Public market consultant optimistic about La Crosse’s ability to host one

As shopping malls and big box stores are closing or downsizing in towns such as La Crosse, the demand for year-round farmer-style markets appears to be growing.

Public market consultant Aaron Zaretsky met with a couple dozen La Crosse residents at City Hall Wednesday night, to discuss the funding and space requirements that would have to go into setting up such a market here.

Zaretsky says La Crosse is a “fantastic” location, and a good size to host a market, and attracts more than a million visitors a year.

Zaretsky already has conducted a study showing potential demand for a public market in the region.

This week, Zaretsky has looked at eight possible sites in the metro area where a market could be developed.

That number may be narrowed down to three by the weekend, with a preferred location to be examined further.

A market probably would need three years to develop before it would open for business.