Vendor and downtown organizers urge broader outreach before finalizing Farmers Market location

During general public comment at the Dec. 16 council meeting, a longtime downtown organizer described the downtown Farmers Market’s recent move to the Clock Tower public parking lot on Third Street and urged council members to seek broader community input before finalizing any permanent relocation.

"Our market manager came with suggestions and several options that could be tried out in order to accommodate the businesses in all situations," said Billy K. Gavin Tigert, who identified himself as born and raised in Crescent City and involved in downtown revitalization efforts. Tigert said the market’s temporary relocation during Front Street construction produced "an unanticipated boon," increasing attendance and foot traffic for businesses on Third Street while preserving vendor operations.

Tigert told the council there were roughly 40 businesses represented at the market this past season, including vendors who rely on the market as the sole source of income. He also said the market is the only one in Del Mar County that accepts Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards and participates in Market Match programs funded by federal and state grants.

"It is disheartening to see such a limited perspective being considered, especially when this decision impacts all businesses in the city," Tigert said, urging the council and incoming members to seek input beyond the three businesses that opposed operating in the parking lot.

City staff noted the matter had been tabled on the evening’s agenda; Tigert asked the council and new members to conduct more inclusive outreach and due diligence before making a final decision about the market’s location.