“It’s been a long time coming.” That was a common refrain among a small crowd of community leaders and other interested citizens who squeezed onto a piece of sidewalk in front of 711 Pine Street in Cambridge at noon last Wednesday. They were gathered for the groundbreaking ceremony for the soon-to-be Pine Street Community Market.

Quite a few people spoke before ground was broken, congratulating owner Ed Beasley and thanking others who had been involved with the project over many years.

“I’m so proud, I can’t get the smile off my face,” said former Mayor Victoria Jackson-Stanley, who was glad the rain had gone away. “Now we can celebrate a new beginning on this spot, revitalizing Cambridge, Eddie Beasley taking the lead again.”

City Councilman Jameson Harrington said he looks forward to shopping at the new store, and CPD Chief Justin Todd told Beasley, “Anything you need from the police department, we’re only a phone call away.”

“We are so delighted to be here,” said Mayor Stephen Rideout, “ready to go, ready to get this building built and start getting more and more activity here on Pine Street.”

Beasley softly thanked everyone for coming and made some brief remarks. Then several people lined up to dig into the wet earth with shiny shovels and ceremonially toss the dirt.

Pine Street Community Market will be a modern retail convenience store offering grocery staples, snacks, beer, wine and some cooked foods. The intention is to serve area residents without the means to reach local grocery stores. Construction is expected to be finished by the end of summer.