Redwood Swap Meet vendors unsure about future as redevelopment looms

West Valley City, Utah – At the Redwood Swap Meet, after decades of sustaining families and selling goods, things are about to change.

It’s quite damaging. Angela Edge, who has attended the Swap Meet her entire life, stated, “It’s part of the community, and its part of the history here.”

“My dad brought us; he is no longer with us. However, my kids and I took our grandchildren with us,” she remarked.

She claimed that she was able to purchase items for her ten children thanks to the Redwood Swap Meet.

This is the location where we purchase our clothes and shoes. This is what we do economically,” she remarked.

The West Valley City Council decided on Tuesday night to change the land use of the Redwood Drive-in Movie Theatre—where the swap meet is held—from commercial to residential. The developer, Edge Homes, plans to build 244 townhomes and 40 condominiums there.

“We desired for it to remain commercial in order for us to buy it as commercial property and maintain the Redwood Drive-in and Swap Meet,” stated Cristian Gutierrez Carbajal, one of the activists opposing the rezoning.

To try to save its swap meet, this community organized rallies, collected signatures on petitions, went to public hearings, and spread the news throughout the summer.

According to Edge Homes, the swap meet will probably remain open through the end of 2024.

The swap meet is the only source of income for hundreds of vendors. Many of them are clueless about their future steps.

“At this moment, may I inquire: Is there a place in here? Where can they look for us? We’re prepared to relocate. One of the merchants, Maya Dominguez, stated, “We just need help.”

Another vendor, Jessy Fernandez, said, “It’s a place where people can come together and essentially reach a goal, thrive together towards the American dream, and it’s beautiful to see just the wide range of generations coming together to push a movement forward.”

They intend to continue doing all within their power to keep the swap meet going, even if it requires moving.