A Public Market could provide a public commercial space where Vermont
farmers, crafters, artists, small business people, consumers and local residents
can carry on traditional local market activities. A year-round enclosed market
would create a destination on the waterfront that would add a sense of
community, provide income for small growers and entrepreneurs and keep dollars
in local circulation.
A Steering Committee for the Public Market has been established and is
currently considering the feasibility of and location for the project.
A February 1998 initial feasibility study found that Burlington has enough
people with enough income to support a 20,000 square foot fresh foods market
downtown. On the supply side, we have a diverse range of existing food producers
that offer an excellent vendor base.
A 20,000 square foot market would contain 10,000 leasable square feet that
would house approximately 20 permanent vendors. The facility would also provide
storage and refrigeration for vendors. The indoor, year-round vendor space would
be augmented by outdoor seasonal vending space and common areas for seating,
demonstrations and other events.
The Steering Committee is currently considering four sites for the project.
Three of the four sites are on the Waterfront; one site is downtown:
- Multimodal Transportation Center
- Lot next to the Pease grain tower
- Lot at corner of College and Lake Streets
- Former police station property on S. Winooski Ave.
The project feasibility study’s finding have been based on a computer model
analysis and will be refined by a survey of local consumers’ buying behavior,
satisfaction with current choices and perceptions of potential sites. A producer
survey will also be completed.
The next steps for the Steering Committee will include:
- Analyzing feasibility of prospective sites
- Preparing a rough tenant mix (based on the results of the producer survey)
- Preparing development and operating budgets
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