Unhappy that farmers’ market had to move

I was very disappointed to learn of the plan that Calabasas will be moving the location of its weekly farmers’ market to the dirt property across from the library and next to The Commons. In an age of suburban development when we mostly see new office buildings and strip shopping malls, it was charming to visit the Calabasas Farmers’ Market in the heart of Old Town. We have very few community meeting places to conduct such events and very few events to celebrate in Old Town.

How sad that now we will not utilize this unique spot in a community that is proud to be incorporated as its own city and aspires to be something different than suburban sprawl.

Parking is cited as one of the main reasons for the move. My family has been attending the market for six years and we have always found a parking space.

I understand the traffic and safety concerns about pedestrians crossing Calabasas Road to attend the market in its current location. As a mother of a 2-year-old, I have never felt this posed a problem. I have noticed that motorists seem respectful of the weekly event and pedestrian traffic. When the traffic guard is there, it also helps to direct the flow of cars and pedestrians.

Does it clog traffic? Yes. But wouldn’t it be more important to nurture community interaction, which the farmers’ market in Old Town currently promotes, or is it more important to help speed up traffic through Old Town which discourages the relaxing aspect of living in a small community?

I, for one, would rather stop for my neighbor than move him over to a dirt patch which creates dust, provides no shade, will be messy in the rainy season, discourages stroller use, and does not take advantage of this community’s more

desirable locations.

Cindy Lucas

Calabasas