Urban farmer's market pops up in South Bend's West Side Save Email Print
Posted: 6:08 PM Sep 6, 2008
 Last Updated: 11:56 PM Sep 6, 2008
21 comments
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An empty parking lot turned into a Farmer’s Market today in South Bend.

Farmers and venders came out to LaSalle square Saturday.

The old shopping center on Bendix has seen better days and residents are trying to bring it back to life.

The people selling their produce hope to do some good there as well.

“There’s nothing in this area, it seems like they just keep taking everything away and not bringing anything back in,” explained Rosemary Wucsina, who took part in the Farmer’s Market.

“I'm hoping that they decide to keep this up because it seems to be really wonderful to the area,” she added.

Saturday’s market was sponsored by the South Bend Community Gardens Association and Botanical Society.
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Posted by: Willie Location: Niles on Sep 9, 2008 at 08:25 AM
I agree with both sides of the discussion here. I too grew up around that neighborhood and I think it's a great idea to try and bring back some sense of community and prosperity to the area. Unfortunately the cancer that is Beacon Heights has plunged the neighborhood into a downward spiral of crime and declining property values since its inception. All the retailers (Target, GL Perry, Kroger's, Payless, CVS, Noble Roman's, etc.) were chased out by the trash living there. Most of the aging homeowners who built the neighborhood have since moved, leaving it a blighted shell of the thriving community it once was. I, for one, would love to see a new generation of proud, hard-working, law-abiding homeowners take back their neighborhood. Good luck!
Posted by: Kat Location: Northwest side of South Bend on Sep 8, 2008 at 11:21 PM
LaSale Square is not the "West" side of South Bend! It is the Northwest!! Why can't the reporters at the Tribune and TV Stations look at a map before they make such statements.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 8, 2008 at 08:12 PM
Anon: neighbors make their blocks better because they drive out the bad people (like those who drive out drug dealers from their blocks). No one has ever improved their hood any other way. South Bend Resident: Good teens did not turn into bad teens because "programs were cut". Most teens don't become criminals just because their parents aren't home. That only happens for teens who were already mentally troubled.
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 8, 2008 at 08:09 PM
Myrt, people who don't live in those areas tend to have their eyes closed to the facts on the ground. People who had to live there were forced to know better. None of us wants to think bad things about people, but reality is reality and some of us had to face it. I just listened to some "young men" talking to a toddler and say, "ok, get on back in the house, ni----!" and the mom and everyone just treated it casually. This is every day life and every day folks in these parts. No, not every single last individual, but this is where it is. In answer to your next question, yes, we're moving soon - knowing we can't talk sensibly about this issue with people who never had to live there.
Posted by: carrie Location: SB on Sep 8, 2008 at 06:16 PM
To LCB, not all that live on that side of town are "animals". How ignorant of you to say that! There are plenty of hard working people that live over here!
Posted by: Anon Location: Here on Sep 8, 2008 at 03:10 PM
Don't listen to these people- nothing will change if WE don't changed it. I applaud the west side for bringing something good to the area. Beats having an empty parking lot. Ignore the ignorat posters and keep up the good work!
Posted by: Billie Location: South Bend on Sep 8, 2008 at 03:09 PM
I think this is a great idea. As a child, I grew up in that area and it was a wonderful place. It will be nice to see people going there again. And I think you could be robbed anywhere, so don't let that discourage any patrons!
Posted by: Myrt on Sep 8, 2008 at 12:22 PM
I live in Niles and I shopped the LaSalle Square all the time when Target was there and I NEVER had a problem with anyone - either in the store or in the parking lot. I still miss shopping there. Pam and Mr. Obvious should at least go check it out BEFORE slamming something which is a good thing for the west siders.
Posted by: South Bend Resident Location: SB on Sep 8, 2008 at 12:14 PM
Not all of the west side is bad. I've lived here all my life and it's not as bad as what people belive it is. The way the city keeps cutting after school programs, closing parks, ect what's left for teens to do. That's why so many of them are getting into trouble now. Also the problem is that both parents now have to work so more teens are being unsupervised. I think this is a great thing to have. More things need to come and make this side of town better.
Posted by: S Location: SB on Sep 8, 2008 at 12:08 PM
At least the West Side residents are trying to do some good in the community...a heck of a lot more than Mayor Luecke
Posted by: LCB on Sep 8, 2008 at 11:27 AM
I'd go if the probability weren't so high that I'd be robbed for stopping at the wrong stop sign. The animals in that part of town need to be put in their cages for good so that the majority of decent people can thrive.
Posted by: Ann Location: Westside-SB on Sep 8, 2008 at 10:51 AM
This is great. I will check this out. By the way Pam, I live on the westside and always have. Maybe you need to get an education so you too can be smarter. ignorance is bliss..
Posted by: Mel Location: SB on Sep 8, 2008 at 10:25 AM
Wish I'd known about it. Not all of us get the paper so I'm sure a lot of people weren't aware. Now that I know about it I definitely will make an attempt to go next weekend. I will also pass the word on about it. As for those of you who won't go to the west side, thank you, we don't want you here anyway. Stay on your side - like UP where you get mugged or robbed getting out of your car or Granger where everyone is in a hurry - cell phone to their ears - and running stop signs and red lights and causing wrecks. Anyway - thank you for whoever is starting this market on the west side - I'm sure it will be appreciated by many.
Posted by: Pam Location: Mishawaka on Sep 8, 2008 at 08:31 AM
This would be a good idea if it weren't for the high crime area. It won't be long before it or its patrons get robbed. There is a reason no one wants to go to the west side of SB too many thugs and not enough working class to sustain the area
Posted by: Mary on Sep 7, 2008 at 10:21 PM
I saw a sign for it, but didn't want to drive around to find it. I'll check it out next weekend. I hope they have decent prices!
Posted by: Karen Location: South Bend on Sep 7, 2008 at 08:36 PM
There were a couple of article sin the SB Tribune about this market and it is supposed to be on Saturdays through the end of September. I think it would be a great idea to have it move inside the old Payless store.
Posted by: Karen Location: South Bend on Sep 7, 2008 at 08:23 PM
Well Mr. Obvious (aka Mr. Clueless) you can just stay home. I will be riding my bike there next week. I bet I have more fun than you.
Posted by: Mr. Obvious on Sep 7, 2008 at 02:20 PM
Bad areas aren't bad because of oppression, lack of money, planetary alignment... bad areas are bad because bad people live there. If there are still bad people living in that area, nothing good will come of this. Find one instance in all of recorded history that is otherwise.
Posted by: raggedy Location: southbend on Sep 7, 2008 at 08:45 AM
Yea! we finally don't have to drive or take public transportation to buy fresh produce. eat right buy fresh foods ok but when they are miles away and so expensive what is a person to do. Thank you for doing this who ever thought of it
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 7, 2008 at 07:23 AM
Too bad no one had enough forethought to tell someone about it (like the radio stations, etc). My wife and I usually always buy from a local farmer, rather than buying from a store. You know when a farmer brings his goods to sell, its always fresh and is usually much better!
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 6, 2008 at 09:30 PM
this is a great idea! i will check it out next weekend, hopefully it will be there again
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