Hill-Rag-Magazine-April-2012

ment over all commercial operations in the Eastern Market Historic Special Use District, and responsibility for forging a working relationship with the Hine School developers for flea market operations on the new C Street and its adjoining plaza. This is particularly important, according to ANC 6B member Pate because “the legislation and our ongoing Hine PUD process are intertwined, especially with regard to public space management • Maintaining “a diverse, high-quality fresh food market,” and empowered to oversee all agreements with tenants both inside and out Councilmember Tommy Wells. Photos: Andrew Lightman and maintains the priorities of the Trust. of the 1998 law.

The Trust itself will be governed Most importantly, the legislaby an 11-member Board of Direc- tion maintains the right of first tors. The Mayor will initially ap- refusal for current tenants of the point two members. Another will Market, who have operated conbe selected by the City Council tinuously since August 1, 1997.

Chair. The Ward 6 Councilmember Known colloquially as “grandfawill choose an additional five. The thering,” this privilege affords longremainder will consist of represen- time farmers, merchants and ventatives chosen by the Market’s mer- dors some security. chants, outdoor farmer’s line and The legislation holds the Discrafts vendors trict responsible for major capital The initial directors will be ap- improvements to the Market as pointed for staggered one, two or well as such functions as trash pickthree year terms; after which they up and snow removal. However, it will be elected by the Board, fol- also severs the Trust’s finances from lowing a well-publicized open call general District funds, ensuring for candidates, to serve three years. that monies, particularly any profits, With few exceptions, the criteria from Eastern Market operations, for service includes both DC resi- cannot be hijacked for other purdency, and expertise in at least one poses by the city government. of the following skill sets: food, finance, business, historic preserva- Next Steps tion, arts, legal, facility operations Wells intends to introduce the and management, merchandizing, legislation soon, after which the or marketing.

Council will hold a public hearing on the bill. Dates were not available The Trust is charged with: at press time. Once public views are • Overseeing all aspects of the aired, a final vote will be scheduled Market’s operations. before the summer. “I’m very happy • Hiring a Market Manager and with the way the bill has evolved,” defining her/his responsibilities said Wells. “It will give the Mar• Seeking ways to make the Mar- ket a structure that will enable it to ket profitable and supervising flourish as one of Washington’s and its operations Ward 6’s unique assets.” H • Providing coordinated managecapitalcommunitynews.com H 47