Photo: QueensPost
Sept. 24, 2014 By Christian Murray
The Sunnyside Greenmarket might be open all-year round if the organizers get enough support from the community.
The market, which is located on Skillman Avenue between 42nd and 43rd Streets, is currently open on Saturdays from May through December.
However, Jessenia Cagle, the coordinator of the market, said that the farmers are willing to come to Sunnyside all-year round. She said that she has been circulating a petition calling for market to remain open every Saturday–including during the cold winter months. So far she has 800 signatures.
The petition has recently gone online and can be found by clicking on this link: http://conta.cc/1nxfS6H
“I think the neighborhood is ready for it,” Cagle said. “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 been a success, Cagle said. Presently there are 16 farmers/vendors out each weekend selling items such as bread, vegetables, meat and fish.
This year the market opened a month earlier than in previous years and plenty of residents came out and bought items, Cagle said. “We were very busy, it was great,” she said.
The move to open year round would not be unprecedented in Queens. Cagle said the market in Jackson Heights, which was once seasonal, now operates all year round.
Cagle said that not all of the vegetable providers will be able to come out in winter due to the seasonal nature of their produce. However, she expects about 10 vendors will participate during the cold winter months.
“I think if we get enough support, there is a strong possibility that we will be open this winter,” she said.
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56 Comments
Overpriced, fake organic vegetables. They purchase the bottom of the barrel vegetables and claim they look like that because it’s “organic” and charge you 10 times what they paid for it. You’re paying top dollar to eat nearly expired vegetables. You’re getting ripped off and the vendors are laughing all the way to the bank.
But really how good is that food? They use same chemicals to grow it as for ex. Chili or mexico uses, so whats the point of the overpriced “healthy” food?
Doc, it’s just as good as your argument that you’ve lived here longer, and the old way is the only way. Cars affect everyone who lives here, unlike your dog, as long as you clean up after it.
South Side same old argument “I don’t need a car therefore nobody does”. What else do you get to decide that your neighbors need or do not need? Can I have a dog, cat or for that matter children? Please let me know your exalted judgement.
ME UP FOR THIS MMM FRESH LASAGNA.
@SunnysidePostHatesMe16 ZZZZZZZZZZZZ
There is this guy in my apartment building who owns not one but three cars. He is a taxi driver and has two other cars for a personal use of his large family. As for farmer market – I wonder what the farmers think about it – do they want to have this location open for whole year. I used to go to farmer market in Greenpoint and it was inside the McCarren Park so they could move inside but they still reserved the street parking for the farm vehicles so it doesn’t really matter if the are inside or outside the park.
Hey Doc, I’m from Queens too. My Mom is too. Never lived in, or wanted to live in Manhattan or Brooklyn. Point is, it’s not about what YOU want or think you need, it’s about living in a crowded and congested community where cars are NOT needed by the majority of the residents, yet some insist that they DO need one and complain when they aren’t provided with enough space to park and drive around. The way you argue and refer opposing arguments to “hell” made me think you were getting huffy but I guess that is the way you always react. Still, many car owners around here do NOT need to own a car; they’re just selfish and put their desires before what works best for the community. I will continue to support whatever it takes to make owning a private vehicle as inconvenient as possible. The fewer car we have, the better it is for everyone else. More and more people understand and agree with this concept, in spite of your attitude.
BTW South Side I never get huffy Cheers!
South Side I have lived in this area for 45 years my father has lived here for 60 years , i am not giving up my car for new comers that were priced out of Manhattan or Brooklyn. I don’t really give a damn about the farmer’s market, what bothered me was the attitude that people were deciding who needs a car and who does not. So do me a favor and move back to where ever the hell you came from. Sunnyside & Woodside are not extensions of Manhattan they are in Queens get over it.
I agree with A.Bundy. While the farmers’ market is convenient for residents of the north side of Queens Blvd., it would serve a much larger market if it were more centrally located under the el. Maybe the city could do a survey to see which section is the least used on Saturdays and site the market there. It would be somewhat protected from the elements and would be close to mass transit and parking. If the location does not prove effective, move it back to 43rd Street.
how about not wasting the space underneath the subway lines with unnecessary art and other nonsense, and put the market there since most people take the subway anyway. parking is also available there too.
You have to admit that the seating area under the 46th street station is pretty popular.
Doc, there’s no room for anymore cars. Do us all a favor, take the LIRR and reduce your carbon footprint.
We need the Farmer’s market and it doesn’t belong inside of a park. That would violate NYC park policy. They are not for commerce unless you get many special permits.
Btw, we all know we are “officially” on LI but we know the difference between Sunnyside and the suburbs, where cars rule. Anyone in the community is entitled to express their opinion; don’t get all huffy.
You can express your opinion, but if you have an opinion about me that says I am selfish, etc., I have a right to get huffy and have an opinion about you.
Lucky, what part of I don’t park on the street do you not understand? As far as not living on Long Island, I suggest you consult a map. There are a great many state parks on the east end of the island and public transit is not the best way to get to most of them, not to mention relatives that live out there. My father is 92 and my mother is 80 I’m not putting them on the LIRR. If you feel that is selfish so be it. Your self righteous indignation is
nauseating. Who the hell are you to decide who needs a car and who doesn’t? Put the market in the park. That way you can buy all the over priced produce you want.
doc, you don’t live on Long Island or New Jersey, nor is the Sunnyside Farmer’s Market located in either place, so why mention it? You live in Sunnyside. You don’t need a car. Having a car here is a bleeding luxury and you’re demanding a parking spot over something that benefits a greater number of people. I might be a “left winger,” but what you are doc is selfish. Farmer’s market wins over your selfish “need” to have a car.
You don’t listen to other people do you?
Then are too many people who do not need a car but have one anyway, and expect there to be ample and free parking. This is the problem, not the farmer’s market- they only take up one small area. There is only so much room and we’re at the tipping point. Where would all the farmers park their trucks if the market went inside the park? Besides, I think there must be some sort of park policy prohibiting commerce inside the park, or something- farmer’s markets are usually outside of city parks, not inside of them.
Any new buildings in the neighborhood should also require underground parking facilities- if everyone in Sunnyside decides they “need” a car, we’re in trouble.
Since Sunnyside has become so popular with wealthier folks, it needs a parking garage. Many newcomers have two cars. Until recently parking was not much of a problem at all. It is all the new people cramming in, not the car drivers.
Lucky Lu my attitude is not all about me, I park in a garage. Your attitude however is the problem, you are a typical left winger always certain but rarely correct. Public transit is great weekdays between 7:00 AM & 10:00 PM. I take it to work daily. Try working nights and weekends and see if you’re still so fond of it. My life is not all about how near to Manhattan I am. Travel to eastern Long Island or Jersey and tell me nobody needs a car.
“Always certain but rarely correct.” Wonderfully put.
People who Work in construction and other hard labored jobs need a car. This is a middle class working class neighborhood people need cars to move things carry things transport things it’s not only for the convenience of having a car it’s something that’s needed. The solution is simple put the market in the park.
I live here because it eliminated the need for a car. When I lived in Nassau County, a car was a necessity. Too many cars already- they take up too much space, they’re noisy & too often run people over “by accident.” I would rather have a farmer’s market before another street filled with cars getting free parking. Besides, I think most Sunnysiders do NOT have or need a car, and we’ve already given up enough of our space to the few Sunnysiders who “need” one. Maybe they could build parking over by the train tracks?
I’ve lived here all my life. Most people here learned to drive because they realized the world is much bigger than Sunnyside and they wanted to be able to interact with it.
Additionaly, are you implying that drivers run people over on purpose? If so you belie not only your narrowness, but a deep-seeded paranoia.
The issue is not the market — I love it. And it’s not a matter of parking versus market! It’s the location! The parking is just another part of it. If the market was set up IN the park (or any other park for that matter, there would be a clearer path of passage through the market. Often times the sidewalk is blocked by folks with strollers, dogs, and shopping carts, making it very difficult to navigate.
And “Lucky Lu” & “John Doe” — some people rely on their cars for work. Their places of employment are not near a train line or they work odd hours that make it nearly impossible to travel via mass transit.
You don’t need a car living in New york? That’s crazy hipster propaganda.
This person obviously hasn’t spent enough time with the 7 train
Doc, supporting a market selling local produce is far more beneficial to our community than your selfish “all about me” car ownership. Farmers market supports local farmers and provides better quality produce to our neighborhood. Doc’s car ownership only supports his lazy behind and adds to the already poor air quality we have in this city.
You are a Koolaid drinker. The fumes from heating oil are the number one component of air pollution in this city. Let’s ban warmth this winter in order for the air to be clear.
When people do that, I will join them on their irrational hatred of cars. I look forward to the day when an American industry can provide me with a vehicle that is small, light and non-polluting. I spent too many years being accosted on the subway to ever, ever, ever get on public transportation again. So, Lucky Lu, widen your perspective before you claim ultimate authority on how other people should live their lives.
To all the “you don’t need a car people” bite me. You don’t need a farmers market. If you want to live a rural lifestyle move to Podunk.
I hope there’s a blizzard every Saturday During the winter
Why is it so damn hard to put the market inside the park? I don’t understand. And food or parking really? Go back to Ohio.
You do not need a car in NYC. Period. If you want a suburban life, move to the suburbs. Its time to reduce our carbon footprints people. Just do zip car every once in awhile, gee whiz.
You are wrong. Period. If you want the world to be exactly how you think it should be, go find Utopia. This, however, is Queens.
If you live in Sunnyside and are against the market because you’ll lose your parking spot, get rid of the car already. Nobody here sympathizes with some who pollutes the air while circling the neighborhood looking for a parking spot. Take the subway or bus like the rest of us.
For those of you who think customers at the farmer’s market aren’t supporting local businesses, please get a clue. We who purchase at the market on Saturdays are supporting LOCAL farmers while you are dropping pennies into the pockets of billion dollar food producers who don’t give a darn about your community. Your “local business” you CLAIM to care about are just the middle men.
A car is not a luxury for lots of people. I use mine to make my living and pay all the taxes, charges and fees the city and state ask me to. Your shortsightedness should embarrass you.
Parking whiners. yes you take away my parking by parking like crazy on alternate days in the Gardens (Mon, Wed). Do I complain? No!
Market is great, vendors are great and friendly.
All year round please, I signed.
Food or parking? This is a choice? This market is a wonderful addition to the Sunnyside community….cars pollute..good food promotes health
Scolar — Those of us living in 40, 41st, 42nd vicinity already have school parking to contend with (taking almost a full block of parking away). Street cleaning rules are in effect on Thursdays and Fridays each week and while you can park on the market side of the street on Friday, you better be prepared to either A) look for parking yet again on Friday night or B) get up before the 6am No Parking rules are in effect and move your car then. [Yes, some might argue it’s a luxury to have a car, but to others it might be a necessity.]
Nevertheless, a year-round market would be great and i agree it should be moved inside the park.
How many parking spots are we talking about? An insignificant amount, compared with how many customers are served by this market.
I would like a more central location—closer to or on Queens Blvd. How about on 47th by that park? Then more Sunnysiders would have access.
Ridiculous
No F*€k5 given to local residents on the parking issue.
I wouldn’t prefer this, I wouldn’t want to walk longer to get home on a Snowy or rainy day because I couldn’t park in front of the park or at least having a chance of finding park there you know!!. They should just open at Long Island City they would make more profit and go all year around. As a driver I reject the fact that they want to open it all year
Very excited about this and hoping this winter will be one where I can purchase all of that delicious grass fed meat and pastured chicken and maybe even fish, past December. The neighborhood will continue to change anyway and healthier meats and produce would be great for the people living here TODAY. I am all for it.
Embarrassed to say I’ve lived in Sunnyside for a decade and I never knew about this. Guess that’s because I live on the other side of the tracks. It’s just starting to get hip on my side of the Blvd. Sure I’ll sign the petition.
people what are we complaining about? Fresh food? I don’t mind paying a bit extra nor do i believe that the market interferes with daily life….reminds me of the kibbutz back in my village….we have a place to meet up on Saturdays…FYI garlic vendor needed!
Why do people flock to this overpriced glorified hipster trap? The same people who want to praise Sunnyside, yet these goobers don’t even support Sunnyside’s local stores! It’s the SAME vegetable and cheaper ! it’s madness!
I would be psyched about the market being open mostly for chorizo and fresh veggies but I realize that it’s annoying for those living by the park. Is there a better location? Probably not.
But there’s an even bigger reason to object, this will just continue to attract hipsters and the rents will continue to go up and the number of parking spaces down. Do I think that stopping the market from being all year round will change this? No it won’t. What would? Requiring that in order to buy an apartment in the city you must actually live in it. It’s insane how many apartments (yes I know luxury and overpriced) are utterly empty year round.
Kind of excited about this! Woot!
Those poor vendors will freeze their cojones off. But I’m FOR it!
I’m for anything Demosthenes Chrysan is against! Petition signed!
MMM MM cheese from the cheese guy ALL. YEAR. LONG. One can only hope! Petition Signed.
They need to move it to a place where it isn’t an inconvenience to the residents.
I agree with John. Move the market into the park.
HELL NO!
^^^These are not the supporters you are looking for.
Greaaaattt!……so well just park our cars where?
Aside from being over priced …its getting old ..
Why dont they just make the market in the schoolyard or the playing field ..or down past 39th street ??
The location isn’t the best but still support it