http://www.marketcentralonline.org/market_central_site/Discussion_%26_Idea_Blog/Discussion_%26_Idea_Blog.html We hope that you’ll visit this page often to see what others are saying about the City Market, and to voice your own concerns, suggestions, and criticisms. Market Central looks to both its membership, and the members of the community, for ideas to enhance the market and its lasting relationship with the areas farmers and artisans. <br/><br/>So -- feel free to start a discussion thread right here! Tell us what you love... what you don’t love.... what you wish we had ..... about a favorite market in another city that you like .... whatever inspires you to write and invite comments. iWeb 3.0.1 http://www.marketcentralonline.org/market_central_site/Discussion_%26_Idea_Blog/Entries/2009/10/19_Up_for_Discussion_-_Securing_a_permanent_home_for_the_City_Market.html 13ac7076-2ece-4c7a-9bfd-58dc8eb36930 Mon, 19 Oct 2009 06:15:58 -0400 One of the recurrent conversations we’ve had at our booth at the City Market over the last several weeks has been where to “put” the market. I’d like to see us begin to change our line of thought -- beginning with that one little word: PUT. <br/><br/>I looked up the word “put” in my handy, dandy computer tool kit, and found the synonyms “deposit”, “leave”, and (*gasp*) “plunk” as suitable substitutions. Accck! How can we use any of these words to describe our plans for the future of the City Market? They imply that placement of the market is an afterthought, and not worthy of foresight and planning for its future. In its 35 year history, the City Market has been “put” in three different places -- yet, it becomes more popular every year. Consider this: the market’s current location is on the Water Street parking lot, and is owned by the City. This real estate parcel is.... by the way.... for sale. It’s been on the market for years, and whenever the right developer/offer comes along, it will inevitably become another concrete and steel “fill in the blank”. Whatever it becomes, it will clearly no longer be the site for the market, and the City will need to scramble to find another place to “put” the market. <br/><br/>Now, suppose we adopt a different approach, and that we begin this process by changing some of the words we’re using. Suppose we actually PLAN for the future of the market. Suppose that we DEDICATE a PERMANENT space in which to hold the City Market? Suppose we BUILD a structure in a permanent location as a testament to this community’s COMMITMENT to the local farmers and artisans who contribute to our community’s SUSTAINABILITY? If we want the market to ALWAYS be there, and if we want local farmers and artisans to continue producing quality local products, we need to ENSURE that there will ALWAYS be a venue for them to market their products to customers. We need to EXPECT and ENCOURAGE a more thoughtful approach to the market’s FUTURE. <br/><br/>Please let us hear from you about your ideas for a permanent home for the City Market. Better yet,<a href="../Become_a_Member_Donate.html"> BECOME a member</a> of Market Central, and become a part of the process that will make it happen! <br/> -Kathy Kildea, Secretary, Market Central