NEWS FLASH: The Bethlehem Co-Op Boondoggle Has Not Set an Opening Date; Fundraising Is About $1 Million Short, the Boondoggle Owes Back Rent and Seeks to Refinance Debt

April 20, 2026

— Jeff Ward, Lehigh Valley News Briefs

STOP THE PRESSES: The Bethlehem Co-Op Boondoggle did not set an opening date at its board meeting Monday.

The No-Op Co-Op Boondoggle is now 15 years old. Since it was founded in 2011, it has yet to sell one turnip from its 250 E. Broad St., Bethlehem, boondoggle headquarters.

Meanwhile it has spent more than $3 million of taxpayers’ dollars not to operate, and it has made many earnest statements about its intentions. It holds parties, shows up at events and touts high-falutin’ principles, but it isn’t open.

I repeat myself a lot in these Boondoggle stories, but what am I supposed to do? “It’s the same, old song … ” as the Four Tops sang.

The Boondoggle has employed various people, it had a general manager for more than a year, and it has never opened. No doubt at least some of those involved have had the best of intentions, but the worst of execution.

“The store is under construction,” Todd Mertz, chairman of the Co-Op board’s of directors, said at the boondoggle’s Monday meeting. He said the Co-Op will go over details with its contractor tomorrow.

It also seeks more money, relentlessly, despite having spent at least $6 million (my estimate based on the terms of its federal grant.) It has promised to open many times, and then “adjusted” the date. It’s not open.

The Co-Op has about $609,000 of its $1.6 million fundraising goal, according to Monday’s meeting. The Boondoggle plans to ask the “member-owners” who paid $300 to join the non-existent co-op for loans and donations, again.

It also seeks refinancing of its debt, which at one point exceeded $1 million. To do that, the Boondoggle needs “a new marketing study to support revenue projections,” and an agreement with Peron Development, the building owner, about back rent. Back rent might present a refinancing issue. Indeed, debt can do that.

Yes, it owes rent and rent accrues every day, open or closed. The issue of back rent reminded me of an old George Thorogood song, “One bourbon, one scotch, one beer.” I digress, but the song relates a sad story about back rent. Here’s the song on YouTube.

“I’m going to tell you a story, about the house rent blues … “

By the way, the Boondoggle prefers to be called the Bethlehem Co-Op Market; notably, it has had two names. It used to be called the Bethlehem Food Co-Op. By any name, open or closed, it’s a boondoggle.

Let me say two positive things about the Boondoggle. Its meetings are brief and to the point, and I credit board members and a couple dedicated volunteers with persisting. That’s not worth $3.1 million of public money, but it’s something. Their next meeting will be May 18.

As always, remember the people who funneled public dollars to the Boondoggle: former U.S. Rep. Susan Wild, state Senator Lisa Boscola, and Bethlehem City government.

Have I missed anybody?

Boondoggle On!