City encourages growth of farmers markets

City encourages growth of farmers markets
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer

LONG BRANCH — A new ordinance may encourage the opening of farmers markets throughout the city

Prior to the summer season, the Long Branch City Council passed an ordinance allowing farmers markets to apply for a zoning permit to hold a market within certain areas of the city.

Until now, farmers markets received a special permit allowing them to operate for a single season and a specific period of time.

The new ordinance was first suggested by Zoning Officer Michelle Bernich during the May 12 workshop meeting, and was unanimously approved by the council during the May 26 meeting.

According to Bernich, the ordinance makes it easier for the zoning office to manage farmers markets.

"We feel that it simplifies things in the long run," Bernich said. "We wanted to be consistent."

Under the new ordinance, prospective farmers markets can apply for a zoning permit.

Bernich said the markets are allowed in one of the three Long Branch commercial zones, and they must adhere to the Jersey Fresh Organic Farmers Market program.

The ordinance defines farm market as "a retail outlet normally owned or operated by a producer or farm unit, located on-farm or off-farm, selling products produced by the farm, directly to the consumer."

Bernich noted that there already is a farmers market in Long Branch.

"For the second year, we have a market in West End," Bernich said. "It is run by Jesse Novak of Jesse's Café on Brighton Avenue."

With the success of last year's market, Jesse's Café wants to expand, which contributed to the adoption of the ordinance.

"Interest got bigger so they expanded," Bernich said. "Now they have more space and more vendors.

"Jesse's Café kind of set the tone for this ordinance," she added.

While she expects another successful season for the West End market, there are other places in Long Branch that would benefit from having a farmers market, she said.

"There are a few vacant parcels in the commercial areas that would also be beneficial," she said, adding, "There is an open lot on Broadway next to St. Luke's Church that would be good.

"Really any open parking lot or open space in the commercial zones would work," Bernich added.

While there is only one market slated for this summer, more may be on the way.

"We only have the one up and running, but others are interested," Bernich said.

One benefit of the ordinance being in place is that once a prospective market is approved, it will not be necessary to apply for a permit before every season.

"Instead of getting a permit every year, the market is now zoned for this use," Bernich said, adding, "So unless they are changing the use, they don't need to get a permit every season.

"The permit can be amended if they want to change the day or time," Bernich said. "It's good until something changes."

One of the main points of the ordinance is to not have farmers markets competing with one another.

"The West End Farm Market runs on Thursdays, June through December," Bernich said. "Any other days that work out best for the farmers are ideal at other locations."

The market must obtain a permit from the Special Events Committee as well as be reviewed by the City Council.

A new market cannot apply to operate on the same day/time as an existing market.

"Times, days and locations may require Special Events Committee and City Council review and approvals," Bernich said.

"If the proposed location is not in a C-1, C-2 or C-3 Zone or if days conflict with another market," Bernich said.

"There has been interest from the Mayor's Energy Review Committee and increased requests from local business owners and the public," she said.

Before the ordinance was passed, farmers markets received a special permit for a specific period of time.

"[They would need a] special event permit for a specified period of time," Bernich said.

"The ordinance is another example of how the city of Long Branch is "Working for a green future."

Contact Kenny Walter at

kwalter@gmnews.com


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