Farmers Market location negotiation continues

Safety and accessibility of Warwick Valley Farmers Market continue to be topics for the Village of Warwick Board of Trustees. Market representatives who attended a recent board meeting asked that the market not be moved from its Bank St. location, although nearby merchants had complained about the market’s interference with their businesses. Mayor Michael Newhard reminded them that the market also brought customers to their businesses.

“We ask you [the board] to consider, for public health and safety, to keep it the way it is,” said Cheryl Rogouski, a chairperson and administrative manager of the farmers market.

Rougouski also requested that further safety measures be put in place in the wake of an incident on Mothers Day, when a car drove down the street during the opening of the market and endangered a woman walking on the street.

“We are working together to see what we can do. At this point we’re asking to keep things the way they are until we get things figured out,” said Rogouski.

A committee was set up comprising those who work at the farmers market, business owners and Village Trustees Carly Foster and Thomas McKnight, to find solutions to better keep people safe.

“We’re looking for feedback from the police department about the space that might be needed. That seems more like a short-term solution, but we need to talk about long-term solutions,” said Foster. “We understand the need for businesses to have access to the street, coupled with safety concerns.”

“We certainly don’t want to impede anyone from making money. We’re all here to do that. We just want to be safe,” said Rogouski.

The committee will continue to search for long term solutions for the farmers market.

National Night Out Proclamation

Mayor Michael Newhard made an official proclamation recognizing that August 2 is National Night Out.

National Night Out is an annual event organized to enhance relationships between the community and police as well as a crime and drug prevention event. The types of activities that will be included are crafts, food, Touch-A-Truck, face painting, lawn games, prizes, live music and a dance party. Community organizations will have tables there. The event is free.

Francesca Bryson, Warwick Valley Prevention Coalition coordinator, also gave a plaque of appreciation to the Board, “for their constant support of the coalition,” she said.

Those in the photo from left to right are Police Chief Rader, Mayor Michael Newhard, Coalition Coordinator Francesca Bryson, Deputy Mayor Barry Cheney, Trustee Carly Foster and Trustee Corey Bachman.