PRESS RELEASE
Glens Falls, NY – October 20, 2023 – Today, the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) will host a groundbreaking ceremony on the construction of the new “Market Center” project in downtown Glens Falls. The event is scheduled for 3:00PM at 57 South Street.
The board members of the Glens Falls Farmers Market recently learned of this groundbreaking event. It came as a surprise for the market members and the board, who did not receive information regarding the event and were not extended an invitation from the City of Glens Falls, the DRI, or Mayor Bill Collins. The DRI project has direct implications on the market itself as well as over the livelihoods of 60+ local small businesses and farms.
In 2016, the city obtained a state grant to construct a multi-purpose event venue for the Glens Falls Farmers Market. The existing market site at the South Street Pavilion is set to be transformed into a parking garage as part of this initiative. While the market was thrilled when the DRI project was first announced years ago, changes and delays to the new venue and its design have prompted considerable reservations among our board and members.
Despite the city portraying the new venue as progress, the Farmers Market board and its members view many aspects of this project as setbacks. The proposed space is notably smaller, reducing the market’s current size and offering little to no room for future growth. Other issues include logistical hurdles with loading and unloading, traffic & parking, absence of heating within the facility while being advertised as year-round, and scheduled blackout dates that prevent vendors from operating due to concurrent city events. These, among many other issues, are what the Farmers Market board has attempted to discuss with city leaders.
It is disheartening to note that despite multiple interactions with Mayor Collins and the planning teams over the years, the concerns and aspirations of the Farmers Market community appear to have have been ignored and/or dismissed, all while the city is using the market itself as the sales pitch for the project.
In light of these developments, the Glens Falls Farmers Market Board is convening a meeting with its members to democratically decide the market’s future course of action and the possibility of relocating our market to a new venue, in, or outside of Glens Falls.
The Glens Falls Farmers’ Market has been a community staple for 47 years, beginning in 1973, offering a variety of fresh, locally sourced products including produce, dairy, meat, eggs, flowers, fish and unique crafts, all produced by extremely hardworking small businesses. Our mission is to support local farmers and artisans, while fostering a vibrant community hub where families, friends, and neighbors can gather and connect.
If you’ve ever visited us on a Saturday morning, you’d understand what this is all about; our community, and we think we embody everything Hometown USA is supposed to be.
We deeply hope that a solution can be found that respects the market’s heritage and its potential to continue to flourish in Glens Falls for years to come.
For additional information or interview requests, please contact [email protected].
