Redwood Swap Meet vendors uncertain of future as redevelopment looms

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah — After decades of selling products and supporting families at the Redwood Swap Meet, things are about to change.

“It’s devastating. It’s part of the community, it’s part of the history here,” said Angela Edge, a lifelong Swap Meet attendee.

“My father brought us, he’s passed away now. But I brought my children, we brought my grandchildren now,” she said.

She said the Redwood Swap Meet allowed her to buy things for her 10 children.

“This is where we buy shoes, this is where we buy clothes. Economically, this is what we do,” she said.

On Tuesday night, the West Valley City Council voted to rezone the Redwood Drive-in Movie Theatre, where the swap meet is held, from commercial to residential. Edge Homes is the developer that wants to turn the area into 40 condos and 244 townhouses.

“We wanted to keep it commercial so we could buy it as commercial land and keep the Redwood Drive-in and the Swap Meet,” said Cristian Gutierrez Carbajal, one of the organizers opposing the rezoning.

Throughout the summer, this community held rallies, signed petitions, attended public meetings and spread the word in an attempt to save their exchange.

Edge Homes told FOX 13 News the exchange market will likely remain open through the end of 2024.

Hundreds of sellers rely on exchanges to make a living. Many of them don’t know where to go next.

“I’m wondering now: is there a place here? Where can they find us? Because we’re ready to move. We just need help,” said Maya Dominguez, one of the vendors.

“It’s a place where people can come together and basically achieve a goal, thrive together towards the American dream, and it’s beautiful to see the wide range of generations come together to move a movement forward,” added Jessy Fernandez, another vendor.

They hope to continue doing whatever they can to keep the swap meet going, even if it means finding a new home.