By Maria Prato-Gaines, Staff Writer
JAMESBURG — The freshest pickings still will be available at this year’s farmers market; the only issue patrons might have is finding the venue.
The Borough Council is expected to vote March 11 on whether the market must move its location from last year’s West Railroad site.
”If they go ahead and pass the resolution, then it’s fine. We can’t wait for them to get on board,” said Elliott Stroul, president of the Jamesburg Revitalization Coalition, sponsor of the market. “We haven’t sent information (to new vendors) out because we need to know where it’s going to be.”
Some Borough Council members have voiced their opposition to keeping the market at the same locale, saying among their concerns are the safety issues and the possible nuisance created by a large crowd.
Council President and Police Commissioner Barbara Carpenter said she has a meeting scheduled with local police prior to the municipal meeting and will bring their recommendation to the council.
”I think the produce market is a great idea, and I think the town should have it, just not there,” Ms. Carpenter said.
Police Chief Martin Horvath had expressed similar concerns for pedestrian and driver safety during last year’s first farmer’s market when organizers originally had proposed blocking off West Railroad Avenue for the event.
However, the two parties came to an agreement as organizers decided to allow traffic through and limit the market to only one side of the street.
”All we need police to do is their normal routine,” Mr. Stroul. “We take care of traffic. We had a whistle and bullhorn, traffic cones, barrels and tape.”
The market could be looking to expand from four vendors to six vendors, maybe more, to meet the demand of a delighted but growing public, Mr. Stroul said.
Adding to the lineup of veteran vendors, which includes two local farmers, a kettle corn vendor and an apiary, is a local gourmet shop and bakery, which have shown some interest in attending this year’s market, he said. However, some council members said a growing farmers market means more patrons and more cars, and those factors could pose a problem.
”Due to safety concerns, we may not want to hold it on a borough street,” Ms. Carpenter said. “We’re lucky we had no accidents, but there’s the potential, especially when they are attracting more vendors and more people. It’s a safety hazard, and we should look at other locations for the safety of all our residents.”
Still, a change of venue would have an effect not only on local business, but on the market as well, Mr. Stroul said.
”It’s so visible right in the middle of town,” he said of the West Railroad location. “Traffic sees the tents up and sees the signs, and they pull over. It also makes it easier for people to access the retailers.”
Another issue Ms. Carpenter said is local business owners have complained the market’s crowds, which averaged around 450 patrons per event, left no parking spaces for their regular customers.
However, Mr. Stroul said local restaurants have reported a 20 percent increase in business during lunchtime hours on the days the market is operating.
Ms. Carpenter said she plans to circulate a survey to surrounding business owners before the next council meeting to get a better idea of how the market and its traffic is affecting them.
This year, the market is expected to run from mid-July through mid-October.
Individuals on both sides of the debate have suggested if the market were to move, the best location would likely be the Jamesburg Presbyterian Church, on Church Street.
Wherever the market may land, Mr. Stroul said it’s likely to be a success.
”Even when you get Jersey Fresh, it takes three to five days to get in the grocery store,” Mr. Stroul said. “The produce we get is picked the night before or the day of the market so it doesn’t get any fresher.”

