Despite numerous setbacks in securing a grocery store, members of the West Boulevard Neighborhood Coalition say the opening of Three Sisters Market, a community-owned food cooperative that is planned for the corner of Romare Bearden Drive and West Boulevard, is now within sight. The co-op is expected to open in 2025.
On Saturday, the coalition will host a community celebration to share updates on the project. When built, the 12,000 square foot market will serve as a grocery store and community space. The total cost is expected to be about $10 million.
A market assessment and revitalization study from 2019 found that the idea for a food cooperative fit the area better than that of a commercial grocery store. The area does not meet the minimum requirements of commercial grocery stores because of lower population density and household spending power. The report included details of successful cooperatives in Durham and Washington, both of which include fresh, locally grown foods and products alongside community services…