David Kilby, Managing Editor
JAMESBURG — The Borough Council voted Wednesday to bring back the farmers market in town, mentioning it benefits both businesses and residents more than it interferes.
Sponsored by the Jamesburg Revitalization Coalition, the market will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays from July 7 through Oct. 6.The proposed location of the market is Veterans’ Park, also known as Triangle Park, in between East Railroad Avenue, Lincoln Avenue and Stockton Street.
One of the concerns the council had was the amount of traffic the market generates, especially with buses coming in.
”When (buses) come in, we’ll make sure they have easy access and egress,” said Elliott Stroul, president of the JRC.
”I think having a farmers market is an excellent idea,” Councilwoman Barbara Carpenter said. “It can only do good for the town.”
”So many residents go down for fresh vegetables,” Mayor Marlene Lowande said. “I heard a lot of complaints when we didn’t have it last year. I’m glad to have it back.”
The farmers market was cancelled last year because a few local businesses owners complained traffic from the market negatively affected their businesses.
Council president Daria Ludas said the market is not only good for the businesses that participate but also the businesses nearby on East and West Railroad Avenues.
Mr. Stroul thanked the council for voting to bring back the market.
In a letter he prepared for the council, but wound up not having to read, he said communities with farmers markets thrive.
”There is nothing better tasting or fresher than produce that was picked the day before or the morning of the market,” he wrote. “It may be slightly more expensive than what you find in the supermarket, but that produce is usually at least 5 days old when the customer picks it up.”
He wrote that Veterans’ Park has great visibility to attract buyers, plenty of parking, Middlesex County Area Transit bus service and safe crossing areas.
The market is supported by many businesses and public services in town, such as the Jamesburg Public Library, Jamesburg Hardware, Subway, West Railroad Tax Services, The Soden Agency, Gray Rock Supply, 1st Constitution Bank, Fiddleheads Restaurant, Sweet William & Thyme Florist, The Consignment Closet, Natural Health and Wellness Center, Body and Soul and many others.
Mr. Stroul had a list of 100 residents who signed a petition supporting the market as well.
Some of the vendors at the market will be Von Thun Farms in Dayton, Sweet Jersey Kettle Corn on Sedgwick Street and Allegiance Garden Center of Helmetta.
The market is fully insured, and JRC will help with street crossings and be responsible for cleanup. A banner announcing the market will be professionally prepared and placed in town some time during the middle of the week prior to the Saturday market.

