CLEVELAND — On Wednesday, the city of Cleveland announced that it will forgive three months worth of rental payments for tenants at the West Side Market 'in an effort to help further mitigate tenants’ financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic.'
Shortly after the pandemic started, the city announced in April that it would defer the April, May, and June rental payments for West Side Market tenants. Now those rental payments for April, May and June will be forgiven.
"We value our relationships with our tenants and encourage the public to patronize these small businesses," the city added in a statement.
The iconic market, which has been a showpiece for Cleveland tourism, has struggled in recent years even before the pandemic began. Electrical problems, that led to a worker being shocked, along with leaking ceilings, a moldy basement, and accusations of mismanagement by the city, have led longtime vendors to close up shop.
When 2020 began, the city reported a 30-percent vacancy rate in the market's main hall, while the spaces in the produce hall are only half-filled.
The West Side Market adjusted its hours of operation to Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. During hours of operation, customers can contact individual vendors to place an order and make arrangements for payment and pick up at one of the designated areas.
Designated pickup areas are the loading dock behind the main building entrance and on Lorain Avenue, along the North side of the main building. Both areas are available for 15-minute pick-up and drop-off. Arrangements must be made before pickup. Customers must contact each vendor directly to place an order.
Visit www.westsidemarket.org or call the market office at 216-664-3387 for more information.