Outdoor market and bazaar a possibility in Cottonwood Shores

JARED FIELDS • PICAYUNE STAFF

COTTONWOOD SHORES — An outdoor market might soon sprout up off FM 2147 on the western end of the city.

Tentatively set to debut Oct. 28, the Castlerock Market and Art Bazaar could make Cottonwood Shores a new destination for vendors and shoppers.

“It gets down to one specific problem: vendors’ licenses,” said Mark Love, who presented the item to the city council during its Sept. 28 regular meeting. “We’d like you to issue a blanket permit to us, and we monitor all the people that come and participate.”

The agenda item was not marked for action, so no decision on permits was made during the meeting.

Mayor Donald Orr said the city would have an action item on the city’s next council meeting Oct. 2.

“I don’t think there is any basic objection from the city to bring in this type of environment,” Orr said.

Love’s proposal calls for the market to be placed on Castlerock Avenue where building that previously housed a coffee shop sits. The market will open each Saturday through Dec. 13, according to Love.

The building and the circle drive that served as a drive-through lane would be incorporated into the market. Booths, restrooms and parking also would be added to the property, Love said.

Also at the meeting, the city accepted the Cottonwood Shores Volunteer Fire Department’s signed contract. No action was taken on the contract; however, it would be signed by city officials.

The contract states the city will pay the department $33,000 for the upcoming fiscal year.

“We are going to work together on getting a contract negotiated … expeditiously,” said VFD President Judy Pace.

jared@thepicayune.com