Taos County grants easement to farmers market for adjacent three-acre site

The commission voted unanimously to grant an easement to the Taos County Farmers Market to use the courthouse access drive and adjacent 3.14-acre parcel for market access, parking on market days, and future event space. County staff and market leaders described the arrangement as an easement in support of a lease-to-purchase plan the market has pursued for the neighboring property.

Doug, who identified himself as president of the farmers market, said the market has transitioned to a 501(c)(3) and plans to develop the adjacent property as a permanent market and event space with pedestrian connections to the Rio Fernando trail. He said vendors would arrive early and customers would use the county parking lot, reducing on-street parking and safety concerns. The market's short-term plan is grading and gravel; long-term surfacing remains undetermined and dependent on fundraising and costs.

Commissioners asked for details on access and environmental impacts. Commissioner Brush recommended coordination with the Rio Fernando collaborative to mitigate runoff and river impacts if paving is considered. Staff and market leaders said they plan to keep emergency access clear and use the county lot for customer parking; the easement will be tied to the market's use of the property.

The commission approved the easement by unanimous vote. Commissioners and staff noted the market brings visitors and sales tax revenue to the county and that the arrangement could host other community events in partnership with the county in the future.