I take exception to the letter written by Mr. Gunter in regards to the Farmers Market.
As a long-time resident, advocate of downtown and frequent customer of the current Farmers Market, I feel I can speak from an informed position on this matter.
After years of work and investment, the downtown has once again become a thriving and attractive part of our community. Over 1,700+ individuals work in the downtown who often, due to their work hours, are denied the opportunity to shop at the Farmer's Market located at the fairgrounds. The downtown is home to many individuals who do not own vehicles, and therefore do not have access to the current Farmer's Market as well. And I contend that this "us or them" mentality, complete with conspiracy theories, is totally uncalled for. Who's to say that there aren't enough vendors or customers for both concerns? And how like our community to jump on a good idea and create a fight where none exists? It is totally needless to attack this new venture based on what might happen, what could happen, what was said by whom, etc.
As far as location, ease of access and traffic, I for one don't feel that walking on grass or an uneven surface is any safer than asphalt. Accidents happen regardless. The parking areas selected for WCDC's venture is an adequate space and as accessible as the fair grounds. Traffic is not just a concern of the central business district, but one that is encountered and dealt with by the whole community. As far as parking is concerned, I suspect that most individuals patronizing the downtown market will arrive on foot since there are ample sidewalks.
It grieves me that rather than working together we continue to attack those individuals and organizations whose sole mission is to make our community a better place to work and live. As I've said before, armchair critics are a dime a dozen. There are those who complain and find fault and those who seek to find solutions. I for one applaud the WCDC for their efforts in making the downtown a better place to work, live and play.
