Please help us sustain the Salem NH Farmers Market

Dear Board of Selectmen and Town Manager Hickey

I am writing on behalf, representing the Salem NH farmers Market. After receiving a call last Thursday 9/15 from director of planning, Ross Moldoff, relaying a message from the BOS to the Salem NH Farmers Market, we cannot place any signage on Public Street or town right of Way. Saying we were denied this in April and need to comply with these sign ordinances. I was under the impression that meant my generic signs saying we have a farmers in Salem open Sundays 10-2 not the signs I place up on the day of the market directing people to the market and removing them right after staying up no longer than 6 hours.

Meeting with Mr Moldoff on Thursday I was given the a copy of the Ordinance 7:25.4 which states Signs located on Public Property or over any public street or right of way. Special permission for such signs may be granted by the Board of Selectmen where a public benefit can be ascertained.

Since opening the farmers market on June 2010 we have built a strong following of people who appreciate and want to buy fresh local products produced by the diversity of vendors who participate in our market. The demand for knowing where your food is coming from is growing daily.

Our mission The Salem NH Farmers Market connects people with sources of locally grown foods and advocates eating locally for the health of our environment, community, culture and economy. Through advocacy, organizing and education, we work toward a sustainable local food system that meets the needs of both producers and consumers. We keep our market open all year round offering a summer/fall and winter/spring market filled with the producers of the products they bring to sell. We provide information through our email newsletter, active facebook page and website. We accept SNAP/EBT and debit cards.

Please I am asking for your approval to put up the signs on Sunday Morning in SIX designated spots corner of 28 and 97, corner of Millville and Main, on 2 corners of Millville and School, corner of Lake Street and Bluff and on the property of Hess and Honda dealership guiding them to the farmers market and removing them immediately after the market closes as we have done for the last three years.  I believe we have proven a public benefit has been ascertained and would appreciate your endorsement when we come before you on September 30.

Sincerely

Jane Lang

Volunteer Farmers Market Coordinator