Dear Editor:
I recently I heard that the Pavonia Newport Farmer’s Market has been canceled, and I had hoped it was merely an unfounded rumor. Unfortunately, I found out otherwise.
I called the Stony Hill Farms today to confirm the story and in fact, it is true. They were told at the last minute that their market would be canceled. They were told that the closing was a result of the new supermarket (Morton-Williams) opening in the area.
This is a terrible shame. A supermarket and farmer’s market can certainly co-exist peacefully. Union Square is a great example of this. Having both makes the area even more desirable. Each serves a very different purpose.
Stony Hill Farms is a family-owned and run business that supplied fresh, local produce to our area. Last year, they set up their market three times weekly which was a great boon to the area and the farmer. Purchasing from them was a great summertime pleasure. Everything was fresh and delicious, from just picketed corn to wonderful melons. With more and more interest in eating seasonally and locally, it is a huge mistake to cancel this market, both for our neighborhood and the farmer.
Perhaps the powers that be will rethink this decision. If not, my only hope is that the person in charge of the market will find another home for this wonderful farmer, so that he may continue to supply Jersey City with farm fresh goods.
Lynn Brownstein