It's almost a done deal, and the preferred location for a Queen Anne farmers market is along the east and south sides of the community center, according to Don Harper, chair of Parks Committee for the Queen Anne Community Council.
Speaking at the council's meeting last week, he conceded that the expected questions about parking, traffic and conflict with use of the nearby ball field came up. But the Parks Committee felt those concerns have been addressed, Harper said.
Spearheaded by Queen Anne Neighbors for Responsible Growth, a proposal and permit application were submitted about a month before, said Robert Stowers from Seattle Parks and Recreation. "That is being processed as we speak," he said.
Still, Stowers added, the parks department sees parking and potential conflicts with baseball games next to the farmers market as the biggest problems.
"There's still things that need to be worked out," Stowers said, adding that he believes the problems can be adequately mitigated for a market that will operate 3-7 p.m. on Thursdays from mid-June to late September.
Others aren't so sure. Community council chairwoman Ellen Monrad wondered where an estimated 40 vendors will park their trucks while they unload and load.
"We will be asking them for a parking plan," Stowers answered. And parks staffers issuing a permit for the market have to be satisfied with the plan, he added.
"To try to put a farmers market on top of Queen Anne Hill is problematic," noted council member George Counts. He is also a member of Queen Anne Neighbors for Responsible Growth, a group originally formed to fight the proposed mixed-use QFC project that would replace the old Metropolitan Market.
And Counts said the benefits of a farmers market have to outweigh the negatives. "We believe this is a benefit for local businesses ... including groceries," he added.
Stowers said at the council meeting that the parks department would welcome suggestions for alternate sites, and the old John Hay school is one that has been mentioned.
But the community center was chosen as the preferred location for a market because it's close to the business core of Upper Queen Anne, something merchants preferred, according to Counts.
It's also a good location because it's away from development on Queen Anne Avenue, the space is sufficient and the community is enthusiastic about the idea, he added.
Still, Stowers stressed, the decision had not yet been made about the market's location. "So we invite your input."
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