Grocery co-op in Smoketown stalled, future uncertain [Video]

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The plans for a community-owned grocery store on an empty lot at Finzer and Preston Streets in Smoketown are back to the drawing board. It’s a disappointment for neighbor Tony Manning. 

“My issue is telling the community for so many years that ‘this is what we’re gonna do, this is what we’re gonna bring to the community,’ and then it don’t happen,” he said.

Despite the letdown, the Shelby Square Resident Council president is optimistic. Manning envisions a future where his neighbors can enjoy fresh food closer to home, even if he doesn’t mind the half-hour TARC ride to the 28th and Broadway Kroger.  

“But my concern is for the seniors, those who don’t have transportation, they can’t do that,” he explained.

“Here we are, almost five years later, and that money that was set aside with all the best …