Farmers Market Organizers Mull Move from GAR Park to Parking Deck

Click image for Haverhill City Council agenda.

Haverhill’s City Council will consider a request by the Haverhill Farmers Market to relocate from Bailey Boulevard to the Goecke Parking Deck. (File photograph)

Customers accustomed to finding the Haverhill Farmers Market on the Bailey Boulevard side of GAR Park will have to look a few blocks south when it opens for business this summer.

Organizers Stephanie Lesiczka and Jeff Grassie on Tuesday will update the City Council about the planned move.

The council meeting begins at 7 p.m. in the Theodore A. Pelosi Jr. City Council Chambers on the second floor of Haverhill City Hall. The meeting is open to the public.

The market celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. It has grown from a gathering of local farmers selling their produce in the Water Street parking lot of the former Friends Landing nightclub to its current incarnation with the addition of honey, flowers, jams and preserves, entertainers and more.

 

Mayor seeks council OK for downtown ‘parklets’

Fans of street-side dining likely will welcome a proposed city ordinance, while drivers seeking on-street parking may find fewer spots to choose from.

Mayor James J. Fiorentini will submit an ordinance proposal giving downtown establishments the opportunity to apply for permits to set up “bump-outs” in the parking spots adjacent to their storefronts.

The City Council is expected to receive the request at Tuesday night’s meeting, with a vote scheduled in two weeks.

According to the ordinance, owners in the Central Business District who meet the requirements may apply to the License Commission for a permit to set up tables and seating in front of their establishments. The areas must be marked with some sort of railing or barrier, and there must be room for pedestrians to walk by on the sidewalk.

Last summer, City Councilor Melinda Barrett set up a bump-out in front of her specialty foods shop, which has since closed. Another was set up in front of the A-1 Deli.

The bump-outs, or parklets as they will be called, will be allowed from April 1 to Oct. 15.

Fiorentini said the parklets create a more walkable city that focuses more on pedestrians than vehicles.

“I think this has the potential to be a great addition to our growing downtown,” Fiorentini said.

Application fee is $100, which is not refundable. If a permit is issued, the fee will be $250. Permits are good for one season only and businesses must apply each year.

The parklets, which can take up one or two parking spaces, can be used for food and beverage service or other commercial activities, according to the ordinance request filed with the council.

The parklets will consist of raised platforms, built at the business owner’s expense, with vertical features that make them visible to passing vehicles.