City pledges funding to West Side Market as closed vendor’s social media post creates stir

 

https://www.cleveland.com/news/2019/12/city-pledges-funding-to-west-side-market-as-closed-vendors-social-media-post-creates-stir.html

 

Michael Turczyk pulled no punches on Facebook, citing “ total lack of management from Felicia Hall, horrible slum lords that the city of Cleveland is thanks to mayor Frank Jackson, and worst of all, the lack of fortitude and complete disregard and understanding from Director Michael Cox who in my opinion is a real joke. After spending most of my life as a “marketeer”, this was the last thing I wanted to do. But I had no choice.”

 

 

2 hours ago, stpats44113 said:

City pledges funding to West Side Market as closed vendor’s social media post creates stir

 

https://www.cleveland.com/news/2019/12/city-pledges-funding-to-west-side-market-as-closed-vendors-social-media-post-creates-stir.html

 

Michael Turczyk pulled no punches on Facebook, citing “ total lack of management from Felicia Hall, horrible slum lords that the city of Cleveland is thanks to mayor Frank Jackson, and worst of all, the lack of fortitude and complete disregard and understanding from Director Michael Cox who in my opinion is a real joke. After spending most of my life as a “marketeer”, this was the last thing I wanted to do. But I had no choice.”

 

 

Just read Naymik's piece on it and he did a great job of garnering a wider reaction, here it is: https://www.wkyc.com/amp/article/life/shopping/cleveland-considering-online-ordering-at-west-side-market/

 

As I said previously in this thread, the market manager is terrible and isn't respected by the vendors. I love the idea of a consierge service of sorts- the city needs to realize it isn't 1950 anymore and need to evolve with the times, which it sounds like Whitaker is trying to do.

A non-profit should be created to manage the facility. It shouldn't be run by the City. 

It doesn't make sense to continue running it the way it has been.

25 minutes ago, musky said:

A non-profit should be created to manage the facility. It shouldn't be run by the City. 

It doesn't make sense to continue running it the way it has been.

Unfortunately Frank is too stubborn even though it seems everyone else agrees.

Edited December 10, 20195 yr by Enginerd

definitely, but it isn't just this mayor, its been that way for a long time.

 

just a guess, but it always seemed to be more than poor management - there seems to be some active, old school pushback against change ...

6 hours ago, musky said:

A non-profit should be created to manage the facility. It shouldn't be run by the City. 

It doesn't make sense to continue running it the way it has been.

Is Kerry M. on here? Check it out:

 

 

Edited December 10, 20195 yr by GISguy

There has been talk for years about creating a non-profit to manage the market. It got pretty close once, but the city axed it. 

On 12/10/2019 at 11:18 AM, musky said:

A non-profit should be created to manage the facility. It shouldn't be run by the City. 

It doesn't make sense to continue running it the way it has been.

Why?  What can a non profit do that the city cannot?  

 

How much will it cost?

 

If problems are Identified, what is the difference between creating a non profit to run the market and fix the problems vs.having the current administers of the market do the same?

 

Is creating another level of bureaucracy the answer?

Is management of the Market solely the problem?

 

3 minutes ago, MyTwoSense said:

Why?  What can a non profit do that the city cannot?  

 

Be more accountable.

 

Quote

How much will it cost?

 

Less

 

Quote

If problems are Identified, what is the difference between creating a non profit to run the market and fix the problems vs.having the current administers of the market do the same?

 

See above.

 

Quote

Is creating another level of bureaucracy the answer?

 

An independent non-profit is...well...independent of the city and not part of the bureaucracy, hence greater accountability and lower cost.

 

Quote

Is management of the Market solely the problem?

 

So it appears.

3 minutes ago, KJP said:

 

Be more accountable.

 

 

Less

 

 

See above.

 

 

An independent non-profit is...well...independent of the city and not part of the bureaucracy, hence greater accountability and lower cost.

 

 

So it appears.

 come on KJP this cannot be said without seeing actual numbers

 

16 minutes ago, MyTwoSense said:

 come on KJP this cannot be said without seeing actual numbers

 

 

It comes down to a single fact: the WSM is never the #1 priority of those who set the budgets and policy in City Hall. If you set up a non-profit and have dedicated staff for the market, their #1 job will be to make sure the market functions well, and they will be able to fundraise for it, and they will be able to make changes more easily. Unlike Cleveland City Council and the mayor's office, who have lots of other things to focus on, the board of directors for the WSM would be exclusively focused on the WSM.

3 minutes ago, TPH2 said:

 

It comes down to a single fact: the WSM is never the #1 priority of those who set the budgets and policy in City Hall. If you set up a non-profit and have dedicated staff for the market, their #1 job will be to make sure the market functions well, and they will be able to fundraise for it, and they will be able to make changes more easily. Unlike Cleveland City Council and the mayor's office, who have lots of other things to focus on, the board of directors for the WSM would be exclusively focused on the WSM.

do you advocate for a non profit to have sole operation discretion financial management of one of biggest assets?  Who watches the watchdog?

 

I honestly take a look at both sides of the fence in situations like this.

2 hours ago, MyTwoSense said:

 come on KJP this cannot be said without seeing actual numbers

 

 

Any solution requires a bit of faith that it will work. 

Ideastream's Sound of Ideas Hosting Community Talk on the Future of the West Side Market

 

https://m.clevescene.com/scene-and-heard/archives/2020/01/17/ideastreams-sound-of-ideas-hosting-community-talk-on-the-future-of-the-west-side-market

 

The Sound of Ideas brings its community tour to Market Garden on Tuesday, Jan. 28 at 6 p.m. for a discussion on the future of the West Side Market. 

“Who Should Run West Side Market? Vendors Say Not Cleveland ”

 

https://wcpn.ideastream.org/news/who-should-run-west-side-market-vendors-say-not-cleveland

 

“The debate over the city owned and operated West Side Market continued Tuesday night with the Sound of Ideas Community Tour, and many in the audience of nearly 200 favored Cleveland giving up management of the 107-year-old facility.

 

The vacancy rate for the entire market is currently 30 percent, with 50 percent vacancy in the produce section.

 

“I think pretty much everyone in the room is in agreeance that the city is not capable of running this place anymore and the only people who probably disagree are the people who work for the city,” said Amanda Czuchraj of Czuchraj Meats, a vendor in the market, to cheers from the crowd.”

9 hours ago, Boomerang_Brian said:

“Who Should Run West Side Market? Vendors Say Not Cleveland ”

 

https://wcpn.ideastream.org/news/who-should-run-west-side-market-vendors-say-not-cleveland

 

“The debate over the city owned and operated West Side Market continued Tuesday night with the Sound of Ideas Community Tour, and many in the audience of nearly 200 favored Cleveland giving up management of the 107-year-old facility.

 

The vacancy rate for the entire market is currently 30 percent, with 50 percent vacancy in the produce section.

 

“I think pretty much everyone in the room is in agreeance that the city is not capable of running this place anymore and the only people who probably disagree are the people who work for the city,” said Amanda Czuchraj of Czuchraj Meats, a vendor in the market, to cheers from the crowd.”

 

But the city can't stash all the competence challenged relatives of the PTB at the airport.....

I’m not sure if this is the best place for this question. I’m looking to go more often and just wondering if anyone has recommendations for the best vendors? I know Ohio City pasta is great, but what about going for meat and poultry? Is there any decent produce stands? They all seem to sell that same thing.

On 2/17/2020 at 8:41 AM, JB said:

I’m not sure if this is the best place for this question. I’m looking to go more often and just wondering if anyone has recommendations for the best vendors? I know Ohio City pasta is great, but what about going for meat and poultry? Is there any decent produce stands? They all seem to sell that same thing.

 

Produce stands: DeCaro's and Basketeria

Beef - Lance's or Jim's; Pinzone's (mostly for the meatballs)

Pork/Poultry - D.W. Whittakers and the Pork Chop Shop

Cheese - The Cheese Shop and Mediterranean Import Store (their indoor signage reads "Culinary Specialties")

Seasoning/Spices - Urban Herbs, Narrin for more unusual selection

Prepared foods (I love to cook but don't always have time)

• Irene Dever (dips, pierogis)
• Orale' (Mexican)
• Kim Se (Thai and Cambodian)
• Jacobs Oasis (Middle Eastern)
• Ohio City Pasta

And there's always the West Side Market Cafe for breakfast (open even when the Market isn't).

• Christopher's (bread)

19 minutes ago, MayDay said:

 

Produce stands: DeCaro's and Basketeria

Beef - Lance's or Jim's; Pinzone's (mostly for the meatballs)

Pork/Poultry - D.W. Whittakers and the Pork Chop Shop

Cheese - The Cheese Shop and Mediterranean Import Store (their signage reads "Culinary Specialties)

Seasoning/Spices - Urban Herbs, Narrin for more unusual selection

Prepared foods (I love to cook but don't always have time)

• Irene Dever (dips, pierogis)
• Orale' (Mexican)
• Kim Se (Thai and Cambodian)
• Jacobs Oasis (Middle Eastern)
• Ohio City Pasta

And there's always the West Side Market Cafe for breakfast (open even when the Market isn't).

Thank you so much!

On 2/17/2020 at 8:41 AM, JB said:

I’m not sure if this is the best place for this question. I’m looking to go more often and just wondering if anyone has recommendations for the best vendors? I know Ohio City pasta is great, but what about going for meat and poultry? Is there any decent produce stands? They all seem to sell that same thing.

I really like Mediterra Bakehouse (stall B8/9, the aisle closest to Lorain Ave). They have a wonderful olive bread loaf with chunks of olives baked in, and lots of other great option. And Czuchraj Meats (B10/11) has the awesome jerky that Cleveland’s own iron chef Michael Symon is always raving about. (And I agree is delicious.)
 

@MayDay thanks for all the great suggestions! I have noted them for my next visit. 

City of Cleveland Issues RFP for West Side Market Consultant

 

The City of Cleveland has issued today a request for proposals (RFP) for a consultant to help reshape the West Side Market (WSM) customer experience by evaluating existing practices and developing a strategic action plan to drive change at the Market. Click here to view the RFP.

 

“We are in search of a consultant that can think outside of the box to enhance the Market’s competitive edge,” said Chief Operating Officer Darnell Brown. “As the historic institution continues to adapt to the evolving demands of 21st Century customers, the City of Cleveland seeks a consultant who can evaluate and recommend ways to enhance overall customer experience, vendor mix, and quality of products and services. We also want to create a process for customers to be able to provide feedback.”

 

Each year, the WSM attracts approximately 1.2 million visitors. The City of Cleveland seeks a consultant who can analyze and make recommendations on four main areas:

Administrative: Create a process and establish a tool to evaluate vendor performance and vendor selection. Develop a tool to receive customer feedback and evaluate customer satisfaction.

 

Entrepreneurial Growth & Recruitment: Provide recommendations on vendor recruitment. Develop recommendations to diversify products and services. Analyze the role of the Market as a business incubator and identify specific services required to support the success of vendors. Make recommendations for creative revenue streams that encourage repeat customer visits.

 Facilities Management & Capital Planning: Review West Side Market Capital Plan to focus on customer access to products, services and events. Review and assess the day to day maintenance practices of the facilities and provide recommendations on ways to increase efficiency, streamline project coordination and enhance communication with vendors and outside departments.

 

Encourage Community Engagement, Outreach and Bridge Building: Review and assess the WSM 2019 Community Survey and 2019 Marketing Plan to create tools that measure customer satisfaction going forward as the vendor recommendations are implemented. Conceptualize a plan on how the WSM can enhance its strategic relationships while adhering to its core mission. Engage in collaborative partnerships with community partners (i.e. RTA, VA, Hunger Network, Cleveland Restoration etc.).

 

The action items developed by the selected vendor will supplement a number of investments and goals the City of Cleveland has recently announced. Over the past six years, the City has invested more than $5.4 million in capital repairs to improve the grand 107-year-old structure. Recent repairs include the installation of new boilers, improvements to some electrical systems, a new parking lot, roof repairs, new cooling systems and more.

 

SOURCE: https://clecityhall.com/2020/02/21/city-of-cleveland-issues-rfp-for-west-side-market-consultant/

It would be great if this was a genuine attempt of the city to get insight. But it doesn't seem to be the case.  The way its written, it sounds like the city already knows who they want to give this to.  The RFP says, “desired qualifications”:

 

 Significant experience and knowledge of market operations

 Experience and knowledge of tenant and landlord relations and leasing management.

 Knowledgeable in all aspects in facility management.

 Experience developing, managing, and executing strategic and operational plans and have strong relationship in the market/supermarket industry.

 

These make sense.  And then its says:

 

 A strong understanding and experience with the local culture, history, and personality of Cleveland.

 Experience and knowledge of the Cleveland food scene, retail industry and other public markets.

 

And then

 

 Strong relationships and experience with city government, corporate and non-profit management and best practices.

 

 

So who would have the first set of qualifications?  A retail/food retail expert. And then ALSO have deep knowledge of Cleveland---probably someone in Cleveland already----and then “Strong relationships and experience with city government”—someone they already know…..

 

Note that in the RFP the above bullets are not listed in so obvious an order---I reorganized them that way.

Put Ohio City Inc in charge of the market. I can't think of a group that would work harder to make the market a successful part of the neighborhood.

Great article from ideastream: Cincinnati's Market Sees Success As A Nonprofit. Will It Work In Cleveland?

 

https://wcpn.ideastream.org/news/cincinnatis-market-sees-success-as-a-nonprofit-will-it-work-in-cleveland

 

One of the most often-posed questions from both vendors and customers about the future of Cleveland's West Side Market, has been about site management.

 

Instead of the City of Cleveland they ask, should operations be converted to a dedicated nonprofit, focused solely on the market’s improvement and success?

 

There is an example of the impact of just such a change. It happened 17 years ago, in Cincinnati.

 

Rocco Whalen has been tweeting about this for a week or so... unsurprisingly it sounds like he's getting no response or acknowledgement from the City regarding his ideas for the market...  

 

 

 

 

 

11 minutes ago, mrclifton88 said:

Rocco Whalen has been tweeting about this for a week or so... unsurprisingly it sounds like he's getting no response or acknowledgement from the City regarding his ideas for the market...  

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.westsidemarket.org/pdfs/New Tenant Application Packet.pdf

I think he probably went to Twitter to bring awareness to the fact that the City is ignoring him.  I'm sure he has tried to contact them through the appropriate means first.

If your experiencing huge lines and out of stock stuff at the grocery stores... I just got back from the Market and they had everything you could imagine/want. Not many people there. And the vendors were very appreciative for the support. 

I ended up going Friday to stock up on meats and try out the different vendors that were recommended. I definitely see myself going a lot more now especially after all of this is over. And people weren’t kidding, the vendors were still stocked up on everything and there were a lot less people. Though pork chop shop was not open (I have been there before).

10 hours ago, JB said:

I ended up going Friday to stock up on meats and try out the different vendors that were recommended. I definitely see myself going a lot more now especially after all of this is over. And people weren’t kidding, the vendors were still stocked up on everything and there were a lot less people. Though pork chop shop was not open (I have been there before).

Do the vendors and/or the WSM advertise?  It seems like they should be getting the word out that you can find what you need at the Market and skip the lines at the grocery store. 

On 8/21/2019 at 2:28 PM, Foraker said:

 

Not all of the vendors are that dishonest. 

 

I've had that same experience with Costco recently.  And I generally give Costco high marks for quality.

The difference is Costco would take your return and exchange them.

10 hours ago, jeremyck01 said:

Do the vendors and/or the WSM advertise?  It seems like they should be getting the word out that you can find what you need at the Market and skip the lines at the grocery store. 

They’ve been posting that kind of stuff on social media.

Like this? ?

 

5 hours ago, KJP said:

Like this? ?

 

 

 

I should have been more specific.  Putting it on twitter is fine, but I mean radio or tv advertising that reaches a larger audience.  There should be no reason that WSM is empty/slow when the local Giant Eagle is out of stock.  This is one of the reasons I wish the city would relinquish control of WSM to a management or non-profit.  The city doesn't seem to promote itself well.

On 3/25/2020 at 10:27 PM, jeremyck01 said:

 

 

I should have been more specific.  Putting it on twitter is fine, but I mean radio or tv advertising that reaches a larger audience.  There should be no reason that WSM is empty/slow when the local Giant Eagle is out of stock.  This is one of the reasons I wish the city would relinquish control of WSM to a management or non-profit.  The city doesn't seem to promote itself well.

UO Family, you NEED to get out and support the West Side  market! The place was dead today. The vendors are really  depressed that the community is not supporting them. It’s pretty critical at this point. Koltiska ( It may be Sean’s Meats) took over Sebastians  Meats old spot. He’s new and needs the support. Not  to mention, he has great meat. I over bought today so I may not be back next weekend. Please get out and support. This concludes my PSA.

 

* Cleveland.com Subscriber Exclusive *

 

Jackson administration’s plan to hire consultant to study needs of Cleveland’s West Side Market stalls

Robert Higgs - Oct. 21, 2020

 

"The Jackson administration did not have an immediate comment on why it took nearly eight months to bring the legislation to City Council. The estimated cost is $137,000. Despite being the councilman for Ohio City, McCormack wasn’t briefed on the legislation prior to Tuesday’s meeting of council’s Development, Planning and Sustainability Committee. And he bristled at suggestions that the consultant’s review could take up to three years to complete. ... McCormack urged that management of the market be turned over to a nonprofit, an approach used by several other cities – Cincinnati, Columbus, Philadelphia among them – that have public markets. But Jackson’s chief of operations, Darnell Brown, said the administration believed it is in the city’s best interests to retain control."

 

https://www.cleveland.com/cityhall/2020/10/jackson-administrations-plan-to-hire-consultant-to-study-needs-of-clevelands-west-side-market-stalls.html

26 minutes ago, NorthShore647 said:

* Cleveland.com Subscriber Exclusive *

 

Jackson administration’s plan to hire consultant to study needs of Cleveland’s West Side Market stalls

Robert Higgs - Oct. 21, 2020

 

"The Jackson administration did not have an immediate comment on why it took nearly eight months to bring the legislation to City Council. The estimated cost is $137,000. Despite being the councilman for Ohio City, McCormack wasn’t briefed on the legislation prior to Tuesday’s meeting of council’s Development, Planning and Sustainability Committee. And he bristled at suggestions that the consultant’s review could take up to three years to complete. ... McCormack urged that management of the market be turned over to a nonprofit, an approach used by several other cities – Cincinnati, Columbus, Philadelphia among them – that have public markets. But Jackson’s chief of operations, Darnell Brown, said the administration believed it is in the city’s best interests to retain control."

 

https://www.cleveland.com/cityhall/2020/10/jackson-administrations-plan-to-hire-consultant-to-study-needs-of-clevelands-west-side-market-stalls.html

Wow. 

 

I mentioned it back in here, but I went on a tour of the market probably a year and some ago and it was painfully apparent that the current market manager doesn't belong in the position and is only adding to the crap reputation the city has. This further cements it. Jackson admin is a joke with stuff like this.

On 10/21/2020 at 12:41 PM, NorthShore647 said:

* Cleveland.com Subscriber Exclusive *

 

Jackson administration’s plan to hire consultant to study needs of Cleveland’s West Side Market stalls

Robert Higgs - Oct. 21, 2020

 

"The Jackson administration did not have an immediate comment on why it took nearly eight months to bring the legislation to City Council. The estimated cost is $137,000. Despite being the councilman for Ohio City, McCormack wasn’t briefed on the legislation prior to Tuesday’s meeting of council’s Development, Planning and Sustainability Committee. And he bristled at suggestions that the consultant’s review could take up to three years to complete. ... McCormack urged that management of the market be turned over to a nonprofit, an approach used by several other cities – Cincinnati, Columbus, Philadelphia among them – that have public markets. But Jackson’s chief of operations, Darnell Brown, said the administration believed it is in the city’s best interests to retain control."

 

https://www.cleveland.com/cityhall/2020/10/jackson-administrations-plan-to-hire-consultant-to-study-needs-of-clevelands-west-side-market-stalls.html

Thank you for posting. This is just completely awful. It’s depressing that nothing positive about West Side Market will happen until the next mayoral administration. 

The confusing thing to me is that the traffic hasn't equated to sales for the vendors. The hardest part of retail is getting people in the door, and the WSM is still almost always crowded, even during Covid. It's such a conumdrum. 

33 minutes ago, YABO713 said:

The confusing thing to me is that the traffic hasn't equated to sales for the vendors. The hardest part of retail is getting people in the door, and the WSM is still almost always crowded, even during Covid. It's such a conumdrum. 

 

Are more of the vendors taking credit/debit cards?   The last time I was in there it seemed like there were more accepting.  Historically I've noticed that many of the vendors try to keep the cash only business alive, which is tough in this day and age.  

 

On 10/21/2020 at 12:41 PM, NorthShore647 said:

* Cleveland.com Subscriber Exclusive *

 

Jackson administration’s plan to hire consultant to study needs of Cleveland’s West Side Market stalls

Robert Higgs - Oct. 21, 2020

 

"The Jackson administration did not have an immediate comment on why it took nearly eight months to bring the legislation to City Council. The estimated cost is $137,000. Despite being the councilman for Ohio City, McCormack wasn’t briefed on the legislation prior to Tuesday’s meeting of council’s Development, Planning and Sustainability Committee. And he bristled at suggestions that the consultant’s review could take up to three years to complete. ... McCormack urged that management of the market be turned over to a nonprofit, an approach used by several other cities – Cincinnati, Columbus, Philadelphia among them – that have public markets. But Jackson’s chief of operations, Darnell Brown, said the administration believed it is in the city’s best interests to retain control."

 

https://www.cleveland.com/cityhall/2020/10/jackson-administrations-plan-to-hire-consultant-to-study-needs-of-clevelands-west-side-market-stalls.html

 

I'm ready for Jackson to go.   Why is it that in airports, West Side Market, etc we continue to hire incompetent people, then spend way more than their salaries on "consultants" and "studies" than if we just paid qualified people in the first place?  

What's the best way for Mayor Jackson et al to show they don't know/care how to do the little things? This......

 

 

18 hours ago, KJP said:

What's the best way for Mayor Jackson et al to show they don't know/care how to do the little things? This......

 

 

What a disgrace.

 

The WSM becomes a national jewel in urban markets the past 10 years or so and the city hires a manager in 2015 citing infrastructure issues as part of her strategy and within a few years the place is emptying out with crumbling infrastructure and rising fees being the big issue.  This Felicia Hall has no retail experience but when she was appointed the job, the first African American to manage the WSM is cited before any experience or credentials. Who cares if the qualifications are otherwise lacking...on line MBA from Univ of Phoenix...c’mon...no retail or experience to run such an important local asset.

How did she get this job?
 

all overseen by this Cox dude at city hall...Cox is an embedded city worker and has been in CLE city hall since 1972.

 

a 3 year consultancy? Wtf

 

how the basics of management ie. Infrastructure are neglected for years is beyond comprehension.  Attracting people will not happen until, at a minimum, the place is in good repair.

 

as far as parking..uh, there’s a red line station right there. Promote it, get people on the trains again, especially on Saturdays.  Spend the day in the area.  The 25th Street station needs to be revamped ASAP though. Place is miserable and is now about 30 years old and outdated for 25 years. The WSM a is a great people and $$ magnet for the city. 

 

perhaps the most ominous part of this story is the fear of retaliation on vendors if they publicly complain.  This says it all.

Edited December 23, 20204 yr by CLENYC

Honestly, the upside - imo - is it will take only a few, common sense managerial adjustments to make WSM thrive again.

 

I was there today and the place was packed. And there are still good vendors there. I know we’ve lost a few, but we’re lucky the WSM is able to market itself, even in the face of incompetence 

Just now, YABO713 said:

Honestly, the upside - imo - is it will take only a few, common sense managerial adjustments to make WSM thrive again.

 

I was there today and the place was packed. And there are still good vendors there. I know we’ve lost a few, but we’re lucky the WSM is able to market itself, even in the face of incompetence 

Right, common sense is what is currently lacking.  Common sense and results always trump paper and “other” qualifications.

 

no one is saying there’s tumble weeds blowing through the WSM only that the City needs to step aside.

 

Wouldn’t be surprised if there’s another agenda by this Hall-Cox team though.  What is going on here otherwise?  
 

The WSM has always reflected CLE’s ethnic heritage, especially Eastern European flavor, and it doesn’t need to become another victim of CLE politics.  

On 12/23/2020 at 6:50 PM, CLENYC said:

Wouldn’t be surprised if there’s another agenda by this Hall-Cox team though.  What is going on here otherwise?  

My tinfoil hat theory is the city hates having to own and run it. They see the success of the downtown Heinens, and plan on selling the WSM to them in a few years once it has emptied out enough. 

24 minutes ago, originaljbw said:

My tinfoil hat theory is the city hates having to own and run it. They see the success of the downtown Heinens, and plan on selling the WSM to them in a few years once it has emptied out enough. 

Why would they sell once it has "emptied out?"   That would devalue the property. 

 

I don't think they have that kind of foresight anyway.  The Market is something they have currently and will for the foreseeable future. City leadership can park their family and friends there with cushy jobs in the meantime.   It doesn't go much beyond this.   

And what is the success of Downtown Heinens?  They contemplated not reopening this summer.  

3 hours ago, mack34 said:

And what is the success of Downtown Heinens?  They contemplated not reopening this summer.  

Well 2020 was an unprecidented year. The renovation was to make the place more of a grab and go/quick service prepared food place. 

 

3 hours ago, Cleburger said:

Why would they sell once it has "emptied out?"   That would devalue the property.

A class action lawsuit from a bunch of suddenly evicted tennants wouldn't look good. Better to whittle down till nobody wants to be there. Anyway, like I said it's just a wild tinfoil hat ponderance.