Early last year, the construction of the Ralston City Central Market began. Although it cost a good deal of taxpayer money from all four wards, the extensive building operation has already attracted a large amount of local and non-local businesses to the area, providing revenue from both local and non local consumers, as well as the businesses themselves. The once split up town of Ralston has begun a shift towards a more centralized, understanding community, due to shared experiences in the new market.
Numerous Benefits:
● The market’s size and variety provides everything a Ralstonian would need, keeping money in town.
● The new large venue in the center of the market provides local artists, both visual and audio, a space to show off their Ralston pride.
● The market is at most a 20 minute walk from the far reaches of Ralston, providing easy access to anyone who wishes to use it.
● A large amount of property and sales taxes from the new buildings and their businesses has already begun to offset the initial cost, not to mention the community improvement this investment has generated.
● The local bi-weekly farmer’s markets held at the market are a wonderful opportunity for anyone in the area looking to promote their business or entertainment.
● Perhaps most importantly, all four wards are easily able to use the market, and the conjoined experiences, locations, events, and parks both created by and or around the market have raised the social capital in the area greatly.
Possible Downsides:
● The beer at the market is so good, that the amount of tourists and citizens causing disruption in the town has risen almost 35% since the installation of the central Ralston brewery, located right next to the open venue in the center of the market.
Ralston, Vermont's "Green Island" City 