More than a dozen vendors are asking for changes in how the Broad Street Market operates and makes decisions, as well as reconsideration of a recent rent hike.
On Tuesday, 17 vendors, representing most of the businesses operating in the stone building, signed on to a letter with a list of “actionable items” that also demands greater transparency and vendor involvement.
“We collectively represent a significant portion of the small business owners who have chosen to invest and grow our family-owned businesses in Harrisburg and the Broad Street Market,” states the letter, which is addressed to the Broad Street Market Alliance board of directors, the market’s Executive Director Tanis Monroy and the Office of the Mayor.
Last week, the alliance board notified vendors that their monthly rents would increase by 97%, from $2.67 to $5.25 per square foot, effective Feb. 1.
The board justified the dramatic hike by stating that the new rate better reflected rents at other area markets. It further said that additional funds are needed because the market is operating at a considerable deficit, mainly due to the many vendors who were displaced following a devastating July fire that shut down the market’s brick building.
Monroy later told TheBurg that the market currently is losing about $10,000 a month.
In their letter to the board, the vendors articulated a number of “action items,” including that:
- Vendors vote on and elect two members of the board, as per the alliance’s bylaws.
- The board grants a re-vote on the rent increase. Some vendors have said that they believe that the board lacked a quorum to pass the increase.
- A “neutral party” conducts an analysis of the rents at other area markets. Some vendors have stated that they believe that data gathered by the board to justify the rent increase is flawed.
- Vendors get the ability to enter leases for at least a year, as opposed operating on a month-to-month basis.
In their letter, vendors also are demanding “fair and transparent leadership.” Several vendors have told TheBurg that the rent increase and other decisions have been sprung on them without any prior knowledge or their input.
“As small business owners, we understand having to make tough choices that are essential to sustainability and survival,” the letter states. “We believe that these decisions must be made with accurate data, transparency and respect.”
The market board meets next on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. at the Historic Harrisburg Association Resource Center, 1230 N. 3rd St. It has vowed to give the public time to speak, following the cancellation of two previously announced public meetings.
If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!
