MADISON, Wis. -- The Willy Street Co-op said Tuesday that it's closer than ever to opening a new store.

The Willy Street Co-op said it has signed a letter of intent with a realty company to open up what it calls "Willy Street Co-op -- West."

The new store would be located at the corner of University Avenue and Park Street in Middleton at the Parkwood Plaza.

The co-op has been working on the possibility of a second store for the last five years.

Management said the West Side location will be a significant addition to the co-op's mission, not only to serve new customers, local and organic foods but to also serve the members who don't live in the Williamson Street area.

"About 16 percent of our owners live closer to that store rather than this store. So it will be a lot easier for West Side owners to shop at Willy Street," said Brendon Smith, of the Willy Street Co-op.

The co-op said it's also considering adding a meat counter and a beer and wine section, which its current store doesn't offer.

For the next 15 days, members of the co-op will be able weigh in on the plans. The first meeting is Friday at the Williamson Street store. For more information on the meetings, visit www.willystreet.coop.

The co-op said the new store is estimated to bring about 100 jobs.

If all goes as planned, the goal is to open up the store this fall.

There isn't expected to be opposition to this, as the co-op's 20,000 members voted in 2007 to open a second store.