Farmers market at Marin Civic Center takes root with Measure B

May 03, 2014

Marin officials are rallying around a farmers market "food, farming and families" ballot measure that many regard as all but certain to gain voter approval at the polls

The county wants to help the farmers market set up a permanent facility across from the Marin Center featuring an open-air canopy above vendor stalls along with a two-story "market hall" housing vendor tables, a cafe, grocery and meat market, conference room and administrative offices.

A majority vote favoring farmers market Measure B would enable officials to consider the project. A vote is required in light of a 1992 initiative that calls for an election on any Civic Center campus improvement larger than 250 square feet.

The plan includes paving the dirt parking lot where Christmas trees are sold during the holiday season, installing a market canopy overhead, and constructing a plaza area and 30,000-square-foot building where vendors could sell goods year round, in addition to the twice weekly outdoor markets. The building would house market staff and provide space for a butcher shop, farm product sales and a restaurant that could seat 50 inside and another 50 outside.

The Agricultural Institute of Marin, which operates the market and a half dozen others across the Bay Area, will pay election costs. It has pledged up to $1 million for the project, while agreeing to lease the site from the county for $150,000 a year. The county will provide $1 million to pave the lot, which can be used for overflow parking for Marin Center events.

After shuttling from parking lot to parking lot at the Civic Center for more than three decades, "the Marin Farmers Market is ready for a permanent home," said Brigitte Moran, the agricultural institute's $115,000 CEO. "Measure B will allow the Marin Farmers Market to continue as an invaluable resource and gathering place for future generations — a landmark dedicated to local food, farming, and families in Marin forever," said Moran, who oversees a staff of 20.

There has been no estimate of an overall tab for the improvement or public discussion of the institute's business plan, but officials are certain the program makes sense, noting voter approval of the measure is an initial step.

"This ballot measure is a necessary first step in developing a permanent home for the farmers market and I hope it gets widespread support," said Kate Sears, president of the county Board of Supervisors who serves as a Frank Lloyd Wright Conservancy trustee. "The farmers market benefits our residents, visitors and local agriculture" and "provides access to healthy, locally grown foods and enriches the public's experience of the Civic Center campus, an important part of Frank Lloyd Wright's vision," she said.

Supervisor Susan Adams noted a "palpable sense of anticipation and excitement" about the project. "Once the election is behind us, the community engagement and outreach regarding specific design plans will begin," she said.

And Supervisor Steve Kinsey called the program a no-brainer.

"Marin's farmers market has become an iconic expression of our residents' appreciation of healthy, fresh locally grown food. It has also proven to be the most beneficial business model for many of our local ranchers and farmers," Kinsey said. "This measure allows us to expand the community's commitment to our agricultural heritage and bring added vitality to the Civic Center campus" while showcasing "the potent opportunity to achieve more when our government partners with business."

The complex would be designed in accord with plans for pedestrian, roadway, train station, landscaping, cosmetic and related improvements planned for the northern entrance to the Civic Center campus. Design and related details will be overseen by an expert recommended by the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy.

The market ballot language approved by county lawyers is carefully punctuated to indicate the proposed market building and canopy won't cost taxpayers a dime — even though the parking lot would cost $1 million. The language: "To enhance local farmers' contributions to our economy and provide Marin residents access to healthy, locally grown foods, shall Marin County permit the Agricultural Institute of Marin to create a permanent home for the farmers market at Marin Civic Center including an eco-friendly market canopy designed to respect Frank Lloyd Wright's building, accessible to pedestrians, bikes and public transit and an indoor market building not to exceed 30,000 square feet at no cost to Marin taxpayers?"

The market plan has drawn support from a spectrum of interests, with farmers leading the charge. Sam Dolcini, president of the Marin County Farm Bureau, called the program a "huge step" for agriculture, and David Lewis of the University of California Cooperative Extension said it will "give the community the stage it deserves to continue this celebration of local agriculture and healthy food."

San Rafael Mayor Gary Phillips described it as a "win-win-win for the city of San Rafael and all of Marin County" that encourages healthy eating, brings the community together and promotes agricultural jobs. Rep. Jared Huffman agreed, saying the plan will allow a community asset to take root supporting jobs, agriculture and access to fresh food.

"The farmers market is a treasured resource in Marin," Moran said. "With more than $15 million in goods sold each year, the farmers market is an engine of the local economy that supports our farmers and provides our community with fresh, local food."

Moran, who has been busy distributing flyers boosting Measure B, wishes she had enough money to send out a mailer to all voters, but noted her $8,000 campaign fund falls far short of the $40,000 needed to do so.

At the same time, she is buoyed by lack of opposition to the ballot proposal, adding that the market's Civic Center area neighbors are regular customers.

"No one is opposing this," she said. "At least I haven't heard of any."


Source: By Nels Johnson