Housing Committee Discusses Swain Field RFP and Pop-Up Market on October 5, 2026

The Housing, Community Development & Public Health Committee met on October 5, 2026, at 5:00 PM in City Council Chambers. The primary agenda item was the Swain Field Food Hub Pilot Program, including the RFP process that resulted in only one bidder, Al Peak. Administration officials presented context and plans, while council members and community speakers raised concerns about insufficient outreach, lack of transparency, and exclusion of local black farmers. The committee discussed process improvements and next steps, but took no formal votes.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Tina Hall (Inglewood resident): Expressed support for the market, encouraged a fair and equitable vendor selection process moving forward, and urged the city to require vendors to accept Ohio Department of Aging Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program benefits.
• Sylvester Gould (real estate developer, Inglewood native): Supported the pop-up market as a start, cautioned that bringing a full grocery store requires about $10 million, and emphasized the need to include minority businesses.
• Carla Thomas: Questioned whether the lack of transparency was truly a mistake, stating that the committee met regularly and was not informed. She asked Chief Clemens how the market was intended to economically benefit the black community; Chief Clemens replied the goal was to provide fresh produce access, not to direct profit to the black community.
• Sonia (urban farmer): Expressed deep frustration, stating that the city excluded local farmers who have been doing the work for ten years. She said she was told she was “unqualified” before being contacted, and noted that $15,000 per week to an outside company does not reinvest in the community. She called the process “morally wrong.”
• Alexia Sims: Contrasted the administration’s extra outreach for events like Party in the Park with the lack of effort for this RFP. She questioned whether the eight required employees would come from the community and noted that Swain Field owners were not contributing.
• Alicia McNair: Requested additional clarification on the $150,000 payment to Al Peak, specifically what services it covered and how the city determined the expenditure was necessary given Al Peak also generates revenue from sales. The city offered to respond via email and make the answers public.
• Montries: Urged the city to use the disparity study from 2022 to guide engagement, and called for more intentional outreach using multiple methods (not just Planet Bids).
• Blair Johnson: Recommended the city hold public training sessions on how to use Planet Bids, and post bid opportunities on social media to widen participation.

Discussion Items

• Presentation by Chief Clemens (Administration): Provided context for the Swain Field Initiative, part of a HUD-designated Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area (NERSA). The city invested $3.3 million in renovation, funded by CDBG, HUD Section 108, Ohio EPA Green Infrastructure, and owner equity. The pop-up market was designed to test demand for a full grocery store. The RFP required market planning, weekly setup, point-of-sale systems, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and more.
• Procurement Director Natalie Brower: Reported that only one proposal (from Al Peak) was submitted out of eight views, and that the city will now add NIGP codes and consider non-traditional advertising. She acknowledged the need to flag unusual bids before posting.
• President Williams (District 4): Expressed anger that she was not consulted as the district councilperson and resident of Inglewood. She questioned why Marcoms (communications) was not involved and why the bid was not marketed through social media or community newspapers. She demanded Swain Field owners contribute “sweat equity.”
• Councilmember Gaddis: Asked about existing education for vendors and whether there is a standardized communication process. Deputy Mayor Abby Arnold responded that bringing communications in early is encouraged but no formal standard exists. Gaddis also asked about using lessons from the 2022 disparity study; the administration indicated they are focusing on small business programs to avoid federal concerns. She expressed worry that the data from the market may be skewed due to community backlash.
• Councilmember Saranto: Recommended issuing at least a news release and working with district council members for future bids.
• Councilmember McPherson: Called the situation a “mess” and stressed that the administration must be transparent from the start, not as an afterthought. She pushed for holding the administration accountable and urged community members to come to the table rather than air grievances on social media.
• Chair Jones: Emphasized the need to clearly define terms like “farmers market” vs. “pop-up market” and to view urban farming as entrepreneurship, not a hobby. She called for a food system approach that includes business support for local farmers.

Key Outcomes

• Commitment to Convene Urban Farmers: Chief Clemens agreed to hold a meeting with local urban farmers to identify capacity barriers, needs (e.g., EBT/SNAP acceptance, refrigeration), and design future rounds collaboratively.
• Planet Bids Training: President Williams announced that she and administration staff will schedule training sessions for the community on how to register and bid on Planet Bids. These will be widely publicized.
• Improved RFP Process: The city will add pre-bid outreach sessions, teach small businesses to register, and evaluate whether at least three registered vendors exist under selected NIGP codes before posting. Social media and community newspapers may be used for unique opportunities.
• Forecasting Future Needs: The administration committed to annual forecasting of procurement opportunities so small businesses can prepare.
• Continuing the Pop-Up Market: The market will operate each Saturday through October 24, 2026. Data on sales, attendance, and goods will be collected and shared.
• No Formal Votes: The committee took no action or votes; the meeting was informational and discussion-only. Follow-up written answers on the $150,000 payment will be provided and made public.