News Summary
The Three Sisters Market initiative in Charlotte’s West Boulevard corridor is stalled due to funding issues, with only one-third of the required $15 million secured. The project, aimed at providing fresh foods and addressing food access disparities, has gained community support but must navigate significant financial hurdles before construction can begin. The coalition is exploring various avenues to raise the necessary funds to fulfill the project’s vision of operating as a community-focused grocery co-op.
Charlotte, NC – The initiative to establish a grocery store, known as Three Sisters Market, in Charlotte’s West Boulevard corridor has encountered significant funding challenges, causing delays in the project’s timeline. Originally slated for completion by September 2023, the project remains on hold as only one third of the necessary funds have been raised.
The West Boulevard Neighborhood Coalition unveiled the grocery store initiative earlier in 2023, aiming to address longstanding food access issues in the area, which has not seen a grocery store built in over 30 years. As of now, around $5 million has been secured through government contributions, which includes $3 million from Mecklenburg County, $1.5 million from the City of Charlotte, and $750,000 from Congresswoman Alma Adams. Overall, about $5,850,000 has been gathered toward the store, leaving an additional $9.15 million still needed to reach the total estimated cost of $15 million.
Since February 2023, the coalition has actively engaged in approximately 25 discussions with potential funders to secure the remaining amount required to proceed confidently with the project. Despite having received a conditional approval for a $5 million loan from the Reinvestment Fund, the coalition lacks the complete funding needed to initiate construction.
Unlike traditional grocery stores that primarily focus on profits, the proposed Three Sisters Market will operate as a co-op, emphasizing community engagement and the provision of fresh foods that meet local needs. This model aligns with insights from a market study commissioned by the City of Charlotte in 2019, which suggested that a cooperative would best serve the area given its low population density and limited household spending power.
The co-op structure will enable community members to become stakeholders in the store, promoting a sense of ownership and investment in its success. Local residents have expressed a strong desire for the store, highlighting the inadequacy of their current options, which often consist of discount stores that do not fulfill their grocery needs adequately. The initiative also aims to combat food insecurity in the region, with partnerships established with organizations such as Nourish UP, which supported over 164,000 people last year.
The proposed market will be located at West Boulevard and Romare Bearden Drive, where a “Coming Soon” sign is currently displayed, although construction has yet to commence. The store is set to serve approximately 19 neighborhoods in the West Boulevard corridor and is positioned as a solution to enhance equity, wellness, and access to affordable and fresh produce in the area.
In addition to its focus on food access, community engagement is a core principle of the Three Sisters Market initiative. The coalition is implementing strategies to continuously involve local residents in various aspects of the project, ensuring that the grocery store reflects the needs and desires of the community it aims to serve.
The overall plan envisions starting construction in early 2024 with an opening date targeted for 2025, provided that funding is secured. As part of their outreach efforts, an event is scheduled for November 2, 2024, at the future market site. The gathering aims to update residents on the project’s progress and rally support, underscoring the community-driven nature of the initiative.
The difficulties faced by the Three Sisters Market project highlight the broader challenges associated with establishing community-based solutions to food access issues. With ongoing efforts to garner support and funding, the coalition remains hopeful that the vision for a grocery store in the West Boulevard corridor will ultimately become a reality.
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HERE Resources
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New Publix Supermarket Sets Opening Date in South Charlotte
Additional Resources
- Charlotte Observer: Grocery Store Initiative Faces Funding Challenges
- Wikipedia: Food Desert
- QCityMetro: West Boulevard Neighborhood Coalition Celebrates Progress
- Google Search: Grocery Cooperative Models
- Charlotte Observer: Community Grocery Funding Efforts
- Google Scholar: Community Owned Grocery Stores
- WCNC: Three Sisters Market Updates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cooperative
- Axios: Food Co-op to Open in West Boulevard
- Google News: Grocery Store Funding Initiatives
Author: HERE Charlotte
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