Cobb Recommends Approval for Church Farmers Market

MARIETTA — The Cobb Planning Commission voted unanimously Tuesday to recommend approval of a land-use permit to allow a north Cobb church to host a weekly farmers market.

Zoning staff had recommended approval for a temporary 24-month permit to St. Andrew United Methodist Church of Marietta, subject that the hours of operation are from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday only, along with other stipulations.

The Blackwell Farmers Market in the parking lot of the church at 3455 Canton Road will feature regional vendors selling produce, flowers, baked goods, meats, cheeses, handmade crafts and more.

The market’s purpose is “to provide fresh, high quality, local produce and food products from regional growers and small-scale farmers directly to the local consumer,” according to the market’s bylaws.

There will be between three to six volunteers who oversee the market each week as well as an on-site manager with specialized training, according to the church.

The market is expected to welcome approximately 100 to 200 people each Saturday, with free parking and restrooms available.

According to the church’s website, the farmers market opened June 22 and will continue through Sept. 28, with temporary hours from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. There are approximately 150 parking spaces available.

In a stipulation letter dated April 18, the church agreed there will be no deliveries on site, no loudspeakers used during the market, no open-flame cooking and that all vendors will comply with state and county health regulations.

The church agreed that the premises will be cleaned up within two hours of the market’s end and that participants who do not properly clean up their area will be fined.

Because the church is a nonprofit entity, no fees will be collected from the vendors, participants or customers, nor will money be collected from the sale of any goods provided by the church. However, donations to the church will be accepted.

With the market, the church said it aims to “create a vibrant and important social gathering place for the entire community and provide exposure to the many activities going on at St. Andrew U.M.C.”

At this time, the church is admitting new vendors.

More information about the farmers market can be found at blackwellfarmersmarket.com or @blackwellfarmersmarket on Instagram.

With the Planning Commission’s recommendation for approval, the Cobb Board of Commissioners will make a final decision about the market on Tuesday, July 16.