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Council weighs flea-market move after business complaints over parking and aesthetics
Summary
Councilors heard competing views about the BID flea market’s proposed relocation to the James Street garage lot and Bank Street: staff and BID say it brings foot traffic and BID revenue; some business owners and council members raised concerns about new-item vendors, parking, litter, and safety. Staff will draft agreement terms and return to council next week.
City Manager Alexander described a proposal from the Business Improvement District to re-site the weekly flea market to the James Street garage lot and Bank Street in order to address past circulation and garbage issues. Bill Powers of the BID was noted as part of the discussion; staff and BID representatives emphasized the market’s economic role.
A council member (speaker 3) told colleagues the market "serves over 2,000 people every Sunday," arguing it brings more downtown foot traffic than the farmers market. Several council members and business owners pushed back, saying the market can undercut brick-and-mortar stores and generate litter. One councilor asked whether the BID could limit the amount of "new" merchandise on vendor lots; staff said manager oversight and application guidelines already restrict bulk new-product sales and that the agreement with the BID can include additional conditions. City staff said they will draft an agreement with explicit provisions the council requests and return the item to the March 24 meeting.
