GREENFIELD, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — The owner of Cleary Jewelers in downtown Greenfield says an eviction complaint against the business has been filed in Franklin County Superior Court.

Kerry Semaski says she has tried to reach an agreement with MassDevelopment Inc., Community Builders, and the Franklin Community Co-op on a relocation plan for Cleary’s, but says those talks did not result in an agreement and led to the eviction proceedings.

MassDevelopment, the landlord for the Cleary Jewelers, had sent eviction notices to Semaski this spring and again earlier this summer. Community Builders plans to proceed with a planned redevelopment of the former Wilson’s Department Store on Main Street, with Green Fields Market moving into the street level and residential units occupying the upper floors. The removal of Cleary Jewelers was deemed necessary for that plan to proceed.

Cleary’s has a lease agreement with MassDevelopment through July 31, 2029. Semaski says Cleary Jewelers will not abandon that lease agreement, and claims the business has done nothing in violation of the agreement. Semaski says the business is not closing, nor is she retiring.

Semaski told Franklin County Now Monday evening that she has been trying to work out an agreement with the party that is now evicting her.

“At the end of the day, negotiations have come down to the parties’ view of the cost for Cleary’s Jewelers to make a move to a new location, nothing more,” said Semaski. “Just reimbursement for moving our 97-year-old business…moving a jewelry store is incredibly expensive, as we are not your typical retail shop.”

Semaski also takes exception to the treatment she says she and the business is receiving.

“It is truly disgusting how a landmark Greenfield business is being treated, said Semaski. “Over the years we have kept the Mayor and Community and Economic Development Director up to date due to the fact that the City has $300,000 invested in the project. Their stance is this is between private entities and there is nothing they can do.”

Semaski reiterated that she is asking for fair reimbursement for relocation expenses, and that she has provided two solutions that she says have not been responded to. Semaski said she is open to meaningful negotiations to resolve the issue.

Franklin County Now has reached out to MassDevelopment and Greenfield city officials for comment, and we will provide further updates when more information becomes available.