Consumers Energy will lease a city-owned parking lot on North River Road in Mount Clemens for one year, prompting the Mount Clemens Farmers Market to relocate temporarily. The lease agreement, approved on December 1, 2023, is intended to support gas infrastructure improvements in a nearby area. However, the move has generated significant concern among local farmers who have operated the market at this location for two decades.
City officials rushed to finalize the agreement with Consumers Energy, leaving little time to consult with the Farmers Market board members. City Manager Gregg Shipman acknowledged that the farmers prefer to remain in their current location, stating, “They would like to stay where they are at. They don’t want to change anything.”
Farmers Market Relocation Plans
Under the new plan, the Farmers Market will move to a different downtown site, specifically in the parking lot behind the Anton Art Center, starting in 2026. City officials indicated they would waive the typical lease fee of $2,000 to support the market’s transition. However, many farmers claim they were not informed about this change until a reporter from the Macomb Daily reached out to them.
“We were unaware of this new interest in wanting us to move,” said one farmer who chose to remain anonymous. “We’ve been on North River Road for 20 years and everyone knows where we are now.” The Farmers Market, known for its fresh produce and artisan goods, has become a local landmark along North River Road, situated conveniently between Interstate 94 and Gratiot Avenue.
Earlier this year, the Farmers Market was alerted to the possibility of a move when the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) considered leasing the same lot for equipment storage during a nearby construction project. However, the GLWA ultimately selected a different site, allowing farmers to believe they could continue at their current location.
Financial Details of the Lease
Documents show that Consumers Energy will pay Mount Clemens $104,000 for the lease, with an option to extend the agreement on a month-to-month basis for $8,000 per month. According to city officials, this arrangement will not only benefit Consumers Energy but also enhance local shopping opportunities through increased marketing and promotions for the Farmers Market.
The partnership aims to support essential infrastructure improvements while generating revenue for the city and promoting downtown vitality, as noted in a memo from the city manager to the commission.
Despite these claims, some farmers have expressed skepticism regarding the logistics of the proposed new location, questioning whether the downtown parking lot can accommodate the average of 40 booths and tents typically present at the market. “To us, we don’t see the logistics of it,” the anonymous farmer added. “If it’s not an improvement, it makes no sense.”
Community Concerns
Concerns have been raised regarding the decision-making process behind the lease agreement. Commissioner Jill Towner Yore voiced her apprehension about the lack of input from the farmers before the commission voted on the matter. “I was concerned about voting on something when the city hadn’t brought in the stakeholders together to understand,” Yore stated.
City officials assert that the Farmers Market will benefit from increased foot traffic in the downtown area, and Mayor Laura Kropp emphasized the potential for new marketing strategies, including the placement of promotional signs throughout the district. She noted that the Farmers Market would be located within the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), which could provide additional support.
Some community members worry about the aesthetic impact of the ongoing infrastructure work, particularly regarding the laydown yard utilized by Consumers Energy. “It’s a nice road, it’s a nice drive,” Yore expressed, indicating the importance of preserving the area’s appeal.
As the situation develops, Mount Clemens officials plan to engage with utility representatives to address any community concerns and ensure that the relocation of the Farmers Market is as seamless as possible. The Farmers Market has become integral to the local economy, attracting visitors who often make additional purchases in the area, and its future remains a topic of significant interest for both farmers and residents alike.
