Financing in place, Clifton grocery ready for construction

Clifton Town Meeting (CTM) President Pete Schneider says that the final piece of funding is in place and that work should begin within two to three weeks on the Clifton Gaslight Market, formerly the Keller's IGA at 319 Ludlow Avenue.

According to an announcement Schneider sent to the CTM e-mail list, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has given its approval for a loan, and renovation work should start to happen quickly.

Improvements will include a complete interior remodel, including new flooring, energy efficient refrigeration equipment, new checkouts and registers, lighting, and ceiling restoration. Outside of the building, work will include roof replacement, exterior painting and signage.

Owner Steve Goessling had anticipated word on the loan before Thanksgiving. Goessling owns four local IGA stores, including one in Reading that was also renovated with the help of a SBA loan.

Goessling purchased the grocery shortly after it closed in January 2011 due to tax issues. He has not set an opening date for the store.

"He [Goessling] wanted me to pass on his sincerest thanks and appreciation for all the support that the community has offered him over the past 18 months, and looks forward to being a large part of our community well into the future," Schneider said.

Previous reading on BC:
Tax exemption brings Clifton grocery closer to reopening (10/30/12)
Over 1,000 Ludlow Avenue surveys received (3/14/08)