Down to Earth’s Park Slope farmers market
March 10, 2013 By Christian Murray
Plans are underway for the creation of a farmers market in Hunters Point.
Representatives of Down to Earth Farmers Markets said they plan to establish a market on 48th Avenue between Vernon Blvd and 5th Street. The market would be open from 9 am – 4 pm from mid May to mid November.
This would not be the first time a farmers market has been launched in Long Island City. Several years ago there was a market at the proposed location that failed.
Frankie Rowland, the community relations & marketing director for Down to Earth, said that with all the new development—bringing an influx of people to Long Island City–this market is more likely to succeed. She said that many of the new residents are young people with disposal income, a demographic that typically seeks fresh food from farmers and specialty providers.
Rowland said that in the first year the goal would be to attract 8-10 vendors. That would include 3 to 4 vegetable and fruit farmers–as well as vendors selling breads, pastry, meats and specialty foods.
Down to Earth plans to ask for the road to be closed during the duration of the market, since the sidewalk is narrow at the proposed location. The group was at the Community Board 2 meeting last week informing residents of its plan.
Down to Earth Farmers currently manages 15 farmers market throughout the state. The organization was approached by the newly formed Hunters Point Civic Association, an organization that has formed by residents in the past six months to enhance Long Island City.
Brent O’Leary, the president of the Hunters Point Civic Association, said that some of the group’s members wanted a farmers market to return to the neighborhood. He said that the group did some research and contacted Down to Earth.
“They came down and everyone liked their presentation so we are trying to help them get permits so they can bring it here.”
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9 Comments
Will this happen this year?
Is there any word what day this would be? If they plan it during the week, I think the hours should be extended so they can get the after work crowd when everyone comes home. The last farmers market during the week was dead during the day and packed up by time everyone got home from work.
If this is a weekend deal, those hours are great!
This is a great idea. Cant wait until it starts!
Sunnysider,
There is already a farm looking to start a CSA in the area starting this summer. Not sure if it’s going to be up and running, but there is plenty of interest.
Closing 48th Ave has been silly as it’s not a prime location. Why not have it down by the Gantries? The view brings people in and the park area is large enough to accommodate 8-10 vendors without impeding traffic.
Love this idea! Fresh food is a must in the area and it’s great to support sustainable farmers. I wonder if they could also incorporate a CSA delivery service as well for the veg/fruit that doesn’t sell at the end of the day? Win/Win
The 7 train will be back,this whole weekend shutdown ends in two weeks and it will not have any effect on the market if it starts in mid May. looking forward to shopping the market what a great idea!!!
Thank you Barbara
Great idea – but it would be even better if the 7 train service actually ran on weekends so that people in surrounding neighborhoods could actually get there easily.