Tag Archives: brookville
Fate of Cleveland Park Farmers Market in DDOT’s Hands
It seems as if the fate of the Cleveland Park farmers market has been sealed. The ANC voted last night 4-2 not to support the market (see voting record below). Brookville Market made the argument that the farmers market would actually put them out of business and this seemed to scare enough commissioners away from supporting the market. Susie Taylor, who spent months organizing the market summed up how most of the neighborhood feels. “Hard to imagine that 4 hours of two produce stands and one orchard stand would negatively impact their bottom line to the extent that they would be forced out of business.” DDOT could still technically approve the market, but most people we’ve talked to, including Taylor herself, do not believe that they will.
Many thanks to ANC commissioner Richard Steacy who left a blog comment that explains the way he voted. “Based on listserve [sic] responses, much of the Farmer’s Market support came from west of Conn. I represent a part of CP (east of Conn.) that is pretty dependent on our local stores- Lots of seniors & young professionals in condos and apartments.” We think that the senior citizen point is a good one, but don’t see the evidence that young professionals east of Connecticut did not support the market, we actually think that they would overwhelmingly support it.
You may be interested in how your ANC commissioner voted. The vote record is below.
Voting no (4):
Leila Afzal (SMD05)
Richard Steacy (SMD04)
Lee Brian Reba (SMD01)
Bill Kummings (SMD02)
Voting yes (2)
Carl A. Roller (SMD06)
Chair Victor Silveira (SMD07)
Brookville Market Refuses to Meet on Farmers Market
Tonight the organizers of the Cleveland Park Farmers Market will go before the ANC to request a public space permit. In the time leading up to this request, the organizers and other community groups have been busy selling the farmers market to the many stakeholders in Cleveland Park. Sadly (we think), one business remains firmly opposed to the farmers market: Brookville Market. This shouldn’t be too surprising, but what is surprising is the company’s refusal to meet with ANC commissioners and community groups to discuss its concerns. Susie Taylor of the Cleveland Park Citizens Association even offered to meet with management over the weekend to discuss the situation.
We’re not even sure that a farmers market would hurt Brookville’s business. Taylor has anecdotal evidence that the Palisades Safeway actually sees an uptick in business during that farmers market (the same organizers will run the Cleveland Park market). Taylor has made a call to get confirmation on that data point for Brookville. It does seem likely that a farmers market decreases the incentive to go out of the neighborhood for groceries, yet shoppers certainly cannot get everything at the farmers market. That means neighbors have additional incentive to pick up what’s left on their list at Brookville. For us, this would be an additional sale for Brookville … we normally would have purchased everything outside of the neighborhood.
As a neighborhood, we have to walk a fine line with Brookville Market. It’s easy to say that we should allow the market to determine a business’ value (ie. if they lose business to the farmers market so be it). Theoretically, a little competition would force Brookville to innovate and improve its offerings, making everyone happier. The problem is that Brookville could very easily respond to competition by closing its doors. For all of its faults, most would agree that having Brookville in the neighborhood is a huge benefit and this would be a terrible outcome. On the other hand, Brookville faces less competition that it did a few years back when Magruder’s was in the neighborhood. Has it innovated or made any improvements since its competition has gone done ? We’d say no.
Hopefully, Brookville will come to see the farmers market as a potential revenue generator and accept community leaders’ offer to create a symbiotic relationship between the two entities.
Cleveland Park Farmers Market: Business Killer or Neighborhood Enhancer?
Could a fear of competition keep these smiling faces from Cleveland Park?
As we’ve posted, the proposed Cleveland Park Farmers Market will go before the ANC Board at its next meeting. Based on a posting from Richard Steacy (ANC3C-04), it seems as if debate will center on the market competing with existing local businesses.
As he posted, “Question: Would you support a Farmers Market if it was in direct competition with a local merchant?”
Some of the immediate responses on Twitter and Facebook included:
“I don’t think it would be. A farmers’ market brings more foot traffic to the neighborhood–something that CP could definitely use.”
“I don’t see a biz in CP that would get hurt. They are mostly restaurants or non-food shops who would/could benefit.”
“a stand competing with a local vendor for 5 hours on a Saturday morning doesn’t have me particularly worried that we’ll lose local businesses”
“if anything I will be more likely to stop at Brookville or Yes! since the market probably won’t have everything”
“Existing businesses? That Giant they wouldn’t allow to be renovated? So you’re left with Brookeville and YES! Market?”
And our favorite…
“@CleveParker #AnnoyingYuppieProblems”
The farmers market as planned would look something like this:
* Every Saturday from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm
* Located on the west Connecticut Avenue sidewalk between the Four Fields and USPS year round
* Starting later this month if permitted
* 10 vendors and 2 tables to showcase local organizations and/or existing local shops
This week in the Cleveland Park Listserv
One of the best parts of our neighborhood is the small town atmosphere that the Cleveland Park Listserv helps to create. Each Friday we will pull out some (possibly out of context) gems from the Listserv to share with our neighbors and friends. We hope these outtakes of the neighborhood news will get you ready for another great weekend in Cleveland Park!
I also see a problem in that you had to ask what is was…
We eat at California Tortilla regularly and order their “No-Meato Burrito” or burrito bowl. Last week, we found something unusual in the bowl, I took it up to the staff and asked what it was. One of the staff identified it as a piece of chicken.
Recommended…
The Friends of the Cleveland Park Library will hold a Holiday Book Sale on Saturday, February 11, from 10:00am – 4:00pm at the Cleveland Park Library.
Apparently not dissuaded by 70 degree weather…
Does anyone have recommendations for a reliable firewood delivery service, particularly one willing to deliver smaller amounts, such as a half cord?
I agree… with the expert part…
I’m no expert, but I picked up a baguette at Brookville Supermarket yesterday and found it quite satisfying.
Yes please!
From Le Zinc: As a special thank-you to Cleveland Park residents, we are offering a complimentary glass of wine or dessert on the house at lunch during the month of February. No coupons necessary; simply tell your waiter you read about it on the Cleveland Park listserv!
There is a very hungry friendly cat…
In case anyone is missing a cat, I wanted to let the listserv know that there is a very friendly grey tabby cat wandering without a collar near the corner of Connecticut Avenue and Davenport Street.
