LANSING – State Representative Marie Donigan (D-Royal Oak) recently joined a bipartisan group of Oakland County lawmakers in announcing a plan that protects jobs and vendors supported by the county flea market. Oakland County is slated to close the flea market on Oct. 25 because it reportedly has no legal authority to operate it.
"Many people's livelihoods depend on this flea market – we can't just let it close down," Donigan said. "During these tough economic times, every single job is important. We've got to protect people's right to make a living, and many hard-working men and women sell their wares at this flea market. In addition to the economic impact, people enjoy coming down to the market to shop and socialize with their neighbors. I'm looking forward to working with my colleagues across the aisle in keeping this important part of our community open."
The county-operated flea market is open every Sunday year-round at 2350 Pontiac Lake Road in Waterford, the same location where the Oakland County farmers' market is held. According to media reports, the flea market is being closed because the county has no legal authority to operate it. Those reports indicated that the county is exploring its options and is planning to keep the farmers' market open as there is a law that allows cities, villages, and townships to operate a farmers' market, but not counties.
Donigan said she expects the issue to come before a House committee for consideration as early as this week.