Fenton Street Market Shuts Down in November

When Fenton Street Market closes in November for the winter, it won't be returning in the spring, according to organizer Hannah McCann.

At about 7 p.m. on Monday a tweet read,"@FentonStMarket will close after Nov 12, a victim of MoCo's regulatory process. I hope you reconsider," signed by McCann.

Recently, Montgomery County has sent out an application asking for proposals from small businesses registered with Local Small Business Reserve Program. Businesses that qualify under the county guidelines can apply to use the Silver Spring Veterans Plaza.

It's unclear if Fenton Street Market organizer Hannah McCann will apply, and she declined to say so. But she did note that it was interesting the county is looking for a similar atmosphere offered by her market.

"They notice the market is a valuable use of the space," she added.

When the market first opened, it was given a discount rate of $48—to use the whole plaza each Saturday—but now organizers are being asked by the county to pay the regular rate of $1,200. The larger fee reflects an hourly rate of $125 to use half of the plaza.

Fenton Street Market supporters have shown their concern through an online petition and .

As of Oct. 10, written remarks in support of keeping the market open totaled 786 signatures.

However, after a review of their concerns in early July, had to pay the county fee. He explained that the Montgomery County Interagency Coordinating Board for Community Use of Public Facilities can't offer a fee to the Fenton Street Market that isn't offered to other groups.

In a recent interview with Patch, a spokesman for Montgomery County, Patrick Lacefield, said that equity was also a main concern.

The 45-page document outlines qualifications to apply and specifies that an outside market is preferred. A few of the qualifications include:

• The venue must offer artisans the opportunity to display and market their wares and products to the community.

• It must provide a festive community event which highlights the rich diversity of Silver Spring and an attractive family-friendly environment.

• Benefit local businesses participating in the market as well as businesses surrounding the market.

• The venue must contribute to the economic vitality of downtown Silver Spring and enhance the local tax base, offering low risk opportunities to small businesses while increasing the number of visitors.

• Complement and collaborate with, when appropriate, other activities and programs in the Civic Building and the Silver Spring area.