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MOORESVILLE, N.C. — A months-long battle deciding the fate of Josh’s Farmers Market in Mooresville is one step closer to closure.
On Tuesday, the Mooresville Board of Adjustment heard closing arguments and the majority on the Board of Adjustment voted against the decision that would allow Josh’s Farmers Market to stay at its temporary location at the Lowe’s YMCA on Joe Knox Ave despite the town ordinance.
The board also voted to lessen the citation fees to $200.
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“I think they tried to accommodate the town and their findings by denying the appeal, but at the same time they tried to soften the blow for us on the fine so I think they are trying to find a happy medium,” owner Josh Graham said.
Graham had hoped if the board voted in his favor it would allow more time to work on completing plans for a permanent location.
Now due to NCDOT street widening delays, Graham said they likely would not be able to open the farmer’s market at the new location at the corner of Williamson and Sundown roads until late 2024.
RELATED: Josh’s Farmers Market facing issues trying to relocate after being forced to close
“From day one we’ve always wanted to just continue operating,” Graham said prior to the vote. “We haven’t asked for special treatment. We just want to continue operating in this town.”
The continued argument from the town of Mooresville is that Josh’s Farmer’s Market is more accurately classified as an outdoor retail use.
“I don’t think he fits within the definition of a farmers market and that’s the way I’m going to be voting and that’s simply it’s a very clear meaning,” Board of Adjustment Chairman James Rupp said prior to the vote.
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Graham said he now plans to take his appeal to Iredell County Superior Court. Graham also added there are plans to consider building a permanent location at the YMCA much more quickly.
“We’ve got an engineering firm out of Charlotte and they’ve agreed to expedite as much as possible,” Grahams said. “We actually met with them on Sunday. And the Y is working to get all their red tape in line to make it happen.”
Graham says moving forward he continues to appreciate all the support from the community and customers.
Contact Briana Harper at bharper@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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