Meanwhile, I can only say that the overwhelming success of the market speaks for itself. The thousands of people who come to shop every Saturday are obviously pleased with the selection, quality and are not deterred by the prices.
As for competition, I'm sure some of the merchants on Grand and Lakeshore are negatively affected--but the majority are not. Despite your argument to the contrary, we've lived off Lakeshore for 35 years and the pedestrian traffic on Saturdays is ten times what it used to be. Again, increased traffic is why merchant associations and cities throughout the state are clamoring for their own Farmers' Market and don't charge rent. As I also mentioned, I've been encouraging everyone on Lakeshore and Grand to take better advantage of the success of the Market--particularly since the Market management is very cooperative in this regard. Last year, we had some forty merchants set up booths at the market as part of our Autumn Festival. I'm particularly pleased to see that the Grand Avenue Merchants Association is beginning to look at ways they can cooperate with the market and benefit from the crowds. Ken Pitts is a good example. He says every time he brings his students to the Market to do a karate demonstration, he signs up several new students.
As for maintenance, the Market has already taken responsibility for this. The permit will codify their responsibilities and provide for enforcement provisions.
As for "hidden benefits", they're not hidden at all. The presence of the market builds more of a sense of community that any of us "old-timers" have seen previously. In addition, the market is always willing to provide table space for local non-profit, educational and community groups. Currently, one group is raising funds for Lakeview School by selling farmers' market bags that were purchased with financial assistance from the market management and vendors. There's also been a table the last several weeks filled with Rubber Duckies--the fundraiser for Children's Hospital. Then, of course, there is also the entertainment the market provides--very often featuring local musicians--not to mention, the activities for little kids. Another key benefit is the amount of positive press the park and market have generated. There have been at least a half a dozen major articles in national publications. This is in a city, known mostly for its homicide rate, that is desperate for positive coverage.
Finally, you talk about money wasted on the park--but please keep in mind that a substantial portion of the costs were for pedestrian safety improvements that made crossing adjacent streets far safer and improved access to the parking lot under the freeway. The ironic thing is that people are now complaining about a lack of parking in a lot that was almost never used previously since it was so forbidding and inaccessible.
My guess is I haven't changed your minds and you certainly haven't budged mine. If you haven't done so already, come sit in the Plaza on a Saturday afternoon; listen to the music and watch the kids splash in the fountain while crowds of happy shoppers seek out the perfect tomato. If that doesn't sway you, nothing will.
Ken Katz