Many communities have plenty of options for groceries, so running in to get a last minute item is just a part of life. However, it takes more planning for neighbors in Tully. They've been without a grocery store for nearly 10 years and have to travel long distances. As Iris St. Meran explains, that will all change when a local food market officially opens its doors.
TULLY, N.Y. -- The village of Tully has almost everything you'd find in other communities like a post office and pizza shop. One thing you won't find is a grocery store.
"I travel to Camillus for groceries," said Theresa Mulroy.
Mulroy isn't the only one with a long commute. Neighbors have to go to Cortland or Syracuse which can be difficult if you don't already work in those areas.
"We have a lot of elderly people so for a lot of them to get out at all in the winter is very challenging and on the opposite side of that people with small children, if you've got to bundle up and herd several small children that can be a real challenge," said Tully Mayor Beth Greenwood.
A neighborhood grocery store is set to make a comeback. Chastity Mydlenski is the owner of what will be called The Local Food Market Tully. She runs another grocery store in Cortland. It will feature mainly local items.
"Prices, I feel are very competitive to the box chain stores that are out there. Local products do tend to be a little bit more money because we're supporting that local farmer," said Mydlenski.
What makes The Local Food Market Tully unique is that community members invested their time and money to get this grocery store off the ground.
"We did all the rebuild. There are three apartments upstairs. This is ready for the grocery, the basement is finished into a nice fitness and wellness center and those investors will all be paid back over time. They'll get all their money back plus a flat 3 percent interest," said Greenwood, who is also in charge of construction of the building.
Greenwood said Mydlenski will slowly buy out the building and eventually income from the apartments will cover the taxes and utilities. The total investment is just under $342,000.
Lifelong resident Joanne Lyon remembers when there was a grocery store and said there are some things you just can't put a price on.
"Just the convenience of it all, of it being local here, making our community here even that much nicer," said Lyon.
They look forward to its grand opening and welcome it with open arms.
The Local Food Market Tully is expected to be open in a few months. In addition to the apartments and fitness center it will also feature a wine shop.