Fort Greene Greenmarket Makeover Plan Moves Ahead

A plan to extend the Fort Greene Greenmarket to double its current length is looking likely thanks to the support of nearly 500 local residents, business owners, elected officials, and Community Board 2, says the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership. CB2 has approved the plan designed to turn the market into a 510 ft single lane formation stretching from Dekalb Avenue to around Willoughby Avenue, with the idea that a longer, thinner setup could be helpful to neighbors who aren’t currently utilizing the market–as well as reduce shopper and pedestrian congestion.

“[W]e 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,” the organization says. “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.”

The proposed reformation will not only bring fresh produce closer to neighbors with mobility issues–it will also serve to better expose and inform those who don’t currently shop at the market. The organization also explains some common market-related misconceptions in their post–for instance, that the food is too expensive (“Prices do vary and it is important to shop around, [but w]e have found that there are affordable options, some below local retailers”)–and reminds neighbors that market vendors welcome EBT and food stamps.

The makeover is also set to include holding 24 spaces for vendors on the west side of Washington Park from 7am-7pm on Saturdays (the market is open Saturdays year round from 8am-4pm). For more information, check in with the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership from 10am-3pm  on Saturdays at the corner of Myrtle and Washington Park, or email info@myrtleavenue.org.

Photo via bkgreenmarkets