February 17, 2026
As a reminder, the Finzer site that LACE was gifted on our behalf is now in the possession of REBOUND who will gift the property to the Smoketown Community Land Trust (SCLT). We have spent the last year exploring a partnership with the SCLT and a few months ago learned the SCLT has leased the Finzer site to a construction company over the next two years and is not prioritizing developing the site at this time.
We secured funding from The Reinvestment Fund’s Healthy Food and Financing Initiative recently to explore partnerships and development opportunities. We contracted with MK Lindsey, a local development consultant, who conducted some very timely research on a number of other co-ops as well as site leads. At the February 19th, 2026 Owners Meal and Meeting, the LCG Board will present on her report and engage owners about a way forward.
Over the course of our organizing, we have considered over two dozen properties in Old Louisville, Smoketown, Shelby Park, Russell, Portland, Shawnee and Parkland. These neighborhoods were chosen due to the food access needs and the residents’ interest in cooperative economics, demonstrated by their participation in New Roots’ Fresh Stops. Two market studies (2020, 2024) were conducted. The search in both studies identified properties with the best potential in Smoketown and Russell.
We are in the process of deciding, and that’s where our Owners come in. Ultimately, it will be through a vote of the Owners that the destination is decided.