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Council hears co-op plan for downtown log cabin; traffic and food-distribution details questioned
Summary
City staff said the Fairbanks Community Cooperative Market Inc. proposes leasing the log cabin at 551st Avenue as a small grocery/deli and a weekday food distribution site; council members raised parking, traffic and whether the co-op board has approved the plan.
City staff reported Aug. 4 that the Fairbanks Community Cooperative Market Incorporated has walked through the log cabin at 551st Avenue and plans to operate a small grocery/deli, including a potential weekly food-box distribution with the local food bank.
"We were just talking about the cabin and their plans," staff member Mike Sanders said after meeting with co-op board members and food-bank representatives. He told council the co-op group did not appear opposed and that staff expected the lease to be introduced on Aug. 10.
Several council members asked practical questions about how a food distribution event would affect parking and pedestrian flow on 1st and Cushman, the timing and frequency of distribution (staff said the food-bank hoped for one Tuesday per week with unspecified hours), and whether the co-op board had formally approved the proposal. Council member Therrien asked whether the church could be an alternative site, and council member Ringstead cited concerns about putting more traffic on 1st and Cushman.
Staff said the proposal could be changed before the contract is finalized and that staff would invite the co-op or its contact ("Sam") to a council meeting to present details. The council signaled interest in seeing a presentation and confirming board approval before finalizing any lease.
