Woodstown council approves monthly farmers market in downtown alley

The Woodstown Borough Council on March 24 approved the use of a borough parking easement to host a monthly farmers market in an alley between Farmers & Bankers Brewery and the Opera House.

Mike Melniczuk, of 8 N. Main St. and working with South Jersey Preservation, told council he hoped the market would run the second Thursday in May and then the third Thursday of each month from June through October, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., to promote local farmers’ products and increase downtown walkability. He said neighboring businesses had been consulted and were "on board" with the plan.

Councilmember Jaclyn Morris moved to authorize the use of the parking easement for the proposed location, dates and times; Heather Bobbitt seconded the motion. Council approved the motion.

Council members briefly discussed parking and safety concerns tied to higher summer traffic but did not attach conditions beyond the approved authorization. Mayor Joseph Hiles and staff noted nearby businesses had been notified per the applicant’s statement.

In related public comment, resident Sandy Saddler raised safety and cleanliness concerns about a property at 18 Hunt St.; Mayor Hiles said those concerns have been and will be forwarded to the appropriate departments for monitoring.

Next steps: the market authorization was approved by council vote; organizers and borough staff will coordinate use of the parking easement and any operational details such as traffic management and hours.