The Smithfield Times will be taking a different approach to Smithfield Town Council candidate questionnaires this year. Rather than sending a list of questions and publishing all questions and responses in the same print edition and online, the Times will send the candidates a single question once per week.

There will be 12 questions in total, with two weeks and up to 250 words to respond to each, through Oct. 23. For the third week, we asked, “Should Smithfield move its farmers market to the Grange at 10Main? Why or why not?”

• Second week, Aug. 14: What is one challenge or opportunity for the town that has not received enough attention? Why is it important?
• First week, Aug. 7: What will be your top priority if elected?

 

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Mary Ellen Bebermeyer

Smithfield should NOT move its farmers market to the Grange development for a variety of reasons.  First and foremost, there has been no real explanation why it needs to be moved. There has been no business plan presented that demonstrates it is economically necessary to move the farmers market from its current location. There are no examples of towns comparable to Smithfield having a permanent venue for a farmers market, and no specific plans as to what kind of building will be built or how it will be used when the farmers market is in the off season.

It has been proposed that both the Town of Smithfield and Isle of Wight County spend $1.4 million to build a new farmers market at the Grange. $2.8 million is too much money to spend on an entity where there are too many unanswered questions and that does not bring in a proportionate return on investment. NO taxpayer money should be used to move the farmers market to the Grange.

The current farmers market is a fun, festive, outdoor atmosphere where both residents and visitors to Smithfield can gather to explore and shop in downtown Smithfield. As the old saying goes, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

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Jim Collins

Given the choice of remaining in the BSV parking lot or moving to the Grange at 10 Main, yes, I believe moving the farmers market to a covered and permanent location is the better choice.  I believe the structure and potential layout will not only benefit the visitors but will also be enjoyed by the vendors who will be coming to share their talents through product sales. A farmers market is an outstanding time for a community to get together and share everything from products to conversations.  So, this overall is a good idea. 

 

 

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Darren Cutler

No.  The benefit is unclear for several reasons:

• SUCCESSFUL MARKET.  We currently have an AWARD-WINNING FARMERS MARKET in the heart of downtown Smithfield!  It’s a quaint, cute, successful venue close to businesses that benefit residents, and ample parking.

• COST.  $1.4 MILLION town and 1.4 MILLION county taxpayer dollars.  $2.8 MILLION for what return to taxpayers footing the bill?  Who will own the deed?

• TAXPAYER DOLLARS FOR PRIVATE GAIN.  There is no demonstrated benefit to the town or taxpayers, however, it does appear to benefit the developer and future businesses and restaurants in the Grange.  Why else would the developer press so hard lobbying for a $6 MILLION matched “donation” in addition to $2.8 MILLION (total $8.8 MILLION public/private partnerships from my perspective) and why would council members who ran on a platform against public/private partnership vote in favor?

• FUTURE COST.  In making the decision to invest $2.8 MILLION taxpayer dollars it is unclear what the FUTURE COST IS?  When the town invests in infrastructure it must maintain that infrastructure.  Long-term cost to the town?  Who will own it?  Will the investment be covered by market income? 
• UNCERTAINTY AMID ALTERNATIVES.  There is no certainty the Grange will be fully built.  The town could wind up with a failed investment that only serves to move routine tourism further from the town’s center and businesses, meanwhile there are alternatives such as buying the BSV property, using existing town property, or others.  Were alternatives considered publicly?

 

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Raynard Gibbs

I personally support relocating the farmers’ market to the Grange at 10. However, this is just my viewpoint. While serving on the Planning Commission, I received feedback from many citizens expressing concern about potential traffic increases—specifically, the possibility of thousands more car trips each day on our town’s roads and the resulting congestion on the two-lane Main Street. To address these concerns, a traffic analysis was conducted. Additionally, an intergovernmental task force was formed by the town and county to review Luter’s cost-sharing proposal. Much of the town and county officials have previously supported moving the farmer’s market to the Grange. Moving the farmers market would provide vendors with a permanent location, make the Grange a central focus point and boost local revenue. The extra green space is an added benefit as well.

 

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Bill Harris

I am opposed to moving the Farmers Market to the Grange because there seems to be no need, or any gained benefit to the town of Smithfield. We have a wonderful farmers market experience in a convenient location that fits perfectly with Smithfield’s small town charm and one which operates without any significant cost to the taxpayers.  Moving the market to the Grange will forever change the atmospherics of the market experience, and perhaps more importantly, will commit Smithfield taxpayers to a significant financial involvement. Currently, the town has pledged up to $1.4 million to support a relocation but it is likely that number would be just the beginning of our financial involvement. Until the developer presents the town with a detailed analysis of projected future costs associated with the running and maintaining of the farmers market, we cannot know what our total financial commitment will be. Before deciding, the town should have an understanding of what happens if the relocated farmers market is not successful. Will the town be responsible for repurposing and maintaining that space? These and other questions need to be answered before the town gives serious consideration to relocating the market.

There is another serious negative to relocating. Many Saturday visitors who enjoy the market spill onto Main Street bringing good business to the retail shops and the many eateries there. Consequently small businesses on Main Street would suffer as a result of a market relocation. Relocation is not in the best interest of Smithfield. 

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Mike Smith

There are multiple reasons our Farmers Market was recently honored with the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Gold Standard for Farmers Markets.  The market excelled in public food safety and origin and market visibility as well as continuing education of the market manager.  We are fortunate that the market is located in the heart of the historic district.  The current location allows downtown residents to walk to the market and encourages interaction with neighbors.  The proximity to Smithfield’s unique shops and restaurants allows people to stay in downtown for shopping, dining and sight-seeing.  I see young and old alike, families with kids and pets enjoying their stay in the heart of the historic district.  The downtown shops rely on these tourists, visitors and local residents.  Town leaders must consider the future of the market if the current space becomes unavailable.  We must remember the commitment that the county and town have made related to the possible relocation of the market.  WE must consider how any move would impact the small shops and businesses if it were relocated on the outskirts of the historic area.  The market comes under the purview of the county, but the town and county must work together to ensure the continued success of the market.  There are many questions that need to be asked and answered to ensure a move would not negatively impact the market or our current downtown businesses.