The market will be jointly run by the Edgartown Board of Trade and the Vineyard Preservation Trust at the Dr. Daniel Fisher House.
Ray Ewing

New Edgartown Farmers' Market to Start this Summer

The market will be at the Dr. Daniel Fisher House on Tuesdays from the end of June through September.

The Edgartown zoning board of appeals approved a weekly farmers' and artisans' market at the Dr. Daniel Fisher House this week after vocal support from residents and abutters. The market will take place in the lower lawn and garden of the historic property and will run on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. from the end of June through September.

The market will be jointly run by business owners Grace Romanowsky and Zach Pinerio, the Edgartown Board of Trade and the Vineyard Preservation Trust, which owns and manages the Fisher House. The historic house on 99 Main street has been typically reserved for weddings and special events such as the Taste of the Vineyard, but in the public hearing on Wednesday, the Trust’s executive director Nevette Previd said that a farmers' market would allow a wider audience to enjoy the property.

“The Fisher House is a beautiful spot that only a handful of brides have been able to experience,” Ms. Previd said. “We’re excited about the opportunity going forward.”

To reduce traffic in the busy downtown area, the market will only be accessible to pedestrians and bikers; there is no parking reserved for the event. In addition to local farm vendors, the market will include local artisans and stalls for miscellaneous nonprofits, similar to those found during Christmas in Edgartown, Board of Trade executive director Erin Ready said.

The zoning board received 23 letters of support for the proposal and no correspondence against. The only quibble from the public hearing portion came from Winter street resident Jody Erdman, who asked that the applicant add trash cans around the event to keep visitors from dumping trash in her private cans.

With only four members of the board present for the hearing, the application needed unanimous approval to move forward. Chairman Martin “Skip” Tomassian questioned whether an artisans' market would compete with local brick-and-mortar businesses.

Ms. Pinerio, the owner of the Edgartown store Sea Legs, said the goal of the market is to bolster commerce for the entire town.

“If we can keep people in town rather than having them go all around Island...all of town will benefit,” she said. “It’s a classic ‘Rising tides floats all ships’ kind of deal.”

Although not fully convinced, Mr. Tomassian ended up voting yes, if only because a “no” vote would have killed the application altogether, he said. Members Carol Grant, Thomas Pierce and Pam Dolby all voted in favor.

“If there had been five, I would have voted in opposition,” Mr. Tomassian said.

Ms. Dolby adamantly supported the application, noting that she had attempted to put on a similar event in years past.

“These are two organizations that have worked really, really hard for the town...particularly in the shoulder seasons,” she said. “I think it’ll be a great addition.”

Comments

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 04/27/2023 - 15:30

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Chappy Guy Chappy

Nice idea, but so many questions... First, how do only 4 of 8 members (5 + 3 alternates) of the ZBA show up to a meeting that's held online? Second, how does the presence or absence of one member determine how the chairperson votes? Third, how does this pass when the relevant by law specifically requires that "Sufficient off-street parking will be provided?" Finally, how is NOT providing parking expected to reduce traffic, when it will just lead to more cars circling, looking for spaces?

Bob Edgartown

All very good points and the traffic and parking will always be an issue. Let these energetic people try this new adventure, and the island people will determine its fate. They will know after one season weather This is the right place for the market. Do not be afraid of change as change can be good.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 04/27/2023 - 20:38

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Kate Edgartown

I love this, living in Edgartown and going to the farmers market in W. Tisbury isn’t easy in the summer. I will definitely go by foot, bike, or bus :)

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 04/28/2023 - 06:19

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Chad metell Oak bluffs

This is a great way for the community to come together and share, Scott Dario taught me it is better to give them recieve and I do agree

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 04/28/2023 - 08:15

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Lorraine Edgartown

While at first blush this looks so appealing, goodness, a fresh market in the center of the village. Those of us who live in the village center can simply hoof it down to the Daniel Fisher house and load up our victuals. It is a good thing. However, I see many vehicles circling the blocks in the village and with the traffic pattern of one way streets, circling the blocks in Edgartown is no simple thing, I know from decades of experience. While nobly done, I see unintended consequences. But, nothing ventured, nothing gained.

R Scott Patterson Edgartown

It’s not a village, never has been, never will be! “Village” was made up by the real estate folks to make money, nothing else! It’s edgarTOWN!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 04/28/2023 - 12:16

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A Morgan Edgartown

The town has a number of agricultural properties that perhaps should be being used for the benefit of all of the townspeople.
The large Norton field with access from both Herringcreek and Katama roads. The old Waller Farm, Katama Ranch, all more appropriate venues with ample parking.
The in town location, with no parking, will prohibit those with walking disabilities from participating!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 04/28/2023 - 12:57

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Guinevere Cramer Oak Bluffs

I think this is a wonderful idea for Islanders and visitors. It will add to the fun of shopping and visiting downtown and be a great asset to farmers and local artists. Love the collaboration as well!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 04/28/2023 - 17:43

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Cindy Vineyard Haven

Wow, I am so excited for this! Thank you Grace and Zach for your hard work to bring this market to life. I can’t wait to take the bus, visit the market and walk around all of the Edgartown shops every week. What a treat to have this for all of the residents and visitors!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 04/29/2023 - 10:41

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Elizabeth Edgartown

Great idea! Tuesday morning is a good time slot for this. More eager to see fresh produce and flowers than for craft sales. Produce and cut flowers last about a week and return business is likely. Craft sales are best when up Island once or twice a summer. Love them all - but want access to local growers.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 05/01/2023 - 04:54

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James Kozak Vineyard Haven

I hope in this new farmers market some provision will be made to allow entry for the farmers/exhibitors the WT Farmers Market has excluded in their attempts to maintain individual monopolies for their “preferred” exhibitors.
Good luck trying to get in there if someone objects to you selling the same produce they market.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 05/01/2023 - 21:10

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Mr. B Chilmark

"To reduce traffic in the busy downtown area, the market will only be accessible to pedestrians and bikers." Well, it will also be "accessible" to folks in cars dropping off passengers to go to the market. And they will stop their cars right on Main Street to do this. And where will the vendors park their vehicles? I hope the town is prepared to add extra traffic officers on Tuesdays.

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