There has to be a balance is selecting site for Farmers’ Market
Dear Loveland Magazine Readers,
by Linda Bergholz,
I think that the Farmers’ Market is a wonderful event for the community–good for local farmers/food providers, with healthy and tasteful choices for residents. It brings a real sense of the way we want our city to be – friends and neighbors coming together in a positive manner.
[quote_left]I have to recognize the downside of the placement of the market at Jackson St.[/quote_left]However, as a business owner who offers music lessons, I have to recognize the downside of the placement of the market at Jackson St. We are located in the building next to the Market and we lose not only most of the parking in the front, sides, and back (except for our two allotted spaces), which is a miniscule amount in comparison to what we need. And it affects many other of the businesses in the area as For some, the additional foot traffic is a plus. [quote_right]For those of us who are “go to” businesses, it has resulted in loss of revenue every Tuesday.[/quote_right]well. For some, the additional foot traffic is a plus. For those of us who are “go to” businesses, it has resulted in loss of revenue every Tuesday.
We have had parents refuse to schedule lessons during that time because of the lack of access to parking so their students are able to come upstairs for lessons. Students that are still attending on Tuesdays, run so late due to traffic that they have to miss or reschedule, etc.
There has to be a balance.
I understand the need for the market to have access to a power source and water. There is an area that is extremely underutilized within approximately two blocks of the area – plenty of parking, water and power available, restrooms, and a great deal of space. Nisbet Park is a lovely setting conducive to the atmosphere of the market – open air and lots of room for the kids to run and play while the parents shop.
Is there still traffic? Of course–there will ALWAYS be traffic and a bottleneck when you have one bridge to the historic area.
[quote_left]There is room for compromise and cooperation and support of important community needs. [/quote_left]“Old” Historic Loveland is charming and inviting – we need to keep it that way. But there is room for compromise and cooperation and support of important community needs.
Donna Bednar and the Farmers Market deserve that from the City, it’s governing body, and it’s residents. Donna strives to make Loveland a place to go, not to drive through. Her efforts shouldn’t go unrewarded – I hope the governing body and residents can find a solution that works for both the Market and the businesses that already exist.
