This is the second article in a series that began last Thursday. In early 2005, the results of a market study for the Columbia Market House were revealed. In this week’s installation of this series are listed the consultant’s presentation of the Goals of a Revitalized Columbia Public Market.

1. Generate Economic Activity … The market holds tremendous potential for incubating small businesses and for ‘throwing off’ economic activity both in the market and the surrounding area. Columbia’s downtown retail area is poised for a renaissance and the market, “properly done,” will be a major catalyst for further downtown revitalization.
2. Help Small Businesses … Because it takes relatively little start up capital to open a business in a public market, and because many can be operated by one person – small businesses which could not normally afford a storefront on Locust Street, for instance, are attracted to the market opportunity.
3. Support Local Businesses and Artisans … Markets are natural centers for rebuilding local economies. The market should seek out locally owned businesses and prohibit chain stores and franchises.
4. Create a Great Public Space and Amenity … Columbia needs more public spaces that are true gathering places for the community. The market and the area surrounding it should be thought of as a market square – not just a parking lot.
5. Create a fresh food shopping destination for residents … Markets are often cited as one of the most cherished amenities by local residents. Columbia citizens who enjoy the market experience are now traveling our of the borough and taking their dollars with them.
6. Bring People Together … The ‘social ecology’ of a market is age old – and one of the most enjoyable aspects of a public market. They are not just places to buy and to sell, but to mingle with neighbors and get to know people better in s shared experience.
7. Create a Focal Point of Civic Life … There are many ‘communities’ within the Borough – religious, ethnic, racial, economic and the like – the market is the natural place for all to come together and to add to the richness of the public realm.
8. Be Self Sustaining … Renew the market to be operationally self-sustaining after an initial start-up period.

Columbia news, views & reviews will delve into these findings over the next several weeks on Thursdays.