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Council approves limited St. George street closures for downtown farmers market after debate
Summary
The Gonzales City Council approved a resolution allowing monthly street closures on the 300 block of St. George for a downtown farmers market, after councilors debated parking and business impacts and agreed to schedule follow-up discussions with merchants.
The Gonzales City Council on March 17 approved a resolution authorizing periodic street closures on the 300 block of St. George for a downtown farmers market.
Supporters framed the idea as a way to bring more visitors downtown. Allison Davis, secretary of the Come and Take It Committee, said the group requested funding and permission to add a Thursday-night event and to expand weekend activities: "We would like to have the opportunity and the funding to provide a Thursday night event for our community, expanding our economic impact for the city of Gonzales." The council adopted Resolution 2025-16 to allow the closures in partnership with Gonzalez Tourism and Gonzales Main Street Inc.
Opponents and nearby merchants raised concerns about limited parking and the effects on deliveries and morning business hours. Johnny Edwards, a downtown merchant, told the council that delivery trucks routinely use the 300 block for restaurant deliveries and said the proposed Saturday closure (7 a.m.–1 p.m., as described in documents) would conflict with business operations. "There is limited parking in that area for the merchants there," Edwards said, adding he supported a farmers market but opposed closing that block.
Councilors and staff said they had discussed alternate locations, including keeping market activity on or adjacent to the square, using a building with roll-up doors on U.S. 183, or using the library backside with controlled restroom access. Council members asked staff to schedule a follow-up workshop with merchants and event organizers to explore alternative sites, restroom access, and a plan to notify affected businesses in advance. Council members agreed to address location and notification issues at next month’s meeting.
The resolution passed after a motion and second; Mr. Hernandez recorded a vote opposing at roll call before the motion carried. Councilors said they want merchant input and more logistical detail before any permanent change to the market’s location.
