Cleveland farm market plans bloom

CLEVELAND, Tenn.-The plan for a new farmers market is back.

Last summer, Bradley County officials decided to build a farmers market shed on Urbane Road near the current recycling drop-off site. The project was delayed for lack of funds.

This spring, a scaled-back version of the market, and an anonymous donation, have brought the project into funding range.

"Our budget is a $40,000 grant we previously received plus an anonymous donation of $25,000," County Commission Chairman Louie Alford said.

With that $65,000, a 125-foot-by-40-foot shed can be built at the site, said Jeff Yarber, a county commissioner and chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, which reviewed the plans last week.

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The free-standing building would have no additions, although the earlier version included restrooms. Instead, the new plan is for portable restrooms that are handicapped accessible.

The parking lot would be gravel, but there would be a concrete walkway through the shed to better serve the handicapped.

People still are free to use the farmers' market site on Peerless Road, county Extension Agent Kim Frady said Tuesday.

"We will have a new sign this year with the rules and regulations," Frady said. "The Peerless Road market is for local produce only, like it's always been."

The new sign also may include the "Pick Tennessee" logo from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, officials said.

And sometime in June, the county cannery will be open again at its Peerless Road location.

MainStreet Cleveland's Five Points Market will open June 9, Executive Director Sharon Marr said. The Thursday afternoon market, also featuring regional produce, will be in the First Street Square. Hours will be announced later, Marr said.

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