Farmers Market links entrepreneurs to downtown



A new market began operating in
May 1983, in an open-air environment
until the building could be constructed.

The new open-air building had room
for 30 producers inside and space
for producers outside.

Well loved for both its fresh produce and other offerings,
the Farmers Market is a social hub that brings the community
together and more and more people downtown every week.



In the spring of 1989 the Rotary
Clubs donated $10,500 toward the
purchase & installation of the wrought iron
& brick fence around the perimeter to
enhance & control use of the Market for
concerts and events.

In the 1960s and ’70s, a small Curb Market, located on George Street operated out of a vacant City owned building. Throughout the years, its image deteriorated as sales stagnated and the customer base dwindled. With the new focus on the revitalization of the downtown, Gary Bleau, chairman of the Chamber of Commerce Agri-Business Committee conceived the idea of developing a Farmers Market in the downtown area to provide economic opportunities for farmers and local entrepreneurs. An active, progressive Farmers Market would link the rural and urban population and generate traffic to the downtown.

At the Nov. 21, 1979, Swiss Bear Board of Director’s meeting, to garner and expand support for this idea, he presented preliminary plans to build a new farmers market, preferably on urban renewal land. The board embraced the project understanding it could enhance the downtown revitalization and waterfront redevelopment effort and began working with the City, Chamber and the Craven County Cooperative Extension Service to secure a small tract of land from the City and acquire grant funds to construct a market on the urban renewal land.

Although vendors from the Curb Market presented a petition in February 1980 to the board of aldermen protesting construction of a new farmers market, the City sanctioned the creation of the Farmers Market Planning Committee composed of members of the Chamber, Swiss Bear and Extension Service and urged them to move forward.

The committee applied for incorporation as a nonprofit organization, developed by-laws and appointed a board of directors that included a representative from the Chamber, Swiss Bear, County Agriculture Extension Service and the County government.

The City agreed to lease a portion of the urban renewal land (renamed Bicentennial Park) near the western edge bordered by the railroad tracks and Tryon Palace Drive (now South Front Street) to the nonprofit Board to construct a building and operate as a Farmers Market for 30 years at $1 per year.

With assistance from N.C. Main Street architect, Jo Ramsey, the design work for the open air structure by Chamber Executive Bill Edwards was finalized and approved by the Historic Preservation Committee. In April 1982, the Farmers Market Board received a special appropriation of $125,000 from the state legislature for construction of the new facility.

The new market began operating on May 14, 1983 in an open-air environment until the building could be constructed which was delayed due to property issues with the Southern Railway, which owned an eight-foot strip of land running down the middle of the Farmers Market property. After a period of negotiation, the City obtained an agreement with the railroad and the new open-air building was constructed with room for 30 producers in the building and space for producers outside.

In the late 1980’s, during the tenure of Tom Barton, chairman, Billy Dunham, vice chairman and myself as treasurer, the Market Board recognized and supported the effort to acquire funding to enclose the building for year-round use as a market and a facility that could be rented for special events. As an open air pavilion, its use was limited to operating as a market April through October. We submitted a grant application to the N.C. Department of Agriculture and received $52,500 in the spring of 1987 used to enclose the building, install a heating system, enlarge the parking area and landscape the grounds.

The Market board hired a market manager, operated the Market Wednesday and Saturday’s and aggressively marketed rental of the building for on-going activities, concerts, private rentals, and community events.

In the spring of 1989, the New Bern Noon Rotary Club and the New Bern Breakfast Rotary Club donated $10,500 toward the purchase and installation of the wrought iron and brick fence around the perimeter of the property to enhance and control use of the Market for concert/event rentals, especially those charging an entry fee. At that time, the Rotary Club’s rented the Market for the Labor Day Weekend Michelob Cup Regatta, which included an evening concert and awards party.

Market vendors are required to join the market for an annual fee and must meet their “grow it, bake it, sew it, make it” rules to rent a space. The twenty member board of directors, chaired by Joe Hunt, is responsible for operating the market year round every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and conducting a year round calendar of events. Vendor and rental fees are used for marketing and the on-going maintenance of the property and building.

Throughout the years, the property’s value, space constraints for expansion, parking and minimal hours led to numerous discussions in the previous administration between the City and Market board to include relocation to a larger more visible location in the greater downtown area on a major corridor to service more people, be open five days a week, and serve as an incubator for start-up small businesses (seafood, and other food stuffs).

With the expiration of the 30 year lease in October 2012, the City renewed the lease for 36 months. The City has the option to terminate the lease with a one year notice and the Market Board has the option in 2015 to renew the lease for two more years under the same terms. Parking in the Farmers Market is also available for public parking except for overnight parking, during market operating hours or when it is rented for use by private groups.

The Farmers Market, like many other strategies, played an important role in the redevelopment of the waterfront and downtown effort. Well-loved for both its local fresh produce and other offerings, the Farmers Market is a social hub that brings the community together and more and more people downtown every week.

The Farmers Market is now open Tuesday from 10 to 2 pm. For more information go to newbernfarmersmarket.org.

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director

Five Points Loan Pool Project...a strategy to encourage commercial development

Over the years, Swiss Bear initiated development of two Urban Design Plans and  many strategies to encourage the revitalization of the downtown, its waterfront and the Five Points commercial area. One of the strategies was the Five Points Loan Pool Program that was officially kicked-off June 10, 1994.

Swiss Bear, working in cooperation with eight area banks and members of SCORE established this new program designed to encourage commercial development in the Five Points area. Ricky Brown, City Executive for BB&T and Swiss Bear’s  Chairman led the effort in which eight local banks pooled collectively $1 million for loans for any worthwhile business purpose in the Five Points area, excluding refinancing of existing loans. New loans ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 were available for businesses (new or existing) within the area bounded by Cedar to Bern, Bern to Pollock, Pollock to Queen, Queen to First and First to Second to Cedar Street. The process was initiated by completing an application through the Swiss Bear office and the applicant then met with a small advisory group of volunteers from SCORE who provided assistance in developing a business plan, if needed, before meeting with a bank representative. The loan request was then reviewed by representatives from the eight banks, who made the final decision if the project met the guidelines and was eligible for the loan.

The program was in effect for two years and five loans were made, three for new businesses, one for expansion of an existing business and a fifth for the purchase of several lots and construction of a new building to relocate an existing business. SCORE Chairman, John Ronan worked closely with the woman who purchased the property which took several years to come to completion.

This project was one of many strategies in which the private sector worked together to encourage redevelopment of the greater downtown area. The commitment of so many made the difference and our city is all the better for it.

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director

Pedestrian Connections...major contributors to downtown's walkability, sense of place and interaction

To create a downtown that will attract a diverse concentrated mix of uses and foster economic interaction among these uses, it is essential to encourage people through the downtown core on foot. One of the priority objectives in revitalization planning is to establish an attractive system of pedestrian connections. In downtown New Bern, prior to the revitalization effort, pedestrian circulation occurred almost exclusively along the sidewalks with stores facing the walks and streets.

According to the summary of existing conditions in the 1977 Downtown Revitalization Plan, pedestrian access from the mid-block parking lots to the shops that fronted Middle, Pollock and Craven Streets were inadequate, in some cases dangerous and generally unattractive. The 1977 Plan proposed an open space system for the entire redevelopment effort starting at the bulkhead of the urban renewal property along the Trent River and continuing along the Neuse River to connect with the historic residential and commercial district. The Plan envisioned connecting mid-block parking lots to shopping streets, creating additional walking path systems through the city that would extend out to the waters edge (Riverwalk) system.  

The 1990 Urban Design Plan, initiated and coordinated by Swiss Bear in partnership with the City, reiterated the importance of pedestrian connections and recommended existing through-block pedestrian connections be improved and enhanced. As a result, Church Alley (between Remax and Tom’s Coins), the walkway between First Baptist Church and O. Marks, and the walkway along the Century 21 building from South Front into the interior parking area and the alley between Morgan’s Tavern and the adjacent building were improved to include paving, some with lighting and landscaping. Swiss Bear’s fundraising drive to purchase the bear sculptures in Bear Plaza (the first mid-block pedestrian park created in 1981 with special Municipal Tax District funds) was so successful the additional money was used to purchase new lighting for the Plaza. James Reed Lane was developed in 1995 and a new through-block connection was created when the four story Middle Street East building (200 block) was constructed in the mid-1990’s

Downtown New Bern’s pedestrian connections play an important role in creating a strong sense of community. Our walkable downtown  offers a sense of place with  a mix of restaurants, retail, galleries, attractions, offices, parks and housing that promote interaction. Since the downtown economy thrives on accessibility, networking, creativity and a sense of community, interaction is key.

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director

Church Alley under construction

Church Alley - completed 1993

Bear Plaza under construction 1979-1980

Bear Plaza Dedication 1980

Rear of Pool Hall

James Reed Lane under construction

James Reed Lane completed 1996

Federal Alley Parking Lot
Before Redevelopment

Federal Alley Interior Parking Lot
Before Redevelopment

New Bern's Downtown...A Role Model

On Monday, April 30, we were hosts to a group of eight people from the Danville Regional Foundation, Danville, VA who were in town for several days to meet with me and a number of our board members for an overview of the downtown revitalization effort and our organizations involvement. It was an interesting day with much discussion on our  various projects, partnerships with local government, restructuring the downtown economy by expanding tourism, waterfront development and the valuable role our organization and the private sector has played in this 35 year effort.

Danville fell on hard times when the Dan River textile mills and tobacco distribution centers closed a number a number of years ago. The Danville Regional Foundation, founded in 2005, has made targeted efforts to support community revitalization, including funding and aiding the River District master planning process since that time.

New Bern was chosen as a follow-up to a meeting the Danville Regional Foundation (DRF) hosted in July 2011. I was a participant in the community revitalization  roundtable discussions hosted by DRF that included people from not-for-profit downtown revitalization organizations and for-profit community economic development investors. The goal was to examine lessons learned from similar places and to understand how others perceive the needs and opportunities for attractive investment around and to the downtown River District. Questions addressed included: what capacities and conditions must be present to attract and retain private investment; what kind of non-profit implementation and support models could benefit comprehensive revitalization efforts in Danville; how can DRF support or catalyze the capacities needed to attract and manage revitalization resources and development?

Four major themes emerged: 1. Danville must find the “tipping point” at which collective momentum spills over and creates enduring, positive change.  2. The history of the River District can unlock financial and cultural potential for leveraging revitalization. 3. Recreational and cultural assets are key to connecting the River District with visitors and residents alike. Community capacity-building should happen side-by-side central revitalization plans and non-profits are also important players. Other recommendations by the roundtable participants re: public sector players were: maintain a strong focus on infrastructure, parks and other amenities that will make the River District livable. Create a Municipal Service Tax District. Continue to work in partnership Foundation to leverage private capital. Danville River District History

What a familiar ring…clearly, Danville is facing the same challenges New Bern faced in the late 1970’s when downtown was at its lowest point. Beginning with the 1977 Downtown Revitalization Plan, and other long range plans, achievable goals and objectives and public private partnerships have been key to our effort. Like New Bern, by working together, the DRF, City of Danville, private and non-profit developers and investors, and Danville’s community residents all have roles to play in supporting and taking part in revitalization plans for the River District.

We enjoyed the opportunity to provide input that will be helpful in developing the organizational framework they need to support River District efforts and getting the organization off the ground. Fortunately, at this point in time, we are ahead of the curve and our downtown, the heart of our community, is alive and well.

We enjoyed meeting them, were glad to provide input based on our experiences and wish them great success in their effort.  

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director

Effecting positive change in Five Points





2005 - Broad at Queen St., eastbound



Today - Broad at Queen St.,eastbound

 





  




1990's - Broad at First St., westbound

 



Today - Broad at First St.,westbound







  





1990's - old Wiggins property demolished
 Broad and First St., westbound



Today - Broad near First St., westbound









 





  

On April 17, Bob Mattocks, Swiss Bear Chairman, and I  attended the Board of Aldermen work session to present a request for an annual appropriation. The city has funded approximately one third of our budget since 1980 when we became a Main Street City, a program under the NC Department of Commerce.

Following our presentation, we were asked by Alderman Taylor why Swiss Bear’s focus has only been on downtown and not Five Points. We responded with a list of projects that were focused on Five Points. Although the list was substantial, including initiating, partially funding and coordinating the 1990 and 2000 Urban Design Plans that included Five Points and the surrounding neighborhoods and led to the city’s investment in building a new fire station, police station, buying the First Citizens Bank for city offices, purchasing and demolishing derelict housing and recent major improvements of 1.5 miles of Broad Street, he indicated it wasn’t enough. 

The fact is we are limited in what we can do. Our participation is dependent on the City, its implementation of a Master Plan and the commitment to follow through with the implementation. Private investors must feel confident the public sector has a plan and the commitment to make it happen.



The 1977 Downtown Revitalization Plan was the foundation of downtown’s renewal and the City supported the plan. The creation of a nonprofit (Swiss Bear) was recommended in the plan as a strategy to involve the private sector. The focus was the central business district, a 12 block area. It was an effort in which the impetus for economic development was primarily driven by the private sector and for the first decade occurred without significant public investment.  Most of the funding for downtown improvements came from assessments on the property owners themselves, federal and state grants and fundraising campaigns. Tax assessments on the property owners continues in the 12 block Municipal Service Tax District (MSD) to fund public improvements.  

In reality, effecting positive change in Five Points requires going beyond the core retail/commercial area. The area in need is much greater with many more challenges. The poverty rate in this area is the highest in a four county area. Education and jobs skill training is a critical need. Many buildings have been lost, there are large vacant tracts, retail and commercial is lacking and the area is in need of private investment. A program of rehabilitation, infill construction, and encouraging owner-occupancy needs to be undertaken to strengthen the neighborhoods. Improved infrastructure is needed in the areas north of Broad Street, streets need to be widened, more derelict housing demolished and new homes constructed.

This is beyond Swiss Bear’s scope. Quite simply, we do not have the authority or responsibility to lead the charge. We are committed to working with the city, however, the leadership in developing a plan and carrying out the recommendations and implementation must come from the city.  Our elected City officials, in particular those whose Wards are in this area, must be committed to doing what it takes to effect positive change in the greater Five Points area. It  requires public improvements, development incentives, the City’s long term commitment to create a quality environment and provide the necessary infrastructure to attract and sustain investment. Private sector support and investors must believe that local government is committed to carrying out a long-range plan. It will also require the support and commitment from business owners and property owners in the greater Five Points area. They too must be committed to the long haul…in the best of circumstances, the change will be incremental and take many years as it did in the downtown.



Fortunately, under the leadership of City Manager, Mike Epperson, a new planning effort is underway for Five Points and surrounding neighborhoods. This is a new planning effort with the help of Goody Clancy, consultants from Boston, MA. Its purpose is to develop realistic and implementation-focused revitalization strategies for both the commercial and residential parts of the study area. If the City adopts the plan, which should be presented to the Board of Aldermen in the near future, and they commit to going forward to implement it, Swiss Bear is committed to partnering with the city and directing our energy on projects that will make this revitalization effort a success.

Your comments are appreciated.

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director

New Bern's Downtown Revitalization Effort: understanding the challenges

Since the state joined the Main Street Program in 1980 (developed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation) there have been many efforts by small  towns throughout North Carolina  to preserve their downtown's by pursuing economic revitalization initiatives.  These efforts have been aided by non-profit organizations who focus on downtown revitalization. Non-profit downtown redevelopment corporations, like Swiss Bear, have advantages that make them particularly appropriate by bringing in the private sector to partner with local government to serve as a catalyst in revitalization/preservation efforts.

New Bern’s downtown effort can best be appreciated by understanding the initial challenges and opportunities the community faced and had to address. 

·  What initiatives could be used to encourage businessmen, investors and developers to accept the risk and invest in an area that had experienced deterioration and decline? 

·  How could tenants and new shop owners be recruited? 

·  What incentives and strategies could be used to encourage the restoration and preservation of existing historically significant buildings?

·  How could the quality development of a 12 acre tract of waterfront property be achieved? 

·  How could community leaders, local officials and interested citizens achieve a synthesis that would promote the economic redevelopment of downtown New Bern while preserving its heritage?

The challenges were met and three decades later, New Bern’s downtown revitalization effort is a Main Street success story. This is due to many factors including involvement of local government officials, community leaders, investors willing to take the risk, an aggressive tourism program, development of a long-range revitalization plan and the dedication and commitment of the Swiss Bear organization.  These and other concentrated efforts focused on preservation and the economic development, helped create an environment that promotes tourism, attracts retirees, and other new residents and has intensified the sense of pride and community spirit in New Bern.

Susan Moffat Thomas

Executive Director   



Urban Renewal Tract

  

Broad Street

     

Middle Street