Royal Oak Farmer's Market Not Going Anywhere: Mayor

ROYAL OAK, MI — Mayor Michael Fournier on Wednesday attempted to ease concerns about a possible closure of the Royal Oak Farmer’s Market. In a nutshell, he said it’s not going anywhere, despite a recent petition calling to “Save the Royal Oak Farmers Market.”

“At no point have city officials ever considered closing or jeopardizing the market,” Fournier wrote in a Facebook post. “The city has invested thousands of dollars improving the market over the past few years and values its role in our community.”

Concerns over the redevelopment of municipal facilities — including a new city hall and police headquarters — has fueled speculation that the Farmer’s Market would be sacrificed or parking downsized to accommodate it. Fournier said it’s simply not the case.

“The proposed Royal Oak Civic Center development will enhance the market by adding parking, additional outdoor vendor space and creating more opportunities for both residents and visitors to enjoy what we think is the best suburban farmers market in the region,” he wrote on Facebook. “The implied suggestion that the city commission is forsaking the farmers market is both unfounded and untrue.”

Still, some residents were skeptical in their response to Fournier’s post.

“2 lawsuits currently against the city for this development,” wrote Kathy Arnold. “I guess a judge will ultimately decide what is best for the residents. I am pleased to see it go through the courts. There have been too many questionable decisions being forced through.”

Diane Hawkey thinks parking will still be an issue, despite Fournier’s reassurances. “The proposed plan will eliminate most of the convenient parking for the market,” she wrote on Facebook. “When someone goes to the Farmer’s Market and buys a bushel of tomatoes or a watermelon and several bags of veggies they need parking close by on the ground level. They will not want to walk across the street or up a flight of stairs to get to their parking space.”

Others were more supportive.

“There will always be on-site parking with plenty of handicap spaces. I think the city has been very transparent and open on these plans,” wrote Mike Ripinski wrote. “Those that disagree are just trying to use fear and misinformation to rile up the voters.”

Photo courtesy of Google Maps