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Resident offers to organize a downtown farmer’s market; invites council and community input
Summary
Jen LeClaire told council she has agricultural and extension experience and wants to lead planning for pop-up or evening farmer’s markets this fall; she invited council and residents to two planning meetings.
Jen LeClaire, who gave her address as 3408 Pavilion Lane, asked the council to consider reintroducing a farmer’s market in downtown Bellbrook and offered to help lead planning. "I feel like I'm uniquely qualified to lead in this kind of initiative," LeClaire said, citing a degree in agriculture and work with Kentucky Extension and Ohio State Extension.
LeClaire suggested pop-up events this fall while the city prepares longer-term plans and invited council members to two meetings — May 23 at 10 a.m. at the Bell Hop Café and May 27 at 5:30 p.m. at Bellbrook Brewing Company — to gather input from vendors and residents. Mayor Schweller and council members acknowledged past attempts at a market and encouraged coordination with existing downtown businesses and festivals to avoid negative impacts on long-standing merchants.
Council members said coordination with the Chamber of Commerce and downtown businesses will be important, and some suggested engaging DOTS Market and nearby farms to minimize competition during events such as the Sugar Maple Festival. LeClaire said she would post meeting details online and work with staff and stakeholders to refine any plan.
No formal council action was taken at the meeting; LeClaire was asked to continue outreach and connect with staff and council members.
