The city of Madison is currently seeking proposals from developers, property owners and grocery store operators looking for financial aid to establish a full-service, affordable grocery store in the Allied Drive neighborhood of the city.
The funding would come in the form of a low-interest, partially forgivable loan, according to a city press release.
Common Council approved the Feb. 24 request authorizing Mayor Paul Soglin to provide the $300,000 for financial assistance.
“We know that it’s probably not enough for 40,000-square-foot grocery stores, but it could be enough for a smaller grocer that could serve the needs of the neighborhood,” said City Food and Alcohol Policy Director Mark Woulf. “ We’re hoping to get a number of different proposals so we can see what’s out there.”
The Allied Drive neighborhood, located in southern Madison, has struggled with issues related to food access after having multiple failed short-term grocery stores over the years. The closure of a local Walgreens placed additional pressure on the area.
“Adequate access to healthy, affordable and culturally appropriate food is an issue for many Madisonians,” Soglin said in the release.
The city strongly believes a full-service grocery store will be financially viable in the area, considering the increase in neighborhood engagement. The city also approved the use of $15,000 in emergency funds.
Woulf said interested parties can build the grocery store anywhere within the commercial area near Verona Road southwest of the Beltline.
Interested builders must submit a letter of intent by May 15 and a final proposal by June 15.
