Earlier this season, along with GrowNYC, we urged residents to sign on in support of an extension to the Fort Greene Park Greenmarket. To date, Community Board 2 has approved the proposed extension thanks to all of the resident and elected official support we were able to garner – nearly 500 signatures at market, 76 on-line and 19 local businesses/CBO’s/Resident Associations and 4 Elected Officials – Thank You for your support!
For a refresher we want to detail the plans for the proposed extension:
The Greenmarket currently includes 19 producers, stretching 255 feet, including parking, from DeKalb towards Myrtle in a two lane formation along the walking path. GrowNYC is requesting an additional 255 foot extension of this market, including parking, so that they can move all producers to one side of the walking path (single lane formation) and extend further along Washington Park and closer to Myrtle Avenue.
What does this look like?
• This will result in one long market, stretching 510 feet from DeKalb toward Myrtle but physically reaching to about Willoughby Avenue.
• Approximately 12 additional car spaces, totaling 24, will be reserved for producers along the west side of Washington Park from 7AM – 7PM every Saturday year-round.
Why you may ask?
• In our 2011 Community Food Assessment we learned that many residents north of Fort Greene Park are unaware of this existing fresh food outlet even though it is geographically very close to their homes. Those that were aware, but not using it, felt it was “not for them” and/or that it was “too far away”, especially for the senior citizens we spoke to. In addition, most did not know that they can spend their EBT/Food Stamps on fresh food at Greenmarkets city-wide.
• There is the impression that Greenmarkets are too expensive for most New Yorkers. Prices do vary and it is important to shop around, just like at any food market. We have found that there are affordable options, some below local retailers, and with increased resident feedback on what is needed perhaps further diversity of products and prices can be implemented.
• Greenmarket believes that a majority single-sided market will be more user-friendly and lead to less congestion. While the current set-up does provide a safe, friendly shopping experience, they feel the proposed configuration will only improve a great resource in the community.
It is our aim to make this much needed and valuable asset more visible and available to all residents. In partnership with GrowNYC we aim to make the necessary changes that will address the community feedback and needs. You can find us at the corner of Washington Park and Myrtle Avenue every Saturday now – October, 10am – 3pm, to ask questions, participate in fun activities with food and take a free tour of the market.
We welcome your questions/comments! Contact us directly at info@myrtleavenue.org
Elected Official Support comes from:
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams
New York State Assemblyman Joseph Lentol
New York State Assemblyman Mosley
New York State Senator Velmanette Montgomery
Local Business and Stakeholder Support comes from :
Andy McDowell, Splitty, 415 Myrtle Avenue
Brooklyn Food Coalition (BFC)
City Growers
Fort Greene / Clinton Hill Community Food Council
Fort Greene Association
Fort Greene Strategic Neighborhood Action Partnership (SNAP), 324 Myrtle Avenue
Gerry Rooney, Putnam’s Pub & Cooker, 419 Myrtle Avenue
iCi Restaurant, 246 Dekalb Ave
Ingersoll Garden of Eden
Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership, LDC & BID
Myrtle Eats Fresh Community Chefs
Oro Residents Association, 500+ residents
Pillow cafe-lounge, 505 Myrtle Avenue
Raymond V. Ingersoll Resident Association
Red Lantern Bicycles, 345 Myrtle Ave
The Children’s Academy at LIU Brooklyn
University Settlement Ingersoll Community Center, 177 Myrtle Avenue
Walt Whitman Resident Association
Walt Whitman Victory Garden
And nearly 500 shoppers at market and 76 on-line!
