CLEVELAND — Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb released proposed legislation that would make a number of changes to the city’s venerable West Side Market.
The market, which the city says has a 32% vacancy rate, has encountered mechanical issues over the years, including a number of power outages that force vendors to close. As part of the legislation being introduced Monday to Cleveland City Council, officials will be allowed to collect donations to promote the market.
“The proposed changes seek to close the gap and set the stage for growth at the West Side Market with fairer and flexible lease agreements for all. The proposed legislation opens the door to new opportunities for growth, providing security to our existing vendors and flexibility to attract seasonal vendors to the market,” Bibb said.
The ordinance calls for the following:
- Hold rent rates at their 2020 levels for 2022 and cap annual rent increases to no more than a 3% increase in future years
- Allow the City to enter leases for up to three years with one, three-year option to renew. Currently, the City is not permitted to enter leases for longer than one year at a time, which prevents some businesses from securing financing and is a disincentive for those who may want to invest in their space
- Permit short-term leases, which would allow the West Side Market to consider daily pop-up events, seasonal vendors, and food trucks
- Charge prepared food vendors the same rate as traditional (butcher, meat, vegetable) vendors. Currently, prepared food vendors pay a 60% premium on space compared to traditional vendors
- Repeal the City of Cleveland ordinance that prohibits alcohol sales at West Side Market stands
