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Farmer’s Market In La Plata Getting Moved Around—Again.
This morning as some of the local farmers were setting up in their usual location in the Courthouse’s lower parking lot, Jeff Sheckels, Chief of CIP & Buildings and Trades, was sent to tell them they were no longer allowed to use the Courthouse overflow parking lot. Mr. Sheckels stated that there have been complaints about parking and the first thing the County wants to do is move farmers to free up available parking spaces.
According to some of the farmers, they are okay with this—as long as it’s legit and sensible, but the farmers say the overflow parking is nearly always vacant, except for them and their customers. The farmers also stated that the County has “moved” them before with absolutely no notice. As one farmer put it, “We were not able to inform our customers at all,” adding that the customers were left “wandering around town aimlessly looking for us. This is our livelihood. I feed my family with the money I make selling produce. Why cant we stay if we are not really in the way?”
All of the recent parking complaints have been related to the Courthouse expansion, not the farmers.
- 1. · I'm sure this County Employee had better things to do then harrass the farmer's, he should be on the County water cooler site looking for his next order that involves pushing around residents and kissing up to the correct groups who promise votes.
I bet if a Developer were sitting in this same spot he would be given keys to the County and have his hind parts kissed up and down 301.
Just a thought!!!!!
Comment by jdman1 on 08/20 at 11:04 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 2. · but the farmers say the overflow parking is nearly always vacant, except for them and their customers.
And the farmers are right. I was just at the LP farmer's market, and there were many unused parking slots. Rather than listen to complaints, Mr. Sheckels should do a timely observation of his own to see just how many of those parking places are truly needed.
It is a congested area, though, what with the courthouse, Washington Av and that light on Rt 6 that cycles, maybe at the most, 5 vehicles at a time so moving the market to a more convenient area with a better entrance and exit should benefit the farmers.
Comment by seahorse on 08/20 at 02:16 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 3. · Why not ask to use the old Safeway parking Center lot: maybe the owner would even put in a permanent canopy type system for them to use!
It would be a big draw for many of us. ANd would use unused ugly space.
A man must learn to understand the motives of human beings, their illusions, and their sufferings. einstein
Comment by BJGoodwin on 08/20 at 04:37 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 4. · this afternoon at 4, they were back in the courthouse overflow parkinglot. I wonder when someone changed their mind?
Comment by The Quack on 08/20 at 04:44 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 5. · Wouldn't it be nice if the "Farmer's Market" in La Plata actually had locally grown produce, instead of stuff from California, Georgia or Florida!!
Try the new Farmer's Market in Waldorf (next to Panera, Mexico, Wendy's) ALL produce sold there has to be local.
Comment by Angler on 08/22 at 05:59 AM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main] - 6. · This is true- its why I dont go so often. If it was like the amish produce in Charlotte Hall I would be there every time they were open.
A man must learn to understand the motives of human beings, their illusions, and their sufferings. einstein
Comment by BJGoodwin on 08/22 at 02:15 PM | [Back to Top] | [Back to Main]
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