GREENFIELD, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — The owner of Cleary Jewelers on Main Street in downtown Greenfield has received a 30-day Notice to Vacate its space by The Community Builders, part of a plan to renovate the former Wilson’s Department Store into housing and a new location for Green Fields Market.
The Notice to Vacate was dated July 24, and takes effect on August 23, at which time Community Builders says construction activity will begin onsite.
Cleary Jewelers owner Kerry Semaski told Franklin County Now that she has done more than her part in seeking a solution, while noting that Cleary’s lease on the property runs through July of 2029.
“We have tirelessly tried to work with these entitles,” said Semaski. “We’ve come up with solutions, and the lack of communication and follow-through on their part has always been difficult.”
In a statement, Cleary attorney Dennis Egan reinterred that the business will be staying put at this time.
“Cleary Jewelers continues and will be continue to occupy its store pace pursuant to a value lease the term of which continues through July 31, 2029,” said Egan. “We are aware of the Massachusetts Development Finance Agency’s desire to redevelop the property and continue to be willing to find a reasonable resolution that provides the community with much needed housing while providing fair compensation to Cleary’s for the early termination of its lease and the significant costs associated with its potential relocation.”
Franklin Community Co-op recently updated members on that status of the project, in which it pledged its support of Cleary’s and offered assistance in relocation efforts.