Committee votes to keep Weston farmers market at Kennedy Park

The Parks & Recreation Committee voted to continue the Weston farmers market at Kennedy Park and asked staff to research funding and improvements within the adopted master plan.

Committee discussion followed a series of public comments from vendors and residents. Antoinette Case, who identified herself as the owner-operator of Danny's and a market vendor, said the market’s new location is currently less visible than the prior corner site but that construction and temporary access issues will ease. "Once the construction is done ... accessibility at this one will be far superior," Case said, and urged targeted surface improvements such as gravel or limited paving to aid mobility devices and vendor operations.

Public commenter Ted Nazzi, who identified his address as 3883 Martin Road, told the committee the move improved vendor safety because vehicles can pull up and stay with their stalls, and urged the village to "invest in the farmer's market" rather than keep relocating it. Several committee members and staff noted strong vendor turnout and that Saturdays drew large weekend crowds tied to tournaments.

A motion to keep the market at Kennedy Park and to have staff identify funding opportunities and recommended improvements within the master plan was made, seconded, and carried on a voice vote. The committee did not provide a roll-call tally on the record.

Committee members discussed next steps including minor traffic-flow adjustments, clearer signage to overflow parking, and possible targeted investments in the site so the market can operate without damaging turf or impeding tournament parking. Staff and committee members said some site improvements could be funded from vendor fees already collected or by seeking outside grants.