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Kennett Borough advances letter of intent for community-owned grocer
Summary
Council agreed to place a draft letter of intent on the consent agenda to continue negotiations with the Kennett Community Grocer for a 7,000 sq. ft. lease in the municipal building. The grocer’s organizers said the co-op will accept SNAP and run a discounted “food for all” program; residents raised questions about price, buildout and parking.
Kennett Borough Council on a motion to proceed directed staff to place a draft letter of intent for the Kennett Community Grocer on Wednesday’s consent agenda, advancing negotiations for a proposed 10‑year lease with a 10‑year option for about 7,000 square feet of first‑floor space at the municipal building.
The proposal, introduced by town staff as a late submission, would set rent at roughly $17 per square foot and leave build‑out work to the grocer. Kyle (town manager) told council the purpose of tonight’s discussion was to decide only whether the proposal is “directionally in line” with council priorities, not to approve a final contract.
Ed, representing the grocer, told council the organization incorporated in 2018 and now has about 3,074 member‑owners; he said the co‑op has been mentored by national food‑coop organizations and Chester County economic development partners and is pursuing grants and fundraising to support the project. “We will be good tenants,” he said, and described plans to accept SNAP benefits and run a charitable “food for all” discount program for households up to 200% of the poverty line.
Supporters and opponents spoke during public comment. Proponents said a local grocer would improve access for residents who walk to downtown stores and could be an economic draw. Residents asked about price points, how the grocer would source from Chester County farms, and the timeline for buildout; speakers also probed liability, parking and whether the borough would subsidize fit‑out costs. The grocer’s organizers said they expect to open within about a year from the start of permitted renovations and that they will fund the interior build‑out themselves; the borough would need to address asbestos abatement, water and sewer access before lease term start.
Council members repeatedly thanked the presenters for the thorough business plan and community engagement. After discussion, no council member objected to placing the draft letter of intent on the consent agenda so staff and the borough solicitor can continue negotiating lease terms and present a final agreement for council approval at a later public meeting.
Next steps: staff will refine contract terms with the grocer and return a proposed lease and related documents to council for formal vote; the consent‑agenda placement does not bind the borough to any final terms or financial commitment.
