Garden center proposed for Locke's Mills

    A Bethel couple has applied to the Greenwood Planning Board to re-open the former Round Pond Corner Store as a retail garden center, the "Local Hub."
    Nick and Janet Bartlett are proposing to lease the building from owner Chris Marshall, according to the application before the board.
    The garden center would focus on local foods, and carry organic and heirloom seed stock, as well as organic soils and fertilizers. “We will strive to fill the cooler with local produce and local food, specialty beer and maybe local wine,” the Bartletts wrote in the application.
    In the future, listed as a “Phase 2,” the Bartletts describe plans for “re-certifying the kitchen and offering to-go items. This will include a licensed mobile vendor selling fresh baked wood fired oven pizzas.”
    Hours are proposed initially as 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesdays through Sundays, but could be subject to change, especially if the kitchen is operated.
    At its Nov. 5 meeting, the Planning Board found the Bartletts’ application complete, pending the receipt of paperwork from the Fire Department and Marshall, according to Town Manager Kim Sparks.
    The application is expected to be considered at the Dec. 3 board meeting.