I think a point or two needs to be clarified. The council is NOT the one reviving or proposing this farmers market; the Climate Action Committee is. The Committee doesn't want this misconstrued as such until the i's are dotted and the t's are crossed.

The committee is doing research to determine if traditional farmers markets vendors are interested in coming into the Borough (the reason for the council authorization was ONLY for permission to mail out letters to vendors on the region). In addition, I and other committee members have requested to meet with the Chamber of Commerce and members of the local business community to lay everything out on the table. The committee wants to details to be discussed and options to be thought about thoroughly before anyone jumps to conclusions, which unfortunately is happening a bit.

In addition to providing an opportunity for residents to experience some unique produce and farmers market product, some of the Goals of the market are to highlight Bridge Ave. on a regular basis and promote small and local businesses. We want to incorporate local businesses in some aspect of the market. We want to slow traffic down and give people a chance to realize what Bridge Ave. and the Borough has to offer and the potential it has. Some people have mentioned to me that Bridge Ave. and it's businesses don't need anymore 'traffic' but I know now more than ever we need need to preserve, promote and enhance the importance of our local economy and our sense of community.

Yes. Just an advisory board. And we wouldn't be advising council to do this. We would be requesting permission for use of the property if it was on Borough property and requesting permission for the committee to run the market.

During the season of Farmer's Market, I travel to towns like Red Bank and even Toms River to visit their Farmer's Markets for fresh organic produce. Wouldn't it be wonderful if Point Pleasant were contempary enought to create an opportunity for its residents to purchase goods locally in the beautiful outdoors. If the market were to focus on ORGANIC produce, there wouldn't be much of a conflict for the Nature's Reward store since I don't believe they offer one organic item, which is why I never shop there. It would also be awesome to see other non-produce vendors sell at the market.

I hope this comes to fruition. I frequented the Point beach market all summer and would rather spend my money here and bring some more attention to our local merchants. As far as a conflict of interest with Mr Borowsky, why wouldn't he just take the show on the road and participate along with any other merchant in town? It would just be another outlet for local businesses to increase their visibility and revenue. Organic or not, farm fresh produce just tastes better, let's hope this happens!

I'd love to have a farmer's market in Point Pleasant. The ability to buy fresh, in season, fruits and vegetables is something many people appreciate.

I sure hope some farms are interested. Organically grown would be nice. I will shop there :)

The Boro is very fortunate to have folks like Chris & the other members of the CAC that work so hard, with no immediate personal gain, to improve & benefit our community. It's no mistake that the organic sections of big-box markets have grown, the demand is there. My youngest is gluten intolerant and we put much more consideration into our food choices than we used to, as I'm finding many families do for various reasons. I loved the Red Bank Farmers Market in its early days when is was still "Dead Bank" and there weren't many other reasons, with 40%+ retail vacancy at the time, for outside visitors and shoppers to stop on the way to their actual destination. And that is the shrewd fact. The Boro is not a primary shore destination. We as a community need to throw all our support into attractions by the CAC, Recreation & Arts Board, the Chamber of Commerce & so many other great local organizations that draw the traffic from 70, 88 & 35 bringing new eyes to our commercial districts. A business in this day and age that doesn't invest in Search Engine Optimization might as well not exist, so too should any town that doesn't invest in every opportunity to catch new eyes and get feet on its streets.

Perhaps some are concerned that a vacationer on their way down the shore might pick up their produce that Friday at the farmers market instead of their own market, but taking advantage of the scenario might reveal an opportunity you wouldn't have otherwise discovered, after all most great innovation is a product of persistence and chance. Those opposed should beware Pandora's Box. if we apply this logic fairly then we shouldn't allow vendors at any Boro event that offer a product found elsewhere in town. The Girl Scouts shouldn't set up wherever other cookies are sold. The Fire Dept should make sure their coin toss doesn't divert change that might have been spent on coffee or a newspaper. Gas stations, fast food, restaurants, etc. all open across the street from each other because variety is good and competition is healthy. In the face of healthy competition you either have to up your game or devise a cheat; this is a beneficial & valuable way for the Boro to up its game.

i was contacted today as to my interest in being a vendor at the market. is this going to be done this year?
naturesownfarm.com