Market Manager Barry Margeson announced the sudden death of long-time farmer’s line vendor David Fowler of Sunnyside Farms. Fowler, the last of the legacy farmers, was being treated for pneumonia when he suffered heart failure and passed away. The Fowler family were fifth-generation farmers at the Market. Fowler loved to talk about the Market and farming and ‘just about everything,’ according to Margeson. Fowler was a fixture at the Market for his entire 73 years. Margeson described him as “generous, kind, quirky and unfailingly honest. “
Angie Brunson owner of Blue Iris Flowers described Fowler whom she had known since 1976 as “a great guy” and said “that you could always count on him when something needed to be done.”
Services were scheduled for May 17th in Leonardtown, Md.
Budget Success
The Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee (EMCAC) monthly meeting began on a high note thanks to the efforts of Councilmember Charles Allen (Ward 6-D). EMCAC scored a big win when on May 14th the City Council took a first swipe at the annual District budget. Chaired by Councilmember Robert White, the Committee on Facilities and Procurement worked with Allen’s strong support to add $250,000 for badly needed capital improvements. In addition, the $300,000 previously allocated for a strategic plan study survived any cuts and according to EMCAC Chair Donna Scheeder remains “protected as far as spending into 2020.”
A motion to send a note thanking both Allen and White passed unanimously for “support given on the budget. “
The Market is currently profitable, having significantly strengthened its revenue base as arts and craft vending and North Hall private event bookings have grown. Market revenue is projected at $990,000 for FY 2019.
Notably among White’s Committee recommendations were the “completion of lease negotiation in 2019” which have been ongoing for a decade.
Leases
A lease meeting is scheduled for May 21st between the landlord, the Department of General Services (DGS) and the South Hall merchants.
Parking
Margeson reported that there is no news on any validated parking arrangements with Colonial Parking which owns the surface lot that abuts C St and has significant and available underground parking.
Rediscover Eastern Market
Come celebrate the tenth anniversary of the re-opening of the Market after the devastating fire of 2007 on the weekend of June 7th thru June 9th.
Fox Five Zip Trip will broadcast at the Market on Friday from 6 a.m. until 11 a.m. Arts and craft vendors will set up for a rare weekday of vending.
On Saturday and Sunday there will be music in front of Port City Java and in the North Hall. In addition to fun and games there will be a moon bounce and historical tours of the Market.
Docents will be available for historical tours of the Market on Sunday starting at10 a.m. Contact barry.margeson@dc.gov to schedule a tour.
