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The Permanent Farmers' Market project on Nichols Street, now known as “Friday Harbor Brickworks,” is alive and well! Here is an update on recent developments.
On February 25th, the Friday Harbor Town Council voted to end its participation in the Permanent Farmers’ Market Project at 150 Nichols Street. The primary reason for the Town’s decision was the inability of the Washington State Auditor’s Office to provide firm assurance beforehand that the Town’s use of Lodging Tax funds for this project is appropriate.
As a matter of policy, the State Auditor’s Office does not approve expenditures in advance, and so, in a 3-2 vote, the Town Council decided that it was risky to proceed without pre-approval and ended their participation, effective immediately.
The Ag Guild is disappointed—the Town represented the ideal partner for building a community center, tourism-related facility and market for Island agricultural and arts and crafts products. However, the Ag Guild will continue the project without the Town’s participation.
At the February 25th Town Council meeting, Mayor Carrie Lacher reiterated her strong support of this project.
“Farmers markets have proven themselves to be economic drivers nationwide. Studies have shown that farmers markets draw visitors to spend money not only at the market but at perimeter businesses as well. To change that area of town to an attractive respite and unique business hub will only serve to support our community’s economic well-being. This is thinking outside of the box in ways that will serve the Town well now and far into the future.”
The Ag Guild appreciates the on-going support of Mayor Lacher and will continue to work with the Town and the Historic Preservation Review Board on the design, permitting, and development of the project. The Ag Guild entered into the partnership with the Town fully aware of the hurdles that lay ahead and is confident that additional funding can be secured to take the place of Town funding.
Senator Kevin Ranker has made an appropriations request for $400,000 in State funding. We will also be applying for State funds through the Washington State Historical Society. An application to the USDA has been submitted and other public and grant funding sources will be pursued. The SJC Land Bank remains committed with $400,000 for the historic preservation and conservation easement. And the Ag Guild remains vitally committed to the project.
The Ag Guild is initiating a capital fundraising campaign with the goal to raise $400,000 towards the total project cost of $1.2 million. The community has supported the project with donations, by attending public meetings and fundraising events, and by patronizing the Farmers’ Market. We need your support in all these ways in 2010.
But most of all, we need the financial strength of the community to bring this project to fruition. Please consider a contribution to the capital campaign to show your support. Donate now!
Join us in celebrating our island and its bounty. Celebrate its history. Celebrate our magnificent local food and talented farmers and artisans. Celebrate the community gathering we know as the farmers' market. Now is the time!