Summary

The existence of informal yard sales on warm Saturday mornings along Riedel Road across from Community United Methodist Church is a positive activity in that it provides for informal community socializing, provides buyers inexpensive goods, and provides income to sellers.

Anne Arundel County police have on occasion forced citizens to cease and desist these yard sale activities, maintaining that each vendor must obtain a $25 county permit each day that they sell, in effect making the cost prohibitively high. They state, however, that no such permit would be required if the activities were held on private property.

To meet this need, Community United Methodist Church should make a portion of its parking lot available on Saturday mornings for these spontaneous yard sales.

Doing so will provide specific benefits to the church, including providing an opportunity for church groups to raise money by selling refreshments, crafts, and other items.

Legitimate church concerns can be met by having a volunteer on hand on Saturday mornings to represent church interests.

The Current Situation

On most Saturday mornings during warm weather, several dozen citizens set up spontaneous, informal yard sales along the east side of Riedel Road across the street from Community United Methodist Church. Items offered for sale include gold balls, books, household items, kitchen appliances, arts and crafts, clothing, and toys.

These sales draw considerable interest and support from the community. They provide income to the sellers and inexpensive products to the buyers. In addition, they provide an opportunity for much positive social interaction at no cost.

On occasion, these sales have been broken up by "cease and desist" orders from the Anne Arundel County police. The police say that the sales violate a law requiring permits for "roadside vendors." Each vendor must obtain a separate permit for each day he or she engages in such selling. One permit costs $25.00. They also say that no permit would be required if the sales took place on private property.

Some Saturdays the yard sales continue without police interference. On other days, the police enforce the law. So far, no one has been arrested or charged with a crime, but the police say that this could change if the practice continues.

Statement of Need

The fact that these spontaneous yard sales continue despite the police action is an indication that they are meeting a community need.

Although most of our residents are well off financially, some are not. They may need to purchase used goods sold at steep discounts, and they may need to sell items in good condition that they no longer need.

The community may need additional free or low cost opportunities for positive social interaction. Gathering with neighbors at an informal community market is a tradition going back literally thousands of years.

The Proposal

Community United Methodist Church should make a portion of its parking lot available on Saturday mornings for spontaneous yard sales set up by community residents. In addition, reputable church and community groups should be allowed to sell refreshments or other items to raise funds for their groups.

The Benefits

Such an arrangement would help meet the needs listed above. It would also provide fundraising opportunities for worthwhile church and community groups.

It would aid in the church’s community outreach program by bringing potential members onto church property and by portraying the church in a positive light.

Potential conflicts between the police and otherwise law abiding citizens would be avoided.

The Plan

The church should make a portion of its parking lot available on Saturday mornings for spontaneous yard sales set up by community residents.

The church should make a restrooms and a water fountain available for use during this time. Phone use should be available for emergency use only.

At least one designated church member should be on site at all times to provide restroom access, to protect church property, and to generally look out for church interests.

The church should invite reputable community groups to raise money by selling refreshments or other items during these yard sales. Church groups should be given priority.

Implementation Steps

Present the plan to the appropriate church authority for approval. Make any changes based on comments received.

Identify responsible church members willing to assist in this effort.

Put together a schedule with dates and times.

Inform county police of the plan.

Present the plan to the public through churches, signs, and newspaper announcements.

After several weeks, evaluate the plan.

Report back to the church. Make any necessary changes.