we just want to be part of that vibe, to carry the banner of what’s (already) built in downtown Farmington,” he said. “I only see the partnership growing over time. we’d be crazy not to embrace the passion in this room,” Van Overloop said.Īnd Fresh Thyme is looking forward to being part of the community, he added. “What I heard here is loyalty – loyalty to a common cause. The uncertainty is what scares me,” she said.Ĭouncilman Greg Cowley, noting that no one can guarantee the market will be around forever, said “As long as I’m up here (on council), I don’t think (the farmers market) is going anywhere.”Ĭowley also said the council is “excited about the cultural fit of Fresh Thyme” in Farmington, calling it “a huge win” for the city.Īlso weighing in at the meeting was Fresh Thyme’s director of operations for Michigan, Bruce Van Overloop. we’re not sure where the city stands on the market. “The last few years, we’ve heard so much (about possible changes). “I’m not worried about Fresh Thyme as a competitor, I’m worried about the City of Farmington,” she said. “Moving it would be bad for the city, bad for the community,” he said.Īnother market vendor, Kathy Fusilier, said she and the others are seeking a commitment from the city regarding the market – just as she and the other farmers make a commitment to participate in it. Kmieciak also said that the market operations shouldn’t be changed. “The best thing is to work together to balance the needs and interests of our businesses and residents to the very best of our abilities, “ he said.īuck also acknowledged that his statement made to the DDA earlier this month “has created a bit of a stir.”įarmington resident and market vendor Ryan Kmieciak chalked up the rumor storm to a “social media kerfuffle,” and a communication problem between the city and residents. Instead the Planned Unit Development agreement for the construction project – which Fresh Thyme is on board with – clearly outlines the market and other community events held nearby.Īt Monday’s meeting, Buck said the DDA’s goal is to make Fresh Thyme feel welcomed and supported, and to create an atmosphere where the store will thrive – while still recognizing the importance of the farmers market and other community events. In addition to rumors that the farmers market was headed for major changes, some people mistakenly assumed Fresh Thyme had issues with the weekly event. ![]() This is especially important now that Fresh Thyme is coming to town, he said. But competition it brings to downtown business both “for parking and sometimes for product” should be considered, as should possible changes to it that could add to the economic viability of the area. Last week, Buck told the Farmington Observer he supports the farmers market. And DDA Board President Tom Buck, in a “position draft,” suggested the market should possibly be moved or its Saturday day of operations changed. 3 meeting, DDA member Dan Higgins reportedly suggested turning over market operations to Fresh Thyme, which is building a specialty grocery store in downtown Farmington near Sundquist Pavilion where the market is held. The deluge of public comment was spurred on by a social media storm that developed days ago due to statements recently made by two members of the Downtown Development Authority’s Board of Directors. “This market is a great deal why Farmington has remained my home,” she said.Īnd Linda Chiara of Farmington asked, “Why mess with success?” “You have a wonderful thing here in Farmington.” ![]() ![]() “What we want as vendors is a commitment that the market will be there on Saturday until the end of time,” said Scott Robertello of Kapnick Orchards, for years a Farmington farmers market vendor. Still, more than a dozen residents, farmers and other market vendors spent nearly 90 minutes at the podium, expressing support for the market and how it’s run – and urging the city council to keep that going. ![]() In an effort to “clear the air and replace some rumors with facts,” Farmington Mayor Bill Galvin told a standing-room-only crowd at Monday’s city council meeting that the council isn’t considering any changes to the Farmers & Artisans Market.
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