“We are looking very good. About $60,000 better than last year.” That’s how Eastern Market Manager Barry Margeson began his report to the Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee (EMCAC) which met in person on May 28th in the North Hall (224 7th St SE) as well as online.
Margeson’s report was as positive as any he has given, with Eastern Market revenues continuing to produce similar growth to pre-COVID days.
However, Margeson noted that, “one of the things that is curious is that with the North Hall, unfortunately we are about the same as last year. “
Year to date Market revenue is $620,670 through seven months which puts the market on pace to top $1 million in revenue.
North Hall revenue is reported as $226,430 for the same period. With concerns that the goal of $300,000 might be harder to attain, Margeson stated that the Department of General Services (DGS), managers of the market, would watch the numbers closely. “We’re not sure what it is. I am hopeful that we will get over $300,000 this year and that it may just be some miscalculations.”
Margeson added: “It was a very, very, very busy month.”
The North Hall draws its income principally from bookings of private events and is the primary source of growth at the Market.
Capital Improvements
The HVAC capital improvement project is proceeding with chilled water piping replacement ongoing. Temporary units are installed in both the North and the South Hall. The replacement units will be fully operational by mid June. Margeson expressed frustration that the process took so long and did not start earlier.
The Bollards
Addressing the lingering and yet-to-be-installed bollards security issue, which has been in process for years, Margeson said he had no update to offer. However, suggested the currently incomplete guidelines needed for the installation of bollards might have the Market move permitting to the the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) Public Space Committee. Margeson said he hoped that, with guidelines provided by DDOT, the process would be smoother and clearer.
The Public Space Committee is a city wide body that meets monthly to review and render decisions on a variety of types of permit applications for the use and occupancy of the public right of way that do not fall within the regular permitting process. This includes security bollards. In light of the an April 26 vehicle ramming in Vancouver, Canada, that killed eleven and injured two dozen at a street festival, security concerns about the market and area remain heightened.
Budget Time
Longtime chair of the Capital Improvements Committee Monte Edwards has ben the shepherd of capital improvement funding at the City Council budget hearings . He asked for the authority to testify for and defend the presence of the $2 million dollars needed for the Market and for the preservation of funds already in the pipeline. The motion ed unanimously.
Peter J. Waldron is a long time resident and a former chair of ANC 6B. He has been reporting on the Eastern Market for over fifteen years. Waldron can be reached at [email protected].
