DOWNEY - A deal to keep the Downey Farmers Market in operation for at least three more years was approved by the City Council on Tuesday.The contract, which can be terminated by the city at any time with 30 days' notice, also allows the market to stay open until 2 p.m. (instead of 1 p.m. now) each Saturday. According to terms of the deal, Raw Inspiration Inc. will continue to operate the Downey Farmers Market free of charge to the city, with the exception of a waiver of street closure permit fees. Raw Inspiration, however, will raise its insurance coverage to $2 million. The contract allows the city to move the farmers market from its current location on Second Street, between New Street and La Reina Avenue, to Downey Avenue. Council members last year proposed the relocation but the move never happened after complaints from business owners. In a staff report this week, city officials said "discussions are underway to address the concerns of businesses affected by the proposed move."

********** Published: April 14, 2011 - Volume 9 - Issue 52