Organic Farmers’ Market Hopes For July Opening

By Nancy K. Crevier And Kendra Bobowick

“My phone has been ringing off the hook with people wondering what’s going on with the Farmers’ Market,” exclaimed Mary Fellows, Monday morning, June 14. Ms Fellows, the market master for the past eight years of the Sandy Hook Organic Farmers’ Market, is wondering herself about the fate of the weekly summertime produce and crafts event.

Until last year, the market had taken place behind St John’s Episcopal Church on Washington Avenue in Sandy Hook Center. Hoping that a more central location would attract more customers, Ms Fellows attempted a move to the property of Lexington Gardens on Church Street last summer, only to find that Borough laws did not allow for a farmers’ market at that site. The Borough subsequently gave permission for a farmers’ market to be held on the property behind Edmond Town Hall on Main Street; but that space was “inappropriate” for the market, said Ms Fellows, and the event moved back to St John’s for the remainder of the 2009 season.

Because Ms Fellows and the farmers and crafters who take part in the market still believe a more central location would be beneficial to all, she began this past winter to pursue another venue for the upcoming 2010 season. She approached the Board of Education, requesting space at the Newtown Middle School on Queen Street, and was granted permission. “The Board of Education was wonderful,” said Ms Fellows, “but we needed our own insurance to hold the market there, and I just can’t afford that.” The farmers’ market was under the insurance umbrella of St John’s when the event took place on the church’s property, she said. “We don’t have the capital to afford our own insurance for the whole season,” said Ms Fellows.

She then approached the town, requesting space at Fairfield Hills. “First Selectman Pat Llodra moved quickly and said we should have it here,” Ms Fellows said, and is pleased that the insurance hurdle has been successfully leaped. “We can use town insurance this year, but are still awaiting approval from the Fairfield Hills Authority,” she said on Monday.

It is not for the Fairfield Hills Authority to grant approval, though, said Newtown Director of Planning and Land Use George Benson. The authority can recommend to refer the request to Planning and Zoning, he explained, which is what occurred at the Fairfield Hills Authority meeting Wednesday evening, June 16.

At the meeting, Chairman John Reed asked members to grant approval for one year to the farmers’ market to hold its sale on the campus. “It fits with the national healthy agenda — eat locally, eat healthy,” Mr Reed added. “Clearly, this is a one-year trial and we’ll certainly be working with them.”

Members approved, but not before seeking reassurances that the market would not expand into a flea market atmosphere.

Commenting Wednesday night was Economic Development Commission Vice Chairman Wes Thompson, who has been working with Ms Fellows and officials to relocate the market. He noted that the Borough approved the change last year, with language provided by Mr Benson. He and Mr Reed also noted that the Planning and Zoning Commission also verbally supported plans, but has not yet voted.

“It’s a change in regulations,” said Mr Benson. “We have to amend the Fairfield Hills zoning regulations to allow a farmers’ market,” he said.

The issue is that the farmers’ market is not a nonprofit organization, like the Relay For Life that uses the Fairfield Hills grounds for that annual event. “That’s where the problem comes in,” Mr Benson said, “but there is such a public benefit [to having a farmers’ market]. It’s not like other profitable businesses.”

He has written up the change in regulations for presentation to the Planning and Zoning Commission, he said. However, Planning and Zoning is not scheduled to meet next until July 15, meaning that the opening of the market could be quite delayed this year.

Ms Fellows feels that there is a lot of support for the farmers’ market in town. “If we can’t do the farmers’ market this year, I’m afraid the farmers who do our Tuesday event will find another market this summer, and not be available next year,” Ms Fellows said. “Little things, like the market, or the Sandy Hook Christmas tree lighting, can be part of the seasonal fabric of our community, and I’m all for that. It all adds to the value of the town,” she said.

She is hopeful that approval will be granted and that the Organic Farmers’ Market will open for the 2010 season, each Tuesday afternoon, from 2 to 6 pm, just as soon as it can.

“This should be something that grows each year,” said Ms Fellows. “I hope to be able to say it is happening this year, soon.”