RELOCATION OF FARMERS' MARKET TO GREENBELT PARKING LOT DURING DOWNTOWN CONSTRUCTION

Recommendation

It is recommended by staff and the Chamber of Commerce that Council approve the use of the Greenbelt Parking Lot for Farmers' Market during Hotel construction.

Background

Since 1990, the Farmers' Market has been operating every Friday afternoon on the east half of 13th Street west of Hermosa Avenue. While the market has been able to operate during Pier Avenue construction, the additional impact of Hotel construction has compromised the safe operation of the market (in order to ensure access to Lot C, the Market was moved to the south side of the street while vehicles were entering 13th Street on the north side of the street).

Recognizing these safety concerns, staff met with the Chamber of Commerce and Farmers' Market staff to discuss relocating the Market as soon as was feasible. As such, the Market moved to the Greenbelt beginning on May 2, 1997.

Analysis

At the staff meeting, a number of alternative Market locations were discussed including: (1) Lot C, (2) 11th Street west of Hermosa Avenue, (3) Lot A, (4) upper Pier Avenue, and (5) the Greenbelt Parking Lot.

The Greenbelt Parking Lot proved favorable in the final analysis because: (a) it would not conflict with construction activity, (b) the hours of operation are during low impact hours for adjacent recreation facilities, (c) nearby free public parking is available in City Hall, Community Center and on the Greenbelt (the Market only occupies 24 spaces), and (d) the pedestrian path could be placed between the Greenbelt and the Market to improve pedestrian safety.

Staff and the Chamber of Commerce recognize that the original intent of the Market was to stimulate business in the downtown area. For that reason, the Greenbelt location is not ideal. During this interim period, however, the Chamber will identify downtown restaurants who are willing to deliver food to the Farmers during the day as a means to stimulate more business for the City. In addition, they will return to Council with a request to return to the downtown area once construction allows them to operate a safe and efficient Market.