The $2.6 million renovation and expansion of Hunger Mountain Coop will move forward, following todays overwhelming approval from member-owners. Vote totals were 1,552 in favor and 159 opposed, a margin of 90.65% to 9.28%. The results of this record turnout mean groundbreaking will begin in Spring 2007. This is a rewarding result for everyone who was involved in developing the proposal over the past year, said Council President Stephen Klein. The strong member-owner support assures The Coop will have a bright future in central Vermont. The plan includes major improvements to the work areas at The Coop, addressing safety and efficiency challenges that exist. It also increases seating to the deli/café, expands the bulk department, adds several check-out lanes to reduce lines, and makes it easier to maneuver through the aisles. Day lighting will be improved and the unique community feel of the Coop will remain. One of the advantages of this design is that much of the construction work can take place without disrupting our day-to-day operations, explains General Manager Kari Bradley. We anticipate remaining open every day, though its likely some departments will be disrupted temporarily. Well know more once the details are finalized this winter.
