Consumers Energy has finalized a one-year lease agreement for the city-owned parking lot on North River Road in Mount Clemens, Michigan, raising concerns for local farmers who have operated their market in that location for two decades. The lease, which began immediately and runs until 2026, will support gas infrastructure improvements in the area.
City officials rushed to approve the agreement, leaving little time for consultation with the Mount Clemens Farmers Market board. City Manager Gregg Shipman noted that the Farmers Market would prefer to remain in its established location. “They don’t want to change anything,” he stated.
The Farmers Market is a staple of the community, attracting hundreds of visitors each Saturday from May through November. Farmers selling fresh produce and artisan goods have utilized the North River Road site, which has become a landmark in the area. With the new lease, the city plans to relocate the market to a parking lot behind the Anton Art Center downtown in 2026, waiving the usual $2,000 lease fee to support the organization.
However, many farmers were unaware of the proposed move until contacted by a reporter from the Macomb Daily. One farmer, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed frustration, stating, “We were unaware of this new interest in wanting us to move.”
The Mount Clemens Farmers Market has established itself on North River Road, a scenic route between Interstate 94 and Gratiot Avenue. The market’s shed, often referred to as the “Red Barn,” serves as a local landmark. Earlier this year, the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) had also expressed interest in renting the same lot for a temporary laydown yard during a nearby water construction project, but ultimately chose a different location.
Consumers Energy will pay the city $104,000 for the lease, with an option to extend the agreement on a month-to-month basis for $8,000 per month. City officials assert that this deal will benefit local shoppers and generate revenue for the city while supporting essential infrastructure upgrades.
Despite these assertions, farmers are concerned about the logistics of moving downtown. They question whether the proposed parking lot can accommodate their average of 40 booths and display areas. “If it’s not an improvement, it makes no sense,” said one farmer.
Commissioner Jill Towner Yore expressed discontent with the lack of input from the farmers prior to the vote on the lease. “I was concerned about voting on something when the city hadn’t brought in the stakeholders together to understand,” she remarked.
In response, Mayor Laura Kropp emphasized that the Farmers Market would benefit from increased foot traffic in the downtown area. She mentioned potential marketing efforts, including sandwich board signs around the district to promote the market’s relocation.
As the city prepares for the transition, some residents have voiced concerns about the potential aesthetic impact of increased traffic from the Consumers Energy project. “It’s a nice road, it’s a nice drive,” Yore noted, highlighting the area’s appeal.
City officials have pledged to address any complaints that arise during the lease period and to ensure that the Farmers Market continues to thrive in its new location. As preparations move forward, the farmers are left to consider the future of their longstanding market and its place in the community.
