[ShareTompkins] save ludgate's update

[Shira Golding]

Greetings,

Ludgate Farms has closed but the possibility of reopening with a fresh  
vision in the coming months is still within our collective reach!

Almost 160 people responded to our 10 question survey. I'm attaching a  
full summary of the results to this email, and here are some highlights:
- 70% said that the thing they like most about LF is the opportunity  
to support a local business.
- While 72% have no preference about the future ownership of LF, 25%  
would like it to be a cooperative.
- If LF were to reopen, 67% want a similar grocery store, 60% want  
space to sell locally made items, and 60% would like a cafe with  
indoor/outdoor seating.
- 38% want space for classes on food preservation and other topics,  
and 30% would like the new LF to include a Free Store where people can  
leave what they can and take what they need.
- 40% said they would contribute their time/services/skills to keep  
the business alive in some form.
- Approximately $12,000 was pledged in financial support from  
respondents.

There were also many interesting comments. A few notable ones...
- "Love the idea of Ludgate as 'one stop shopping' for food  
preservation: canning/freezing/drying/etc. equipment, kitchen space, &  
classes."
- "I think a delivery service should be available, for folks who are  
older and not able to drive to the shop."
- "I am a little concerned about the viability of this effort as there  
is already one food coop in town and I'm not sure it can support  
another. Also I am worried about the effect of BJs on the grocery  
shopping habits of Northeast residents."

In addition to the survey, I've been talking and emailing with  
different people and some interesting possibilities have emerged...
- The new store could double as a hub/warehouse for Garden Gate  
Delivery, which needs a place to keep their inventory.
- Different groups including Share Tompkins, Ithaca Freeskool,  
Harvestation and others could come together to run the educational and  
swapping-oriented activities at the new store.
- Dick Cahoon has expressed interest in purchasing the property and  
being a landlord while others run the business.

At our last meeting, several people volunteered to be part of a  
Steering Committee for keeping the conversation going. Members  
currently include Suzanne McMannis, Katie Quinn-Jacobs (current  
owner), Simon St. Laurent, Hilary Lambert and Larissa Richards and me  
(Shira Evergreen).

If there's interest, I'd like to have a meeting soon to bring together  
key stakeholders including the steering committee, potential buyers/ 
major investors and leaders of potential business partners like Garden  
Gate Delivery as well as anyone who feels like they want to "step up"  
in some significant way to give Ludgate Farms new life.

I have created a Doodle so we can find a meeting time that will work  
for as many people as possible. Please respond by the end of the week: http://www.doodle.com/a63faybbb2vhpiv7

Here's to a 2012 filled with local food and fun!

- Shira :)

Shira Golding Evergreen
shiraevergreen at gmail.com
http://www.shirari.com


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