Mount Kisco residents will not have an outdoor farmers market of their own this year, after Community Markets decided to close, citing disagreement with the Village Board of Trustees over where to hold one.
"We're not holding a farmers market in Mount Kisco this season," said Frankie Rowland, a marketing and advertising director for Community Markets.
The Ossining-based group had , with both indoor and outdoor seasons at the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester on Saturday mornings. The location made it difficult to get exposure, the group argued, and an attempt to relocate to the North Moger Avenue parking lot .
Village trustees were concerned about the potential impact on traffic and parking, and earlier in the debate some members wondered if a farmers market would offer unfair competition against other merchants who have permanent storefronts.
Seeking a compromise, Mayor J. Michael Cindrich said that he suggested relaxing the village's sign ordinance to allow for Community Markets to have a more prominent display at the Boys & Girls Club. Village Manager James Palmer said that he told Haas about the proposal. When he told her, Palmer said, “She said thank you and it’s something to take into account.”
Cindrich also said that he suggested to the group the possibility of moving their operation to Sundays, which was rejected as not being feasible.
Despite the absence of a local outdoor farmers market, residents will have nearby options, including the Chappaqua Farmers Market, which recently moved outdoors, near the Chappaqua train station. Community Markets, which has several farmers markets in Westchester County and New York City, . As for whether or not Community Markets will return for the indoor season, Rowland explained that it was too early to say. She also said that while starting an outdoor market in Mount Kisco, were agreement for a place to come up, is possible, she said that it would be difficult at this point to set up.
