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Beach Haven council hears heated public debate over craft fairs, vows policy to protect businesses and Veterans Park
Summary
Business owners and vendors clashed at a Beach Haven Borough Council meeting over the number, timing and location of craft fairs and flea markets; council members signaled support for juried shows, limiting high-season events and banning routine vendor parking on Veterans Park but made no formal vote and said a policy will be drafted and applicants notified.
A crowded public comment period at the Beach Haven Borough Council’s Feb. 10 meeting laid bare a split between year-round merchants and market vendors over how many craft fairs and flea markets the borough should permit, and where vendors should be allowed to park.
“Businesses are in favor of bringing people to town but not at the expense of competition for their direct business,” Matt Fred, president of the Beach Haven Chamber of Commerce, told the council after summarizing a chamber survey of merchants. Vendors and organizers countered that juried artisan markets bring visitors and support local nonprofits.
The dispute centered on two main concerns. Brick-and-mortar retailers said frequent midweek markets in July and August can siphon sales that local shops rely on during peak season.…
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