Community Calls for Support Following Alleged Permit Violations

Mary Alice Reporting –

Community members turned up at Thursday’s council meeting showing support for the Uhrichsville Farmer’s Market and the Christkindle Market following unproven violations reported by a committee.

At the March 28^th City of Uhrichsville meeting, the Safety, Health, and Services Committee listed supposed violations that occurred naming a stage blocking the roadway, open fire pits in the street, and more.

In a roomful of community members, it was noted how hard the women behind the markets work to ensure family friendly and law abiding events are hosted.

Laura Gray, Farmer’s Market Board of Director’s member, pointed out their shock and sadness over downtown events, approved in 2023, being retroactively brought into question over unconfirmed violations, and if proof cannot be provided, they asked the report be retracted.

“The Farmer’s Market followed all protocol requested by the city at the time of events. We know of no laws, regulations, or ordinances that were violated at events held by UFM in 2023. No member of the UFM board of directors was notified of alleged violations prior to the publication of the [committee’s] report.”

Some speakers questioned why the committee would not turn to the Uhrichsville police or fire departments related to permit questions, and others noted these markets have helped their businesses.

A consensus was made that the city needs to work with its community to create a better space for those who live, work, and visit Uhrichsville, as was said by Grit and Glitz founding member Cassie Brown.

“With the bad press, with the lack of communication regardless of who it’s from is causing issues because the rhetoric is once again, well that’s just Uhrichsville. I do not ascribe to that. I do not believe in that. I am not pointing fingers at anybody, what I’m asking is that you need to start coming together and working with the resources that we have.”

The only comment made by administration was from Councilman Matt Fox, who agreed on a working relationship and pointed out, primarily for Government class students in attendance, that there were ordinances, resolutions, and state and city laws on the books that need to be followed. Council’s president said more research was needed before a response.