The current site (above) and the concept image (below) from LMN Architects.  Which should the City pursue?

What's up with the Red Apple?  With the recent articles in the newspaper on the idea of a farmers market co-op there, it's a question I get asked a lot lately.   The City originally purchased the land in 1999 with the idea of expanding City Hall, which at the time was so small we had offices stuffed into closets.  When our plans changed, the building continued to be used for a grocery store until that went out of business.  In 2006 the Council had a vision to encourage redevelopment of that block with buildings that mimic the older downtown buildings with living spaces overhead and retail like Trader Joe's and cafes on the street level.  The vision was to complement and enhance our downtown and allow the City to recoup its investment.

Things were moving well when the economy took its downturn and put a halt to our plans. Now that the real estate market is rebounding, we're starting to get calls from developers once again.  At the same time, some have suggested that we not consider offers or pursue the original vision.  I have always loved the idea of a farmer's market, but just like our recent discussions about the golf course, I don't want it to be a burden to taxpayers.  The building has two structural beams that have failed and need major repair, a roof that leaks like a sieve and is likely full of asbestos, exposed wiring, no heat, and one working electrical outlet.  The building was intended to be torn down, so the repairs and their costs to bring it up to code would be significant.  Personally, I would not want to see our citizens have to pay for those repairs. 

So, I have to answer a question with a question.  Should the City pursue its original vision in encouraging redevelopment of the site as planned, or should we instead invest in repairing the building, perhaps with taxpayers' money, and run a market there?  For my part, I'd like to see development done on someone else's dime, bringing something that would produce jobs, something that would support and enhance our downtown, and something for all of us to be proud of for years to come.  What do you think?  I'd love to hear your thoughts at denslow@ci.sumner.wa.us.