Glasgow approves 10-year lease for new farmers market building at $1 per year
The resolution approving the lease agreement passed unanimously and takes effect immediately, according to City Attorney Rich Alexander.
GLASGOW, Ky. — City leaders have approved a new lease agreement with Sustainable Glasgow Inc. that will allow the nonprofit to operate a farmers market from a new city-owned building.
The structure, completed last week, opened just in time for the launch of the Bounty of the Barrens spring farmers market on Saturday.
Under the agreement, the city will enter into a 10-year renewable lease with the nonprofit for $1 per year. Sustainable Glasgow oversees the market.
“We were all so excited. The farmers were all excited,” said Sustainable Glasgow Executive Director Griffin Botts. “We couldn’t get there early enough to beat them to the building. They showed up super early to start setting up, so that was exciting.”
At Monday night’s Glasgow City Council meeting, Botts said the first market held in the new facility was a strong success, noting roughly a dozen and a half vendors were on site and the event drew just under 1,100 people.
“We are looking forward to seeing that grow,” said Mayor Henry Royse.
Brennan Crain
Botts also reported that about 125 runners participated in the nonprofit’s fifth annual Homegrown 5K, which began at 7:30 a.m. Saturday.
He credited Public Works Director Jim McGowan for helping keep the project on schedule, saying McGowan “went above and beyond” to ensure the building was completed in time for opening day.
Councilman Joe Trigg reflected on the group’s early efforts to establish a farmers market in Glasgow, noting it originally began at a local church before later moving to a site along Water Street behind the Glasgow Water Company.
Trigg added that community donations helped fund early improvements, including the construction of a stage at the market.
“The goal always has been to get a permanent farmers’ market,” Trigg said.
Royse said the effort has steadily grown over the years, shaped by changes and input from those involved.
“The group has really gelled,” Royse said.
The resolution approving the lease agreement passed unanimously and takes effect immediately, according to City Attorney Rich Alexander.
