This is the 3rd post in the series on the possibility of a "*Central Park Market*". Two more posts on this can be read at "CPM1":http://www.durhamfoodcoop.org/CPM1 and "CPM2":http://www.durhamfoodcoop.org/CPM2.

On Saturday, Feb 17 I sent another email to the OND listserv, titled "*Creating vibrant local living communities*"

"Dear OND community members,

I'm currently editing the Durham Food Co-op newsletter, which is titled "Food for Thought." As your community discusses bringing a grocery store downtown, let me give you my perspective on this - which will hopefully give you some food for thought...

I believe in the values of local ownership and concern for community. Consumer cooperatives such as the Durham Food Coop, Weaver Street Market and Chatham Marketplace are local Food Co-op's that strive to create a sense of community, promote and support local sustainable agriculture and businesses through providing foods and services to their members and the community at large. Beyond being just a great place to buy groceries, Co-op's around the country serve their communities in many ways: education--hosting events and publishing a regular newsletter; outreach--forming partnerships with other community organizations and supporting local charities; and community-building--providing a place for people to meet, connect, and share information and ideas.

What makes them special is their uniqueness: not being part of a corporate chain, each Co-op has their own face, history, mission and impact in their community. Weaver Street Market (WSM) is a great example of a Co-op that had a tremendously positive impact: imagine a strip mall or a chain store in its place - would Carrboro be the same? To me, Durham has a chance to create a similarly vibrant downtown with a unique face - don't we all want a one-of-a-kind community that gives a sense of being Someplace, not Just Anyplace?

The following is an excerpt from an article by Linda Stier, that appeared in the Cooperative Grocer #97, November-December 2001, "www.cooperativegrocer.coop/articles/index.php?id=323":http://www.cooperativegrocer.coop/articles/index.php?id=323
"...
I remember when Weaver Street Market (WSM) opened in downtown Carrboro, North Carolina, in June 1988. Many people came to shop. New member T-shirts were popular on the local college campus; the expansive shady lawn in front of the cooperative quickly became a community gathering spot; the market became a `place to visit' in travel books. Early on, energy went into keeping the shelves stocked and working out glitches. Soon the outdoor space was a magnet for music, fairs and seasonal events. WSM became a sponsor of other community events. Over several years, activities and physical space expanded. Other businesses moved into downtown. Something was happening in downtown Carrboro.
...
Fall 2001: Imagine puppetry, sand sculptures, bluegrass, wine tastings, local charities grilling chicken on the patio, jazz brunches, outdoor theater, Halloween costume contests. A sculpture designed as public art decorates a new garden pool built through cooperative effort in front of the cafe. The outdoor eating area borders the landscaped shaded walkway that joins the market with Panzanella, WSM's Italian restaurant, with its own outdoor eating area, located in the adjoining historic mill. The aroma of fresh-baked bread, sweets and meals wafts through the air from the bakery and kitchen fans. People gather in small groups throughout the day, in the store aisles, on the patio, on the lawn. Some catch up on paperwork or just take a moment to watch the day go by. Others sit alone with the newspaper. Even when alone, people can experience community.

At the worker level, WSM employees reflect the diversity of the community, and receive what they need to succeed -- bilingual employment aids, Spanish and English classes, orientations to working in America. In another part of town, a Mexican restaurant, a place for the local Hispanic community, has appeared through the support of WSM. A Cooperative Community Fund has been set up, a town revitalization workshop has been sponsored, owners (members) participate in focus groups, and two satellite stores are planned in outlying communities. A local newspaper, in an article on WSM's first satellite store, refers to WSM as "The Heart of a New Downtown"; the front lawn of WSM is said to be the "heart and soul of Carrboro."

People are drawn into the WSM experience. What draws them there? In my case, I drive twelve miles past two other food stores to do most of my shopping at the cooperative. The product is not the point. The point for me is that I trust the chain of commerce that has the product on the shelf for me to purchase. From the grower, to the producer, to the vendor to the employee unloading the truck and stocking the shelves, I trust how everyone is regarded, dealt with and compensated. I trust that I not only get value for my purchase, but that the dollars I spend are cycled directly back into the community in ways that benefit me and others. The trust is enriched by having a say in the fundamental values that drive everything that goes on. The whole experience leaves me satisfied and fulfilled.
..."

A more up-to-date report on Weaver Street Market, including WSM's Mission Statement, can be found at "www.weaverstreetmarket.com/about/wsm.php":http://www.weaverstreetmarket.com/about/wsm.php

A "Central Park Market" could be a milestone in Durham's downtown revitalization - to the benefit of the surrounding neighborhoods. However, this would require community involvement and community investment - people coming together to create and realize such a vision. I strongly believe that with enough community support a "Central Park Market" can be realized to satisfy the needs and wants of the community - just as the Durham Food Co-op was created for a reason by and for its members in 1971, Weaver Street Market in 1988, and Chatham Marketplace in 2006. (For an illustrative short piece on the latter Co-op, see "ncga.coop/node/1017":http://ncga.coop/node/1017)

I'd be more than happy to give more information or input. Note that I'm not advocating that the Durham Food Co-op just move downtown; at the end of the day, any relocation or transformation would be for its members to decide (and to finance!). Much internal work is yet to be done to get the DFC up to par. However, the DFC could be part of creating a successful consumer cooperative in Downtown Durham, and I would be pretty excited about that. As for the DFC, with recently increased involvement by people with a vision, expertise, and sound business sense, the Durham Food Co-op is on its way to transforming into a sustainable business that lives up to its mission. The current board is working hard to create structures to make the DFC a better and more inviting space and place to shop. And you might want to check it out sometime.

best,
Sven Rinke"

Two more posts on this can be read at "CPM1":http://www.durhamfoodcoop.org/CPM1 and "CPM2":http://www.durhamfoodcoop.org/CPM2.