BRANDON — Brandon will have a flower shop again.
The Brandon selectboard on Aug. 13 unanimously approved a request from the Revolving Loan Fund Committee, which also this month approved a $25,000 loan to Ann Chartrand. All loan requests must be approved by both the committee and the selectboard.
Chartrand plans to open the Brandon Florist Shoppe at the former Brandon Auto property next to Jiffy Mart on Route 7 north of downtown Brandon. She purchased the property from former owner Jim Bourne in June. Bourne also owns Brandon RV in Pittsford.
Chartrand is in the process of buying the floral business owned by Bernie and Beth Carr. The Carrs discontinued their long-running floral business at Carr’s Florist and Gifts on Center Street in January. The business is now known as Carr’s Gifts.
“I’m very excited,” Chartrand said in an interview, adding that she is hoping to open for business in September.
Chartrand bought the cooler, wrapping counters, tables, hand tools, vases and other equipment and supplies from the Carrs, as well as the phone number — 247-5727.
Bernie Carr said he and his wife wanted to get out of the flower business and concentrate on gifts.
“We just thought if somebody could free us up for the other million things we have to do, that would be great,” he said. “Then Ann came along.”
Chartrand described herself as a creative person who has worked with flowers for many years. She is currently taking online classes in floral design at the New York Institute of Art and Design.
The former Brandon Auto building consists of three bays, one of which will be occupied by the new flower shop. Chartrand said she hopes to offer storage in the other two bays over the winter.
“Hopefully, I’ll have more money to invest in the other two spaces in the spring,” she said, “and then I hope to rent the spaces to other businesses.”
The Revolving Loan Fund loan for $25,000 comes with a 2.75 percent interest rate amortized at a 15-year rate with a balloon payment at seven years.
Brandon Economic Development Director Bill Moore told the selectboard that Chartrand is committed to Brandon.
“The redevelopment and renovation of a prominent building that serves as the Route 7 gateway to our rebuilt and revitalized downtown will further cement this renaissance our town is currently experiencing.”