To the Editor,
The Oct. 15 edition of The Post printed an article headlined, “Farmers Market asks city for millions.” The article stated the Athens Farmers Market (AFM) is lobbying the city to spend millions of taxpayers’ money “to expand its operations but that city officials were not buying it.”
The AFM moved from the City Recreation Area on State Street in 1998 to the parking lot of the Market on State (then the University Mall) where we are still located. This has been an ideal location and the market has grown steadily. Changes at Market on State last year reduced the space available for the market. This year, the AFM board has been considering other possible sites for the market. In the process, we have consulted with the city to see what, if anything, they could do to help. Recent meetings with city officials have made it clear the city supports the market and can assist in some ways, but they cannot use city funds to develop a new site for the market. The AFM board recognizes the city’s financial limitations and does not expect them to spend millions on a new site. The Market’s new arrangement at the Market on State has worked out well this year. Indications are we can stay at the present site for the foreseeable future.
We heartily thank the Mall owners for continuing to accommodate the AFM. The Market will continue its efforts to secure a permanent site with the help of local organizations. It will be with funds raised through grants, private fundraising (not taxpayers money,) and any other kinds of assistance the city can provide.
This letter was written by the Executive Committee of the Athens Farmer’s Market
