Cortland ReUse Plans Move to Port Watson Street – Accepting Donations Towards Move

Cortland ReUse is preparing for a major transition, with plans to relocate to a new site within the City of Cortland.

Executive Director Carrie Narrow told X101 News that the organization is tentatively set to open its new store on April 1. The new location will be at 113 Port Watson Street, adjacent to the County Mental Health Building.

Cortland ReUse has operated at 186 Homer Avenue since October 2023. However, challenges with the building—including its large floor space, water issues, and anticipated redevelopment of the plaza—prompted the need for a move.

The new Port Watson Street location will be smaller than the current store but comparable in size to the organization’s original McLean Road site. Narrow said the reduced footprint will improve manageability for staff and increase overall efficiency.

“All in all, it’s the best strategic opportunity for us to continue stability for the community and demonstrate our long-term commitment,” Narrow said.

The move had been expected. Christopher Community Inc. plans to redevelop the Homer Avenue property into affordable housing with storefront space. Earlier plans had Cortland ReUse relocating to the former P&C Grocery store behind Dollar General.

Unlike its current leased space, the new Port Watson Street building will be owned by Cortland ReUse. The organization has also faced ongoing roof leaks at its current location, which have damaged merchandise and forced temporary closures.

The purchase of the new building was supported in part by a $125,000 Community Resiliency, Economic Sustainability, and Technology (CREST) grant, recommended by State Senator Lea Webb and Assemblymember Anna Kelles. The remaining balance was financed through a mortgage. Narrow noted that the organization expects lower monthly overhead due to the smaller space and elimination of lease payments.

To help fund the move, Cortland ReUse launched a “Yard by Yard” fundraiser. The campaign is based on the 2,816-yard distance between the current and future locations, with a goal of raising $2,816 through $1-per-yard donations. Narrow said the organization is about halfway to its goal. Donations can be made in-store or online.

Plans for the new site include a redesigned donation drop-off area, allowing donors to pull up in their vehicles while staff or volunteers unload items. The organization is also exploring the addition of clothing sales in the future.

No disruptions to shopping are expected during the transition. Cortland ReUse plans to close its Homer Avenue store on March 31 and reopen at the new location on April 1. Updates on the move will be shared through the organization’s Facebook page.