Farmers' Market Remains Homeless in Winter

Right now, they are homeless in the winter.

The Lansdale Farmers' Market, its committee and its vendors are still without a location to hold the market through the winter months.

The borough parks and recreation committee, along with manager Timi Kirchner, on April 4 said the - the location where the market would prefer to go - is off limits to consistent renters.

"You will have to see if other places are a better fit for the winter market," Kirchner told Whetstone. "This building is not a good fit at this point in time."

Kirchner told Whetstone the borough supports the market.

"Don't feel as if this is personal. It's very objective," Kirchner said.

Whetstone said the market has been an advocate for the borough.

"We brought businesses here," Whetstone said. "I just thought it would be met with a little less resistance."

The market runs May 19 to Nov. 3. It is Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Railroad Avenue.

Kirchner said the policy for the building is it is open to individuals and groups for a periodic basic use of the building.

Whetstone said it was unfortunate that the borough has to say no to anybody, so it says no to the market.

"You are not willing to look at the request at face value," Whetstone said.

Kirchner said the borough did do that. She said the request was assessed and discussed by staff.

"We thought about it, and we would have to say to council it is your job to adhere to policies," Kirchner said.

Committeewoman Councilwoman Mary Fuller said she was at a tricky spot in looking at the request at face value.

"I'm an advocate for the market; I always have been," she said. "The tricky part is being an advocate of the market and seeing the request and the policy and the ordinance go against it. It makes it difficult."

Fuller reminded herself that while she may love the market, she has to play by the rules.

"It can set the stage for 'What happens to the next group that wants the space?'" she said.

She said nonprofits are given more leeway. However, once the borough sets a precedent and say yes, it opens the door no matter what.

Kirchner said the borough would work with the market to find a good fit for the winter.

"This just isn't one of these good fits," she said.

Whetstone said the committee has been looking at other locations: the freight house at Vine Street and Broad Street, , community spaces within the borough.

"We need to dedicate and commit time to finding a market and home for the winter," Whetstone said. "It will make us a stronger and better market in the future."

Another option discussed with the market at prior meetings has been use of the at East Main Street and Lakeview Drive. It is currently being used on a consistent basis by the Lansdale Democratic Committee as a meeting spot.