Photo Credit - Manitowoc Farmers Market
A decision has been made in regard to the location of the Manitowoc Farmers Market.
Last year, a proposal was issued to the Manitowoc Common Council to move the market onto South 8th Street, specifically between Washington and Quay Streets.
Community Development Director Adam Tegen sent a survey to business owners along that stretch of the downtown, and the respondents were split on the matter.
It was estimated that about half were against it, and half were for it, but mainly on a trial basis before, as Tegen put it, “going all in.”
During the Public Infrastructure Committee meeting in City Hall last night (February 7th), the results were presented to the Committee, chaired by Steve Czekala.
Tegen also reported that the current location, in the parking lot across from the library, accommodates an estimated 109 vendor spots, while a move to 8th Street would reduce that to only 66.
The Council Chambers were filled with people who wanted to hear the conversation, and three made comments, including Connor Benham, who was vehemently against the move.
“I have a future in this market that I am trying to protect, and I would like to be in there where we have already placed this stake,” he said. “If Briess wants to build a high-rise there, then great. Let them do that. But as long as you guys are renting this farmers market for $1 a year from there, I don’t see why we can’t be there on Saturdays from 7:00 till 1:00.”
The second citizen to speak was also against the move but pointed to Washington Park as a viable second option for when the market is forced from the lot by Briess Malting, who owns it.
Terry Wilfert of Wilfert Farms, which has been selling corn at the market for over 25 years, also spoke and called the parking lot not perfect but better than some other options.
“The parking lot, right now, where it is, is probably the best location that is available at this time,” she stated. “I realize that does become an issue with the city. At what point does that lease run out? It’s something to look at. We need to look at the future of the market and if there are other places that are going to be better.”
The manager of the market, Christine Wendell, was also asked to give her opinion.
She said that her vendors are comfortable and that Washington Park is a good alternative for when Briess uses the lot for Malt City Brewfest.
District 10 Alderman Todd Reckelberg called the proposal a “dead issue” and submitted a motion to put the topic on file, which would essentially kill it.
The motion passed unanimously and will now go to the full council.
Chairperson Czekala placed it on the consent agenda, which is usually approved as a whole unless an alder were to pull it for more discussion.
