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ATTACHMENT J Farmers’ Market Expansion – Update As part of the current downtown goals, strategies, and projects, staff has considered the possibility of the City acquiring all or a portion of the Butterfly Parking Lot from Lane County to support the Farmers’ Market space needs (see map below). The purchase and demolition of the Butterfly Parking Lot to accommodate an expanded Farmers’ Market was previously included as part of the Arts & Entertainment District project, with an estimated cost of $4.1 million. At the December 14, 2009 work session, Councilors expressed an interest in exploring a property swap or identifying alternative expansion locations. City staff has continued to work with the Farmers’ Market to identify solutions. Staff has also begun conversations with the County to discuss a potential property swap. These conversations will continue after the New Year. Additional background information and a brief description of possible options are provided below. The Farmers’ Market is a cherished attraction in Eugene’s downtown, bringing visitors and residents to the center of the city for healthy, local food options. Supporting the Farmers’ Market downtown, in addition to the Saturday Market, is a key goal and policy for downtown. Both markets thrive on the success of the other; both are critical components of Eugene’s identity and downtown activity. Currently, on days when both markets are present, the Saturday Market occupies the two main Park Blocks, while the Farmers’ Market occupies the small space in front of the Lane County-owned th Butterfly Parking lot (entrance on 8 Avenue). In addition, the Farmers’ Market sets up booths along Park Street, on the west side of the Butterfly Parking lot. Butterfly Parking Lot Farmers’ Market Location on Saturdays The Farmers’ Market has identified limited space as an impediment to increasing the success and size of the market. In addition, the configuration of the space in front of the Butterfly Parking lot presents a logistical challenge to creating a double-sided corridor through the farmers’ booths, which would allow patrons to walk by two sets of booths, rather than the front of one and the back of another. The City attempted to address this issue with improvements to the planting areas and paved areas, but the issue of limited space remains. City staff also considered a concept to allow booths on the top level of the Butterfly Parking Lot, or even to construct stairs up to that level. However, the slope of the parking surface on the upper level is too steep for access by mobility impaired individuals. In addition, the farmers face obstacles along Park Street. The booths in that area conflicts with entries and parking for businesses that front on Park Street. The City has worked to address these