Parking changes coming to South of the James Farmers’ Market
The loop is being cut off.
Anyone that has been to the South of the James Farmers’ Market knows that the biggest hassle is the parking and getting in and out amongst what feels like 10,000 strollers, bicyclist, wandering children and dogs. In an effort to make it easier for everyone, driver and non-driver alike, Grow RVA announced today that they’re implementing a few changes.
Starting this Saturday, we are closing the “loop” at the bottom of the parking area closest to the market. As you are coming into the parking area, the left side of the parking lot from the pavilion down to the market will be filled with vendors parked cars and closed to moving vehicles during market hours. That will make this area safer for walkers and cyclists making their way to and from the market. The parking area on the right of the pavilion as you are coming in will remain customer parking however you will exit by going out the same way you came in without going through the loop. We will reserve the last 10 spaces (5 on each side) for handicap parking. See the map above. (it is not drawn to scale).
Image: Grow RVA
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Richard Hayes
When Richard isn’t rounding up neighborhood news, he’s likely watching soccer or chasing down the latest and greatest craft beer.
Notice: Comments that are not conducive to an interesting and thoughtful conversation may be removed at the editor’s discretion.
Definitely a welcomed change. Now someone just needs to convince the people who direct the traffic there to stop being such a-holes!
I never had a problem with parking until the people “directing” cars started. The time I lost it was when I could see spaces down in the loop and the directed me over to the grassy area. It then turned out that there were no spots in the grassy area and when I came out the tried to direct me back to the street and out of the parking lot. Even after I told them I was trying to come to the market and they still told me to go out of the parking lot. I almost did leave, but then just decided to ignore them and park in a loop spot.
I also wonder if this is just a ploy for them to get more vendor spaces. In any case the amount of parking will be significantly decreased, which will in turn put added pressure on the surrounding streets.
I agree with WHR. I think this is a ploy to get more vendor space and encroach even more into the neighborhood with traffic and parking problems. They were supposed to be working with the neighborhood and communicating with us about the traffic and other issues, but non of this change was communicated to us beforehand. This is the first I’ve heard of it.
It was a safety issue, not about adding more vendors.
Maybe if people learned how to not walk in the middle of the street and bring their unnecessary SUVs this wouldn’t be needed. Almost ran over 3 people last week that were utterly oblivious that a car was there and that they were in the street.
Has there been any discussion in regards to setting up temporary bike parking at the market? I live a block off the park so I see and experience the enormous amount of congestion from all the customers trying to get into the park. Encouraging biking would be a great way to try an alleviate the stress in those finding parking in an area with very limited space and also for home owners having walkways and cars blocked in.
Sounds like I’ll be parking even father away…Strike that. It’s really become too much of a hassle considering the other solid options nearby.
Interesting how this article begins describing the situation as though pedestrians who live in the neighborhood are a nuisance to those who drive in from elsewhere, clog up the streets and practically run us over. It’s been enough to keep me, my two year-old and our dog away from the market – two blocks from my house – all but one Saturday this season. Hope the new pattern makes it safer for those of us who actually live here to frequent what started as a really nice neighborhood event. To those commuting in, if we residents aren’t accommodating enough for your SUVs, feel free to start up a farmer’s market where you live.
We stopped trying to park in the lot a couple of years ago. Instead, we park a few blocks away and enjoy a nice walk to and from the market. Sure, it’s less convenient to carry a large watermelon for three or two or three extra blocks, but I enjoy the walk all the same. Besides, I would walk even farther for my weekly Mrs. Yoder’s doughnuts, King of Pops, and Alchemy Coffee!
More and better parking for bicycles would be a welcome addition to SOTJ. There should be a large section for bicycles closest to the vendors as an incentive to ditch the Escalade and pedal power to the front. Not run over people.
Sounds like the market has overgrown it’s spot. Perhaps encourage more bikes so SUV drivers can bitch about them and generally scale down.
It is a wonder that SoJ has gotten so big. It is a predictable inconvenience every Saturday. I had a city employee tell me what a terror it was for him to drive through on his way to fix a gas leak. People were cursing at him as he drove by in a city vehicle. It is really getting to be a safety issue beyond the park.
I don’t understand all of the venom against the pedestrians or the vehicles (from the locals or the visitors). We do commute in, on the infrequent times that we come to this particular market, but we park one or two blocks out to avoid the center of the mess and walk in (with a 3 year old) — again, avoiding walking in the middle of the street or in the middle of the parking lot. It’s not difficult to avoid, and trying to park or walk in the parking lot is insane. If you walk in the road, try one road over where the traffic isn’t so bad and just step to the side when a car comes along. Once you get near the entrance and want to avoid walking around cars in the parking lot, use the beautiful park where cars and trucks don’t offroad it. It’s a great market and a great time if you just use a little common sense.
Visitors, suck it up and respect the neighborhood. It’s not too much to ask you not to run over anyone while you’re trying to get fresh produce, I hope. Park farther out if things look too congested close in.
As for locals that have to deal with all of the traffic and parking issues, I feel for you. On the other hand, you are right beside a great, booming market where everyone else travels from near and far to experience it. It’s like complaining about the bars and restaurant scene when you live in the Fan. This is a good thing, there’s a great market right at your front door. Enjoy the popularity. I would imagine it has driven house values up a bit in the area, too.
Oh, and the new plan looks great!
We’re within perfect biking distance, but after one trip up on bikes last year, I won’t do it again until my kids are both more comfortable on two wheels. I was terrified someone was going to run over my firstborn. For now, we walk.
I do like the new parking setup, though.
I think they need to find some traffic/parking solutions, this is a very narrow corridor. Folks need to be encouraged to park farther away, and walk in.
2 ideas. First, build a dedicated bike corral. This is not an expensive improvement, and there is room. Solicit donations (cash or in-kind) from all the local neighborhood associations, cycling organizati0ns, etc., and get the city to match the amount. Second, the City should offer all property owners within 4 square blocks of the market the right to purchase, at a nominal fee, 2, (and only 2) “reserved homeowner parking” cones. Homeowners can then save their spot if they need to go out on Saturday morning. Many residents don’t have off-street parking. One of the biggest complaints I’ve heard is “having to park 2 blocks away from home after going to the grocery store.” Initiating these two small things would go a long way towards making the market what it is supposed to be, a great experience for shoppers and residents alike.
So many crabby comments. I appreciate the effort to make the market safe!
Parking solution 1 – Arrive early, 7:45 a.m. There is plenty of parking.
If you can’t get there early then parking solution 2 – relax, deep breaths before you leave your house. Tell yourself this is a fun event. If you find it is not a fun event then try solution 3.
Solution 3 – go to an alternative market or the grocery store.