Fate of Farmers Market Will Be Debated Tonight

The future of the Dana Point Farmers Market will be the topic of a public hearing tonight as the City Council debates whether to let it continue to operate, or amend or terminate the contract the city has with the operator.

Merchants near the Dana Point Plaza market have complained that it creates parking, trash and sanitation problems that impede their business.

Some have also objected to the market’s flower stands, which they say are run by wholesalers who are underselling nearby retailers.

“They undercut us,” said Fred Yang, owner of Panage, a flower shop across Pacific Coast Highway from the market. “I feel it’s really not fair.”

The market, where about 30 independent operators sell produce and flowers, is from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the plaza.

Rick Heil, who has managed the market since it opened last year, has a contract with the city through April 9.

City officials, merchants and Heil have met through the summer and fall to try to resolve the complaints of other merchants, who have suggested that the market be moved to a new day, possibly on the weekend, or to another location.

Heil has declined an offer to move the market to the Pavilion Center adjacent to Dana Point Harbor and has maintained that residents of Dana Point enjoy the quality, location and time of the Plaza market.

Tonight’s council session starts at 5:30 p.m., with the Farmers Market public hearing set for 8 p.m. at City Hall, 33282 Golden Lantern, Suite 210.

Information: (714) 248-9890.