The Sound of Ideas Community Tour: Future of West Side Market

By Rachel Rood

Published February 3, 2020 at 2:31 PM EST

Panelists discuss the future of the West Side Market at The Sound of Ideas Community Tour. [Pat Miller / ideastream]

The size and passion of the crowd at The Sound of Ideas Community Tour conversation about the future of the West Side Market proves that the community cares deeply about the health of the landmark institution. Should Cleveland continue to manage it or step aside? The city's Chief Operating Officer Darnell Brown said, "The model that works best is for the City to own and operate the market." Brown didn't have much support on that point from patrons and vendors like Amanda Czuchraj, folks who worry about vacancies, infrastructure problems and a lack of marketing. We discuss on The Sound of Ideas Community Tour at Market Garden Brewery.

-Darnell Brown, Chief Operating Officer, City of Cleveland

-Don Whitaker, Owner, DW Whitaker Meats & President, United West Side Market Tenants Association

-Amanda Dempsey, Community Engagement and Events Director, Mitchell's Ice Cream and Former Manager, West Side Market & formerly with Ohio City Incorporated

-Kerry McCormack, Cleveland City Councilperson (Ward 3)

-Rocco Whalen, Chef & Owner, Fahrenheit Restaurant

-Amanda Czuchraj, Manager, J&J Czuchraj Meats & Board Member, United West Side Market Tenants Association