39 Adam Hyland quoted from CTM’s by-laws taking exception
to Morgan’s take on the by-laws. Quoting, “The objective of this
organization is to preserve and develop the community of Clifton. The founders
of this organization recognize that Clifton is one of Cincinnati’s first
suburbs and has traditional charm and the unique character of Clifton should
not be left to chance. On the contrary its growth and development should be
guided by actively interested residents.”
But that doesn’t necessarily mean overdevelopment.
47:39 – 47:52 Kevin Marsh moved to call the question. That stops the debate
with a two thirds vote. Seconded. All in favor?
47:52 – 47:54 Adam said he was being silenced.
47:54 – 47:56 Char Lyon in the audience asked if they got to say something.
47:56 – 48:03 Tony Sizemore said this was a public meeting.
48:03 – 48:08 Adam asked what his recourse to argue this.
48:08 – 48:29 Kevin said the reason he made the motion is that the trustees
all know what the by-laws are. He wanted to hear about the transportation committee.
48:29 – 48:38 Char Lyon, audience member, spoke out about representation
and said this was bullshit.
48:38 –49:03 Tony Sizemore asked her to leave. You can’t come into
a public meeting and use profanity.
49:03 – 49:46 Char said we are all here to have a discussion and to say
our peace. Now let’s get on with it.
49:46 – 49:55 Char Lyon left the meeting.
49:55 – 50:11 New resident in the audience spoke up asking to hear what
Adam had to say.
50:11 – 51:22 Vote on “Call to Question” Morgan Rich, Kevin
Marsh, Tony Sizemore, Mike Schur and Mike Moran voted yes to stop the debate.
The call was not passed.
51:22 – 52:45 Adam spoke of this last year in different positions, putting
up a lot of his personal time towards the betterment of Clifton, and have watched
members of Ludlow 21 group continuously try to undermine what he sees the majority
of the community are trying to push for. They continue to do things that put
CTM in a bad position. Sometime they say they are for CTM and other time they
say they are not. Morgan Rich and Jan Checco, board members of Ludlow 21, met
with Clifton Market asking them not to continue negotiations with Steve Goessling
and forfeit the contract.
52:45 – 52:47 Jan Checco said it was false.
52:47 – 53:15 Adam said that was out of bounds with what we as an organization
should be supporting.
53:15 – 53:17 Morgan Rich said individuals can say anything they want.
53:17 – 53:36 Adam said he had been frustrated.
53:36 – 54:24 Mike Moran said he understood there was a lot of emotion
involved in the food market. A lot of people have spent a lot of time and money
in the Ludlow 21 group and the Clifton Market group. This is neither of these
organizations. This is Clifton Town Meeting. It’s great to see seventy
people show up. Unfortunately not so many show up at every one of our meetings.
We have a huge other agenda. He motioned to vote on the motion.
54:24 – 54:50 Nick Hollan, Ben Pantoja, Rama Kasturi, Shaun McCance and
Adam Hyland voted for. Morgan Rich, Kevin Marsh, Tony Sizemore, Mike Schur and
Mike Moran voted against. Adam Batlz and Eric Eurbas abstained. Motion did not
pass.
54:50 – 56:11 Tony Sizemore in his executive report mentioned the May
4th CTM letter to Council supporting the best use of 319 Ludlow, attended City
Council’s Budget and Finance Committee Meeting restating the letter, May
13th attended the Zoning and Appeals Meeting, June 8th attended meeting with
Mayor Cranley and Clifton Market answering questions about letter sent. June
10th sent a letter in support of Vice Mayor Mann request for NSP funding increases.
56:11 – 1:05:55 Nickolas Hollan spoke about events in Clifton being an
All Star Neighborhood. Game will be projected on the Plaza or in Clifton Market
if raining.
1:05:55 – 1:09:58 CTM Housing and Zoning Board report from Adam Hyland
about Clifton borders. Tony Sizemore said he heard Gaslight Properties were
granted a variance on parking. Clifton Market liquor license Okayed by the Housing
and Zoning Board.
1:09:58 – 1:14:35 Transportation Report from Mike Schur working with Michael
Moore of the City. Discussed I-74 ramps which will be removed in 2016. Elmore
Place connector with Central Parkway will have meeting. Crosswalk across Jefferson
at the new library requested.
1:14:35 – 1:19:33 Rama Kasturi chair of Parks Committee reported Mayor
Cranley wants a bond issue on the ballot for Parks, $35 per $100,000 of evaluation
each year. Process of annexing Burnet Woods updated.
1:19:33 – 1:22:22 Public Safety report from Kevin Marsh included process
of getting feedback about public safety, speed radar carts. Audience member,
Robin, spoke of Clifton Citizens on patrol and need for recruits.
1:22:22 – 1:29:05 Ben Pantoja gave Good Samaritan Hospital Noise Concerns
Update
1:29:05 – 1:31:25 Treasurers Report by Mike Moran
1:31:25 – 1:31:55 No Trustee Announcements
1:31:55 – 1:23:33 Q & A: Steve Slack asked to meet with noise issue
residents after meeting. Malcom Montgomery spoke of the community needing to
be unified for anything to get done. What is happening to our community with
Ludlow 21 moving off in this direction? What’s happening that has not
come through CTM? He asked Morgan, the Ludlow 21 representative, if he had ever
brought Ludlow 21’s ideas to CTM and tried to work them through CTM.
1:23:33 – 1:33:43 Morgan said Malcom missed those meetings. And things
were proposed. He would be happy to fill in the details later.
1:33:43 – 1:36:10 Mary Rose Ventura spoke of being confused about what
CTM’s relationship is with Ludlow 21. Asked where the illegitimacy for
these groups come from.
1:34:39 – 1:34:54 Morgan said he did not think it was a good idea for
Ludlow 21 to break off from CTM.
1:34:54 – 1:36:10 Mary Rose Ventura asked where the illegitimacy for these
groups comes from.
1:36:10 – 1:37:55 Corryville resident wanted to discuss Burnet Woods annexation,
will be put on agenda for next meeting.
1:37:55 – 1:38:38 Resident announced he had the petition of the Parks
Department initiative for people to sign.
1:38:38 – 1:39:38 Clifton House Tour report coming up next meeting.
1:39:38 – 1:39:58 Resident wanted Mary Rose’s question answered.
Tony Sizemore said to send a message to CTM to have it considered for next meeting’s
agenda.
1:39:58 – 1:40:15 Adam Baltz said it was an active debate. He abstained
from the vote tonight because he has not seen the whole debate.
1:40:15 – 1:40:42 Tony Sizemore said the question can be sent it. In the
interest of time, there is always the next meeting.
1:40:42 – 1:40:53 Motion to adjourn seconded and passed.
Clifton Market now has a donate button on the front page. http://www.cliftonmarket.com/
Tom Lohre, 513-236-1704, tom@tomlohre.com prepared this report and believes it true to the best of his knowledge, subject to correction at any time.
Video: Clifton Market Report June 18, 2015
Cliftonites met outside City Hall before going into testifying for the last
time before the budget was passed.
A compromise was made and Human Services was funded instead of Clifton Market.
Clifton Market’s goal now is to sell memberships and solicit member loans.
$400,000 to 600,000 will be needed to start construction. Member loans match
each of the commercial loans and all member matching loans need to be in place
for the project to start construction.
Video: Cincinnati City Hall passes Budget in June.
Clifton Market spoke at the Budget and Finance Committee meeting today.
Clifton Market presented a Finance Report inside the Market Monday evening.
Marilyn Hyland spoke of the politics of the budget.
The budget will be presented to Council for a yes and no.
Six council members can veto the budget but must present their own budget and
have council approve it.
All Cliftionites can be outside City Hall at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 17 to gather
in front of City Hall with signs.
Clifton Market is on the docket to speak. The meeting will start at 2 p.m. and
will last for several hours.
Clifton Market Banking Consultant spoke on money flow. Clifton Market Member
loans match all major loans to take effect. The first loan goes into effect
when all commercial loans are matched with real Clifton Market Member loans.
$200,000 in new loans is needed for construction.
Video: Clifton Market Report June 11
Cliftonites attended all the Budget and Finance Meetings with around twenty
attending each meeting, most staying almost three hours to the end of the meeting
when Clifton Market supporters testified.
Financial Report
Cost
$5.6 million project
Income
$ .2 million Memberships
$1.1 million Member Loans
$ .4 million Grant from the City of Cincinnati available once other financing
is in place
$ .4 million rebatable loan from Laurel Foods for initial inventory purchase
$ .2 million no interest loan from Laurel Foods
$1.9 million loan (National Coop Bank)
$1.2 million (Northcountry Coop Development Fund) currently in the underwriting
process
Total
$5.4 million
$ .2 million needed to raise from Member Loans
An additional $.2 million cushion in Member Loans would be nice.
Timeline:
June 28 at the store will be the annual meeting and board elections. Voting
runs from 1-3 p.m., with the annual meeting starting at 2 p.m. The meeting will
be followed up with a tasting of foods that we will have in the store.
June 17 City’s Budget to be approved.
June 15 at the store “Fundraising and the Roadmap to Doors Open,”
7 p.m. Learn more about the financing of the project, Clifton Market’s
new design plans and how you can help make the grocery open as quickly as possible.
June 12 the community will be informed of the Clifton Market Board nominations.
Wednesday, June 10, 2015 Special Meeting of the Budget & Finance Committee
in City Council Chambers with Clifton Market testimony transcript below.
Monday, June 8, meeting of the Budget & Finance Committee in City Council
Chambers with Clifton Market testimony transcript below. There was talk that
the City may give a $400,000 grant to Clifton Market. Clifton Market has six
council members supporting the loan or grant, David Mann, Yvette Simpson, Wendell
Young, PG Sittenfeld, Chris Seelbach and Charlie Winburn making it veto proof.
Thursday, June 4, meeting of the Budget & Finance Committee at Price Hill
Recreation Center had a strong show of support for Clifton Market. Rama Kasturi
attended and spoke at every meeting.
Tuesday, June 2, meeting of the Budget & Finance Committee at Mt. Airy Elementary
School. Over thirty Clifton Market supporters attended and spoke, leading to
PG Sittenfeld pledging his commitment to the project.
Monday, June 1, 2015 - 6 p.m. Madisonville Recreation Center Neighborhood B&F
Meeting
June 1 was the original deadline for board nominations, but that time frame
was extended to June 10th.
June 8, 2015 Testimony given to the City Budget and Finance Committee
Distilled Transcript, believed correct but not guaranteed:
00:00 – 00:41 Yvette Simson had to leave but wanted to let Clifton know
that she hears us. She completely hears us and is working diligently.
00:43 – 2:45 Mr. Robin Carringer spoke about living in Clifton for 20
years. He has seen a gradual decline on Ludlow for the last four years. He has
a consulting business in the Brown Travel office and is in the area all the
time all day long. It was his first visit to City Hall and Cambers and was very
impressed. Anything the City can do to help will be appreciated. A thousand
people have paid two hundred dollars to become members, he being one of those
people. This says an awful lot about a small organization that wants a grocery
store. We are a small neighborhood in a big city and realizes the City is constantly
trying to cut costs and keep everything under control. He pleaded and begged
Council to be kind to Clifton Market and give us some support. We are not looking
for a hand out. We don’t want your money to be wasted. He appreciates
any support so we can have our little grocery store back.
3:00 – 4:22 William Messer said it was pretty pathetic that the neighborhood
has effectively become a food desert for four years. Happily Clifton residents
have taken matters into their own communal hands making Clifton Market the fastest
growing corporate grocery store in the entire country. More than one thousand
people have become owner / members and have succeeded to buy the building the
former IGA on Ludlow which is the heart of the community. Many of the people
involved in this effort are the same ones who gathered together many years ago
to stop Wendy’s fast food restaurant from putting a restaurant within
a 1.4 mile radius from across the street from the IGA in what became the restored
Esquire Cinema, the premier movie theater in the region. What we are aiming
for now is a premier food market in the region. If council were prepared to
support the previous owner , who lived well outside the neighborhood, with a
$550,000 low interest loan then surely you should recognize the passion, dedication
and commitment and track record of the Clifton community and make the loan of
say twice that amount.
4:22 – 6:48 Marilyn Hyland, board member of Clifton Market, spoke in response
to key points in the City Manager’s response to Vice Mayor Mann motion
for a loan to Clifton Market. The response contained irrelevant examples of
failed businesses and inaccurate general assessment of our plan. Our hopes are
to explain those so full Council can support the Vice Mayor’s motion.
First point of clarification is that we are not a startup business. Keller’s
was in that location from 1939 to 2009 and was producing a healthy sales base
of $200,000 a week. Our new forecast hopes to capture $257,000 a week with our
uptrend improved store. The irrelevant comparisons to two city investments were
one Mahogany’s, a restaurant, and therefore apples to oranges and two,
The Pleasant Ridge Market which was a series of independent vendors in an old
grocery store, again apples to oranges. We’ve spend the last year diligently
planning a special and successful store that in a location that has been successful
for scores of years. We developed over the last twelve months a detailed business
plan, pro forma, with the help of Keith Wicks, national grocery store expert;
Randy Miller, grocery management expert and Bob Dameran, banking expert, retired
among other banking experts. We are a community owned business and have accomplished
the first big step of buying the building so we can control the destiny; we
are not a pin on the map. We are a real grocery store for everyone in Cincinnati.
We are asking that you partner with us to make a fifteen year loan of $550,000
at 3%. Please partner with us and put the grocery back into the grocery store.
6:48 – 8:03 Charles Marxen thanked all the supporters that came out, it
is an impressive showing and thanked Council for listening to us over the last
three, four or five weeks it’s been. Marilyn pointed out the big factors
why we feel Clifton Market was done an injustice by the City administration
and council should review our proposal a little bit further for a $550,000 low
interest loan. We have 1100 shareholders; it ticks up day by day. We have raised
over $1,200,000 in member loans as in this point in time. It keeps coming, the
community support keeps coming and I encourage you to join in and support Clifton
in one of its greatest endeavors ever. Thank you.
8:03 – 8:56 Mary Rows said she was disappointed so many folks had to leave
before we got to Clifton Market. We sat for a long time. We are glad to be here
and we are happy that you are taking the time and consideration for our
project and to loan us $550,000 for Clifton Market. I am looking forward to
coming back here on the first anniversary of our store opening and reporting
a successful year and that we are in the black. I hope that your support will
help us get there.
8:56 – 10:20 Rama Kasturi thanked Council for allowing her the opportunity
to address Council once again. She thinks she will becomes good friends of Council
at the end of this, shop in the same market. The Clifton Market business plan
states that we will focus on sourcing local foods for our local citizens. She
would like to request that you look at page 17 and 18 of our business plan which
explicitly states that we will be trying to supply our citizens with locally
sourced foods and trying to create demand for local foods. Helping to make the
environment sustainable in the Cincinnati Area and help Cincinnati through Green
Umbrella become the greenest environment in the Midwest. Help us stay local,
eat local and think local.
10:20 – 12:24 David Allen said as you can see we have a very large group
here supporting Clifton Market. For every one that is here there are two more
at home waiting to see what happens here? That is because the market is very
important to us. It is the economic engine for Ludlow. Since the market has
closed we have lost a lot of foot traffic. The library has moved out to the
park and we are losing more foot traffic. It is incredible to me that Keller’s
was as busy as it was doing $200,000 a week, I bought some chicken and it was
bad. I talked to the assistant manager and he said when did you buy it? I said
fifteen minutes ago. He said chicken goes bad in the summertime and he gave
me my money back. I stepped aside to decide what to do and he said, “I’m
sorry. I wasn’t ignoring you, there were other people to wait on.”
I said, “That’s fine, I’m just trying to decide whether to
reinvest here or go to someplace else.” He said, “Why don’t
you go someplace else.” I thought I’m boycotting this place. You
know with that kind of treatment I am done with Keller’s and that lasted
about two weeks till it closed. This is the heart of Clifton. I want to be there.
I want to shop with my friends. If Keller’s can do that with that type
of management what can these people do? It will be a success. We’re asking
for a loan, just a loan and you will get your money back and you will help Clifton
and every business on Ludlow.
12:31 – Charlie Winburn thanked the Citizens of Clifton. Thank you for
coming and staying so long.
Wednesday, June 10, 2015 Clifton testimony for Clifton Market at the Special Budget and Finance Committee Meeting
13:04 – 13:36 Charlie Winburn commended Clifton Market. You are some
very tenacious people and I have heard you speak eight times and then you tried
to give me a hard way the other day and I want you speak and you have been at
every meeting all of the time. So I am very impressed with you all’s fortitude
and leadership. You all have the privilege of the floor.
13:36 – 15:40 Rama Kasturi brought her father to help make the point of
why she is so tenacious and Clifton Market. She thanked Council for considering
a grant on the behalf of Clifton Market. Her father is a prime reason why she
decided to throw her weight behind Clifton Market. Her father and mother, now
deceased, choose to live in Clifton with her, her husband and children because
they had a sense of independence. They could go for a walk on sidewalks that
are actually available to be walked on unlike in the suburbs. They have the
ability to conclude their walk just like they would with a visit to the local
market which disappeared four years ago. It took away their ability to interact
with the community and a sense of control over their own health and wellbeing.
So in deference to my parents and my own because I belong to the community of
Clifton I have asked for your support repeatedly and I would like to urge you
Mr. Winburn to do exactly what you promised and sign on to the grant proposal
which is now part of the budget. I thank you and have six smiley face cookies.
I choose to buy the sixth one today in the hope that I would have a sixth vote.
Here is your cookie Mr. Winburn.
15:40 – 16:40 David Allen spoke for Clifton and validated what Mr. Winburn
mentioned that Clifton Market always has a good group at these meetings and
for everyone attending we have ten or twenty more at home anxious to hear what
happens. And if you really want to have a love fest, everybody should approve
it and then you can have a big love fest. The reason for that is that Keller’s
was the economic engine for our business district. When it closed the businesses
started to lose income and a lot of them are just hanging on. We are anxious
to get the store back. In the old Keller’s you had to step over water
buckets, deal with angry employees, but we shopped there anyway and it was very
successful. He is looking for this store to be very successful, it will be state
of the art, it will be a wonderful store that we want to support.
16:40 – 16:56 Charlie Winburn said that he is going to be at Dewey’s
tonight. He was there last night at Skyline and usually when Keller’s
was open he was there.
16:56 – 19:16 Marilyn Hyland of the Clifton Market Board thanked each
of Council who included us in the budget partnering to make Clifton Market our
grocery store. She addressed the City’s consultant, the national development
council that was mentioned in this morning’s paper. As unthinkable as
it was the Esquire was slated to become a Wendy’s. Clifton rallied, it
was a community wide effort, and we kept the Esquire Theater. We came to the
City and asked for loan and the NBC evaluated our project and mocked us saying
when will the Esquire ever reach the breakeven point. City Council took a chance
on us and look where we are today, one of the most independent theaters in the
country. This report, that is quoted in the paper this morning, also says that
no third party data has been provided to back up what is being presented to
Council. Now, again and again we have made Keith Wick, the foremost grocery
analyst in the country available to you. He’s testified here. We have
made him individually available to you for consultation. This is our business
plan and proforma as well as the market analysis, that has been made available
to each Council member and to the staff on an ongoing basis. Bob Damaron, retired
senior loan officer of West Bank, has testified. Randy Miller, with thirty years
of grocery management experience with Remke, Biggs and Kroger, has testified.
We will be happy to make each of our consultants available to next week or anytime
you need it. I want to thank Chairman Winburn offering to become the sixth member
of our Clifton Market partnering.
Clifton Market Report June 18, 2015
Cliftonites met outside City Hall before going into testifying for the last
time before the budget was passed.
A compromise was made and Human Services was funded instead of Clifton Market.
Clifton Market’s goal now is to sell memberships and solicit member loans.
$400,000 to 600,000 will be needed to start construction. Member loans match
each of the commercial loans and all member matching loans need to be in place
for the project to start construction.
00:00 – 03:17 Supporters gather outside City Hall
3:17 – 4:13 Streetvibes Person talks about supporting Clifton Market because
it is a community that you can walk around and do things. I see David Mann often.
4:13 – 5:25 Marilyn Hyland thanked Council that voted for Clifton Market.
5:25 – 7:05 Rama thanked Council that voted for Clifton Market.
7:05 Lady spoke of strong neighborhoods being a strong city.
8:42 Mary Rose Ventura spoke of being back in a year to show our success.
10:03 Terrie spoke of being a new Cliftonite and choose Clifton because it is
a walking neighborhood and wants a
10:54 Shaun McChance spoke of being a founding board member and volunteers a
lot. Nothing matched the hard work and hours put into Clifton Market. The City
providing funds means they
13:05 Claire representing homeless Colition
14:00 Brian Frank spoke on behave Clifton Market and Green Umbrella. Losing
major anchors in neighborhoods is happening all over. Clifton Market will be
an example to other Neighborhoods. Co-Op markets can be a platform for the community
to come together and improve their neighborhood like no other vehicle.
16:29 Gentleman spoke on behave of Clifton Market. Unlike the city givces support
to other businesses the monmey you give Clifton Market is transparent and goes
17:45 David Mann spoke of the collaborative budget
18:00 – 19:00 Charlie Winburn thanked the City Manager and the citizens
for testifying at the community meetings.
19:00 – 21:05 Wendell Young said he respected the work Clifton has done
to make the co-op work. It shows what can happen when people are committed.
We listened to you but did not heed you.
21:05 – PG Stenifeld
Video: Clifton Market Report May 31, 2015
The matching $100,000 loan ends Saturday, May 30. Store hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The 5.6 million dollar project can go forward with an additional $300,000 loan from supporters and the $550,000 loan from the city. We can have a state of the art grocery store by early 2016!
Distilled Testimony:
1:53- 2:56 Brian, retired banker, started volunteering for Clifton Market in October, We have a letter of term from National Co-Op Bank for a first mortgage of $1,900,000 for this property. Looking for the City to join with them in a mortgage of $550,000. There are two other Co-Op banks willing to underwrite the equipment. The City’s loan will be used for the acquisition and final build out of the project. … The market will be run by excellent professional management.
5:23 – 7:00 Co-chair of the local food action team part of the Green Umbrella: If grocery stores are going to come back to food desert areas it will be through food co-ops.
6:10 – 6:33 We want to this project succeed for this could be a model for many of our communities. I work at Cincinnati State and students will co-op at Clifton Market.
7:10 – 9:45 Keith Wicks, grocery consultant for 42 years, we feel that the store is feasible and it will bring back the other stores on the street from the 40% loss in sales they have experienced.
10:13 – 12:22 Charles Marxen, field director, and only paid employee of Clifton Market, stressed that there is a lot of momentum for communities to own their own their own grocery stores.
12:22 – 14:37 Adam Hyland, president of Clifton Market Board, thanked council for hearing our request for a loan over fifteen years for three percent for $550,000.
14:42 - 12:42 Vice Mayor David Mann reinforced what was said about the store being the economic engine of the neighborhood. He said he was on the Ludlow on Saturday and was taken aback by the number of empty parking spots on the street and people walking on the street and that it was a sharp departure from the past when we had a grocery store. He salutes Clifton’s efforts in trying to make it happen.
12:42 – 17:04 Mary Rose, Clifton Market board member, said when sitting in the market doing all the things we need to do, to see the number of people come rushing up to discover that the store has closed. These days folks feel disconnected from their government and wonder if government wants to help them in their daily lives. We thank Council for their encouragement and support of what Clifton has done for themselves. Cliftonites put their money where their mouth is.
17:04 – 17:52 Charlie Winburn hopes that the City managers will be at the following budget meetings. June 17 is when the budget will be put to bed.
17:52 – 18:18 Council member Flynn asked who in the administration can answer questions about this loan.
18:18 – 19:18 Council member Charlie Winburn said that when Vice Mayor Qualls was in office all appropriate department heads were present during these hearings. He does not know why this has slipped but would like to see all appropriate department heads present at these meetings. He would like to see Mr. Oscar attend these meetings or have all top department heads present to save time. The citizens are the most important people here.
Video: Clifton Market petitions Cincinnati City Council for loan of $550,000
Transcript
All information believed correct but cannot be guaranteed.
Charlie Winburn introduced the petition.
2:00 – 3:25 Adam Hyland gives an overview of the project.
3:44 – 5:32 Retired commercial banker and banking adviser to the Market
gives his overview of the project. Over 1.4 million privately raised for the
project.
5:32 – 7:07 Tony Sizemore, CTM president, testifies about CTM’s
support of the project.
7:30- 8:21 Woman Cliftonite testifies on nearly 1000 members paying $200 for
the project.
8:21- 10:19 Brian Frank, representing Matt Arling of Cincinnati State College,
testified about Cincinnati State’s participation in co-opting students
in the project. Pointed out that a co-op grocery store buys more local groceries
and pays employees more than big chain grocery stores.
10:19 – 11:59 Charles Marxen, market field director and only paid employee
of the market, testified important the grocery store is for the success of the
neighborhood. Many people come to the store not knowing it has closed illustrating
how the store brought in many people from out of the area.
12:19 – 13:53 Rama Kasturi, field representative, pus her money where
her mouth is by being a member and owner. Testified about eating healthier through
programs planned for the market. The market is partnering with area hospitals
and the University of Cincinnati. She said, “We request your help and
support for the market by the people for the people so help me council.”
14:02 – 15:08 David Mann, vice mayor, said he was impressed with what
Clifton has done. He is also stated that Mr. Fischer, of the development department,
is also impressed with Clifton Market’s business plan. The city loan would
only be made available after all the other moneys have been put together.
15:08 – 15:40 Charlie Winburn agreed
15:40 – 18:06 Chris Seelbach also impressed with what Clifton has done
after the previous plan to open a grocery store failed. He mentioned how co-ops
are new to Cincinnati and he was a little skeptical at first. The fact that
they found a bank that says that this is a good investment supports the idea
of the city providing funds for the project. The city administration should
let council know where this money will come from. It may have to be taken from
another project.
18:46 – 22:51 Wendell Young gave a brief overview of Clifton and its uniqueness.
The fact that Cliftonites are putting their own money up makes it worthy of
City Councils support. Clifton wants a grocery store, they are going to have
a grocery store and City Council has to do it part.
22:51 – 25:18 Charlie Winburn said that this was a great idea. Clifton
has done a vanguard job getting a local grocery store and will lead to other
such grocery stores in Cincinnati. He regretted what happened over Mahogany’s.
Though Clifton has skin in the game the project should still go through a vetting
by the City administration.
25:18 – 27:34 Kevin Flynn mentioned that the project is a 5.6 million
dollar project he would like to do a traditional capital on this and know where
the money will come from. It is not that this is a bad project but the fact
that grocery stores run on a very thin margin. He is concerned that the City
would get paid back.
27:34 – 28:23 Charlie Winburn said the support could come as a grant and
a loan. You do not see this type of community support. He wants to split it
into half a grant and half a loan.
28:23 – 31:37 Yvette Simpson applauded the valiant effort put forth by
Clifton. Spoke of the previous attempt of Council to support a grocery store
and the disappointment of it not happening. This project is one of the first
if not the first attempts at a co-op in the City. One of the worst scenarios
for the City would be if we were to give you a traditional loan and the project
failed we would have to go after you for the money. We will rely on the City
administration to determine what the best way to go would be. A forgivable loan
may be the best way to go.
31:37 – 33:00 Charlie Winburn wants the administration to work on this
project and recognizes the financial support of Clifton and that the store wants
to provide services and products that enhance the performance of the store.
33:00 – 35:04 Wendell Young said that we have to be creative with helping
Clifton Market succeed. The fact that just under a thousand have bought $200
shares and many of those have made loans to the amount of $700,000 makes this
project different. This process is new to this area.
35:04 – 36:45 Charlie Winburn mentioned the strong mayor John Cranley
as a great relationship with the governor. and he may be able to help the project.
Sincerely,
Tom Lohre, reporter, 513-236-1704
If you would like to be on the board email Adam Hyland, hylandae@gmail.com
Video: Phase one is over. Clifton Market has bought the building.
970 Owners $700,000 in loans
$100,000 matching loan now in effect.
$100 gift card from Paolo Modern Jewelry when you make a loan
$50 gift card from Paolo Modern Jewelry when you become a member
Speakers:
David Mann encourages Cliftonites to let their councils members know they support
the $550,000 loan the city can make to Clifton. It requires a massive amount
action by Cliftonites to persuade council. Meeting personally with council members
is the best way. Council Budget Meeting at City Hall this Monday at 1 p.m. May
11, 2015.
Motion has been signed, so far, by Mann and Wendell Young.
The Clifton Market Board thanks all that showed up especially vice mayor David
Mann.
Looking forward to opening by the end of the year.
The dinner was provided by:
Boar’s Head: Meats and cheese
Laurel Foods: Groceries
Grosset Company: Vegetables
Matt Arling from Cincinnati State spoke about working with the market to co-op students.
Financial Report
Randy Miller and Keith Wicks
$5.6 million in costs match $5.6 million income, see chart at minute 12:27
$550,000 low interest loan from the City of Cincinnati
$400,000 no interest loan from Laurel Grocery
Store layout will change to enhance performance.
Looking for a 30% increase over the $200,000 a week at the old IGA.
Cincinnati State will work with bakery.
Richard Schramm of Cincinnati-based Ascendum spoke about providing technology
which would make Clifton Market "the most advanced grocery store in the
country." Clifton Market will be the demonstration platform for their technology.
http://ascendum.com/
Walk through: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X59VZ16lYW4
Emma Hartkemeier - Board Member
Robert Krikorian - Board Member
Spoke about becoming a member and making loans.
$200,000 more in private loans are needed to achieve the best leverage with
other bank loans.
Associates:
Laurel Grocery Company http://www.laurelgrocery.com/
Wholesale distributor of vegetables and groceries
Dave Pearson , president of Laurel Grocery
Gary Crawford, vice president of Laurel
Crosset Company http://www.crosset.com/
Wholesale distributor of vegetables and groceries
Bob Lemes, president
Randy Miller & Keith Wicks
Keith Wicks & Associates LLC, Retail Trade Consultants
15008 Keller Lake Drive; Burnsville, MN 55306
Phone: (952) 953-0993
Randy Miller is a local grocery specialist lending his expertise to Clifton
Market
All Volunteer Clifton Market Board
Adam Hyland - President of the Board
Jo Taylor - Board Member
Shaun McCance - Board Member
Robert Krikorian - Board Member
Marilyn Hyland - Board Member
Gary Goldman - Board Member
Charles Marxen - Field Director
Randy Miller - Grocery Advisor
Rama Kasturi - Board Member
Shaun McCance - Board Member
Mark Irey is a local banker for US Bank lending his talents to manage the loan
fund
Tom Lohre, videographer
Mark Irey is a local banker for US Bank lending his talents to manage the loan
fund. He is not on the Market Board.
Tom Lohre, 513-236-1704, tom@tomlohre.com prepared this report and believes
it true to the best of his knowledge and subject to correction at any time.
Nice overview of the project
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/clifton-market-cooperative
Clifton Market; PO Box 20162; Cincinnati, OH 45220
https://cliftonmarket.com/
info@cliftonmarket.com
Video: Clifton Market has a home.
Look forward to an opening in little under a year.
On Friday, April 24, 2015 Clifton Market announced it has purchased the old
IGA building on Ludlow.
Currently there is a $100,000 matching loan. Members can double their loan amount
by making a loan now.
Wednesday, May 6, 2015 there will be an event at 319 Ludlow the new home of
Clifton Market to see what they have to offer.
Video: Tom Harten's son wins the barrel rolling contest part of Oktoberfest Zinzinnati's
Gemuetlichkeit Games on Thursday September 17, 2009. Participants roll an empty
wooden barrel around a course on Fountain Square. The contestant with the fastest
time wins. Points are deducted for losing control of barrel and mowing down
spectators. Tom is the owner of Cincinnati's oldest beer garden. The New York
Times named it "The place to eat in Cincinnati" and its fully restored
Bier Garten is regularly listed among Cincinnati's best outdoor dining experiences.
The new Banquet Haus is now open - the ideal setting for banquets, weddings
or other gatherings - with even more expansion to come.
http://www.mecklenburgs.net
Video: Natalie likes Sitwells because of the eclectic people, late hours and great espresso. She comes by nearly every day to see what kind of homemade soups they have. It is definitely something she does on a regular basis.
Video: Artist, Guitarist, Recording Engineer, and Philosopher-at Large.
Video: Chris Monzel, a Cincinnati City Councilmember, and engineer at General Electric Aviation, a taxpayer and a homeowner in Spring Grove Village. Over 10 years ago Cincinnati was ranked the #1 most livable city in America - my goal is to make us #1 again. http://www.monzel.com/
Video: Center director gives a update on the reopening. One of the best secrets of the Cincinnati Parks is the Wolff Planetarium located at the Trailside Nature Center, 3251 Brookline Drive, Cincinnati OH 45220,
Video: Trailside re-opens hours from September 1 - December 15: Open Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 2 PM - 5 PM, Saturday 11 AM - 5 PM, Sunday 1 PM - 5 PM. http://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/cityparks/pages/-3444-/
"Video: Ohio Heritage Main Street" manager, Jon Cramer talks about the mural going up on the IGA wall just west of the ATM and Comey-Shepard Window.
Video: Dick Druffel talks about the expansion of I-75 around the Clifton neighborhood of Cincinnati Ohio.
Video: Phil talks about the plans for the Ludlow Plaza. Tearing down the Civic Center and Bender Optical and what happening after that.
April 5, 2013 Transcript of video: http://youtu.be/TmbVm1WL73E
Hi, this is Steve Goessling. I am glad to have once again a chance to reach
out and talk to you folks.
First let me very sincerely apologize for my inability to get to the meeting
this past Monday. I had a very important issue with my family.
In any rate, on a more positive upbeat note, we have just this morning received
an update from Reese Campbell on the construction details. I am going to e-mail
this out to the various folks that have been curious for some time about it.
There have been delays from a prior letter primarily dealing with the delivery
of the sky lights. The first phase of this whole project deals with putting
the roof back together. Making sure we have a seal tight structure and then
begin the construction phase.
This letter I have in front of me details the dating they have currently and
they anticipate as to when things will get started. It is an update to the prior
one that I think many of you have seen. And if you have not then certainly I
think Tom, Gina and CTM and all those folks if they do not have it, I will certainly
provide it to anybody who would want it.
To kind of jump to the main punch line, the full scale construction is scheduled
to start May 20. I know that is not what we hoped for and that is certainly
not what I wished for and certainly not what was anticipated when we finally
got this thing closed on January 21. But now we are back into the great spring
season, which contractors get very busy about and we are fighting the element
of contractors that have been waiting all season long through bad weather to
get started and now we are in this peak time for them to get busy. And at the
same time quote the revisions of the contract that they are doing. This project
was supposed to be started over a year ago and most of these guys are recalculating
the cost on what it cost today for materials. Unfortunately that is something
that is outside of my control but all I can say is that I am anxious to get
this project started. I am anxious to be open for business in Clifton. I think
we have a phenomenal store plan for you all. I think you will be very pleased.
It’s hard on everyone, I appreciate that and I am doing my God given best
to try and get this thing happening as fast as possible.
Thank you all very much.
From: Mike Ruwe
Sent: Thursday, April 04, 2013 4:16 PM
Subject: Revised schedule
Steve,
As we discussed today, this is the latest update I have regarding the progression
of events dictating the start of the project
1. Skylight curbs delivered to site 3/18/13. Skylight domes to arrive 8:00am
Monday 4/8/13
2. Architectural drawings turned over to MEP engineers
3. Engineering drawings completed by 4/26/13
4. Skylight installation / roof installation to start week of 4/22/13
5. Mobilize and start remaining interior demolition week 4/22/13
6. Plans submitted to City w/revisions week of 4/29/13
7. Plans distributed to sub-contractors for bids week of 4/29/13
8. Pricing returned from sub-contractors 5/10/13
9. Write contracts to subs week of 5/13/13
10. Full construction to start week of 5/20/13
As stated previously, these dates are contingent upon factors such as drawings
being completed and released as scheduled, quick response from the city regarding
the changes, among others.
Please review and give me a call at your convenience to discuss.
Also, I spoke with Russ Moody regarding the insulation question you posed pertaining
to the perimeter walls. He stated that in the areas where we are performing
new work, such as the front restrooms, the U-scan area, the customer service
area, the café/coffee area, and the prep areas all call for new furring
and drywall. The areas such as above the frozen food cases, dairy cases, walk-ins
etc. all are to have existing finishes patched and/or repaired.
In regards to the existing ductwork, he is going to pose that question to the
mechanical engineers to determine if the existing ductwork can be reused.
Thanks
Mike Ruwe
Project Manager
November 27, 2012 http://youtu.be/U_uYozUKYXk
Hi, it's Steve Goessling giving you an update on the soon to be Clifton Supermarket.
The status as we stand here today is that the City of Cincinnati has got all
the information that they have requested as well as the SBA. We are on a timetable
that is up to them. We expected an answer from the SBA prior to Thanksgiving
and that has come and gone. Expect that there is a board meeting today with
the City of Cincinnati and the Grow America Fund. Expect that that will be occurring
today. Expect a conference at three O'clock today with some folks from the SBA
and from until I hear from those folks I am pretty much at a standstill. I can
tell you I have all my ducks in a row. We are ready to roll as soon as we get
the green light. Thank you all for staying in touch and we are looking forward
to servicing you. Thank you very muc
October 30, 2012 http://youtu.be/PBsCv_YAN1s
It’s time for the weekly update; I have not been exactly prompt on weekly because our grill outs stopped last Friday with the rainy weather. I had a great season out there I appreciate everybody that came and helped make celebration out of the Fridays through the summer.
As to an update on the project in Clifton, we are in the process of pulling the permits. We met with Reese Campbell and with our architect and engineer to revise the drawings for finality because we have made good use of the delays of time to do a couple of reengineering to make the store that much nicer because I can assure everyone that although there have been delays in my mind’s eye every day I have been walking through that store trying to visualize how it would layout. I think we have come out with a very nice store for the area we have to operate there. The restrooms up by the front door. Produce prep area closer to midway store. Many efficiencies put into the store. Plan opening a commissary on the lower level so that we can actively get involved with catering, prepared foods and specialty products that will ship straight upstairs not threw a conveyor but a dumb waiter.
Very excited about will be a whole new proposition which may be called Gaslight Catering, I have not decided that exactly but that is a very exciting project that has developed out of the process.
We have had a number of unprecedented, unexpected delays from almost everyone
that is in the picture that has taken anywhere from five to seven days
To get packages ready for review by other people up the food chain and right
now that package is sitting in California with the SBA. Something to just show
how, I want to use the word silly, how things are but the purchase contract
said that it was 45202 Clifton and the real address is 45220 and for a minute
there and still might be that they have to kick it back and half the purchase
agreement redone, well that is just silly. That is the kind of delays we have
been going through this whole process. In accounting that is called a transposition
error where two numbers get flipped flopped in typing. The whole world knows
what the land is, the deed, the title search and stuff. It is not like we are
trying to play games here, the whole world knows where it is at. That is the
kind of silliness that gets these things delayed.
We expect to announce very soon the construction schedule. All my oars are in the water to be able to do that. Obviously we got to have a closing date from Fifth Third and we are anticipating have that by mid-week, hopefully sooner if possible. With the closing date in line then we will be able to announce a construction schedule which Reese Campbell is already starting to work on as they already have the roofers coming back to the drawing board to reevaluate the project since it was almost a year ago now. We are pulling the permits as I said earlier.
As it relates to the City, we secured a letter of credit for the $550,000 the City had promised. We have not asked the City to discontinue that effort because now we will be in a position to evaluate whether program A or program B is the best one. The City is continuing to work on that package. They still do not have it in front of their board of review. And through my efforts with my warehouse and other people that have supported me we have at least be able to fill that gap and be in a position to decide to finance it with them or someone else. I have not decided as of yet because we have to see all of the conditions the City will now be putting upon us. On a positive note they did pass the real-estate tax abatement which is consistent with the amount the LEED tax abatement certification had. I can say that while the LEED certification is a very nice certification for our economic environmental conscience effort while we are going on another path I would like everyone to realize that most of the expense for that has already been incurred through the demolition process we sorted and recycled. We bore a lot of the expense for that but when having to choose a fully new package of equipment some of which will be refurbished we decided we could not wait any longer to get this thing off the runway. We happily have this tax abatement so our real-estate taxes are still intact and we thank the City for their ability to pass that. There was only one councilman who was not in favor of that. I will not mention him by name but I am not sure of why he was of that thinking but all other council people passed it unanimously with the exception of one vote so that is very good. I think there was an article in the paper about that but frankly I have been too busy and did not see it.
Continue to have great responses from everyone, supporters of us. We are obviously very anxious to get it opened. I have one little thought that I want to share with people and that is all of those people who have friends and neighbors in other communities, you might want to remind them how important it is to have and lose your hometown supermarket, community store. If the future of the community store has been an ongoing challenge and I encourage people, advise people before they lose their community store that they make every effort to get feedback to the owners and the operators because if they are like me they wish to be successful and they wish to continue to provide the services that draw large crowds of people. Most people might think that an owner knows everything that is going on in the store and knows all the goods and the bads but they really need the input of the people. They really need people who are unhappy with the service level, unhappy with a condition in the store, unhappy with a product line. You might be surprised if you take the time to speak up. I think this is going to be an ongoing pressure point throughout America but certainly throughout the City of Cincinnati. We are hopeful that this store does as well as it does so that we can very quickly move to looking to a downtown Cincinnati location which our commissary would also be able to support. We think that there is a lot of viability going on and very anxious to get our footprint down solid.
I get more and more excited as we get closer to the finish line but really once all this financing paperwork gets done that will be when the real work begins. I anticipate very soon being able to more actively recruit people for the project. I very much want to form some citizen groups where we get very good feedback on product lines and we start to allocate space in our shelving for what they want and need, wanting to have easily available and want to make it as great a shopping experience that can be had. We absolutely want this to be a point of destination for people outside of the confines of Clifton a very comfortable place for the kind of store they want.
Very anxious to get into the fresh meat we got some brand new ideas that are trends that are starting in New York that we are putting in, more to be said about that in the weeks to come. Got some really exciting stuff to talk about and I am anxious to get the financing stuff done and start talking about selling meat and exciting ways to buy produce, deli, seafood and all the other good stuff that goes along with that, wines, cheeses. Can’t wait till I am out of the mode of talking about finances and get into the mode of talking about milk, eggs and bread and all the good stuff we like to put on our table to serve our family and friends.
October 15, 2012 http://youtu.be/Xam3mPJ9cKc
We are still working through the vast number of questions the City of Cincinnati through the Grow America Fund has continued to launch at us. We have answered all questions very very quickly normally within a half hour of receiving questions that quite honestly had been asked some ten months ago such as who am I, when did I get into the grocery business, how long have I been in the grocery business, why did I get in the grocery business. But despite that sort of repetition they have gotten everything I am aware of answered to them. They told me of late last week that I am two weeks away from them taking it to committee. I don’t understand why it is taking them this long but none the less what good does it do for me to question that it is out of my control. What is within my control are some other avenues I have approached for which I think faster results will occur. I am expecting to be able to know for certain that I got this thing done with or without the City and we are making plans right now to move forward with the roof, with the front construction on the building and entranceway, with the renovations which were underway already for the office and we are full steam ahead. We are very very anxious to get this thing started. We are optimistic that we will resume the timetable we had expected and now it might be more late January or early February but none the less. All our oars are in the water, all our horses are out there on the plow so to speak. We are excited as ever and anxious to get things rolling.
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