On Tuesday, representatives of two newly formed associations governing the vendors of the Michael Finnegan Market, residents of the Hicatee and Bocotora Street neighborhood and City Administrator Candice Burke, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) regarding operations in the area.
For several days now wholesale and retail vendors have been at odds concerning their competition to sell fresh produce inside and outside the market, with retailers complaining of underselling by wholesalers, who in turn complain of improper treatment and facilitation.
Negotiations had appeared to have stalled last week after the Farmers/Vendors Association, chaired by proprietor of Astar Hyde Supermarket and farmer and wholesale vendor by profession, Alvin Hyde, Jr., asked to negotiate with its members.
A new wrinkle added to the MOU is an agreement with wholesale vendors to park on Hicatee Street from 7:00 p.m. of the night prior to each market day (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday). Two special constables and two traffic officers will be present to manage traffic, including the blocking of the street to vehicular traffic.
Any excess vendors would be relocated onto West Collet Canal from the junction of the Dean Street bridge until parking becomes available on Hicatee Street. Only the sale of fish and meat is to be regulated in the area.
Wholesale vendors will vend from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., when those with smaller volumes and quantities of produce will move either into the market itself or to Astar Hyde Supermarket. Vending will then continue until 1:00 p.m.
The $15 fee per day for vendors is in place, but no additional fees will be charged for any vendor who moves into the market. A garbage fee will be considered for vendors using the garbage facility inside the market.
The MOU enshrines a call for dialogue between the parties in the event of unforeseen circumstances, contingencies or anomalies in an agreed-upon period. The memorandum expires in one year.
According to Councilor responsible for Markets Philip Willoughby, consultation was done with the Council and all concerned, but ultimately wholesale vendors will have to be entirely relocated from the area as soon as suitable space is found.