Beckley Common Council discusses Fruits of Labor lease options

BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) — Beckley Common Council members were a step closer to setting a long-awaited lease agreement with Fruits of Labor Cafe for a city-owned building following a Monday workshop meeting.

At the meeting, council members heard from Tammy Jordan, the owner of Fruits of Labor.

Fruits of Labor and the non-profit Seed Sower have operated from the building without paying rent for at least a year due to a verbal agreement made with Beckley city officials.

Beckley Common Council members said they recently became aware of the informal agreement and are now moving to develop a satisfactory lease agreement with Jordan, who had reportedly told city officials, prior to moving into the building, that she could pay only $1,000 monthly.

Ward 3 Councilman Robert Dunlap said on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 that Mayor Rob Rappold had suggested Jordan’s lease should be set at $1,000 a month while other Council members suggested $3,000.

No lease had been drafted by Tuesday afternoon, said Dunlap. He added that he expected a draft to be available within the next two weeks for Jordan to examine.

“We’re going to get a draft that leaves certain areas open for input, and we’re going to make suggestions for what the lease amount should be, how much we’ll require Fruits of Labor to pay; are we going to allow Fruits of Labor to sublease?” said Dunlap.

He added that many constituents are customers at Fruits of Labor and enjoy the eatery.

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