Saturday, May 16th, 2020, the Roosevelt Island Farmers Market reopened after a long coronavirus layoff. Delicious, healthy foods returned under well thought out and safe conditions. The market relocated for winter under the Motorgate helix, but now, it’s spring. And the market returns to Good Shepherd Plaza.
By David Stone/Photos: Deborah Julian
Scenes from the Farmers Market’s New Home…
The Roosevelt Island Farmers Market’s new location is more than adequate, and brings life to neglected territory much in need.
Maybe someone should ask RIOC to turn on the lights. The market could use it, and they glow over empty space all night. Why leave them off for business?
Smart Planning Eases Farmers Market Reopening
The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation promised a safe market and came through. Public Safety officers, led by Chief Kevin Brown, were on hand, calmly welcoming, guiding shoppers.
After a bumpy start — nobody was ready at 6:00 a.m. when shoppers first showed up — the market ran smoothly.
A longtime resident said, “A few millennials tried the line,” during the seniors hour from 7:00 to 8:00,” but PSD controlled volume “in the pen.”
Abundant courtesy from the officers eased compliance, and PSD has maintained that status into autumn.
Conclusion: Roosevelt Island’s Farmers Market Reopened….
… and we must thank RIOC, Public Safety and old faithful Wengerd Farms for making the return possible.
But let’s not forget our thoughtful neighbors who made their work easier, coming out to shop and calmly respecting each other.
To be continued, under the helix, in November.
Also from Assorted Ideas, Large & Small
I’m missing our farmers market here and I don’t see it opening anytime soon. But I am hopeful 🙂
Now, there’s proof it can be done safely, maybe more will follow the example. Most farmer markets around town have stayed open. Ours is run by a group that comes from Amish country, a few hundred miles away; so, it was more problematic for traveling. But they seem to have overcome that.
RIOC…move the Citibikes from where the rest of the stands are or you will have accidents!
Thanks, Raye. I think that’s the plan. I think they’ve moved the ugly NYC Bike bin, so they could move Citi Bike over there. Let’s keep watching.