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Stone Harbor council approves extension of 2025 Farmers Market over merchant objections
Summary
On Aug. 5, 2025 the Stone Harbor Mayor and Council voted to adopt Resolution 2025-S-202, authorizing an extension of the Borough's 2025 Farmers Market schedule despite objections from some merchants and the Chamber of Commerce; the vote was 4–1 with one abstention.
Stone Harbor — The Borough of Stone Harbor Mayor and Council on Aug. 5 approved Resolution 2025-S-202 to extend the 2025 Farmers Market schedule after a divided vote.
The council adopted the measure by voice vote following debate and public comment. Councilmembers Frank Dallahan, Victor Foschini, Bunny Parzych and Jennifer Gensemer voted yes; Councilmember Robin Casper voted no and Councilmember Ken Biddick abstained. The motion to adopt was made by Councilmember Jennifer Gensemer and seconded by Frank Dallahan.
The decision came after merchants and Chamber officials raised concerns about added market days. Borough Clerk Jeanne M. Parkinson read an email from Carrie Todd, owner of the Bread and Cheese Cupboard, saying additional Wednesday markets had blocked access through her back door, left no trash collection on those days and created a possible fire-lane hazard for her business. Business owner Fred Dinafo later told the council the extra dates hurt businesses that pay high rent and that the Chamber had not been consulted.
Market Manager Will Boyer told the council that requests for additional dates have been driven by residents seeking relief from overcrowded Sundays. "Adding dates has come from the residents of Stone Harbor since Sundays have been overcrowded," he said, arguing the extra dates would ease congestion for shoppers.
Councilmember Casper said merchants have a legitimate voice and argued the market should be limited to Sundays. "I feel the market should be limited to Sundays," she said. Councilmember Gensemer said she had spoken with vendors on-site who welcomed the 2025 layout and additional dates.
The vote follows a routine consent agenda that approved several municipal items, including the hiring of Evan Greene as a Class 2 laborer and interlocal agreements for recreation facility use. Resolution 2025-S-202 had been removed from the consent agenda by request for separate consideration before council members voted to adopt it.
Council members did not take further formal action at the meeting to define exact added dates or operational details; several speakers asked the Borough to provide clearer notice to merchants and the Chamber if more pop-up dates are planned. The meeting adjourned at 7:23 PM.
Votes at a glance - Consent agenda (resolutions 2025-S-200, 201, 203–207): adopted by voice vote (motion by Ken Biddick, second Frank Dallahan); listed members voted Yes. - Resolution 2025-S-202 (extension of Farmers Market during 2025 season): motion Jennifer Gensemer; second Frank Dallahan; Yes — Dallahan, Foschini, Parzych, Gensemer; No — Casper; Abstain — Biddick; outcome: approved.
