TURTLE CREEK FM FIRE: $50K RAISED FOR FLEA MARKET VENDORS
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Photo Credits: Samantha Grier

MONROE, OH (Middletown Journal) - Plans call for donated funds to be distributed to booth owners whose properties were devastated in a June 12 fire at the Turtle Creek Flea Market on Garver Road in Monroe, Ohio.

The Turtle Creek Flea Market Vendors Fire Recovery Fund was established for the vendors immediately after the fire through Key Bank. Donations were accepted at the admission gates at both Turtle Creek and Caesar Creek flea markets through July 20.

Public donations to the fund totaled $24,828, but Al and Lou Levin, the owners and operators of the flea market, matched donations by contributing money and bringing the total to $50,000, said Greg Dove, president of Levin Associates.

"Many of the vendors have been with us for many years and we are glad to help," said Lou Levin.

Dove said the owners were very pleased with the amount of donations received and the generosity of the markets' customers.

"It was amazing to see the public be so generous with their donations, especially in light of the economy," he said.

"While the money won't cover all of the losses, it will go a long way to assist in their recovery and provide some much needed relief to the fire victims."

The distribution of funds will be coordinated through the Vendor Fire Recovery Fund Committee, co chaired by Al Leland of Leland Consulting, LLC, and Christopher Conard of Coolidge Wall Co., LPA. Funds will be distributed on a pro rata share based on the loss the vendors incurred in the blaze, the owners said.

The 126,000 square foot flea market sustained heavy smoke, fire and water damage. There is still no final damage assessment for the fire, which Monroe Fire Chief Mark Neu said was believed to be electrical.

Damage estimates range from $1 million to $3 million in losses to the structure - which will be dismantled and rebuilt - and contents of the vendors' booths. The state fire marshal has not yet made a ruling on the fire's cause.