Farmers market could open in same location
By Matt Shaw
Published in News on May 4, 2005 1:47 PM
The city of Goldsboro will open the farmers market, most likely in the same location and on a scaled-back schedule.
During a work session Monday, City Council members agreed to allow the farmers to use the parking lot of the complex on South Center Street as the market on Friday afternoons and Saturdays.
Farmers can sell their produce out of the back of trucks or cars. They also would be allowed to set up tables or tents.
They would not have to pay rent but will need to have a permit from the Downtown Goldsboro Development Corporation, which operates the market.
The council did not decide when the market would open. It originally was to open Saturday, but the corporation will need to contact vendors and set up contracts.
Farmers will no longer be allowed to use the shelters, which have been determined to be dangerous by a city inspector. The city won't be providing utilities.
Council members were concerned about cutting off restroom access.
But Julie Thompson of the Downtown Goldsboro Development Corporation said that many cities have farmers markets without restrooms. Those vendors are expected to patronize nearby businesses, she said.
Some councilmen believe the shelters should be razed because of the safety concerns, but no decision about their future was made Monday.
The city opened the farmers market in the late 1980s as a way to attract people downtown. The Downtown Goldsboro Development Corporation handles all administrative duties, which include arranging for vendors and handling contracts, ordering supplies and advertising.
In recent years, the operating costs have been more than $5,000 a year, while revenues have been less than $1,500. The recent inspection found $10,000-$15,000 in needed repairs.