Farmers market eyed for Love Lane in Mattituck
A farmers market could be opening on Love Lane in Mattituck by early May under a proposal presented by local growers and the town’s economic development committee.
The goal is to establish the farmers market in the back lot of Mattituck Florist on Love Lane.
Under the proposal discussed at Tuesday’s Town Board work session, the outdoor market would accommodate 11 local vendors and operate from 3 to 6 p.m. on Fridays in May through November. Phillip Beltz, Southold’s special projects coordinator who also serves on the economic development committee, joined local farmers and business leaders Tuesday to discuss the plan.
The idea grew from talks the economic development committee initiated with the business community last November, Mr. Beltz said. The discussion, which was spurred by the first-ever Taste North Fork event over the 2013 Veterans Day weekend, eventually focused on ways of supporting the agricultural industry year-round, he said.
At the forefront of those conversations were Mattituck residents Gene and Maryann Krupksi, the owners of Mar-Gene Farms on Sound Avenue, who wanted to do more to help small businesses, Mr. Beltz said. The pair, who attended the meeting, partnered with Mattituck Florist owner Danielle LaScala to get the plans in motion.
“It is good for the small, local businesses that don’t have storefronts,” Ms. Krupski told the board.
Organizers have rallied support from residents and businesses and have met with the town’s building inspector. Town board members said more work is needed before the market can more forward.
Other applicants for a farmers market in the past have not received approval, Supervisor Scott Russell said, largely because they were proposed in areas not zoned for business. The location for this market, however, is in a commercial site, he said.
The town would also require a site plan that includes a plan for parking before permitting the market to open. This week the organizers are expected to work with town officials to find out exactly what permitting is required to make the proposal a reality.
Organizers hope the market will open May 9 before the start of the summer season.
“We are coming down to the last hours to getting vendors,” Mr. Krupski said. “We don’t want to lose them to other towns.”
