Former grocery store owner sued

CHAUMONT — A Chaumont businessman has filed a state Supreme Court lawsuit against the former operator of a village grocery store in an attempt to compel the owners to complete the sale of the property.

Edward J. Valentine filed suit Friday at the Jefferson County clerk's office against Chaumont Bay Markets LLC, former operator of Dick's Neighborhood Market on Route 12E.

Mr. Valentine contends in his complaint that he came to an agreement Jan. 19 with the company to buy the former grocery store property for $450,000. He claims following the agreement, he spent about $4,000 on legal fees, including an examination of the property's abstract of title, a tax search, creation of a proposed deed and preparation of other papers in anticipation of closing on the sale.

He maintains his attorney, Eugene R. Renzi, Watertown, then attempted to arrange a closing date, but was advised April 24 by Chaumont Bay Markets that it was no longer interested in selling the property. According to the complaint, Chaumont Bay Markets had demanded an additional $100,000 above the sale price agreed upon in the purchase offer and Mr. Valentine refused to pay it.

Mr. Renzi was not available for comment Friday.

Mr. Valentine, whose company, Valentine Stores Inc., has developed several Nice N Easy convenience stores in the north country, including one on Route 12E in the village, is asking a judge either that Chaumont Bay Markets be compelled to complete the sale according to the alleged original terms or, if this cannot happen, that he receive a judgment for $450,000 in damages.

The grocery store property is owned by William E. Wiseman, who purchased it in 2006 from his parents, Richard and Nancy. The elder Mr. Wiseman operated Dick's Neighborhood Market there for 37 years. William Wiseman closed the store in November, citing competition from supermarkets and Mr. Valentine's convenience store, as well as a downturn in the economy, as factors.

Mr. Wiseman could not be reached for comment.