There seems to be some misinformation or confusion about the status of the Common Ground. Therefore, I thought it would be prudent to let folks know where we have been and where we hope to go.
I was invited to join the Common Ground Board of Directors two years ago in order to help it be reborn. Soon after joining I learned about the challenges we faced: A deteriorated physical plant, debts of over $50,000, several liens, and an imminent foreclosure due to our inability to pay property taxes. Yet I also learned about what the Common Ground has meant to folks and the rich history that unfolded inside those walls over the years. When all seemed lost, I offered to loan the Common Ground $25,000 on the spot in order to hold off the foreclosure and to give the Board enough time to create a viable business plan to present to Brattleboro Savings and Loan.
A Business Plan was created and the bank was approached to refinance the mortgage. They required a personal guarantee and a deposit of twelve months worth of loan payments, which I agreed to.
When the Common Ground happily reopened last November, there was a great celebration at the restaurant. Expectations were high. Great Sunday brunches were served, Free the Food returned, and musical magic was conjured up regularly. Wholesome, often local and organic food was lovingly prepared and enjoyed. But the Common Ground never approached sustainability.
By Spring the Common Ground was well into debt, losing over $3,000 per month, but the bank saved us by loaning us $24,000 more. Early this past summer, the Board began discussing the possibility of closing. We agreed to make a go of it through the summer in the hopes of reaching a break even point. When the summer did not produce sufficient business, we agreed to stay open until the end of October in the hopes that the leaf season would help turn business around. It did not.
Currently the Common Ground has been put on written notice that we are in default with the bank. We now owe over $19,000 in past due debt, including unpaid state and IRS withholding and rooms and meals taxes. The bank has demanded to know how the Common Ground will cure the default. Foreclosure can follow if we do not act to cure the default or provide a plan to do so that is acceptable to the bank. If the bank forecloses, the ability of the Board to find a solution that preserves the integrity of the Common Ground name will be put at risk.
It has been a challenging year for the Common Ground in many ways, yet despite the struggles, the rekindled dream of this precious community center has been manifest. Many dedicated people worked tirelessly to breathe new life in the Common Ground, contributing much love and fostering comaraderie.
The Common Ground is now closed temporarily. This coming Tuesday, the Board of Directors of the Common Ground will meet to approve a plan that, with the necessary blessing of Brattleboro Savings and Loan, will allow us time to seek new energy and resources. We are eager hear from folks with creative ideas and financial means that could lead to a reopening of the Common Ground on more solid footing.