Looks like we spoke to soon. Kara Ceriello of the Wallingford Chamber of Commerce just sent this:
the apparently highly contentious subject of moving the Wallingford FM out to Wford Ave is finito. done. zip, zero, no more. it’s dead, jim.
the possibly highly contentious Community Mtg is still on, Tues 8/31 7pm, (doors open at 6) at Wallingford Comm Senior Center at Good Shepherd Center.
we sure hope that the businesses will show up too to explain why they won’t allow it.
we HOPE that Wallingford gets to keep A farmers mkt SOMEWHERE next year…
call or email me for more.
We gave Kara a call and got the skinny: John Heggeman, a market organizer, came back from a three hour trip down the block of Wallingford Ave between 44th and 45th St, talking to businesses and was unable to persuade them to agree to moving the market to that street, even on a four-week trial basis. Businesses such as Chutney’s, Mirage Shoes, Terra Hemp, WallyPets and Dr. Viola Gay had too many concerns, “many very valid” Ceriello noted, and without the agreement of the businesses, the city won’t issue the permit necessary.
Kara, who has been working tirelessly (well, OK, she’s tired she says) on this issue over weeks, sounded somewhere between furious and despondent. “I’m just so disappointed,” she said. “I wish these businesses understood how important having a market like this is to the community, how much it benefits us all.”
So, what’s that mean for the market now? It will remain in the Wallingford Center parking lot for the remainder of the season (through September 29th) with the more limited set of vendors it has today (and continuing to operate at a loss). The Farmers Market Association hasn’t made a decision on whether it will return next year, especially if a new location can’t be found.
A number of other locations were considered, including school parking lots (which would require a shift to a weekend, since they can’t operate while school is in session, which would place the Wallingford Market into competition with the University, Fremont and Ballard markets, a difficult position for the farmers) and the area behind the Post Office at 46th and Interlake (which was turned down by local businesses including the Drum Exchange).
Kara and the others trying to keep the market alive hope that the community meeting to discuss the future of the market on Tuesday, August 31st at 7 pm at the Good Shepherd Center will help change some minds. We hope so.
What about where the old winter farmer’s market was, behind Dick’s in the Mosaic/church parking lot? It is central to east Wallingford, on bus routes (#44, #26) . . . small businesses usually know that makes for good commerce and if that in-the-street isn’t a fit, let’s move on.
(typo fixed, I hate spellcheck)
What about where the old winter farmer’s market was, behind Dick’s in the Mosaic/church parking lot? It is central to east Wallingford, on bus routes (#44, #26) . . . small businesses usually know WHAT makes for good commerce and if that in-the-street isn’t a fit, let’s move on.
I just got a cat. The one time I’ve been to WallyPets was to buy cat food. I went there because I happened to be on that block at the farmer’s market. Ironic.
Aw, that is disappointing. I can never make it on the weekends to farmers’ markets (librarians work weekends, and so do a lot of other people on my block!), so I really love the Wednesday market. I know it’s out of the way, but what about the McDonald school parking lot off Latona? It’s not being used for anything but a playground right now until construction begins, right?
What about a random street near 45th? Is that allowed if there aren’t businesses there?
I have to say that the farmer’s market adds more to the community than a lot of other businesses around that area – and I love our local businesses! I wish they’d understand that the health and vibrancy of Wallingford benefits ALL of us and that if they want the community to support their local businesses (which I know we’re happy to do!) then they should support our local community.
The businesses on the west side of Wallingford Ave probably have a point since southbound traffic was still going to be allowed on that street. I’ve never shopped in any of them, and have no plans to do so, but I understand if that was a specific concern.
At the same time, I wish these business owners would take a look at the neighborhoods with very strong farmers markets, Ballard being a prime example, and see how much more money is made by the surrounding businesses than would be without the market. The farmers do well, but it feels like every store & restaurant along Ballard Ave is also packed with people. With the current state of the economy, you’d think businesses would be hoping to increase foot traffic and potential sales.
It’s hilarious to me that a niche shop in a rarely traversed section of Wallingford (in this hypothetical, let’s call that business The Drum Exchange) would object to more people walking by its doors at the expense of a dozen or so parking spaces.
Why didn’t they ask these businesses first? (If you own a small business, raise your hand . . .)
How about asking Archie McPhee’s to use its lot?
Ot the Gift of Grace Church – on 40th?
By Mosaic is a good idea.
Maybe Tully’s will give up their parking lot?
Let me get this straight. Losing around 10 at the most parking spaces on the east side of the street trumps hundreds of people milling around a market and having a chance to explore local businesses.
Indeed, the parking spots directly in front of most of the businesses will still be available, and unless you pull a U-turn to park, the traffic will all still be allowed on the west side of the street where most of the businesses are located (aside from Chutney’s, which will now have the addition of the parking spots at the Wallingford available once the FM moves).
Nancy M, it appears they did ask the businesses, and they said no. Also, I am not all that certain that businesses who insist on taxpayer funded parking spots be preserved for one afternoon a week are actually doing a true cost benefit analysis due to the increased foot traffic as well as the potential new customers who will be on foot, looking around, and curious. If I was driving through the neighborhood, I can’t imagine what about Terra Hemp or the shoe store or any other business along there would make me want to stop my car, park, and have a look.
Things just don’t work that way, and if they have repeat “destination” customers in cars, they can surely advise them to do their shopping sometime other than Wed. afternoon.
Short sighted, in my opinion, by all the businesses who are placing parking considerations above the viability and vitality of the FM.
As a business owner I love love love the Farmer’s Market! It was one of the reasons we opened a business in the Wallingford Center. It would be a big loss to the vibrancy of the neighborhood if it doesn’t come back next year. I can’t imagine how bringing lots of walking and shopping people into the neighborhood could be negative.
One other thing, how can the Drum Exchange prevent the use of a parking lot that is specifically NOT for parking for business patrons? I’m sure people park there, but it is technically not to be used by shoppers as far as I can tell. I also wonder if Blue Star or Bizarro had any worries, and not to be rude to Drum Exchange ( fine store, but limited in its customer base), but it seems their foot traffic and parking requirements are significantly higher.
Also, to clarify my earlier post, I understand that traffic will only flow in one direction on Wallingford, but it is the direction that would appear to most benefit the businesses in question (southbound) and parking would still be allowed on the southbound side. I assume that anyone heading to Chutneys could go east on 45th and enter the parking lot there.
From visiting the farmer’s market in Ballard it appears that the permanent businesses lining the street do significantly better on market days. The market is a boon for their business. Is there any concrete data to back this up? …Very disappointed.
@Jen you love it except that it eats up your parking spots for a few hours on weds afternoons?
So several small businesses are objecting to Jon Hegeman’s small business (hi Jon) setting up weekly in the street abutting their venues (after the large venue, Wallingford Center found this paradigm unworkable) for their “too many concerns, ‘many very valid’ Ceriello noted” . . . SO find a place that works like the Mosaic parking lot. East Wallingford invites you! Tim Smith, are you listening?
Funnily enough I walked past Mirage Shoes on my way back from the Farmer’s Market and thought it looked interesting (I’m never on foot in that area for any other reason so had never had occasion to look in the window before ). But I will certainly be boycotting all those businesses in future. How very mean-spirited of them.
I can’t be at the meeting, so some thoughts….
I know someone else mentioned it, yet I want to reiterate: what about a side street? Why does it have to be a main thoroughfare–at rush hour?
It would be much more pleasant on a smaller, nearby street. In fact, the street on the other side of Wallingford Center would be great. Ballard closes an entire street–so can we!
As for the finances:
I sometimes go to the Wallingford Farmer’s Market, but often another one since I can’t get everything I need in Wallingford. I’d love to spend ALL my farmer’s market money in the ‘hood so want it to grow!
NOTE to business owners: You’ve got some valid concerns. For people coming from afar just to shop in your stores, it could be a hassle: for fFOUR HOURS A WEEK–a few months a year.
On the other hand: like many people, there have been numerous times I’ve spent $$$ in your stores because I’ve come to the farmer’s market–buying things from you I would not have walked up there for especially. So, how is trading FM day shoppers for destination shoppers important?
How about putting a note on your website and in your businesses inviting your customers to come on Wednesdays to buy from you AND our wonderful farmer’s market while in the neighborhood? Then provide some alternate parking suggestions. (Unless health requires easy access, not parking right by the front door is good for people’s bodies too!)
Remember: eyeballs on your businesses (and more bodies in your store) lead to word of mouth marketing. The cheapest and most compelling kind.
Thanks for listening….
I’ve lived in Wallingford for 2 years and the thing I love most about the neighborhood is the ability to support local businesses that I can walk to. I go to the Farmer’s Market every week, and shop and dine in the neighborhood as much as I can. I have purchased many things from stores in the Wallingford Center and on the West side of Wallingford Ave. I am sad that many of those business don’t see the value in supporting the market, because it is part of the very culture (local shopping and neighborhood pride) that keeps several of them in business. Even if there are some minor costs, they wouldn’t seem to outweigh the benefit of keeping the market.
Also, I usually walk to do all my neighborhood shopping, and I live way down on the south end. I would encourage people to do the same if they can–not only is it good for you and the environment, but it reduces parking and street congestion, and the need for these much-coveted parking spots. I did notice the last few weeks that when I go to the market between 4-6 pm, there have been several empty parking spots.
Why isn’t Wallingford Center the bad guy here (not that I support a blame agenda)? Support “community” by assuming that the big picture the longtime small biz owners right there are positing is valid . . .
Boycott, are you kidding me?
Find a solution that works for all involved. This could be community at work. Most of this isn’t by a long shot.
I am also a member of the Wallingford business community and I will admit that Wednesdays are not my most profitable day. However, much of that has to do with it being in the middle of the week, a day most people are working. I’ve worked retail most of my life in various arenas and Wednesdays are the slowest and least profitable day everywhere I’ve been. The market has brought more foot traffic into my store and even if they don’t make the biggest purchases (due to traveling by foot, already carrying large quantites of produce, ect.) it brings customers into my store and builds community. The same customers that come in to browse on a Wednesday during the market often come back for larger purchases on Saturday, ect.
I guess I’d understand the other businesses concerns a bit more if the market was on a weekend, or even a Monday or Friday but Wednesday afternoons are not usually the most desirable for car bound destination shoppers. They more frequently bring in pedestrians coming to browse or to pick up a couple things.
Of course I want to support our local businesses, but I think in the grand scheme of things the market helps grow business rather than impede it.
So many of our local businesses donate to community fundraisers. Although this is a very generous act, it is also an investment. It is a way to invest in the community to help it grow which it turn helps your business. It’s also a good way to get some positive advertising in there. I would hope that “donating” parking spaces once a week for a few hours could be considered such an investment. Perhaps the market could work with the effected businesses to provide them some free marketing opportunities for the use of their storefronts? Losing this market would be a devistating blow for the community as a whole and will definatly “drive” (pun intended) customers to the markets in other neighborhoods.
It is hard to believe the businesses on the west side of Wallingford Ave have these concerns. From my view, the foot traffic that is generated BY the farmers market, is comprised of potential customers who otherwise would not give those businesses a second glance. It is ONLY from 3-7pm, on the slowest business day of the week.
I am very disappointed, would really miss the market. I hope a solution can be found. The best solution would be to leave things as they are, enlarge the market the way it was last year. It really is hard to believe that the W’ford Center business see revenue go “way down” on Wednesday because of the market.
For the business owners who object to relocating the market on Wallingford Ave: I’d like to see some actual data that shows there will be a negative impact, such as letters from businesses by the Ballard market that have lost income due to the market.
I think that Chutney’s has the greatest concern because they will likely be completely obscured from street view. Other than that, I can’t see how a few parking spaces matter—and the additional spaces freed up in the Wallingford Center will be much greater than the few spaces taken along the street.
There is now a huge open space in the form of the basketball courts at Hamilton. I’m just throwing out the idea because it’s late and I’m delirious, but any reason why a school couldn’t host it (there may be, I have no idea – given how things tend to go in this country, I guess there would be some liability concerns). Close to the park, highly visible from said park, lots of space to sit and eat the food you just bought…
Any chance we can find out what the actual concerns of these businesses are? Perhaps we can assuage their fears, or make adjustments to the plan if we better understood their issues.
hey folks- I am not sure it is appropriate to start blaming the businesses along Wallingford Avenue or the Wallingford Center for the farmers market not being able to expand this year. They have been supporting Wallingford for a long time- by having their businesses here. And I believe John, market organizer, said some businesses had “concerns”- not that they were opposed to having the market. Before everyone decides to boycott the businesses- maybe you need a few more facts. I have found that there are often two sides to most stories- and this is certainly feeling one sided!
I hope John, market organizer, can make the meeting next week to help guide neighbors/businesses in their desire to keep a Farmer’s Market in Wallingford. I personally love having it and try to make it their most Wednesdays.
I live down by Gas Works & often walk up to 45th to shop at the pharmacies, Tweedy & Popp, Wally Pets, etc. This example is just meant to demonstrate my own shopping habits, not specifically criticise the pet store…
Last week I tried out the Ballard Farmer’s market (by bus) because the Wallingford Wed market has been so small. On my way home, I stopped in at a Ballard pet store to buy the cat food I normally pick up at Wally Pets. The pet store tried to give me a frequent flyer-style discount card, which I declined because “I only shop up here about once a year.” They thought I was a tourist & asked where I live. “Wallingford.”
Of course, they were aghast that I only buy pet food in Ballard once a year. But the purchase was directly tied to market shopping on foot. If we don’t have a market in Wallingford, I’ll surely walk to Wally Pets on the weekends. However, when I’ve already out & about shopping at another market (if we lose ours), my out-of-the-hood shopping method mentioned above will likely change from “once a year” to “once a month.”
I hope to make it to the meeting Tuesday. I’d like to hear what the small business’ concerns are, because I really do support small local businesses & maybe there are other issues for them that haven’t yet been discussed publicly.
@Chris – Before we start organizing a boycott of Wally Pets… maybe get a little more information about the situation? This rush to assume the worst doesn’t really show our neighborhood in a good light.
Do we know what the concerns even are, or who had issues with what? It seems that the only Bad Guys in this are the Wallingford Center merchants who don’t want to give up 1/2 their parking on a Weds afternoon.
Chris W. said it best — if Wallingford residents have to travel to other neighborhoods for the farmer’s market, it’s only natural that they will do their other shopping along the way.
My family loves walking up to the Wallingford farmer’s market and doing other errands like pet food or hardware shopping along the way.
Seems like it’s in everyone’s self-interest (residents and local businesses) to find a way to keep this in our neighborhood!
I also can’t help but wince at the short-sightedness of prioritizing parking over more pedestrians. Seems to me the most vibrant neighborhoods (economically and culturally) are the neighborhoods with the most foot traffic.
I propose a simple workshop on true community building, by the sounds of lots of these posts, Wallingford could use one. (By the way, where is the outrage and where are the boycotts related to America’s involvement in Iraq and elsewhere, BP products, egg factories, etc. . . . )
@kerrizor… I’m certainly not suggesting a boycott of any type, or of any business. Just sharing my own experience re: shopping habits. And I do believe I asked for more info — which I”m hoping to get Tuesday night. Perhaps we’ll run into one another there!
I know some of the business owners are also Wallyhood readers, would any of them be open to airing some of their concerns here?
I’m sure we can all be respectful in our responses, and I think it would help us understand each other better.
We are not able to make the community meeting, but I do hope there will be a good elaboration of what the limits are in using the current space, and a good airing of lots of other options (e.g., the parking lots around Dick’s; around Hamilton or Lincoln). I actually see closing Wallingford itself as fairly problematic – it is a major arterial. So regardless of anything else, that just seems a poor choice.
I saw quite a few small business owners in this thread, and I think hearing from them the pros and cons – as well as exploring other options and how they may affect the neighborhood would be very positive. I also hope farmers may come to talk about what works and doesn’t for them. The recent Seattle Times article on how the proliferation of markets is hurting some of the farmers raised some very important issues – the goal is to make this sustainable for farmers and neighborhood dwellers alike.
Here’s to hoping some good solutions emerge as everyone explains what works best from their perspectives, and bounce around possibilities.
Best, Martha
Jen and I (of Izilla Toys) are both hoping to see the farmer’s market stay. I see it a huge benefit both to my business and to the quality of life of the community. It’s got our vote for sure!
@Kerrizor, I haven’t heard any complaints from customers that they have trouble parking on Wednesdays. For me, the benefits of more people in the hood far outweighs any loss of parking spaces.
@Jen/Jude – Sorry, I wrote that badly.. I meant the “royal you” which is almost always the worst choice when communicating online!
Do you know which business(es) in Wallingford Center was complaining about parking? Everyone’s in a big rush to vilify the merchants who raised “many very valid” concerns when surprised with the news that, oh, by the way, we’re shutting down the street, it seems forgotten that the reason it has to move are some merchants in WC upset about parking.
@Chris W – heh, sorry, I see how it comes across like I said you were sharpening the pitchforks.. my bad!
No worries, kerrizor. Online “discussions” can be tricky!
So, I took a look and there will be five spaces taken up along the street by vendors in the proposed location. The rest is loading until 6:00. Currently, there are approximately 34 spaces in the parking lot that are taken for the market. If it’s just a parking issue, this may matter.
To add to my last comment, I know the parking lot is only for Wallingford Center customers, but my guess is that people will park there for the market and other businesses and/or reduce the number of Wallingford Center customers parking off-street. Just speculating.
Will some knowledgeable person please tell us what great power granted businesses the veto rights over how our streets are used? Whose streets are they anyway? From many of the comments that have been made, isn’t ironic that those who walk to the FM and nearby shops will suffer to gratify the urges of those who drive?
I retain one veto right and will use it to block expending my money on those businesses that are preventing a decent solution to the problem of where the FM goes.
For Wallyhood to give such one-sided “ink” on this is almost criminal.
@Nancy. Fill us in! (You say yesterday’s other post, yes?)
@ Nancy M. Beyond Kara’s quote, do you consider the original posting to be unduly biased? I agree that the comments certainly are, and they’re supposed to be, but editing or censoring them would defeat the value of the blog as a resource. Many of the voices appear to have little or no idea of the history of the bigger picture.
The very last thing we need is to have our businesses and residents duking it out amongst ourselves, we all need one another. Somewhere in here is a solution that works for everybody and we’re not going to find it by fighting or boycotting anybody.
The best thing to do in my opinion, is to assure that the meeting on Tuesday has a strong, UNBIASED facilitator with the skills to see that everybody gets a chance to be heard and can guide the group to consensus. Janet at the Neighborhood Office can help find find somebody. Otherwise, the meeting will, indeed become ‘highly contentious’ and we’ll all get hurt, whether we give a rip about a Farmer’s Market or not.
As much as I would like to see the market stay in the WC parking lot, it should be noted that the farmer’s market is looking to move in large part because they need more space, not simply because of parking concerns. Let us also remember that the WC has shared it’s space with the farmer’s market free of charge. Credit where it’s due and all that…
I’m going to contact a couple of these businesses that have Facebook presences, but I’m thinking if we each walked in and discussed our concerns, they might be more open to re-considering their positions. I use several of these businesses, mostly not on Market days, but usually by walking to them. It’s hard for me to believe that they’re so opposed for parking reasons.
Is it possible that those of you who do not own/operate a small, independent business do not understand that paradigm? Further, why is the inability of the farmer’s market to find a new home their problem? Did they invite the discussion? I would hate to be the target of all this . . .
The bad ink shows Chamber exasperation, finger pointing albeit slightly modified, and spells Jon Hegeman’s name incorrectly. It APPEARS that the SDOT/street plan was in place BEFORE the abutting businesses were contacted formally. And SDOT requires the nearby business approval (@buster g).
Find a location that will work and have this all blow over. Is the Mosaic parking lot still an option?
Nancy, I think most of us just don’t know what the issues are.
That’s why I asked way back there for some of the businesses to explain the problems.
What’s the paradigm for the small businesses?
Why does the new plan pose a problem?
I love the market, and I love the businesses on W’ford ave. I’m just not clear what the problems are surrounding the new plan. So far all we know is a very general statement about “valid concerns.” If we had some specifics, we could probably have a nice, informed, respectful conversation about it.
Thanks!
As a new Wallingford Center merchant I want to go on the record (with Izilla) as being in support of the FM in our lot or on Wallingford Ave. I knew when I signed my lease that this was a seasonal event the Center hosted. I love it so much I coordinated the Wednesday 10% off at all merchants if you show us your FM purchases. Honestly, I’m saddened at the turn of events. My business is great on Wednesdays and my customers have never complained about a lack of parking.
When I read the original post, I thought it was odd that the moving idea was made public BEFORE talking to the businesses.
However, I think having the Farmer’s Market in a central location (such as the business district) is big bonus. I love buying produce at the Farmer’s Market and then stopping into QFC to pick up the rest of the groceries for dinner. I have also stopped in the surrounding businesses for the sole reason that I was there for the Farmer’s Market. I don’t NEED to stop in most of the small businesses, but since I am there, I browse and sometimes buy. I tend to come to the market by bus and then walk home. The last time I was there, the bus driver remarked on all the activity in the area. I told him, “That’s because of the farmer’s market!”
Has anyone looked into the Tangletown area?
All I’ve seen so far are business owners that support the market and one business owner (Nancy M) basically just asking us to trust that her concerns are “valid” but won’t go into any detail about what exactly her concerns are. It gives me the impression that this is a power struggle between the farmers market, the chamber and other business owners and unfortunatly we are bearing the costs. It seems like Wallingford businesses are mad because the chamber and farmer’s market worked out an agreement prior to getting businesses approval and those businesses are now throwing a wrench into the plans under the guise of “valid concerns.” (Is spite a vaild concern?) The chamber and market meanwhile seem to be using their resources to vilify the wallingford ave and wallingford center merchants when all but one that have spoken up in this forum fully support the market. This pettiness is hurting the rest of us. Of course this is all conjecture but when we’re not given the full story that’s all we have to go on. I just hope some solution can be reached. I shop at the market nearly evey week and patronize local buinesses as much as I am able. I travel the neighborhood mostly by foot and would encourage others to do the same. If this is simply a matter of parking surly we can work something out.
@Maggie. I’m beginning to wonder if there is an “us” and “them” between the businesses in Wallingford Center & those across the street. Somebody tell me I’m wrong about that, please.
I’ve never been that excited about the street option for safety reasons. But where else do we have? Let’s start thinking about options. Frankly, there aren’t many in Wallingford. Here’s a few:
1) Todd at Solsticio reminded me this morning that the lot behind his business is empty on Wednesday afternoons & used to host the Fremont Sunday Market. The space is technically a couple of feet inside Fremont and there’s no access to 45th street businesses there.
2) Has anyone thought about the Good Shepherd space or Meridian park behind it? Or is that just too difficult for the vendors to get in & out of with their trucks?
3) How about that cul-de-sac (is it Corliss?) between 45th & Meridian Park.
4) Gas Works park? No walkability to businesses, and the grounds a little uh, suspect…
What else folks? What else do we have?
P.S. Solsticio is at 34th & Stone Way.
The neighborhood farmer’s market should stay at the center of the neighborhood (45th and Wallingford). This is the case in pretty much every farmer’s market I’ve been to in Seattle. I find it very difficult to figure out who “loses” in that scenario.
Will a Wallyhood reporter please readdress this entire issue, professionally?
The Lincoln HIgh School parking lot is darn close to the center . . . no more Hamilton kids there.
(I agree with @DOUG about town center, just not closing or partially closing an arterial with abutting small businesses.) Perhaps Wallingford Center management will reconsider?
What about asking Solid Ground/Family Works to host it in their parking lot once a week? Or perhaps closing 44th between Wallingford and Densmore.
Perhaps these may have already been explored.
@Nancy, you still haven’t posted any of your issues with this proposal. I’d like to understand your side.
Perhaps Wallyhood could cover both sides of this professionally if someone could elaborate on the other one.
I 2nd chuck. Please tell us your issues with having the market on the same street as your store!
Please go to a facilitated meeting. Find a good fit for the farmer’s market AND shop locally regardless of if there is a farmer’s market in the street in front of the shops. Don’t let hysterical, frustrated, disappointed comments augmented by careless “journalism” be the last words. Please read my comments closely. I am attempting to see things from all perspectives (the store in my life is way elsewhere, but I draw from that experience).
Remember, Jon Hegeman’s weekly store-without-walls on the Wallingford Ave arterial will interfere with deliveries (shoes, books, produce); it will have street-clogging set-up and take-down time on both ends; generally, small shops also depend on destination shoppers who arrive by bus or car or bike who when they see the ‘street faire’ may assume it is a new, frequent deal; you and others seem to think that having the market there will enhance Wallingford Ave business,what if you are mistaken? . . . some ideas off the top. Small shops do not live by local shopping alone, think about it, how could they. And please do not threaten to boycott places you never shop at in the first place!!!
The management at Wallingford Center is where this change started. Perhaps using “free” asphalt “space” is the inherent problem. Retail space is expensive and retailers need every bit of business they can get, whether folks arrive in cars or on foot.
My background is in urban planning. I worked tirelessly on our park to keep it a park and not a playground for the abutting middle school, for example. I select my words carefully. Beware of black and white scenarios and feeding a mob mentality.If you are feeling really really outraged, consider that you don’t have the whole picture. Farewell, Wallyhood.
As someone who grew up in Wallingford and whose parent’s still live here, and as someone who had a store at 4441 Wallingford Ave which I had to close in 2008, I feel like I can see both sides of the street, so to speak. As a resident, we tend to view store owners as anonymous people who must have tons of money and who are always positively impacted by community events. As a former shopkeeper I can tell you that most of the small business owners in the neighborhood are regular people, who decided to take a huge risk and put their money and dreams into a business, to create something out of nothing. They probably don’t have a regular paycheck and in fact, may be only eking out a living, or no living at all. Nobody is getting rich and probably most owners take home less than the average Wallingford resident. It is SO hard to make it as a small retailer or restaurant and EVERYTHING, such as every day people can’t come to your store, makes a difference. I was very happy the farmers market came to Wallingford, but it did not increase my business at all. You’d think that people would wander around to look or shop, but it seemed like 99% of the people come to the market to look at what’s there, then went home. You’d think it would help the surrounding businesses, but I’m not sure it helps that much financially, even long term. I think it’s a great thing and It’s good for the community, definitely, but it may not actually financially help the surrounding businesses. Wallingford Avenue is closed every year for the kiddie’s parade. Again, this is a great thing for the neighborhood, but it does not bring in business to the businesses on the street. It seems like it would, but it does not. In fact, it hurts some of the businesses because regular customers just stay away for the day. But none of the businesses complain about the kiddie’s parade because it’s once a year and it’s for the kids. But losing sales one afternoon a week for 4-5 months is a big deal. One last thing – one thing I learned in the retail business is that retailers rarely ever talk to the public about how hard things are, how difficult things are. It just isn’t done. You want to appear upbeat and sucessful to everyone. You want to be positive and happy about everything in the neighborhood. It’s part of the deal of being in the sales business. That retailers are speaking out and expressing their concern means it is a very big deal to them.
Thank you, Kathy. It’s helpful to hear Bout your experience.
Yes, thank you Kathy!
You know, none of us small biz’s are getting real rich these days. There is a hell of a recession going on out there. The is Ed Hartman, owner of The Drum Exchange. I seemed to have been singled out as an anti-market, anti-community person here in Wallingford. I do like farmers markets. I go to the Wallingford and U-dist market occasionally. Ironically my favorite Japanese restaurant is in the U-dist, and when I want to go to it on Sat, parking is nearly impossible, and have to wait till the market is over. I have given up occasionally.
I gave all of my concerns to the Market people on why we didn’t feel our street was right for a market. I have a number of intense conversations about it. Our street parking has become extremely tight. We regularly have customers walking several blocks to the store now. Carrying drums and percussion that distance is not fun, ,or even possible, considering the size of instruments we carry (drumsets, marimbas, etc.)
Interesting questions here….
1) Why can’t you tell your customers to come another day? My wife and myself work 6 days a week right now to make it. We would be cutting 1/6 of our business week. How would you feel if someone asked you to stop working one day a week? Take off 20?% of your current income right now. Could you afford it?
2) But it’s only 4 hours…It isn’t just a 4 hour deal. The street closure would be from noon to 8pm, at least. That’s our whole day. It’s only for a few months a year….And, this would go on for a number of months, and would likely be extended. The U-dist farmers market is year round. If you look at the http://www.seattlefarmersmarkets.org/ website, you will notice that many markets are quite long throughout the year.
3) Our parking lot WOULD be affected very adversely. Right now people block our entrance as it is! Our delivery area is also out front (and there are LOTS of big trucks here that need to deliver during the afternoon on weekdays) Giant pallets occasionally needed to be off-loaded from trucks.
4) Destination stores shouldn’t be here….Every store is a destination store. We are the ONLY drumshop in Seattle left (they have ALL gone out of business). We are both a destination store, AND a local community one (students take lessons all over our block). Parents need to drop off young students here. We work closely with schools, teachers, adults, etc. We have had students from 5 to 80 years old! I really hate to make them walk 3 or 4 blocks for a lesson.
5) According to Not a Number, the city nixed the Interlake idea anyway.
6) The first mistake was that the market association pretty much barged into to our stores individually, with no notice (during store hours, with customers present) and tried to force the issue. I mean REALLY pushed it. “It will be so GOOD for you”. Don’t you love it when someone says it will be so good for you? They did this more than once. They pressured my wife (3 on 1) when she was alone. It is very unnerving to have strangers try to force plans on you. If the market assoc. and Chamber of commerce wants to be successful they need to treat the local businesses with a lot more respect. They need to have group meetings (with notice) FIRST.
7) The market association never asked our landlord, either. In the end, unless the landlord is for it, it wouldn’t happen. He wasn’t happy either, especially not being asked.
Regarding this blog (I’d have called to talk to someone, but there is no number to call!), the Wallyhood blog, should have never singled out businesses as pro or against. It is our right to decide our own fate in the business world. Newspapers have processes for telling stories, and understanding quoting sources. The Wallyhood blog should have contacted each business in the story and asked for own opinion before going live with the store. We should have been allowed rebuttal. Electronic media needs to slow down. Blogs can be very dangerous. Free speech is great, but mis-information is rampant on the web, and emotion can get in the way of logic. Blogs are linked to newspapers, and other media. Right now there have been calls for boycotts over this. That is extremely alarming. I have spent over 30 years in Seattle, as a community organizer. I have started a Music co-op, composer concert series, been president of orgs, on boards of arts organizations, promoted arts events, etc. I personally started what became the World Rhythm Festival in the early 80s.
If you want to boycott something, start with Coke,. Their teamsters are on strike and just lost their health insurance. While your at it, boycott the web. Everytime you buy something from the web you are probably taking business away from a local store. Please don’t single out the smallest businesses you can find. We are all part of this community. We provide products and services to our local community first. We are not the bad guys here. Even QFC is not the bad guy, and they are directly competing with the farmers market. QFC also keeps a LOT of people working locally. Please think carefully about what you write.
Ed Hartman. thank you for giving your time to writing that beautifully written and informative post.
Yes, Ed, thank you for sharing your perspective. I really appreciate it.
Yes, thank you Ed and Kathy. This is the kind of information most of us were hoping for, as we truly didn’t understand the issues. Hopefully whoever was calling for a boycott in these comments will dial it back a notch or two.
pls see recent comments posted at the two other article comment pages.
really interesting discussion, wallingford – what a great community we have that can/will discuss their opinions so vehemently, but so fairly.
this has been a truly difficult situation, for the businesses especially, and as much as some feel they’re not heard — they are.
more on all this after tonight’s facilitated, forward-moving community meeting. let’s all work together to keep a FM in wallingford! i know we can do it.