Council approves half‑block street closure for June summer market after vendor and council questions

The St. Joseph City Council approved a street closure on First Avenue Northwest for a proposed Wright P and E summer market on June 1.

City staff presented the closure request and identified the closure area as a little over half a block from Ash Street to just before the entrance to the Saint Joseph Meat Market. The request sought closure from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. for vendor booths and market activities.

An applicant/organizer (speaker 7) told councilors the market has run at other locations for several years and that organizers planned 10-by-10 vendor spaces, up to 30 vendors in Saint Joseph for this initial run, restroom rentals and a cleanup plan after the event. "We mark off 10 by 10 spots for each vendor, to be selling their products," the applicant said. She added they had a wait list and would cap the event at a smaller scale in Saint Joseph for its first year.

Councilors asked detailed operational questions — about driveways, food trucks, parking, and coordination with the meat market — and one councilor voiced concern about the frequency of street closures during the summer, asking where the line should be drawn on weekend street closings. Supporters noted the market can be a boost to local small businesses.

After discussion, the motion to approve the street closure for June 1 carried on a voice vote.

Next steps: staff and the organizer will finalize logistics and coordination with affected businesses prior to the event.