Business owners in Madison have growing concerns about a proposal for a new thrift store, downtown.
Four consignment-type stores already exist in Madison, some for several decades.
Owners say their shops may be in jeopardy because Madison City Commissioners along with a project steering committee are proposing to build a new, bigger thrift store that would fund local programs in Lake County.
The project is called the Community Thrift Store Project and many who oppose say it's unnecessary for the city of Madison.
One of those people speaking out against the project owns the 4 Seasons Fleamarket.
Gayle Maberry posted signs along her store-front windows letting people know what's going on.
She says she just found out about this project, now she's doing what she can to stop it.
She says the project would cost taxpayers too much when the money could go to other things like a movie theatre or grocery store.
"The thought of bringing another one in town upsets us because it's our money that we'd be paying to have our profits taken away from us by another store coming into town. It has not made sense to a lot of people," Gayle Maberry said.
The community thrift store would be organized by a nonprofit organization.
Profits of the store would benefit local programs.
The store would sell only donated items, rather than consignment.
If the project passes, the new land would be free of charge and the owners would pay zero property taxes.
