A farmers market could open on Love Lane in Mattituck by early May under a proposal presented by local growers and the town’s economic development committee.
The goal is to establish Mattituck’s East End Farmers Market in the back lot of Mattituck Florist on Love Lane.
The outdoor market would accommodate 11 local vendors and operate on Fridays from 3 to 6 p.m. May through November, organizers told Southold Town officials this week. Phillip Beltz, Southold’s special projects coordinator and a member of the economic development committee, joined local farmers and business leaders Tuesday to discuss the plan.
The idea evolved from conversations the economic development committee initiated with the business community in November, Mr. Beltz said. The discussion — which arose as a result of the first-ever Taste North Fork event over the 2013 Veterans Day weekend — eventually focused on ways to support the agricultural industry year-round, he said.
At the forefront of those conversations last fall were Mattituck residents Gene and Maryann Krupksi, who own Mar-Gene Farms on Sound Avenue and want to do more to help small businesses, Mr. Beltz said. The pair partnered with Mattituck Florist owner Danielle LaScala and Donna’s Treatery owner Donna Burden to get plans for the farmers market in motion.
“It is good for the small, local businesses that don’t have storefronts,” Ms. Krupski told the board.
Organizers have rallied support from residents and businesses and have met with the town’s building inspector but Town Board members said more work needs to be done before plans can more forward.
Organizers hope the market will open May 9, before the start of the summer season.
“We are coming down to the last hours for getting vendors,” Mr. Krupski said. “We don’t want to lose them to other towns.”
