Partnerships create market buzz

The Gazette Editorial Board

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It's easy to see why the NewBo City Market project has generated so much excitement and so little pushback in a city where arguing over post-flood projects has become a persistent pastime.

For starters, the market is going into a New Bohemia neighborhood that's already generating considerable buzz in the community and beyond, with a rejuvenated CSPS Hall, popular restaurants, bars and other businesses. The market's eye-catching plans for re-purposing an old industrial plant/warehouse site, including a large public plaza, will clearly make it the neighborhood's centerpiece.

And backers expect its impact to extend beyond its corner of 12th Avenue and Third Street SE. “It's our goal to make this area of New Bohemia the new town center,” said Patrick DePalma, president of the NewBo City Market board. DePalma says it will be the only market of its kind in Iowa.

The popularity of farmers markets has exploded in recent years, with the Cedar Rapids downtown Saturday market drawing thousands to buy fresh produce while sampling great food and entertainment. The NewBo market will seek to harness that popularity, and a growing demand for fresh, locally grown food, year-round.

The market also will serve up an economic impact. Vendors, including many local producers, are already lining up for spots at the market, which is set to open Nov. 1. New business could mean new jobs and expansion for those entrepreneurs.

All that for $5.3 million, of which $3 million has been raised from private donors. The city kicked in $1.1 million in the form of donated land and demolition costs. Vision Iowa granted $750,000, along with $30,000 from Linn County. The market has forged a recycling partnership with the Linn County Solid Waste Agency, and will house a kitchen where Kirkwood Community College will hold classes and continuing ed programs.

So basically, this is a community project and an impressive community partnership.

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