RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — The Forest Hill Neighborhood adores the South of the James Farmer’s Market. However, they do have some concerns about safety after several accidents.
“We have had pets that have gotten hit; we had at least one person who had her car totaled, a lot of mirrors knocked off,” says Pamela Willard.
Willard says driver’s race down New Kent Avenue blowing through the stop sign.
“A lot of times people do not stop at the stop sign, they will come to rolling stop,” explains Willard.
Drivers use the 25 mph street as a cut through to the South of the James Farmers Market in Forest Hill Park. Two weekends ago, someone heading to the market sideswiped Willard’s Lexus.
Willard describes the damage, “There were dents and paint, almost like another white car hit me.”
Her car is now in the shop for repairs — the bill nearly $2,000.
Willard’s not the only one concerned. Others tell us they’re now skipping the market.
“I used to come to it lot and it would be so congested and people speeding through here that I don’t come anymore,” said Catherine Venable.
8News reached out to Richmond Police. They tell us they are aware of the concerns and that they’ve been taking calls. They plan to be out patrolling this Saturday.
“Be aware and present while you are driving,” cautions Venable.
Organizers of the farmers market tell 8News safety is their biggest concern. They are looking at several options like off-site parking, shuttle service and more police. They’re just trying to figure out what is the best course of action.
