CLEVELAND — If you have been to the West Side Market lately, you'll notice nothing has really changed, despite plans for renovations and a new power structure.
Aiman Abraham used to own multiple stands at the iconic facility. When he heard a nonprofit would be taking over day-to-day management from the city of Cleveland, he was hopeful change would come sooner so he could build back his business.
"Back in the day, it used to flow right away," he said of the customer activity. "[It would] get busy on a day like this."
Vendors tell 3News the market is "still transitioning" to the Cleveland Public Market Corporation (CPMC). The group was expected to take over early this year, but now, it's looking like it will be closer to April 1.
Mark and Minnie Zarefoss own Jim's Meats, with Mark hand-cutting the food in cuts like no other. He has been here for 40 years, but they may not be able to wait for the changes as they get closer to retirement.
"I think we have to see everything that plays [out], in part," Minnie explained.
In an ongoing theme of the last several years, vendors also say some issues need to be addressed right away, such as a lack of accessibility for the physically disabled, elevators that are often out or order, and periods with no running water. This continues as some merchants pay $1,000 a month in rent.
There are currently bids out for cleaning and pest control, and CPMC is looking to hire staff.
Shoppers like John Filidoro has been coming here for many years, sometimes bringing out-of-town guests. Change, he says, is good, but progress is slow.
"I'd actually to maybe see them lower the prices for people that do have the stands here, to make it more affordable here," he added. "That way, they can down pass the savings to the customers."
3News reached out to CPMC Executive Director Rosemary Mudry for comment on the transition and is awaiting a reply.