‘Respect the Pillow’
LANE COUNTY OFFICIALS USE THE POWER OF THE PILLOW TO GIVE FREE SPEECH PLAZA VENDORS THEIR CANOPIES BACK.
FREE SPEECH PLAZA VENDORS SUCCESSFULLY NEGOTIATED TO KEEP THEIR CANOPIES
By: Bentley Freeman
Published on: 5/25/23
The words “Respect the pillow” echoed in the Farmers Market Pavillion on 8th and Oak during a town hall meeting between community vendors, a representative from the Lane County Farmers Market, Lane County officials, Eugene Police Department officers and a Eugene Springfield Fire marshal.
Vendors were invited to gather in the downtown pavilion on May 10 to openly discuss their frustrations with the recent enforcement of certain rules regarding the use of canopies. Currently, according to the city of Eugene’s website, vendors with Downtown Activity Zone (DAZ) permits are prohibited from erecting canopies. “It’s a safety concern,” says Eugene Springfield Fire Marshal Travis Worthington.
The plaza is owned by Lane County but is allowed to be utilized by DAZ permit holders through an Intergovernmental Agreement with the city of Eugene.
DAZ permits, which began being issued by the city of Eugene for $25 three years ago, allow holders to vend on Saturdays, according to a city of Eugene spokesperson, for up to a year before renewal. EPD and the fire department enforce all rules associated with the permit.
Read more on Eugene Weekly’s website here.