The future of the Albany Farmers’ Market is uncertain. The Ecology Center, along with our vendors and farmers, are very eager to plan for another successful season at the Solano and San Pablo location. While most businesses have been enthusiastic about the market’s ability to bring new customers to the area, a few of the businesses located on the block felt that the presence of the farmers’ market hurt their business, and they have been vocal about not wanting the market there. As a result, the Planning and Zoning Commission have refrained from granting the permit. For more detail on the issue, read today’s article in the Albany Patch.
With the market expected to begin in May, time is running out.
We are currently exploring the possibility of another site. Many alternative sites are not feasible due to a range of issues such as adequate space for vendors, emergency vehicle access, traffic impacts, residential or commercial driveway blockage, BART impacts, or conflicts with other popular City programs and events. At this time there is no suitable alternative to the Solano Ave location, although we appreciate the many tips and suggestions that are coming in the comments of the Albany Patch article.
The most important thing for Albany residents to do at this point is to send their comments to the City. Send an email to cityhall@albanyca.org, attention “farmers market,” or call your Albany City Councilmember.
To read the full article go to: http://patch.com/A-rllp
