LONG ISLAND CITY — A Westchester-based group is looking to start a weekly farmers market in Hunters Point, bringing farm-fresh produce, meat and dairy to the neighborhood, plus specialty items like pickles, jams and baked goods.
Down to Earth is seeking the proper permits to start the market, which would run Saturdays from late May or the beginning of June through November, according to the organization's territory manager Dagmar Kostova.
She said they're eyeing a location on 48th Avenue, between Vernon Boulevard and 5th Street, where another farmers market used to operate before closing down two years ago.
"They don’t have one, and we see there is a need for the market," Kostova said, saying the neighborhood group Hunters Point Civic Association approached Down to Earth about potentially filling that void.
"We looked into the demographics and access there. I think people will definitely appreciate it."
Down to Earth runs farmers markets in Rockland and Westchester counties, plus seven locations in New York City, including a year-round market in Park Slope. Most of the produce comes from farms in upstate New York, Kostova said, and the group works with a number of small vendors to sell products like cheeses, pickles and other specialty goods.
"We have a nice variety," she said.
Down to Earth presented their plans at a Community Board 2 meeting last week, and Kostova said the feedback was positive.
"People approached us and thought it was a great idea," she said.
