I agree with moving it to Abbot. There is tons of space and tons of parking! I do like that it is during the week though. That way I can make the rounds to surrounding markets on different days.

AMEN! This should happen for safety reasons alone. The Police and Fire Chiefs both have stated that the center cannot handle the traffic but the BOS allowed it to go on last year. Hopefully they will come their senses this year and change the venue. They should have it at the 4-H Fairgrounds. There is plenty of parking and room for all vendors.

I like farmer's markets also, but agree this one should be moved for traffic reasons. I also would like to see hours so us workin' folk can get to it. Further, if on public land, they should pay reasonable (i.e., fair market value) rent for the space. Otherwise we have taxpayer monies subsidizing private businesses, not a real good thing.

Joe, Lisa, Tom and Dan: would any of you be able to give some time to work with the current Farmers Market volunteers to work out logistics for a move? The Selectmen will be discussing the 2012 Farmers Market at their April 10th meeting, and if the market is not on the Common, a lot will need to be done by lots of people to arrange for a new location and/or new day. I am willing to help, and ask others who can help to contact me. I am in the Westford Directory.
Ellen Harde
Common Restoration Project

I am most likely in the minority here but I like having the Farmers Market in the Commons. I think it brings a greater sense of community and ambience. I prefer strolling in the grass from stall to stall as opposed to a parking lot. It seems that the only really major issue (and I am sure someone will correct me if I am wrong) is the parking and traffic. I do agree that traffic on a weekday is an issue and by moving the market to a weekend, that would potentially address that issue. Lastly, while the 4H Fairgrounds is a nice facility for something like this, the truth is that it is off the beaten path and business will likely decrease. Further, then you will still dealy with complaints from the residents of the roads leading to the fairgrounds about the increase in traffic.

I'll call when I get back from a trip

I would like to see the FM moved to Saturday and this will allow the town residents who have home gardens participate. It would really create a nice community feel...

I am surprised to hear that the WPD & WFD are both on record stating the common could not handle the swell of traffic as well as parking problems and knowingly would turn a deaf ear. That said, I agree with Tom; the FM organizers were aware that parking and traffic are major issues and a potential relocation was realistic.

I may sound a bit naive in the next 2 questions/comments. I am shocked to hear that wine is being sold at the FM. I thought this would require some sort of liquor license? Those licenses are address specific and not transferable or allowed to be floated. Even if the alcohol is made by the seller, I thought a specific license would be needed. But again I am not clear on such laws.
I would love to help with the move of the FM. And with all do respect to Ellen and the FM itself, the FM is more or less a glorified yard sale is it not? Logistics of a move? The FM needs an agreement with whoever's land they use, the vendors apply and pay for their space, and then you just show up on the scheduled day?

To be more specific about an idea, between the Roudenbush main building and Frost Children's center there is a field that is nearly as large as the town common. Both buildings provide ample parking (30+ spots per building), the field is easily seen by commuters and accessable by sidewalks for patrons on foot or with strollers (on that note there is also a small playground at the RB that families can use while at the FM! Yay!).

Both Roudenbush and Frost are leased out for daycare providers and I think there would be a security issue having the general public onsite during daycare hours.

I have contacted 4 H and they will get back to me next week about their willingness to let the Market operate here. Supposedly they have been down this road before with the Farmers Market and nothing materialized. My guess is that is because there is a fee related to using that space and there none using the town's property. More to follow....

Another thought would be to move the hours of the market so that it would be over by the time the commuter rush starts. Think that the 4H grounds are too far away and profits would be a lot less. Abbot field would be a wonderful spot but I too worry about the wine sales on school property.

Let's keep in mind that profit is not our responsibility and they are a a non profit which will adjust to the new conditions. They had looked into alternate spots in the past so this is not a foreign subject to them.

I don't get why it is wrong to sell wine at the market regardless if it is on school property,. The kids are very young and probably don't even know wine is plus the kids are watched by adults the whole time they are there. Bring the FM to the Abbott field and move it to Saturday!

If they would allow it, I'm all for it.

Great update on the meeting Ellen! That gives the FM a few more weeks to finalize details of a move too (if needed).
So, I just called the Roudenbush & turns out the big field along Main St is town owned! You apply for a permit via the Rec.Dept & they will give the days/dates that are open for use. That field is maintained the same way as the Common, just with far more parking on both sides of it.
The Cornerstone project has already surveyed & marked off Boston Rd for construction/widening. This alone will cause traffic issues every day. From what I know the construction will be done during the summer months to avoid as much conflict with commuters & schools. Couple this with FM traffic & you asking for a disaster. There is plenty of town owned land that can be used for the FM. Off the top of my head: Schools: WA, Stoneybrook, Abbott & Robinson. If the worry here is wine sales (which I disagree with to begin with), the BOS could either issue another special liquor license, or just have no sales of wine (its a FM not a liqour store after all). Other town land: the Parker Village sports fields, Nutting Rd fields & Nabnassett sports fields are possibilities. Roudenbush being the wildcard being both town land & seperate parking & don't forget the 4H.
Contacting the Roudenbush & thinking of spots for the FM took just a few minutes. The RB & Rec.Dept were very helpful too. Why are some fixated on the common when there are clearly alternatives?

I love it on the common as well and people say move it to rodenbush field between rodenbush and frost and i think that's fair because its still visible from the street HOWEVER it won't fix the "supposed" traffic problems because its still in the center. I personally prefer the common I've been there early and seen the setup and it would be almost impossible for the vendors to unload especially the farmers with all their produce. For the farmers there is loading spots on one side of the common making it easily and more convenient for the farmers to bring more fresh healthy delicious produce meat and eggs to our community.

I think some people are oversimplifying the logistics involved with "just moving the market to another location or day". The ramifications are compounded even more given the late date. We are only a few short weeks away from opening day !!

Location plays a key role in a markets success as does time and day. We have been a vendor at the Westford Farmers Market since day one and have seen first hand the hard work the volunteer crew puts in to make this market a true success in the area and how many local residents come and enjoy the beautiful common, shop, talk, and stay for hours.

It takes months to plan for and grow for the demand that the Westford Farmers Market creates. Seeds have been ordered, transplants started in greenhouses, seeds planted in the fields, workers hired for the season, CSA shares sold to be picked up at the Market, chickens growing to be old enough to lay eggs. In addition to this plans are made for other markets and CSA pickups for the others days of the week. Should the market location be changed and demand drop then we have wasted a lot of time, energy, and money growing things for nothing. If the day changes to a day we have made other commitments for and we can't attend this market we have worse ramifications.

So talking about changing locations and/or dates at this time in the season is unfair to many especially those who have worked so hard to make it a success. Why isn't finding another route home on Tuesdays an option?

All this talk is just that, talk. Ms. Gilbert is advertising the common as its location right now, even though she knew that she would need so called approval via the BOS this year. Clearly she knows that the BOS will continue to ignore safety and let this continue here. If another business chose to approach the town and ask for a similar weekly use of he common, what do yo suppose the the answer would be? Fear not Market folk, it will continue on.

Just an FYI. The 4-H Grounds have said the farmers market can operate there. Details would need to be worked out but they have tentatively agreed. If someone from the FM would like contact info let me know.

As suspected there is no response from the FM folks because they and the BOS already know where it will be held.

BTW Tom, The Abbot & Roudy fields are free everyday from 8am-8pm, offer direct & plenty of parking. The Jack Walsh fields are free Fri's & Sat's, Sundays half the field is open & offer direct & plenty of parking. Rt 225 sees 10 times the amount of traffic than the common does, perfect 'location' then? Those who attend the FM will attend it no matter where it is, I drive to Pepperell & Harvard for them...location is overblown.
I am really surprised that those being offered space in a town for CAPITALISM more so than farming are trying to reroute residents. Being fair? Using police details, ignoring obvious safety issues, occupying parking that is not yours to use...all this with clear & sound alternatives AND impending town/road construction that only worsen the situation is fair? Some nerve of the FM to not listen & be proactive. It feels like dealing with a rebellious 16 year old almost at this point...who at the end of the day know if they just listen and try everyone will get along and be fine. A few residents are trying, where is the FM? In the pocket of the BOS?

Your are exactly right. The original approved scope was for 12 tents and the sale of farmers produce. With the classic mission creep they are over 20 tents, selling wine and have other vendor types on hand. We are basically subsidizing a weekly flea market which is only geting worse each year. @katie people have already been hit, but this does not seem to matter.

No one has said they are not hard working. There are 3 issues with the FM as I it.
1. The town should not be allowing business to run freely on its property. If they do then the same rights should be given to any other business that wants to do this.
2. The site is unsafe and cannot handle the traffic this business generates.
3. The FM creep continues to get worse each year.

The wine is an issue because it relates to #3. I say lets get 10 wine sellers there. That way each person can get two shot from each vendor and they can be on their merry way.

I don't think anything is going to change if we keep the arguments here on Patch. I created a petition to stop this madness. Spread the word..

http://www.change.org/petitions/westford-s-board-of-selectman-stop-the-farmers-market-being-held-at-the-town-common-on-tuesday

If you want Concord center that is great. Change all the center zoning from residential to business so center residents can sell to a Dunkins and move on. Current zoning laws in the center do not matter much for the groups that are connected.

I didn't turn anything around. This is what you are describing. It's nice to talk about the value of YOUR home being increased but forget about the folks who live around the center. It's no worry to you, as long as you can get to your shops. If the BOS and ZBA would like to adjust all lots for business, then make it so. Stop applying business zoning on an handshake basis and make it that way for everyone. Either that or let the town enjoy the center as it is.

I love having the market at the town center. When I take my kids to the farmers market - it is an event. We stop at the library; look at the fire trucks; listen to the music at the band stand; and play at the park at Roudenbush. I would not attend the farmers market if it was at a new location. I do have to drive thru the town center on my way home from work and do endure an extra 10 minutes to my commute but I will take the 10 minutes if it means keeping the town center a nostalgic place for me and my family.

We have been a vendor at this Farmers Market since the very beginning. I understand that traffic can be of an issue along with some other great points that were brought up. However, I am going to agree with Frank on this one. June is "a few weeks away" when your a food producer. Seeds were ordered, crops planned, people hired, and the entire growing season scheduled around FM you needed to be at, CSA shares sold, wholesale accounts taken on, etc. To many of you who are not a vendor at the market I can see why you would think a simple solution would be a change in the location and possibly to a different day of the week; maybe that will the the route in which the Town of Westford chooses to go. But to a vendor, this late in the season and this close to opening day would be the worse case scenario and harmful to the entire season in which you have already worked to hard to prep for.

The volunteers and the planners of this Market have put forth a lot of effort into the success of this Market. Westford should be proud to have a successful FM, complete with a diverse list of vendors, and a great community atmosphere. I know that all of us who attend the market to sell our local goods, are proud to be a part of it all! But a change in location and possibly the day of the week may make it so some cannot attend.

When and I repeat when someone else gets hit, the town is liable. The have been advised by both police and fire that the location is not safe and yet continue to run it. It is a nice idea but why is the town involved at all with this private business. It is not the towns responsibility to worry about where this organization holds the flea market. If some farmers choose not to show up or folks don't make the long 2 minute drive to the altnate location, this is no the towns problem.

So Acton, Groton and Harvard's FM operate outside the 'town centers' but somehow they survive. I will say it again, Abbott hosts the 'town wide yard sale' with a ton of parking., Roudy's field is town owned...but parking is Roudy only?...well that doesn't stop the patrons from parking at the library or town hall though so...which is okay?
I am actually NOT surprised that those who cling to keeping the FM in common just choose to ignore what the WPD and WFD have to say. These are the same people who park in the fire lane at Market Basket while 'Brooke' runs in for a few things but still want a Whole Foods at Cornerstone and think the fire lane doesn't apply to me! I am only here for a few minutes...Or why parking at the Town hall or library (besides the First Parish or in front of Connolly Insurances' "Connolly Insurance customers only' sign) is okay? Those areas are reserved for those businesses, not the FM.
I am happy the FM is successful, even if 1 farmer is from Westford...
I agree Sat could be a great compromise. Clearly the weekend is more flexible traffic-wise.
I am still pretty shell shocked that vendors who are NOT from Westford are so bossy towards residents/patrons. Its like going to someone's house for a dinner party and then telling the host what to do...where I am from those people usually don't get invited back..
Again, is anyone realizing that Cornerstone road construction is going to add to the traffic problem...?

I love the Farmers Market on the Westford Common, It gives the feel of community and being in the center of town is very different than in a parking lot. i would not go if it is out in no man's land' . There is always too much traffic in the center because of the short cut to NH - and this is a deterrent and may encourage them to use alternate routes. I love the Farmers market and so do all my friends- on the Common - that makes it special.

Special and unsafe!

I still have no response on two questions:
1: Why is the town responsible for supplying and area for a private business to operate.
2: Why would the town spend any monies doing this?
3: What was the market going to do if the BOS says no at their meeting? (Unless of course they know the meeting was for show only and this would get pushed through like a banner request)

sorry 3 questions

@ Mike You are collateral damage for atmosphere and sense of community.

Sarcasm Mike! I am on your side.

"I am honestly shocked to read that people have been HIT BY CARS while trying to access the Farmer's Market and yet those of you against a relocation seem to have no issue with that. Doesn't that now qualify your opinions as morally questionable?"

Anyone? Anyone?

I would like some simple answers to my questions from any of the pro FMs in the center group. Please do not include "we love the market, it brings the community together, it support local farmers etc etc"

This is beginning to get out of control. I am considering closing the thread here. Please keep things civil and try not to address questions to other readers, thanks.

Not addressing questions to other readers is anathema to discussion/debate.
Sigh.

FM should move. It's going to get worse, and some people *can't* take the "alternate route". FM uses the land for free. How is it fair that a resident get kicked in the face for the extra gas to drive around your community love fest because you don't want it moved elsewhere?

Bottom line: If people have already been hit by cars, the safety issue IS very real. The BoS as an elected body representing ALL people of Westford have a duty to ensure it is held in a safer location. The current economic climate and liability alone demand it, if not the barest shreds of common decency and respect for the injured parties.

We all come from different walks of life and we all value things that not all others may care for, but that is everyone's right and we need to respect this. The value of what the market embodies is everything that I remember idealizing life to be as a kid. IIt is old home town nostalgia that country charm, simple life and connecting to each other and building a caring community. Though Westford sold out on this along with its farm land...the market reminds me of what we should be, what we could be...I vote to keep this going for as long as we can and let it be the inspiration and the stuff for our little kids to dream about.

No one is saying close the FM, just move it. BTW the FM ALREADY operates out of Roudy in the winter on Sats...am I missing something or can someone explain why Roudy is still not a near perfect alternative? Also drive by Roudy a few times the last few weeknights and the fields and parking lots were wide open but for a few middle schoolers playing tennis...

I beg that it be moved, but not to the abbot school. As someone who lives right near the abbot school and deals with traffic through the center, combined with Depot St. being a New Hampshire commuter cut-through, exacerbating the problem by moving the market from the common to the Abbot is not a solution, unless the day were changed to a weekend. Otherwise, move it to somewhere that traffic without the market is less hectic.

Well the BOS meets on the 24th. You can bet the FM's will pack the meeting with farmers and friends talking about community and the good old days. I would suggest that if you are opposed that you go to that meeting. Not that it isnt an already done deal.

There we have it folks! Taxpayers of the town who are being presented with unsafe conditions are asked to move while a business running on town property (being charged nothing) and paying NO taxes is just fine. Unreal

I don't get it isn't this run by the town's FM department? like I said before I love it and think the town or whoever does a great job of putting this together. I don't think there are any other free events that The town offers. Whether we are paying the salaries of town employees or a director's salary, it makes no difference to me the, value of this event is worth my tax dollars

I haven't seen a "fact" written from you since you started posting - all i hear is someone who was coddled so much when they were young that you think the world and everything around you deserves YOUR attention.

The Farmers Market on the common reminds all those commuters that they are traveling through a community on their way home. Additionally, we have a lovely band stand that gets used weekly - isn't that why we had it built?

Being a volunteer run event - coordinating and planning a move is a lot to ask the existing volunteers; adding to their already full plates. In addition to logistics and planning the events, there is the issue of storage for items used to support the Farmers Market. Would the school or Roudenbush be able to provide space for storage? Even changing only the day/time of the week can have many ramifications. If individuals feel strongly regarding making a change, they should be ready to donate their time and effort to help support the coordinating, planning and logistics for a change.

From a traffic point of view, there are alternative roadways. The Farmers Market is regularly scheduled one day a week, so drivers can choose to take a different path or time of travel if traffic poses an issue.

I am grateful for the time and efforts put in by the volunteers in supporting this event, appreciate seeing the common utilized in a positive manner, and in return support their selection for the day/time/location for the Westford Farmers Market and entrust that they have done the research in their planning.

Many local towns make use of their town common for a weekly Farmers Market, showcasing the New England heritage as a local gathering place. This event helps bring families together for a healthy goal, while enjoying the benefits of the band stand the beauty of our Westford town common. We have something very special here that should not be lightly dismissed.

Once again, with the Westford Police and Fire Departments having previously stated that the town common is not a safe location for the Farmer's Market to operate at it's current time and with the volume it draws, it's hard to find sympathy for the volunteers and vendors. Continuing as is, you are literally putting people's safety in jeopardy.

No one seems to be suggesting that the Farmer's Market itself is a bad thing, everyone seems to like it. The issue is that they have outgrown the town common, particularly when operating on a weekday afternoon. It's is unsafe, plain and simple. If people are adamant to have the Farmer's Market continue operating on the common, then it needs to change to a Saturday or Sunday.

It is difficult to have sympathy for the "local" vendors and volunteers (half of which are Westford Academy students) when so many of the anti-move commenters have such disregard for the safety of anyone who happens to travel through the center of town on a Tuesday afternoon in the summer, be it for commuting purposes or to actually attend the Farmer's Market.

There are so many ways to look at this - go back to the drawing board. What is the issue ? Traffic - Safety?
How do protect all the accidents everywhere ? Who is responsible at Kimballs when someone is hit at 55mph? They do not blame Kimballs. Usually it is the vehicle at fault although the pedestrian is responsible for "looking" and making a safe decision. People are at risk everywhere and all the time- so why put people at risk you ask? You do not need to -it is called: due diligence. Everyone likes the market at the common - take the proper steps to make it safer -
There are loads of options to implement and the NH cut through would be no longer. That would be half the battle.

There is a slight difference between a private business (with their own parking) running along a state highway, as opposed to a private business being allowed to run on public property. The farmers market is a great idea but no matter how many times you say how lovely it is, that does not eliminate the safety and traffic issues.

What steps would you need to take to make the common safer and less trafficked? Please do not use sarcasm - you need to find an answer.

This is not sarcasm. You cannot! I have spoken with the 4H fairgrounds and they said they could have it there. Pretty simple. The common is not equiped to handle this and that is a fact, not a suggestion or theory. I know that the fm folks don't want to hear that but it is the truth. There are many answers out but the fm only have one solution, keep it where it is. Folks who have suggested moving it are killers of the market!

We are evil! Muahahahahahahahahahahahaah - In the immortal words of Elmer Fudd "kill the market, kill the market, kill the market....shhh be vewy vewy qwiet, I'm a huntin Farmer Markets" !

Ok that is pretty funny....market killers! Im glad Im not one of them -
Lets get back to the market on the common - why do you insist that the common is not equipped to handle a market and where are the facts that you boast? Why do you give up so easily? Why take all the work that has been dedicated to this effort and throw it out? Dude- make the common safer! What steps need to be done to make the NH communters go home via alt route? What else can be done to make the common more accessible? Wont that help the library, town hall, PCA and develop a more sound common? Dude- dont give up!

So let's stop every car going thru the common to ask them if they are going to NH? That's brilliant! What I am curious about is how the BOS can hear the 'whining' WFD & WPD and their statements about traffic, safety and parking and I guess then just say ''yea whatever''. The town continues to make concessions for the FM but none for the residents it continues to 'represent'. The FM has operated out Roudy already, so they must have viewed it also as a 'nostalgic' option that suited their needs right? The FM continues to grow and a new location with its own parking is a perfect way to start a new tradition and keep all happy. Residents suggest ideas, FM folks suggest re zoning your town, not theirs YOURS! Roudy, jack Walsh fields, Abbott school FIELDS, the 4H (hosting a huge perennial plant sale this sat & sun btw) or even Nashoba are all great venues/alternatives in my opinion. Lots of parking, huge open fields, easy to get to.

The FM wants to over crowd the common - zoned for 12 vendors and no booze originally- practically take parking by eminent domain, all the while knowing a)WFD & WPD oppose b)there are real safety and traffic issues - has any stay on the common voice or BOS for that matter realize Cornerstone is starting road construction in June? And c)all these issues WILL increase with popularity and cornerstone coming.
It is pretty sad Westford residents voice opinions, concerns and ideas while the BOS and FM want to make the town change instead of working together with those who support the 1 Westford farmer and others. It's My way or the highway (to NH right!?)...

Who is the "person in charge" of the FM? Are they a local resident? This thread is getting serious and I am ready to charge the BOS and whoever runs the FM with my torch and pitchfork! Whos in? RAHHHHHHHHHH!

There has been NO effort to correct the situation in the center. I am not giving up on anything. I choose to live safely and not pander to a special interest. Again, other than you liking walking through the grass buying tomatoes why are we jumping through hoops to accomodate a buisness that can operate just fine in other safer locations. The NH commuters are not the problem. That flow has reduced tremendously since Rte 3 was completed. If the town wants to allow private business to operate in residential zones, which they are allowing now, that is fine. As long as that is exactly the same for all. That way we can all run businesses and get a set of lights, a new municipal lot and all will be well. How is that for solution number 2. Where are your ideas

Bob I ask, when the WFD & PD say its unsafe, overcrowded and not meant to withstand the market, what are your thoughts then? Dude don't give up? The market is growing that is awesome, the common is not! Trying to change sime parking signs from 15 min to no restrictions is not a long term solution like adding a 300 car parking lot along 110 with multiple crosswalks like kimballs did.

I am sure the truth in zoning house thought when he bought his house on Connell dr that 'geez I hope my road turns into a parking lot some day'

Btw what happened to the BC poster, he disappeared after telling residents to move away as a solution and his posts were all deleted?

And I am very I'll at the moment, is anyone attending tuesday's BIS meeting at 730, town hall...please tell me u can make it Tom?

I will be away on Tuesday, but have been to these meetings before. It is good to go and hopefully some of my neighbors will attend. I don't put ignoring our safety officials and bylaws as SOUND judgement. That is pandering to a feel good special interest. Bobby I am still waiting for your solution. Hopefully it is one where the taxpayers are not footing the FM's bills. Clearly the selectman are donating time and should be applauded. Their jobs however should be to uphold our general and zoning bylaws and not look for ways to bypass them for a SELECT few. This goes for the signage bylaw which is about to be changed. Just follow the rules! It is not that tough. If there is a bylaw they want changed there is a process for that.

Still no constructive ideas though huh? Or the sound judgement is to just push your way into residental streets, the town hall and library parking to solve the issue...I wonder if we can expand street parking to run along main st a little more too, say on both sides down to Graniteville Rd? It's plenty wide and there are only a few large homes there.
Come on, Roudy is across th street, the FM has used this space before, the field is 3 times the size of the common, town owned with 2 parking lots. The daycare has its own playground and the lot if ever is a third full, besides the main building rarely full. It's a joke, the FM wants to take its ball and go home if anyone questions them...sad.

And now that I think of it, moving the FM to a Saturday or Sunday works best. You could occupy the Roudy and town hall parking lots without hassle because they are closed, there are sideways that lead to crosswalks to and fro the common from Roudy, no rezoning of streets/parking needs to be done and now families could join the fun on common not just the soccer moms. Traffic on the weekends is far more relaxed and flexible, remember no NH cut thrus either. Any 'local' farmer I am sure could be replaced...dare I say by more Westford farmers or residents? Sounds like s plan, cancel the BOS agenda, see you in June!

Wow 92 posts about the best farmer's market in the area. Four people got stuck in traffic 2 days a year and completely freak out, and now the rest of the community must suffer. I love the feel of the grass in my toes as I buy my Tomatoes and Bibb Lettuce every summer on the common. I think it belongs on the common, I propose more events on the common. I guess we should also cancel the tree lightening as well, as it gets a little congested down there, especially when Santa rides buy on the fire truck

No worries for you. As the family members of those who were hit were in the emergency room you can walked safely with the grass between your toes.

The exact answer I was expecting. Don't let the facts get in your way over to you bean sprouts.

What facts..that they don't pay to have a booth?...what do have against fresh produce sir?....do you like to eat fresh fruits and vegetables?...we all must make sacrifices in society...it is a community and we will come to a compromise.

The FM showing compromise? Please

So because I disagree with what is happening I dont have logical or rational thought? While you have contributed nothing other than how you like skipping through the daiseys, I have spelled out all the facts over the last few days. You still have not come up with a solution Bobby. What is it?

Honestly, I have faith that the board members will use sound rational judgement and listen to the pros and cons. They will need to evaluate the worth of what the fm does for the community and make their decision. If from the consensus it is felt that speeds need to be controlled or alt routes made available and traffic mitigated -they have professionals that can study and evaluate the future growth, use of the common and future parking demands. I do not like "growth" either but it will happen like it or not.

Tom, sir what are your facts?...how many people have been hit by cars?...this is very dangerous intersection, I cross to go into the library and people almost have hit me...and that is on non market days. I go to buy garland at Christmas and people will not let me cross. I think the signage and the buzz of the market make people aware I think we should have large signs alerting you Tom, that your fellow residents are going to the market...Again the Kimballs crossing I would guess has more accidents than the market, I think there is an agenda against the farmers and the who hold the market dear.

For starters here are some facts, and the 110 argument is silly.

The farmers market creates a traffic and safety hazard.
The center does not have enough parking available for the market.
Over the past few years pedestrians have been hit in the center during the farmers market.
At last year’s BOS meeting the Police and Fire both recommended moving to an alternate site, citing safety issues.
The farmers market is a business and does not pay for any access on town property.
The farmers market does not pay any taxes to the town.
The 4 H fairgrounds have agreed to let the market use their site.
If any other business asked for weekly use of the common they would be rejected.
Most if not all of the vendors are not from Westford.
The market was approved to have farmers only and 12 tents.

But fear not, after tomorrow you will have your way.

Also which is it...traffic or people getting hit by cars? It seems it would be difficult to have both.

Why is everyone getting their back hair on end thinking we, I use we the few of us trying to a point across, that that point is NOT to end the FM, but move it to a safer location and will alleviate the traffic in the center for weeks during the summer. Hmm, let's see.. Apple Blossom Festival is on a Saturday at the common and it's only one day. Strawberry festival, one day on a Saturday. Town Wide yard sale, one day, Saturday.. Are you starting to see a trend here?

I am a local gardener and I work full time, here in town by the way. It would certainly be a thrill for me to attend the Westford Farmers Market, oh wow look at that, " Westford Farmers. Tom is right, most if not all are not part of this town. Wouldn't it be more "nostalgic" " sense of community, if we, Westford residents who garden, share tents side by side making a few extra bucks from our wares and head down to say , Paul's Diner and have a sandwich? Keeping the money in our beloved town. That is how a community works people!

Why not do it then? That is the community spirit we need! Are you in charge (since it is your idea) and can you propose how we can all get involved? Where and when (what Saturday)? Do we just show up? I grow a ton of stuff too so Im game - I wouldnt have stuff until August though - let me in!

The Common is the heart of Westford, and the Farmers' Market is a great new(ish) community caring multi-age resource that brings local food, vendors and residents together weekly - and the singing and other performances are a wonderful addition to the gathering during the months the WFM is operating there. Please don't move it - we can work it out!!

Okay, this has gotten out of hand. I'm closing this blog to comments.