When the horrible fire at Eastern Market occurred in April 2007, many were worried what would happen to the farmers, merchants and vendors who operated out of the Market.  This emergency was like none the neighborhood had ever before faced.  Space was identified and a suitable structure was chosen and the “East Hall’ was very quickly constructed on the Hine playground to accommodate interior merchants displaced from the fire ravaged South Hall.  Needing room for the displaced vendors and merchants during reconstruction, the one block stretch of 7th Street, SE from North Carolina Avenue to C Street, SE was closed on weekends only.  That allowed all of the usual daily and weekend activities to continue as the street was used as overflow space for farmers and arts and crafts and antiques vendors.  Vending space was assigned and no one who had been regularly selling at the Market prior to the fire was turned away.

Throughout the two years that the street has been closed to vehicular traffic on weekends, Councilmember Tommy Wells has received numerous comments from many who were thrilled that street was closed and from others just as strongly opposed to the road closure.  All the while, Councilmember Wells has maintained that the question of whether this practice should continue was one that should be taken directly to the public.  Toward that end, Councilmember Wells invites you to come out to a community meeting to be held on July 7, 2009 at 6:30 – 8:30 at Tyler Elementary School at 1001 G Street, SE. and share your thoughts, ideas and experiences as we discuss all aspects of this matter. Representatives from the District Department of Transportation, Public Space Management Administration and Office of Property Management current Market Manager will attend and be available to answer questions.