Mt. Kisco Farmers Market Eyes Move to N. Moger Lot

Community Markets, which runs the farmers market in Mount Kisco, is looking for a new spot when it moves out doors for the summer.

The site that the organization has in mind is in the North Moger Avenue parking lot, near the train station. The issue with the current site at the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester is one of exposure.

Miriam Haas, who is director for the Ossining-based group, said that the current site is “off the usual path” and feels that the lot would be more noticeable.

Community Markets is currently in talks with the village over whether they can use the site. Haas hopes to have it start by the weekend of May 28, when the winter season and indoor market end.

Members of Mount Kisco’s Village Board of Trustees brought up the group's interest at this week’s meeting, while a mix of support and concern.

Trustee Joseph Morreale said that he can see environmental and economic benefits for the village with having a farmers market, describing it as “a community spirit kind of event.” Trustees Jean Farber and Anthony Markus also wanted to give it a try.

Deputy Mayor George Griffin, however, was concerned that it could unfairly compete with other businesses in the area, those that maintain a presence in the village all of the time.

Mayor Michael Cindirch was supportive of the idea if it’s restricted to selling produce, although he echoed Griffin’s sentiments about competition, in that he does not want it to compete with non-food products and effectively run a flea market.

When asked about some trustees’ concerns, Haas said that it would be small and include produce vendors, artisanal cheese and probably a baker.

In terms of the economic impact of farmers markets and the question raised about competition with businesses, Haas said that they would only be there for a few hours. Overall, she called it a “win-win,” and said that the farmers market could help businesses downtown.

Haas also said that Community markets has gotten along fine with the Boys & Girls Club. Their site has been used both indoors and outdoors since the farmers market came to Mount Kisco .

Asked what would be done if the village rejects the North Moger lot proposal, Haas declined to comment. However, she said that the Boys & Girls Club would still be considered again for an indoor site.