THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, August 27, 1996 TAG: 9608270269
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY PAUL CLANCY, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: 43 lines
The city plans to erect tents in the parking lot next to the charred remains of the Farmer's Market so merchants can sell their produce to the public, city officials said Monday.
A major fire before dawn Friday destroyed about three-quarters of the complex, with estimated damage of $500,000 to $750,000.
``We're trying to make the best of a bad situation,'' said George Denice, the Beach's acting superintendent of the Farmer's Market.
Denice said several tents would be erected within the next few days to accommodate regional farmers.
The owners of adjoining stores that were harmed by the fire also will be able to sell under the tent, officials said.
Concerns include clearing broken glass and debris from the area of the fire to ensure safety, and supplying water and electricity.
Also, stores like Bergey's Dairy Farm and Joe's Meat Market will be able to sell their products from trucks.
There still will be entertainers, but instead of holding forth at the market's center circle, they'll be moved to the shed at the back of the market later this week.
Agriculture Director Louis E. Cullipher said farmers are ready now with seasonal vegetables like beans and greens and soon will have pumpkins, sweet potatoes, apples and fall flowering plants.
Cullipher is expected to brief the City Council today about the temporary plans.
As for the market's future - whether to rebuild at the present location at Dam Neck and Princess Anne roads or somewhere else, that will be up to the City Council, Cullipher said.
The Virginia Beach Fire Marshal's Office, which is investigating the fire, said there were no new developments Monday in determining how the fire started. ILLUSTRATION: FILE PHOTO
The fire, which began Thursday night, destroyed about three-quarters
of the complex. Damage may be as high as $750,000.
KEYWORDS: FIRE by CNB