Central Co-op Belongs at the Capitol Hill Light Rail Station

 

On Sunday, April 24 at the Annual Owner Meeting it was announced that Central Co-op is in talks with the developer at the Capitol Hill Light Rail Station and is in the running to be the anchor tenant at the new Transit Oriented Development (TOD) site on Broadway.

This site is within blocks of where Central Co-op was born and would be a natural fit for an additional location on Capitol Hill. As an independent, democratic, community-owned and Union-friendly business, only Central Co-op can express the unique flavor of Capitol Hill while bringing great food and great jobs to this important neighborhood crossroads.

While other grocers have also expressed interest in the TOD site, only Central Co-op:

• Offers the best pay and benefits package of any grocer in the region (offering more than $15/hr at entry level and 100% coverage at 28hrs)
• Is owned 50/50 by workers and consumers
• Was born and raised in the Capitol Hill neighborhood

An additional store, not a move.

A store at the TOD site would be a second location for the Co-op which remains committed to the location at 16th and Madison. The Co-op recently signed a 20 year lease at the current site with an option for up to 20 more, and is planning improvements to that store. The Co-op is also planning to make upgrades to the location on 6th Avenue in Tacoma.

All aboard! Take action

We are currently in talks with the developer, and a strong show of support from our community will make a difference. If you would like to see our community-owned cooperative in the Capitol Hill light rail station, add your voice! 

• Sign and send an email to the developer, Gerding Edlen
• Use hashtag #CoopTheStation and post a message on Facebook or Twitter (you can also tag Gerding Edlen in your post)
• Look for postcards to Gerding Edlen in the store to fill out - we'll mail them
• Ask your friends to get on board with #CoopTheStation!

News Coverage

The Seattle Times - April 24, 2016

The CHS Blog - April 24, 2016

The Puget Sound Business Journal - April 24, 2016

The Capitol Hill Times - April 27, 2016

The CHS Blog - April 28, 2016

The Puget Sound Business Journal - May 3, 2016

The Capitol Hill Times - May 4, 2016

The Puget Sound Business Journal - June 28, 2016

The CHS Blog - June 28, 2016

Read the Co-op’s press release here.

Letters of Support

UFCW 21 Workers - April 28, 2016

Puget Sound Advocates for Retirement Action - May 2, 2016

Seattle Good Business Network - May 3, 2016

Transit Riders Union - May 24, 2016

Seattle City Councilmember Mike O'Brien - June 20, 2016

 

Dan Arnett and Central Co-op Owner at the 2016 Annual Owner Meeting, shortly after the big announcement.

 

 

Date: Monday April 25, 2016

Category: Co-ops

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