Every so often, Steve Gobin said, folks just pop by his business at 866 S. Spokane St. in Post Falls.

But their questions aren't about his company.

"People drive in and say, 'What are you doing with this property?'" said Gobin, who co-owns C Link, a business for computer assembly and installation materials, with his wife, Maureen.

Steve tells everyone the same. Besides the Gobins operating C Link out of a building at the site, and leasing some space to a nonprofit, the rest of the 5 commercial acres the Post Falls couple owns are basically sitting unused.

Several strangers have made the same suggestion: Set up a farmers market.

"We know there are farmers markets in Liberty Lake and Hayden that are successful. The people I've been talking to have not even been able to get a booth at any of those, because they're so full," Steve said. "There's always a waiting list."

So maybe, he figured, there is a gap he can fill.

The Kootenai County commissioners will hold a public hearing this Thursday morning over the Gobins' request for a special notice permit to operate a farmers market on their company property from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday during the summer.

The Spokane Street Market Place would include 30 to 60 vendors with home-grown food and crafts, Steve said.

He hopes it would be a boost for the community, he said, in providing a farmers market for the Post Falls area.

"I think people are more aware of healthy foods," he explained of the demand. "Also, with these hard economic times, more people grow their own food."

And by charging $15 to $20 for each 15-by-15-foot vendor space, he added, the Gobins could also net some extra dollars their company is hurting for.

"We can barely afford the property as it is," said Steve, who is also a member of the Post Falls School District board. "That's why we're doing all this, to help supplement the mortgage, and just use the property."

The market could garner more than 50 cars, according to a letter to the county from Ruen-Yeager and Associates, Inc., an engineering and planning company.

Steve said there is room for more than 100 vehicles to park on the property, though the parking area is gravel.

The Gobins would provide portable toilets on market days, according to the project narrative.

The request is being proposed by G and G Properties, also owned by Steve and Maureen.

Richard Johnson, who lives on Spokane Street next to the Gobins' property said he would be excited to shop at the market.

"I wouldn't have to worry about traffic, it's right next door. I think they definitely deserve a chance to try it out," Johnson said. "As long as people drive sane, it shouldn't be an issue."

But Sandy Lechtenberg, who owns rental property in the neighborhood, said she is worried the market will create parking problems like those during big events.

"Between Post Falls days and other events, the people don't care, they'll block your driveway," said Lechtenberg, who now lives in Moscow. "Parking in a residential area, that's my biggest thing. Not that (the Gobins) don't deserve it. They truly do."

The commissioners' hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Thursday in the commissioners' chambers on the third floor of the administration building at 451 Government Way in Coeur d'Alene.

G and G Properties has owned the Post Falls site since 2008. The Gobins operated a landscape supply business for three years on the property before it closed in 2011.

Steve is planning a meeting about the farmers market at 7 p.m. next Wednesday at the Spokane Street property, he said, where he invites anyone interested in participating or giving feedback.

"We just want to see if it's feasible, and by that time, we'll know what the county says," Steve said.

He encouraged folks with more questions to contact Rebecca Carol, who is helping coordinate the project, at 277-8310.

If approved, Steve expects the farmers market would open the last week of May this year.

"It will help us, and help others, too," he said.