The Pierce Store:

Walk Through RESCHEDULED due to coming storm to 
Wednesday, February 20, 2008, 1-4 pm.

Below are the following:

1)  A Request for Proposals for the operation of the Pierce Store, located in North Shrewsbury, Vermont.

2)      An article by Karen Lorentz describing the Pierce Store  

3)      State of Vermont Potable Water Supply and Wastewater Permit

4)      Shrewsbury Conditional Use Permit

5)  Questions and Answers

What other businesses are there in Town of Shrewsbury ?

Carrara’s Undercoat; Stewart’s Car Dealer; Over Easy Restaurant, Cottage Industries such as honey, maple syrup, jelly, vegetables, blueberries, eggs.  Pierces Store is the only store in the village center of North Shrewsbury .

Are there any other grocery or general stores?

The closest are E. Wallingford and Rutland . 

Would the Preservation Trust consider selling the property to a store operator?

No; when Marjorie Pierce gave the property to the Preservation Trust it was understood that the Preservation Trust would be long-term stewards of the property. 

How does the Preservation Trust maintain the property?

Marjorie set up a fund at the Vermont Community Foundation for the property’s maintenance.  It produces around $12,000 to $15,000 per year depending on the value of the fund.

What is the acreage?

Over 3 acres.

Would Preservation Trust consider expanding the septic, if at no cost to the organization?

No, the current location is at capacity.

What is the population?

The greater North Shrewsbury is around 400 people.

What is the Town Government? 

Selectboard

Is there a Food Co-op in Town?

Yes, there is a buying CoOp.

How long do you expect the general store to stay?

We hope that the arrangement will be a collaborative long-term relationship.

What equipment is available?

We have some used equipment available: a Garland Stove, upright freezer, stainless steel work table.  Depending on the final lease arrangement, it is possible that Preservation Trust will be able to purchase more equipment as needed.

Is the barn available?

Yes

Do you know what the Real Estate Tax is currently for the Pierce property?  I assume the PTV is currently paying this. 

Our plan is to pay the property taxes.

Is PTV also paying for property insurance on the site (not business insurance).  As landlord, I’m guessing the PTV would continue to cover this.  Is that correct?

On this issue, you should propose your preference.  On another property that we own and lease to an operator, we require the operator to pay for the insurance.

Also, regarding the rent structure, do you envision a separate rent - one for the house and one for the store? 

Rent is to be sorted out with the selected operator.  The property will be rented/leased as a whole. Our plan is to charge a percentage rent after the business reaches a certain gross.  You're welcome to include your preferences in your proposal.

What is Shrewsbury yearly budget?  What is the average real estate tax bill for the residents of the town?

• Municipal: approx. $810,000

• Education: approx. $2,113,000

• Total Taxes Collected: $2,221,289

• Highest Tax Bill: $42,540

• Lowest Tax Bill: $12.16

• Average Tax Bill: $3,173

Who are potential suppliers of locally-made products?

(This list is incomplete but gives you a sense of who is out there)

• Honey, Beeswax Products, Blueberries in Summer, Laurel Hill Honey, David and Laurel Fretz, Upper Cold River Rd. 773-2554

• Vermont Hills Teriyaki, Box 389 Shrewsbury , Sharon Winnecki  492-3568

• Cider Jelly, Ahmet Baycu

• Backed Goods and Preserves

• Gloria’s Pantry, Rte 103 Cuttingsville, 492-3194

•  Gordon’s Pond Caterking, Irene Gordon, Northam Rd ( New School ), 492-8282

•   Maple Syrup, Al Ridlon Jr.  492-2055

• Organic Beef, The Korzon Farm, 1846 Lottery Road , 492-3362 

• Organic Maple Products, Candy, Sugar,  Arthur Koneger and Trish Norton, 492-3653

•   Maple Syrup, Bill and Donna Smith, 2512 Lincoln Hill Rd. , 492-3367

•   Blueberries and Vegetables, Dick and Sally Adams,  321 Adams Rd. ,  492-3465

•   Organic Jersey Milk, Honey, The Brigham’s,  The Shunpike,  492-3458

•   Organic Eggs, Eliza Gibson,  Keiffer Road ,  492-3665

•   Maple Syrup, Orville and Marsha Woods, 515 Sanderson Road ,  492-3527

•   Eggs, Bottom of Lincoln Hill

•   Vegetables, flowers, Bittersweet, People on Rte 103, Cuttingsville

•   Vegetables,  Other people have summer vegetables

•   Lamb, Woman on Upper Cold River Road ,  Ms. Pitts

•   Possibly members of the Rutland Area Farm and Food Link, P.O. Box 561, East Poultney , VT 05741   India Barnett Ianser, Coordinator  802-287-9311