Building for sale!
The future of the village building at 153 Main Street
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Plainfield Co-op selling the village building?
With operations moved to the hardware store on Route 2, we need to focus on growing the business. By selling the village building, we can reduce our expenses (yes, it costs money to maintain an empty building) and raise funds to support improvements and operations at the new location. More importantly, we are transferring the building to new owners who have a positive, community-centered vision for how to redevelop the property.
Why is this happening now?
We’re selling it now to reduce costs, provide capital for the new location, and because we have enthusiastic buyers who are members of our co-op family.
Who’s buying it – and how much are they paying?
Plainfield Granary LC, a business owned by two co-op members: Aedan Scribner and Chris Thompson, with support from additional partners. The sale price is $180,000.
What are their plans for the building?
Their preliminary plans include the following:
- The upstairs space will remain a community center (yay!) for classes, programs, rentals, etc.
- The back room (with walk-in cooler) will be converted to a commissary kitchen and rented to food producers for creating value-added farm products, such as pickles and herbal remedies.
- Two offices for rent; one unit of housing.
- Long-term project: a laundromat – yes, Plainfield village water and sewer have the capacity.
Do co-op members need to approve this decision?
Yes. All real estate transactions require a vote of the members; two-thirds of those voting must approve. Voting begins at the special membership meeting on May 11 (see below) and continues through May 19 at the store. Each member gets one vote.
How do I learn more?
We’ll host two informational meetings. Please join us.
- In-person: Sunday, May 11, 4:00 pm at Plainfield Town Hall Opera House
- Zoom: Monday, May 12, 7:00 pm
I still have questions!
Contact the board of directors: board@plainfieldcoop.com. Pease DO NOT ask store employees! They won’t know all the answers and have other work to do. Thank you!