We demand that the City of Berkeley support the Berkeley Flea Market, now and in the future, by:
1. Providing vendors with the small business services they have advocated for, such as restrooms and marketing support; and
2. Guaranteeing them a permanent site at the Ashby BART station.
Why is this important?
The Berkeley Flea Market is the living legacy of historic South Berkeley's greatest strengths: the ethnic diversity, cultural creativity, and economic entrepreneurialism that has made it a distinctive and vital community since World War II. It continues the legacy of the South Berkeley Square district, beginning at Adeline and Woolsey, which was long the throbbing heart of non-white businesses before the BART station destroyed and scattered them. It is the cultural hub of South Berkeley for African Americans and others who come from around the region to shop, sell, and socialize.
This location may be threatened by the city’s plans for development of the Adeline corridor. The loss of this site would spell the loss of a unique multicultural community, the livelihoods it supports, and the legacy it continues – gone forever.
Please sign the petition to show your support of the Berkeley Flea Market in the Adeline corridor plan and any plans involving the Ashby BART station. We will also keep you informed of community meetings and gatherings.
