The Marshalltown City Council is being unsupportive of the Cartwright Downtown Farmer’s Market. This market is important to the 30+ almost 40 vendors that participate in it on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

The council ignored that we needed two driveways into our parking lot. We know only one off of 2nd Ave. The only other option is to use an alley. There have been other things that have happened, but I don’t know all of them since I was originally someone who visited and now am a first year vendor. My eventual plan is to open a storefront here in Marshalltown, which is why I am trying to become established at the Farmer’s Market.

The latest problem is that trees and plants were put on in our area that were to be used on State Street beds. This has caused a huge problem. The vendors will not be able to set up in their usual spots, which will make it harder for the customers to find them. These plants also block our main driveway that accesses our parking lot. They will be in the way of getting to vendors that are now having to be in the grass. It is unacceptable. Hopefully the vendors will be able to sell their products. The plants were not moved prior to the Farmer’s Market opening at 4 p.m., like it always does on Wednesdays.

The Cartwright Downtown Farmer’s Market has been in operation since 1985, when Emily Cartwright bought the land. This is a place where local people get the opportunity to show the community and other communities around Marshalltwon what we are capable of. It is an opportunity for young entrepreneurs to get their start. It is an opportunity for people who moved to Marshalltown to make friends and connections.

The market is about community. The city council clearly does not see that. The council needs to remember that they are voted in by this community.

If the Farmer’s Market ends up closing due to the council, there will be a lot of voters who will not vote for the current members again and Marshalltown will lose local business. Maybe councilors should go to the Farmer’s Market on both Wednesday and Saturday to fully understand why it is important to the community.

I would hate to see this Farmer’s Market disappear, especially when people are willing to travel from Pella and Illinois.