Discussion Planned on Farmers’ Market

Hoping to revitalize the city’s historic downtown, the Moorpark City Council will consider allowing a weekly farmers’ market there.

The proposed open-air market would likely be held every Saturday with about 30 farmers’ stalls set up at either the Metrolink parking lot or a vacant lot at High Street and Moorpark Avenue.

The City Council abandoned a similar proposal two years ago after criticism from downtown merchants who feared that the farmers’ market would hurt their businesses. A committee consisting of Councilmen Bernardo Perez and Pat Hunter has been meeting with downtown merchants trying to work out a schedule, location and parameters for the market, Perez said.

According to a recently completed city survey of merchants, many like the new plan, Councilman John Wozniak said.

“I’m not sure if we allayed all the problems the merchants had with the plan, but I think most would support what we’re proposing,” Wozniak said. “Of course, you can’t please everybody.”

If the plan for the market is approved, the next step for the city is to figure out who will organize the market. One proposal is to have the merchants pay for a market coordinator out of their weekly receipts. Another proposal would be for the city to pay the coordinator’s salary.

The issue will be discussed at tonight’s City Council meeting, scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. at 799 Moorpark Ave.