“We noticed increasing problems with drainage around the market, and town council began to consider solutions,” Lawless said. “There was the risk of water damage to the timber structure of the market, so we want to be proactive about improving drainage.”

Several downspouts around the structure keep water too close to the wooden columns of the pavilion during rainy days, creating a risk of permanent damage to the timber. The downspouts also caused large puddles around the market, something both farmers and shoppers will have noticed over the past year. French drains would carry the water to the edge of the parking lot and away from the pavilion.

Leaking gutters will be repaired or replaced.  

Late last year the town issued a request for proposals from area contractors. At its January 22 meeting the council awarded a contract to Tocci Mid-Atlantic, a Scottsville area contractor. Lawless expects the work to begin and finish in February, depending on the weather.

“These improvements [will] keep the market in good condition to serve the farmers and shoppers of our region for years to come,” he said.