Outdoor Market in Columbia Heights? (Akin to Eastern Market)

[DJ]

Columbia Heights is growing in a big way. A significant increase in density will soon be reality, and along with the coming retail (DC USA & the re-development of the Neiahmiah Shopping Center), Columbia Heights will soon be a premier desination neighborhood in DC, with lots and lots of foot-traffic. Why not organize a weekends-only arts/crafts/farmers market? Unless one already exists I don't know of. Anyway... I think the school/community center next door to the DC USA site has an outdoor space large enough to accomodate an outdoor market. Any other suggestions as to a location in our neighborhood? Now seems to be the time to begin putting a plan in motion - if our neighborhood so desires, so it can be quickly implemented when development is nearly complete (late 2007, early 2008?).

[Mr. T]

There was a small outdoor market on Saturdays on the southwest corner of 14th and Irving, before they started working on the Highland Park(?) building. It was pretty small though, with only a efw vendors. I think the farmer's market aspect was hurt by the proximity of the larger Mt. Pleasant farmer's market on Sundays in the triangular plaza on Mt. Pleasant Street. It would be nice if as CH grows, another farmer's market was planned, or combined with Mt Pleasant and/or the flea market at 14th and W(?) that will soon be displaced if it hasn't been already.

[DJ]

Hmmm, that Lamont Street market in Mt. Pleasant is very close to the new center of Columbia Heights development, so it is doubtful they could co-exist. That's a shame. I've never been to that one, I'll have to check it out. If it can be approved upon maybe a larger, stratigically placed location in Columbia Heights would be better )

I'd also like to throw out another idea regarding an open air farmers market - How about taking it to Meridian Hill/Malcom X Park? Already a great park (although maintainence isn't what it should be - the grass is awful), but not well know throughout the city. How about creating a market there?! it's big enough so as to not be too intrusive on picnic-ers, and soccer players, etc.... and could bring even more diversity and activity to the park - then maybe it would get a nice makeover too. Just a thought. What do you think?

[Lisa Simon]

There was (I'm assuming they'll be back) a Farmer's market at the triangle where GA Ave and New Hampshire meet, just south of the Metro station. It was small, but growing. It's a nice spot for it on the north end.

I have frequented the Mt. Pleasant one for years; it's nice. The South Mountain Creamery was the main draw for me...fresh milk (not ultra pasturized...so actually tastes more like milk than water), fabulous yogurt, and fresh eggs.

I'm not sure how many more you need, they are a lot of effort and that effort (along with risk) edges the prices up. Why not support the ones we have so close by? I mean, if they're on every corner, they begin to lose their unique qualities. I'm not saying another one couldn't pop up and be successful...but there's a logic to throwing your support behind the ones that are trying to get established and let them get stronger before opening another one.

Does anyone have any CSAs to recommend? (Community Supported Agriculture groups...were you invest in their farm and get a bag a produce each week).

lisa

[erica]

I have worked on the Georgia Ave Farmers' Market for the past 2 years, and I believe that it is doubtful that it will return this year. It was a lot of work with a mostly volunteer staff, and it was a lot of work to organize it and recruit vendors. Another problem: it was open on Saturdays, the same day as Mt. Pleasant. There is also just a lot of competition for vendors on Saturdays anyway. If the idea of a farmers' market is rekindled, I would suggest picking a busy week night when a lot of people are commuting home or out shopping in the neighborhood. It would probably mean higher quality vendors.

Erica

[neil]