Partnership and Community Relations

Those of us who love Farmer’s Markets have to love some of the inventive and amazing ways they can influence the landscape of our communities and the sometimes “inventive” locations they can appear in. Sure parks and parking lots are always popular, and in urban centers, squares and “pocket parks” are a great location!
Schenectady’s Winter Market in the atrium of a century old Vaudeville Theater and the South Wedge’s winter market in a church are among the most imaginitive uses of space.
Think about your community, and I am sure that you have a property that is neglected or in some way not up to its fullest potential. Maybe they can be helped by a market? Winter or summer, there is space available at old factories, warehouses, schools, public buildings, in short I am sure that, like Seneca Falls, you have your share of well built empty structures. Structures that would LOVE TO HOLD A MARKET!
Step one; determine ownership; that’s as easy as a trip to City Hall and I don’t care if you are in midtown Manhatten or out in Roscoe, the procedure is about the same; find the tax records and you find the owner’s name and address. You may find a building that was seized by the municipality or a bank and they can’t wait for someone to take it off their hands. Also, they may be anxious to get the building some attention! Now we know you aren’t going to buy the building, but you will promise that dozens, hundreds maybe more will come to that building each week for your market, prospective buyers will see how it is a hub of your community or neighborhood and the building stands a much better chance of being sold than if it sat empty!
Of course, banks want to sell the building, not manage it, so you will need to relocate as soon as the building is sold. The good news is that banks move almost as quickly as local governments in disposing of proeprties so there is a good chance you will get 6 – 8 months of notice.
Need proof that this idea works? Take a look at Rochester Public Market, once in the worst part of town, now spurring economic development including condos, retail rentals and more! Take a look in communities across the state where often the market is in the oldest, most “gentrified” (great word for “run-down”) neighborhood and it is reviving the economy and bringing people into the heart of the city/village/town because it has value.
NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POTENTIAL VALUE OF YOUR MARKET TO YOUR COMMUNITY.
Now make sure that no one else ever underestimates its value, and comes to participate. That is the BEST way to perform community outreach!