The High Point City Council voted unanimously on July 17 to approve a redevelopment plan that explicitly discourages farmers markets, arts markets, outdoor film screening, concerts and other public gatherings outside the city’s public library.
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Not once during the discussion did any member of council or staff mention that a Saturday-morning market currently operates in the parking lot of the library, or discuss where it might relocate considering that the preferred option doesn’t accommodate such uses. Nic Covington, an events programmer at the library, manages the Uptowne Market. On Saturday, patrons browsed a double row of tents featuring vendors selling photographs, produce, baked goods and coffee, among other goods. The market took up one lane of the parking lot, and even with market patrons parking their vehicles, the lot was still less than half full. There was no competition for parking from the library because it doesn’t open until noon on Saturdays — precisely when the market winds down. Renderings by Freeman Kennett Architects show how the library would look approaching from the north… 
… and from a bird’s eye view. 
Pick up a copy of Triad City Beat on Wednesday to read the full story.
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