The First United Methodist Church of Delmar is looking to move its Treasure Cove Thrift Shop into a bigger location.
Representatives of the church appeared before the Bethlehem Planning Board on Wednesday, Sept. 4, to seek approval to move the store to its property at 135 Adams Street, across the street from the Kenwood Avenue church. The new location would be larger and allow for the store to be a permanent fixture in the community.
The Planning Board unanimously approved the site plan.
“Our proposal is to take over the entire building,” said Treasure Cove Manager Linda Graf in a later interview. “We’re doing (the move) because every week our volunteers have to set up the store and take it down. It’s a giant pain in the neck.”
The church previously rented out the building’s downstairs to several commercial businesses and rented apartments upstairs. Graf said they now believe the property will be better utilized by moving the thrift shop from the church’s basement.
“The space we use now is used for other purposes during the week, like the choir and other church activities,” Graf said. “So it’s been a long road of taking down and setting up. It takes a lot of manpower.”
At the end of this month, the thrift shop will be celebrating its 21st year in business.
Those wishing to visit the new store will still be asked to park in the church’s parking lot. A sidewalk is being installed from the parking lot to the new shop, to make the building more accessible for the elderly and disabled. Some doors will also be widened within the building to make room for wheelchairs.
Graf said the goal is for the new shop to be open by Halloween, but it depends on how fast the sidewalk and renovations can be completed. If more time is needed, the backup goal is for the shop to be open by Thanksgiving.
Graf said the plan is for the downstairs of the shop to contain adult clothing. The upstairs most likely will be used for children’s clothing and a reading corner. A separate section for household items and collectibles may also be added, depending on the space.
With the move, Graf said volunteers hope to be able to open the shop for additional hours.
“A lot of people want to come on the weekends, but we don’t have the hours,” said Graf.
Treasure Cove will remain open the longest on Tuesdays, but plans are to open on for four hours on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
Graf said with the new store, the church is also looking for additional volunteers. New cashier positions will be available, along with positions sorting donated items.
“We’re very excited,” Graf said.