The opening weekend of the 2020 Montavilla Farmers Market was a cold and windy one. Vendors could all be seen holding onto their canopies while trying to assist customers. The number of booths and customers were smaller usual, although it is early in the season for many crops.

The cold weather brough an unexpected March snow the day before and high winds made the day feel colder than it was. There was also, perhaps, a greater gap between people moving about as some practice “Social Distancing.” However, most people could be seen visibly excited for this Montavilla tradition to start up again.

The future of the Montavilla Farmers Market has been a concern for some residents, as the properties around it transform. Adam Stein represents the Susan J Witt Revocable Trust, who owns the property. The Trust also owns the property on either side of the farmers market, the property that once housed Beets Auto Body and the former veterinary clinic building. Stein, speaking by email, said that the farmers market will continue to have access to its space through the end of 2020.

“We have a year to year agreement w/ MFM, hosting them through 2020. A decision on 2021 is unlikely before the Fall.” Said Stein. When asked about expanding the Farmers Market to the now vacant space to the West, Stein said it was a possibility. However, he had not yet proposed it to the operators of Montavilla Farmers Market.

Adam Stein is no stranger to Old Town Montavilla. His company ARS Property Investments I, LLC owns 7805 SE Stark, the current home of Montavilla Brew Works. Stein and the owner of the trust are both local residents and express an interest in supporting our neighborhood.

Such a large lot on a prominent street, will likely attract a future development project. Fortunately we have community members making the decisions regarding the property. It should be exciting to see what develops there in the coming years.