An iconic neighborhood market abruptly closed its doors in Guilderland more than a week ago, with more than $15,000 of outstanding taxes on the property.
Greulich’s Market closed Sunday, July 27, with apparently little warning to longtime customers of the family-owned business. A message was posted to its Facebook page that afternoon informing customers of the decision, with many people leaving surprised comments.
Check out the buzz on Facebook about the store closure in our blog entry: Social media reactions to Greulich’s Market closing
“It’s a sad day for Greulich’s today, we sadly closed. We will let you know what we decide to do,” read the Facebook post.
Bonnie Greulich, co-owner of Greulich’s Market, declined to comment when contacted by Spotlight News about the closure.
Bonnie and Arthur Greulich Jr. are listed as property owners for the grocery store located at 3403 Carman Road, which holds a full market value assessment of nearly $430,000. The taxable value of the property for Albany County, town and school taxes was $395,500, which has not increased for several years.
Guilderland Receiver of Taxes Lynne Buchanan said storeowners had previously paid taxes in a “timely” manner.
“They did not pay their school tax in September, so that amount was rolled over to the 2014 property tax in January,” said Buchanan. “The amount that was rolled over was $9,690.”
There was still $15,240 in back taxes owned as of Tuesday, July 29, according to county officials.
Bonnie Greulich also owns the residential property directly behind Greulich’s, listed as 3401-3405 Carman Road, and paid off its back taxes on April 30. She had owed about $3,200 in town taxes, which includes interest and penalties.
Most people will likely remember the store’s fiberglass cow, which stood on the market’s roof, serving as a community landmark.
Many people were also fond of its meat department. Several Facebook comments on the market’s closing talked about the quality of meat offered, along with its premade meatball mix.
Store employees reportedly told customers on Friday, July 25, the store would be closing, along with a Facebook post that day stating it would be closed “for a little while,” according to The Daily Gazette.
The Facebook post is no longer on its page, but a post announcing a 50 percent sale on everything from that Friday is, which urged customers to “come quick before it all goes!”
No reason has been publicly given from storeowners for closing the store before The Spotlight went to press Monday, Aug. 4.
The store’s website, greulichsmarket.com, also was taken down, with a message from the host stating the domain name expired. It had worked until at least Friday, Aug. 1.