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New Market council approves lease for Crazy Fox, moves farmer’s market, okays water hookup and hires planning consultant
Summary
The New Market Town Council on Jan. 21 approved a lease allowing Crazy Fox Coffee Roasting Company to use 389 Academy Road for roasting operations; approved moving the farmer’s market to a South Congress lot and switching to Saturdays (Mar. 14–Oct. 10, 2026); approved an out-of-town water connection at 2181 Old Valley Pike; and authorized a comprehensive plan update contract with EPR, Inc. All votes were 4–0 (two members absent).
The New Market Town Council unanimously approved four routine but consequential items at its Jan. 21 meeting, votes that affect local business operations, market programming and town planning.
The council approved a lease with Crazy Fox Coffee Roasting Company, LLC allowing the roastery to occupy 389 Academy Road. Mayor Peter Hughes opened a public hearing on the lease under Virginia State Code Section 15.2-1800; no members of the public spoke. Councilmember Bob King moved to approve the lease; Janice Hannah seconded and the motion passed on a roll-call vote of 4–0 (Scott Wymer and Daryl Watkins were absent).
Council also approved a letter of request from the New Market Farmer’s Market to relocate to the town-owned vacant lot on South Congress Street and to change operation from Fridays to Saturdays. Planning representative Summer Medina said the market proposes operating Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. from March 14 through Oct. 10, 2026. The council added a contingency designating the downtown public parking lot as a backup location if the vacant lot is unavailable; the motion passed 4–0 after a second from Councilmember Jon Henry.
On utilities, the council approved an out-of-town residential water connection for 2181 Old Valley Pike (Map ID# 104A02). Town staff said the meter will be installed at the property line, the property owner will pay the meter and connection fees and out-of-town rates will apply. Peg Harkness moved the measure; Janice Hannah seconded and it passed 4–0.
Finally, the council authorized the town to contract with EPR, Inc. via the Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission (NSVRC) on-call consultant program to update the town’s comprehensive plan. Town staff explained the NSVRC arrangement streamlines procurement; the council authorized the Town Manager to execute necessary agreements, voting 4–0.
Votes at a glance • Lease for Crazy Fox Coffee Roasting Company (389 Academy Road): motion by Bob King; second Janice Hannah; outcome: approved, roll-call 4–0; two absent. • Farmer’s Market relocation and Saturday schedule (Mar. 14–Oct. 10, 2026, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.): motion by Peg Harkness; second Jon Henry; outcome: approved, roll-call 4–0. • Out-of-town water connection (2181 Old Valley Pike, Map ID# 104A02): motion by Peg Harkness; second Janice Hannah; outcome: approved, roll-call 4–0. • Comprehensive plan update contract (EPR, Inc. via NSVRC): motion by Peg Harkness; second Jon Henry; outcome: approved, roll-call 4–0.
The council took the votes during its regular meeting and recessed into a closed session later in the evening to discuss a separate real-estate matter. The items approved on Jan. 21 are now authorized for staff to implement under the conditions noted by council.
