Councilmember's Corner: Petworth Community Market needs your support
/(photo: CM Todd's office)
by Brandon Todd
Last year, the Petworth Community Market came to me with an urgent concern. Due to a District-wide increase in parking meter fees, the Market faces an 800% increase in their meter costs that threatens the sustainability of their future operations. As soon as I heard, I knew I had to act.
In September, 2017, I introduced the “Farmer’s Market Meter Fee Cap Amendment Act of 2017,” which would set a daily limit of $50 on the amount a farmer’s market is required to pay in parking meter fees to the District Department of Transportation (DDOT).
Since then, I have been extremely heartened by the outpouring of support for the legislation. Just this week, Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4C voted unanimously to support the bill.
But we need the help of community members to ensure my colleagues on the Council understand the importance of this bill. The future of our beloved Petworth Market and others like it across Ward 4 and the District could depend on this bill’s passage.
I invite you to share your support for this legislation at the Committee on Transportation & the Environment’s upcoming DDOT oversight hearing on Tuesday, February 27, 2018. There you will have an opportunity to speak directly to why the Petworth Community Market and this legislation are so needed.
To register to testify, or to submit written testimony for the official record, contact Aukima Benjamin or call (202) 724-8062. Your support helps!
I was proud to introduce legislation that would help ensure the Petworth Community Market remains active in the neighborhood. The Market brings locally grown fresh produce, art, craftsmanship, and camaraderie to our community. It gives us so much, and now it is time we give back. I hope you will join me and your neighbors in advocating for this vital community resource.
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