Photo: QueensPost
Dec. 16, 2014 By Christian Murray
The Sunnyside Greenmarket, which had been operating from May through December, has been approved to open all year round.
The coordinator of the program received word about 10 days ago–after putting in a request earlier this year to open every Saturday for the entire year.
Greenmarket representatives started a petition drive in August calling for a year-round market. More than 1,000 residents signed it. The community board then sent a letter of support.
The market operates every Saturday from 8 am through 3pm and is located on Skillman Avenue between 42nd and 43rd Streets.
“I think the neighborhood is ready for it,” said Jessenia Cagle, the coordinator of the market, in September. “There are a lot of people in the area who like fresh, local food—and they don’t want to have to go too far to get it especially in winter.”
The market, which opened in June 2007, has proved to be a success. Presently there are 16 farmers/vendors out each weekend selling vegetables, meat, fish and bread.
Most of the vendors will continue to operate during the ice-cold winter months—with only the wine and fish vendors unlikely to participate.
The move to open a year-round is not unprecedented in Queens. Cagle said the market in Jackson Heights, which was once seasonal, now operates all year round.
