Live on the Lawn

Moving looks like the ideal choice. WSM is not an ordinary business. Unfortunatley, as long as they have to answer to a landlord (especially a stubborn, capricious, closed-minded one) their potential is limited. Plus, every day the Market is a paying tenant at Carr Mill, people who have no regard for our community are profiting from us. Those are two major problems, and even if Carrboro took the lawn via eminent domain, neither would be solved.

My number one choice would be the Andrews-Riggsbee Hardware lot on S. Greensboro Street. It's closest to their current spot, Open Eye is next door, and it's away from busy intersections. Riggsbee-Hinson furniture could work, but Main Street is already a traffic bottleneck, and doesn't seem like a very peaceful or lawn-friendly spot. Chapel Hill lot #5 isn't bad, but I'd rather see WSM stay in Carrboro. In Carrboro, the town sees them as a vital element. In CH, they'd be just another business to neglect or mishandle.

Yeah. Weaver Street Market needs a new home. Maybe I'm just daydreaming - I do that a lot. Nice dream, though.

Keith, if WSM did move to Chapel Hill, I'm fairly sure that local leaders would be or rise to be good stewards. There's other "possible" sites but if you look at the current location at the crossroads or centroid of Carrboro's downtown - the "pattern logic" of its community utility makes great sense.

To integrate WSM into lot #5, we'd have to look at moving the locus of Chapel Hill's downtown energy, so to speak, towards the lot. One of the problems with our Council's current redevelopment plan is that the steps required to shift focus west along Franklin aren't part of it. To date (and, yes, I know the plan is in flux/under negotiation), it appears that shifting the center of downtown's gravity is more a hope of the redevelopment effort than a conscious decision - kind of a "if we build it, they will come".

That said, I think development on lot #5 could be integrated into a larger effort, the new Arts Common, University Square upgrades (ok, stop laughing), Rosemary St. improvements, Northside neighborhood changes, etc. that would shift downtown's attention west towards Carrboro.

It's a urban design miracle that WSM is what it is. WSM would be nearly impossible to recreate. When people leave this town, they often lament the loss of WSM. It is truly unique.

I think it would be easier to hit the goal of getting one man, Bruce, permission to "dance" under that tree he loves so much than to restructure town. My retort to Carr Mill about Bruce:

1. He doesn't wreck the lawn.
2. He is silent.
3. He doesn't bother anyone.

In the cases of eminent domain I'm familiar with-- which are few-- the way "fair market value" generally seems to be decided isn't to figure it as part of the property as it currently exists, nor is the depreciation to the remaining property considered. Hack it off and figure its value as a 1/2 to an acre of undeveloped land in downtown Carrboro considering its zoning and other limitations... the fact that I have heard of these cases could simply indicate that they were unjust anomalies.

Outside of eminent domain, it would seem it's value would be what its owners say it is.

I'm with Kimo. The idea of moving the market and creating a new space that has all the assets of the current space seems even more unlikely thank convincing one man to change his mind about another.

"I'm with Kimo. The idea of moving the market and creating a new space that has all the assets of the current space seems even more unlikely thank convincing one man to change his mind about another. "

One would hope so, but given Nathan's reported history of being intractable, that actually may be the dream. Besides, it seems like there has been a history of animosity and conflict here, and that moving may be a forgone conclusion at some point anyway. It would seem that in the long run, owning its own property may be in the best interest of the co-op.

In the end remaining in Carrboro would be ideal. CH's history at supporting unique business needs is spotty at best and they are occasionally prone to knee jerk reactions. And not to impinge upon the abilities of those in charge of the lot 5 development project, but if it is handle anywhere even near as poorly as the lot 1 Rosemary St. Parking Deck project was by the Town of CH, I wouldn't want to see my co-op in the middle of it.

In the end, I just want to walk in to my co-op to shop or hang around without having to worry about being harrassed about the way I'm moving... or to feel my money is supporting a facsist or potential racist.

There are many ways to measure the success of a coop. If WSM were to build their own building, membership costs would increase unless they move out of downtown. Just last year the board proposed a doubling (?) of membership fees and the membership rebelled. Since the purpose of the coop is to make sure we all have good quality, ethically produced food for a reasonable cost, I would not like to see the coop take on expenses that would make the cost of membership prohibitive to those on restricted budgets. But what were the problems that increased membership was intended to address?

If I were on the board of WSM, I'd be feeling incredibly frustrated by this whole discussion. After years of lackadaisical interest in coop management by the membership, suddenly one high profile incidence has generated a lot of criticism. The fact is that so many were surprised about the tenuous relationship between mall management and the coop means to me that we've defaulted on the ownership involvement concept of a cooperative. Instead of calling for the market to move, I would like to see more members asking what they, as owners, can do to help instead of just criticizing or proposing radical ideas like moving to Chapel Hill.

Terri--
I have been interested how WSM has been run before this incident. I have several questions about how WSM is run, but distance has been a factor as well as a lack of responsiveness from management. I doubt my wife or I could be elected to the board seems so few of the WSM "insiders" know much about us. Opportunities for involvment are often not timely or are poorly advertised. For years, we didn't recieve our mailings despite numerous complaints. Sometimes we would get them for a month or two, and then they would stop again. Our suggestions in their suggestion box go unresponded to despite including all forms of contact info. Despite being members for 9-10 years, it was only about 3 years ago that I even knew that members recieved a yearly update. A couple of times, when we've emailed with serious questions, their response has been polite, slightly condesending, and basically unconcerned with the possibility of losing members who don't agree with them.

For examlpe, one of our more recent concerns has been the limiting of their FUNDS program geographically. We are excluded from applying for money that we contribute to because we are a couple of miles out of their arbitrarily designated qualifying area, whereas the qualifications should be more like "projects that demonstratably benefit the larger WSM community." There response was basically: yeah, thanks, you may be right, we'll look in to that next year. Given that response and the short application time, one gets the impression that they already have some idea of who they intend to recieve those funds. (I've had some questions about potential nepotism in the past).

As far as the talk of raising membership fees, this really seems unreasonable considering the amount of money they are spending on projects that are not central to their mission or only benefit a small portion of their community. In fact, I think members should be recieving bigger discounts or discounts on a wider variety of products instead of supporting some of these projects... How many buildings does WSM currently own that are not being used to further its core mission? Two?

I'm not sure if these concerns are a result of WSM management or the board, but I'm not feeling particularly sorry for any of them. One would think that anything that increased owner interest would be a welcome opportunity to educate the owners and cultivate involement. We had concidered giving up our membership, but have decided a bigger stick would be to threaten MORE involvement....

...and still no response to three emails and a suggestion box submission questioning the current situation.

... not to mention, how much money are we going to spend remodling a building we don't own (CMM)?

Over on YouTube is a video I shot and edited of the DanceIn protest. (5min 40sec) It mostly includes people talking about what had happened up to that point. The most beautiful part of the video are the words of Bruce himself.

For more of that community magic...

We're Alive on the Lawn!

Same time, same place, same dance… let Carr Mill know that we're still here. Bring your friends, musical instruments--- and your dancing shoes!

WSM lawn, Wednesday, August 30th 5:30 PM, the Carrboro community dances back!

Please forward widely.

I just talked to Bruce and his thoughts were that it might be more effective to do something like a silent dance-in tomorrow. In keeping with some of the discussion we had last Sunday nite at the public meeting, this could allow us to show we are still here, but throw them off in terms of what to expect.....what do folks think??

Also, notes from Sunday's meeting should be available on the wiki later today...for people who were not there, there will be another meeting this Sunday at 7pm at 116 Old Pittsboro Rd to continue talking about strategy and how we proceed.)

Michal

A democratic mechanism that could address activity on CMM property would be the formation of a CMM Business Tenants Board with reps from each tenant. They could decide what kind of activity they feel creates problems for their respective enterprises.

Barry Saunders, in today's N & O, wrote about a group of disabled adults being told not to dance at a concert given at the American Tobacco Complex in Durham...ironic...

I am hoping to start a short water-only fast for health tomorrow. I would be willing to consider extending it and calling it a "hunger strike", if I didn't have to help my wife make a living, and there were some others willing to join in. I have met very few people who wouldn't benefit from a good fast, and it would be an appropriate if somewhat over-the-top protest considering I don't feel welcome to visit our own food co-op because of potential harassment by mall officials. It could certainly add an element of urgency to the issue. A silent protest would be more in keeping with the meditative idea of mindful movement but would exclude other so-called performers...

"considering I don't feel welcome to visit our own food co-op because of potential harassment by mall officials." (tony a )

This sums up where the Elinoff family is in terms of WSM. Ever since this happened, I have not felt comfortable patronizing any of the CMM tenants. Call it a boycott if you will, but it's almost involuntary on my part. I just don't want to go - unless for a specific purpose. And this breaks my heart, it really does - I had such soft and squishy feelings about my community there.

A silent dance in would be excellent I think - a nice way to express unity - speaking softly and carrying a big sack of boogie-down. How's that.

In terms of moving WSM, my dear spouse points out they may well be in the hole a good bit considering the renovations that have gone on there, not least of which is Panzanella. Anybody have any numbers on that?

"Call it a boycott if you will, but it's almost involuntary on my part. I just don't want to go - unless for a specific purpose. And this breaks my heart, it really does - I had such soft and squishy feelings about my community there." (Amy E)

Exactly, that is why despite distance and management concerns, we have maintained our membership...

"In terms of moving WSM, my dear spouse points out they may well be in the hole a good bit considering the renovations that have gone on there, not least of which is Panzanella." (Amy E)

That may be true, and WSM really IS in the perfect location, but it would seem that continuing to improve Carr Mill Mall at WSM expense given the capricious nature of the relationship with CMM is unsustainable. At some point you have to quit pouring money into a hole, and unless WSM could negotiate itself one heck of a lease (doubtful considering Ruffin's take on things and his apparent lack of negotiating skills and/or Nathan's retractability), it seems the capricious nature of the relationship will continue. Also, last I knew, WSM had a property or two it could divest itself of...

I know one thing, the owners aren't being advised or consulted about any of these issues. Does anyone know if the board is?

From Ruffin's Looking Ahead to 2006.

General financial condition:

One of our major goals in the coming year is to protect the co-op's financial position in the face of increased competition with the arrival of Earthfare. I'm happy to report that 10 weeks into our new fiscal year our sales continue to be strong. As of this writing, our sales are up 14% at Southern Village and 6% at Carrboro (as well as being up 12% at Panzanella) when compared to last year.

Community service:

One of our most important services is our enjoyable public space and frequent events.

Role of owners:

The loyalty of Weaver Street Market's owners to our co-op is the key to our success.

....

It makes a big difference each time you choose to shop at Weaver Street Market. We don't have outside investors providing capital, but we do have the support of our community of owners. Every shopping trip you make here and not elsewhere is important; every product you purchase here and not elsewhere is significant–we rely on your business.

The board elections are in election, though applications are due Sept. 19th, 9PM. Any member in good standing for one year can run for the Board.

Speaking of applications, the License for the Lawn [PDF] is now available online.

2nd page of application:

CARR MILL MALL “LIVE ON THE LAWN” PERFORMERS PROGRAM
Performers are welcome to perform on the Carr Mill Mall's “Live on the Lawn” Program. Performers must receive written approval in advance for any performance. Weaver Street Market coordinates the Carr Mill Lawn Performers Program on behalf of Carr Mill Mall. Interested performers and queries about the program should be directed to the Performance Coordinator at perform@weaverstreetmarket.coop or (919) 913-1588.

LIVE ON THE LAWN GUIDELINES:
1. Performers include musicians, dancers, jugglers, magicians or other performance types approved by Carr Mill Mall.
2. Available performance times are one hour slots from 9 am-8:30 pm on weekends and from 6 pm-8:30 pm on weekdays, so as not to disrupt office tenants. The season runs from April 1-October 31. [THERE'S A SEASON? ] Performers may perform up to one time per week as long as this frequency doesn't prevent others from performing.
3. Performers must receive written approval in advance for any performance. Performance/events may occur only in the location and time designated in the written approval notice, which must be in the possession of the performer during the performance. Carr Mill reserves the right to preempt performance due to unforeseen circumstances.
4. Performance/events should be directed to a family audience [ G, PG or PG-13 ? ] and must refrain from offensive conduct or language.
5. Amplification can only be used when specifically approved. Volume must be turned down when requested by Carr Mill staff or Performance Coordinator.
6. Performers under the age of 18 years must have a parent or guardian co-sign the application form. Performers under the age of 16 years must have a responsible adult accompanying them at all times while performing.
7. Performers must conduct themselves in a safe and professional manner and not obstruct or inconvenience the safety and enjoyment of Carr Mill Mall tenants, customers and visitors.
8. Performers must follow all Carr Mill Rules and fully cooperate with Carr Mill staff and the Performance Coordinators and abide by their judgments. [ WHAT ARE THESE RULES? ]
9. Performers must obtain all permits, licenses, and performance rights to material presented.
10. Performers may not receive donations for their performance, nor sell or distribute products or merchandise.
11. Carr Mill Mall reserves the right to halt performances that restrict or disrupt the normal business activity, safety or enjoyment of Carr Mill tenants, customers and visitors.
12. Carr Mill Mall reserves the right to modify these guidelines at any time.
13. Performers should bring everything they need for their performance. No equipment will be provided.

No wonder it took so long to see these rules in print! This seems to go beyond controlling the lawn to controlling the spirit.
I have read all of the comments on all of the threads and haven't commented because nearly everyone else expressed my thoughts so well. I enjoyed seeing Bruce on the lawn and don't see the connection between the the alleged problems and only and specifically Bruce.
That said, I wonder if it is Nathan who has backed himself into a corner or if he has been forced into this role by mgmt (which I doubt-if the MD concern was going to micro-mangage they would have before now). So, if Nathan has backed himself into a corner what would help him to get out and save face? Maybe situations shouldn't come down to that, but, in reality, often times they do.
I don't pretend to have the answer. Has anyone contacted the MD owners directly to advise them that Nathan's need for control has spiraled out of control. If no one has, I would be happy to do it.

The discussion and Footloose movie on Sunday night, I felt, was a success. At the event, I didn't get a chance to publicly thank the OWASA precinct Democrats (Owls) who co-sponsored the event and the County Democrats (Donkeys) who then lent us the projector. I would also like to thank our mayor Mark Chilton from whom I originally got the idea of showing the footloose movie while we were chatting at the Weave the morning the Footloose Bruce story broke in the Chapel Hill Herald.

I've included in the wiki the general minutes of the public/community meeting at the WITT from August 27. Please visit and edit in corrections or additions. Please try to have a username if you do this. In this way we may better engage with eaach other about our contributions.

http://grassroots.wikia.com/wiki/Moving_with_Footloose_Bruce

Thanks WillR...

"... I'm happy to report that 10 weeks into our new fiscal year our sales continue to be strong. As of this writing, our sales are up 14% at Southern Village and 6% at Carrboro (as well as being up 12% at Panzanella) when compared to last year."

This indicates that WSM is in decent financial shape, esp. since they are talking expansion...

"One of our most important services is our enjoyable public space and frequent events."

Oops. I guess the public space wasn't really ours to enjoy.

And I guess the answer to my question is that "dancing" and "performance" are whatever Nathan and CMM staff say they are. That's convenient. If there is one black man whose prensence they don't like, they can call whatever he's doing a "performance". If there are a 150 people dancing on the lawn-- and they don't want to deal with the hassle--CMM can say its a "protest" instead of a "performance" and ignore it.

If my 3 1/2 yr old daughter wants to be Angelina Ballerina on the lawn I guess we need to sign her up. Wait a second, the application says I must "co-sign" it. Will my signiture alone be enough or does she have to learn to sign her own name? And I guess its a moot point if there is already anyone else doing any "performing".

What are the consequences for not following these rules: warning, expulsion, arrest?

"Nathan's need for control has spiraled out of control." (Del Snow)

From what I 've heard, Nathan's need to control has always been out of control (Napolean complex?). This is apparently just one of the tighter corners he's painted himself into...

Any WSM owners interested in supporting a darkhorse gadfly in a run for the board?

has anyone noticed that the live on the lawn program is NOT in effect for 5 months out of the year (late fall, winter, early spring). there are also no thursday and sunday events then, so in effect there will be NO DANCING for 5 months.

not looking forward to this bleak winter :(

see ya'll this wednesday afternoon,

gabriel

A Response to “Live on the Lawn” and Ruffin Slater's Letter

To whom it may concern:

We, residents of Carrboro, and consumer-owners of WSM-- are grateful for the letter issued by the general manager of Weaver Street Market explaining the difficult situation WSM finds itself in when dealing with this matter. However, there were several core issues and concerns we feel his letter, and the continued policies on the lawn, have not adequately addressed.

First, while we are not interested in accusing individuals like Nathan Milian of racism, to the best of our knowledge, to this day the only people who have been banned, and asked not to dance are African American. Regardless of the intention of individuals involved, this is defacto discrimination.

Second, beyond racial discrimination, we believe that Carr Mill Mall is treading on dangerous ground when they begin to differentially allow people who look and act a certain way to dance, whereas others, who do not fit within their comfort zones are banned. Along with Ruffin Slater, Weaver Street Market, and Bruce Thomas himself, we agree that this issue is not about Bruce. And that it is about much larger issues. However, we differ on what those “other issues” are. We are fundamentally concerned about the kind of community we have if we allow and tacitly support discrimination. Questions about deciding what is and is not appropriate movement, what classifies as dancing and what doesn't, as well as who is and who isn't seen as violating this—raises several concerns in this regard. While we do not want jeopardize Weaver Street Lawn activities—especially the Thursdays and Sundays events we hold dear---we are not willing to support them if it means also supporting discriminatory practices.

Many others have continued to dance and they have not been asked to leave. While at the moment it might seem better to maintain some lawn privileges by hoping that we can redress these particular instances of discrimination on a case by case basis—as WSM has suggested we do for Bruce— we believe the implications of this approach are quite frightening. It implies that property owners who benefit from offering a quasi-public space ought to simultaneously exercise their de jure right to discriminate and choose who is and is not acceptable. Discrimination in such an environment is unacceptable.

Third, we support Carr Mill Mall's efforts to ensure public safety and a convivial atmosphere for its tenants and customers. In particular, illegal activities like public drunkenness, drug use and shoplifting should not be tolerated. However, it is not appropriate to profile certain people as being more prone to engage in these sorts of activities. This amounts to preemptive actions that, like racial profiling, often result in unwarranted harassment and discrimination. (Considering the current climate in this country and throughout the world in this regard, the presence of this behavior in Carrboro is particularly disturbing).

Fourth, the fact that the WSM lawn happens to be private property does not negate our constitutional rights. These include prohibitions against discrimination and guarantees to freedom of expression. Forty years ago, residents of this community struggled to end discrimination in public accommodations. Regardless of the legal rights of private property owners, morally and ethically as residents of this community we cannot allow Carrboro to go backward. Should Carr Mill Mall persist with the current policy, we will use our power as consumers and as residents to press for change.

Finally, while we understand that private property is something Americans hold very dear, we also recognize that it is the community that ensures the right to private property and that sustains whatever economic value such property might hold. We feel it is no small matter that the banning of these individuals is one among a number of steps Carr Mill has taken to rid the lawn of its role as the functional commons of Carrboro. Thus, we want to pose the question about how far we are willing to allow the rights of single and corporate property owners to override the collective good of the community from which they benefit.

Sincerely,

Michal Osterweil
Brian Russell

* We are planning to have copies of this statement at the silent dance-in today, and welcome anyone else who wants to add their name to this statement.

The Press Release for today's event:

*** Wednesday 30 August 5:30 pm** Weaver Street Market Lawn ***

The community silently dances back!

Carrboro, Orange County—In late July Carr Mill Mall manager Nathan Milian told Bruce Thomas and others that he could no longer dance on the "private property" of Weaver Street Market's lawn. Since that time, Carrboro residents have been discussing this mandate, what for most feels like a violation of their shared, public space. (For more details, please refer to the OrangeCountyPolitics story at http://orangepolitics.org/2006/08/live-on-the-lawn/ .)

On, August 22, 2006, Weaver Street Market and Carr Mill Mall jointly released their "solution" to this issue: a new program called "Live on the Lawn." These scheduled events will feature performers who apply at WSM. The performances will take place pending "approval" by Carr Mill Mall during the performance season which runs from April 1 until October 31. On August 23, 2006, the community responded when over 150 community members met on the lawn to dance, drum, and stomp to show their support for freedom of speech and expression in our town. (For coverage of the dance-in see http://www.newsobserver.com/102/story/478331.html).

No one was asked to leave.

On August 25, 2006, Weaver Street Market's general manager, Ruffin Slater addressed consumer owners with a statement concerning the market's stance (can be found at http://www.chapelhillnews.com/opinion/story/2997987p-9423172c.html ) which expresses Weaver Street Market's desire to negotiate with the Mall rather than lose further access to the lawn. While we appreciate this response, and the difficult situation Weaver Street Market finds itself in, members of the community have strong concerns about the implications of a private entity deciding what is and is not appropriate movement, what classifies as dancing and what doesn't, as well as who is and who isn't seen as violating these arbitrary classifications. "Citizens of this community and others in the US have fought for decades to end discrimination, we cannot allow these sorts of practices to persist in the heart of a community that prides itself on its creativity, openness and diversity" said Tamara Tal one of the community organizers. TODAY, August 30, 2006, the community of Carrboro will meet to silently dance and perform on the lawn to illustrate how the types of performances now banned by Carr Mill Mall are a non-disruptive and safe mechanism by which we engage fellow Carrboro Community Members.

Wednesday evening's events will include silent dancing, theater, and performance art on the lawn, and petitions to Weaver Street Market by its consumer-owners to reconsider its position.

EVENT DETAILS
WHEN: Wednesday, August 30, 2006 at 5:30 pm
WHERE: Weaver Street Market Lawn, 101 E. Weaver Street, Carrboro

MANY THANKS, Brian & Michal, for a very thoughtfully written, straightforward and on-target letter. It sums up most of my feelings very well (especially considering how tired I am of the many straw men arguments I've waded through on the range of topics this whole situation has brought up). I've been in Puerto Rico for the past 10 days, and was very sorry to miss the dance-in (& participation in this dialogue), but I was thrilled to find out it had taken place! I'll be there tonight.

The letter posted above by Michal came about from an open community discussion held in Carrboro before the screening of Footloose. (announced here) Many people attended. A few volunteered to work on this letter. You can find notes of the meeting here on the Carrboro Public Space wiki. We do not propose to speak for ALL of Carrboro but believe that many people share similar views.