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Things are looking up for the Saratoga Farmers Market. The West ValleyMission Community College District Board of Trustees will meet this month to decide whether to allow the farmers market to be held in the college parking lot.
"I am going to make a recommendation to the board of trustees on March 17 to welcome the farmers market to the college," said Phil Hartley, president of West Valley College.
Doug Hayden, president of the California Farmers Market Association, is confident that the trustees will say yes.
"The college has heard from the neighbors. I think more than 95 percent are in favor of the market at the college," said Hayden.
Hartley said that the college had sent out 130 letters to neighbors in the area. Forty-six replied. "All but two support the farmers market at the college," he said.
Hayden said that some neighbors had raised concerns about noise issues. "We are trying to address and mitigate that. There will be no amplified music at the market."
Hartley said that the college was working on a detailed agreement with the California Farmers Market Association. "We will have careful monitoring. Having met with them, I am confident that they are committed to making the market well managed," he said.
If the trustees approve, the first farmers market will be held at the college on May 14.
"Customers will be allowed to park for free at the college. The farmers market will be paying on their behalf," said Hartley.
The farmers market is now held at Saratoga High School on Saturdays. The Los GatosSaratoga High School District decided not to renew its agreement with the farmers market association after neighbors complained about noise and traffic issues at the school.
School officials also cited increased usage of high school property as a factor in not renewing the agreement.
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