Chelsea
TD Bank filed a foreclosure action against the owners of Flanders Market, Chelsea’s Pizza House & Deli and the North Tunbridge General Store. Separately, NorthCountry Federal Credit Union filed a foreclosure action against the home of the businesses’ owners, Eric and Stacey Flanders. The actions were filed in Orange Superior Court in Chelsea, according to copies of the complaints on file in the Chelsea Town Clerk offices.
The Flanderses began operating the North Tunbridge General Store in 2002 and went on to own Flanders Market and Chelsea’s Pizza House.
The three business were closed by Vermont authorities last November over unpaid taxes. The Flanderses then reopened the businesses for a couple of months before, citing financial difficulties, closing them for a second time earlier this year. The stores have remained shuttered ever since.
TDBank, in its filing, said it held two mortgages with a principal balance of $496,511 that are secured by the three commercial properties. NorthCountry Federal Credit Union said it holds two mortgages with a principal balance of $240,576 that are secured by the residential property. The foreclosure documents also show multiple liens filed by the Vermont Department of Taxes totaling more than $286,000 for the three commercial properties.
The Flanderses could not be reached for comment last week. A message sent via Facebook was not returned.
Small general stores around the Twin States have been struggling as convenience chains and quick marts have expanded their market share. Some independently owned general stores have reinvented themselves as “country store” cafes serving fresh foods and hand-crafted gift items. Others, such as the recently reopened Cornish General Store, are emphasizing their food along with their role as a community meeting place.
John Lippman can be reached at 603-727-3219 or jlippman@vnews.com.
