FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 8, 2000
Columbia State Farmers Market---Location Assessment Study Presented
(COLUMBIA)–The long-awaited location assessment study and public opinion survey on the Columbia State Farmers Market were presented today at the Dan Ramage Conference Center. Bob Goble of Carter-Goble Associates presented the study results on whether the Farmers Market should remain in its present location or be moved. In addition, Dave Johnson of Conquest Communications presented the findings from a public opinion survey about the market.
Tindal said that he turned down the opportunity to see and get briefed before today’s presentation, because he wanted the study to be totally unbiased. “The results revealed this morning,” he said, “are what the people of South Carolina think is best for the Columbia State Farmers Market and its users---not for those who have special interests in the site of the market for other reasons.
“Among those with a special interest in the property,” Tindal said, “is the University of South Carolina.” He said that he was approached face-to-face by a member of the county council who told him that Mike McGee, U.S.C. Athletic Director, has called most, if not all, of the city and county council members to tell them that the University has an interest in the Columbia State Farmers Market property. “It all comes down to farmers and food vs. football and finance,” Tindal said.
The Carter-Goble Location Assessment concluded that prior to deciding whether or not to move the Columbia Farmers Market to another location, the State should first decide on three different, but related, policy positions.
The first is that if the State wants the market to remain financially self-supporting from the continued provision of parking fees, then it should remain where it is on Bluff Road.
If the object of the State is for the market to grow in size or remain at its current size for the long-range, then it needs to be moved. However, as some said at the meeting, the current market is ample for the number of farmers in the state. It just needs extensive renovation. Tindal said that the market wasn’t built in 1952 to underwrite the cost of individual wholesale operation expansion and development. It was originally built to help farmers. “In addition,” he added, “to grow in size, we don’t need to spread out---we need build up. Because prime land is so coveted today, we need to add more space to the market vertically---not horizontally.”
The third policy position that the State needs to ponder according to
the study is whether the land will bring a good price or a higher and better
economic use now or in the foreseeable future. The market currently
means 2,000+ jobs and $250 million to $300 million in annual sales activity.
The property has an estimated value of about $3.8 million at the present
time.
In addition, the Location Assessment concluded that remaining and moving
are both feasible options depending on funding and growth policy decisions
by the State. A preliminary cost for totally remodeling and upgrading
the existing market at its present location is estimated to cost about
$20 million plus interest.
Moving the market to a new location is estimated to cost (in 1999 dollars) about $33 million. Add to that an additional $100,000 a year for the annual operating subsidy from lost parking fees. And, add to that the cost of the land at a different location. The study estimated that the total cost of moving the market (excluding land purchase) would cost about $18.5 million more than renovating the market at it present location.
Tindal said after the meeting, “I have tried for over three years to rebuild the Columbia State Farmers Market on Bluff Road to make it safer for pedestrians and traffic and more attractive for conducting business.” “Over eight months ago, the General Assembly designated $10 million to begin the rebuilding process. In August the Joint Bond Review Committee put a hold on those funds, and Governor Jim Hodges established a committee by executive order to ‘identify where the market should be located’.”
However, Commissioner Tindal said, “A conclusion in an issue of this magnitude needs representation by everyone who uses the market---small and large wholesalers, retailers, farmers, and, especially consumers. The original bill called for a study to be performed, so I enlisted the assistance of Carter-Goble Associates to perform an independent study to hear from all segments of the population.”
Tindal said that the Carter-Goble study was completed several months ago, and since that time, he had asked Governor Hodge’s representative several times to allow Carter-Goble to present their findings to him and the Farmers Market Committee. But, the company was never allowed that opportunity.
Tindal said, “For thousands of South Carolinians who use the Columbia State Farmers Market, it’s imperative that we move forward. I urge all involved with this decision to work together to rebuild a Farmers Market in our Capitol City of which everyone can be proud.”
For more information, call 803-734-2182.
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