A Riverwalk Landing cornerstone is doubling down on its current location, while another is on its way out.
Ben & Jerry’s at 332 Water St. has plans to extend its current lease by an additional five years. The lease was slated to end in 2020 but will now run through 2025. The building is owned by York County and is leased to occupants.
York County Director of Economic Development Jim Noel said the business had expressed its interest in extending the lease, and the county had drafted an agreement for consideration. As of Wednesday, Noel said the ice cream parlor had not acted on the proposed agreement.
“The ball’s in their court,” he said.
While one Riverwalk Landing business wants to extend its lease, another is leaving the shopping center. Florida-based River Fruit Mercantile, which specializes in local crafts and food items, is closing and will vacate its location at 327 Water St. at the end of September.
Owner Donnie Garland said the decision to close the store was motivated by a change in business strategies and a family situation. He said the store’s last day of operation would be Sept. 30. Garland added the company did not have immediate plans to open a new location in Virginia.
Noel said the county was in talks with businesses interested in leasing the site.
The York County Economic Development Authority discussed the property and possible leasing options in closed session at its meeting Tuesday night. Noel said he hoped to have a lease agreement prepared for consideration by early next week.
