Has a different interpretation on relocation of farmers’ market

Has a different interpretation on relocation of farmers’ market

I am disappointed by the one-sided tone of your Aug. 28 story regarding the Calabasas Farmers’ Market move, implying that the issue is about a greedy property owner vs. the nonprofit interests of the community.

As a former tenant in the center where the farmers’ market is currently located, I have always supported the market and would be very disappointed to see it move to another site.

According to your article, the former property owner’s wife, Linda Evron, co-manages the farmers’ market. What was not made clear is that she and her partner are financially compensated. Therefore, while the previous property owner did not directly charge for the use of the property, he was in fact compensated.

Furthermore, the vendors at the farmers’ market create wear and tear on the property and use the property’s water and trash services. The cost of this wear and tear (including parking repavement of more than $20,000 in 2003) and the use of the water and trash services have been historically passed on to the tenants of the property, without pro-rata allocation to the farmers’ market management or vendors.

The new property owner has been diligent about not passing on costs to his tenants for which they are not responsible. As a result, the property owner is seeking a modest remuneration from the farmers’ market for its cost burden and, as I understand, has offered to manage the market.

I find it hard to understand why the vendors pay for management, yet are expected to use the property without cost. It seems that at an estimated $25 per vendor ($500 weekly rent divided among an estimated 20 vendors), the farmers’ market would be better off letting the management go and keeping the location that has proven successful for so long.

Jeff Tanenbaum

Former Old Town Calabasas

business owner,

Westlake Village