Ivy Jordan, A Waterfront Vendor, is Open to the new Waterfront Marketplace. she’s the Owner of Water’s Edge.
Flyer With Map Attached Distributed This Morning by City Employee.
A Cruise Ship with Almost 2,000 Passengers in Portland Today. Photo Taken from Munjoy Hill.
Brenna Wilson, Owner of Blocked, Amy Arsenault of Dancing Brushes Artstudio and Nini Devenney, a Painter of Watercolors on the Waterfront Today.
By Carol McCracken (Post # 2,603)
“I’m open to this idea,” said Ivy Jordan this afternoon on the waterfront. “I am leery of the move, but we’ll see. We will certainly see fewer people down there.” she said referring to the new green space that the city has designated for art vendors.
The new policy takes effect on Wednesday, June 1, 2016, although won’t be tested until the following day when a cruise ship carrying more than 1,000 passengers arrives in Portland for the day.
Andy Blake Believes the new “Waterfront Marketplace” is a Bad Idea.designated as a “Waterfront Marketplace.” Jordan, owner of Water’s Edge, was selling her jewelry near a cruise ship here for the day, despite the cold start to the Memorial Day Weekend.
“The city says it’s all about sidewalk safety. But it’s really about the retailers. They are paying rent and we aren’t,” she continued. “There are a lot of people upset about this move.” One of those upset about the relocation is Andy Blake. “It’s a bad idea We are good for the area. We help people by giving them directions and answering questions. If the City would charge us a fee to be here, I’d pay.”
“I’m sad about the move. I really don’t understand it,” said Amy Arsenault, an artist and teacher, owner of Dancing Brushes Art Studio. (See below left photo.)
Some of these vendors were surprised to hear the news of the new venue when they arrived on site this morning for the arrival of a large ship. A city employee came through and informed vendors of the change and distributed a leaflet providing details, Others heard by word of mouth.
Despite the nasty weather, the Old Port and Commercial Street were bustling with tourists in particular. Many were passengers on the cruise ship and others were visitors from out of town – such as Boston.
Please see previous post herein for more information on the new “Waterfront Marketplace.”