WHO PUT THE PUBLIC IN THE BOSTON PUBLIC MARKET? A thesis submitted by BARBARA KIM In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Urban Environmental Policy and Planning Tufts University August 2017 Advisor: Julian Agyeman Reader: Penn Loh Abstract Interest in locally grown food has grown across the country, which can be seen in the growth of farmers markets and building or revitalization of public markets. These spaces are complex with multiple public interests, a redefining public space, and the ideas around civic agriculture. This thesis, with the Boston Public Market as a case study, analyzes the market using content and discourse analysis to see how the market confront the inherent tensions of being a space with multiple public uses and interests. The building of the BPM was never a foregone conclusion and requires leadership, collaboration, and clarity in its purpose as a market selling 100% locally sourced and produces products. Collaboration between public, private and nonprofit sectors are necessary to build spaces like the BPM. But most importantly interventions are needed if these, spaces are going to be accessible to all income levels. Acknowledgements Thank you to Otto Gallotto, Kira Lafosse-Baker, Liz Morningstar, Dr. Miriam E. Nelson, Al Rose, Mackenzie Sehlke, Heidi Stucker, Greg Watson, and David Webber for sharing their knowledge and expertise about the Boston Public Market. I truly appreciate you taking the time out of your busy schedules for an interview. This thesis would not have been possible without the support of my thesis advisor Dr. Julian Agyeman and thesis reader Penn Loh. Thank you for your patience and seeing me through this project. ii Table of Contents Abstract ......................................................................................................................... ii Acknowledgements ....................................................................................................... ii Acronym Guide ............................................................................................................. iv List of Figures ............................................................................................................... iv Chapter 1: Introduction .................................................................................................. 1 Public Markets ....................................................................................................................... 1 Outline .................................................................................................................................... 3 Chapter 2: Literature Review ......................................................................................... 4 What is a public market? ........................................................................................................ 4 Public Interest ........................................................................................................................ 7 Defining Public Space .......................................................................................................... 10 The BPM within Civic Agriculture ...................................................................................... 13 Chapter 3: Methodology and Methods ........................................................................ 16 Case Study Technique ......................................................................................................... 16 Data Collection ..................................................................................................................... 18 Data Analysis ........................................................................................................................ 20 Limitations ........................................................................................................................... 21 Chapter 4: A Case Study of the Boston Public Market ................................................ 23 BPM’s Location .................................................................................................................... 24 BPM and Government Agencies .......................................................................................... 26 BPM’s Vendors ..................................................................................................................... 29 BPM’s Customers ................................................................................................................. 31 Chapter 5: Results and Discussion .............................................................................. 33 Context Analysis ................................................................................................................... 33 The Public Dimensions of the Market ................................................................................. 35 Operation .............................................................................................................................. 40 Market Customers ................................................................................................................ 41 The Kitchen .......................................................................................................................... 42 Chapter 6: Recommendations for Policy and Planning .............................................. 44 Consider context, location, and mission .............................................................................. 44 Collaboration and aligning interests .................................................................................... 44 Proactively addressing the access gap ................................................................................. 45 Bibliography ................................................................................................................ 47 iii Acronym Guide AAFM – Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets BPM – Boston Public Market BPMA – Boston Public Market Association MassDOT – Massachusetts Department of Transportation MDAR – Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources NEPC – New England Produce Center SNAP – Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program WIC – Woman, Infants, and Children List of Figures Figure 1: Axes of Public Space ...................................................................................................... 12 Figure 2: Social Performance Criteria, Mitigation Factors, and Operating Standards from BPMA Lease. ................................................................................................................................... 29 Figure 3: Top 25 Words ................................................................................................................. 33 iv Chapter 1: Introduction Public Markets Every world-class city has a public market. I heard that phrase often as I researched the new Boston Public Market (BPM), which opened its doors in July of 2015. From Pike Place Market in Seattle to West Side Market in Cleveland, many public markets are a destination for visitors to get a feel of the local and a glimpse into a city’s history. Marketplaces have always been a focal point of the community. It is a place everyone must go to get necessities, but it also becomes a place where people gather and connect with their neighbors. The market’s legacy comes from a time before refrigeration when people needed to buy food more often. The resurgence of public markets and the rise of buy local, make it a good time to examine what role do public markets play in our lives. Why are they important as we examine our food system, especially in the fight for environmental justice. Over the last decade there has been a resurgence of interest around food. Whether it is locally grown food found at the farmers markets, new restaurants serving unique dishes or the growth of urban agriculture, people are looking to experience food and find their own meaning from the experience. Some people buy locally grown food because they want to support the local farmer or because it causes less environmental damage. Others visit new restaurants to try new dishes and create lasting memories with friends and families. Finally, organizations are interested in urban agriculture as an opportunity to put vacant land to productive use and to create jobs. One aspect of this heightened awareness around food is the reemergence of public markets in the United States. Up until the end of World War II, the United States had a strong public market system with over 200 markets in operation. With the rise of 1 supermarket chains, public markets moved from the forefront of food distribution in the country. However, public markets still play an important role in the urban setting, especially as a space where people gather. The idea of a public market resonates with people, but what actually is a public market and why is it important? In 2015, after more than a decade of commitment by ordinary citizens, nonprofits, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts the Boston Public Market (BPM) opened. The BPM is a permanent-year round indoor market that sources fresh, locally grown produce, locally caught seafood and locally produced food. The mission of the market is to provide fresh, healthy food to consumers of all income levels, nourish our community, and educate the public about food sources, nutrition, and preparation. Produce and seafood must be grown or caught in New England and specialty