The indoor farmer’s market is “a go,” Business Improvement District Management Association president Raymond Pickersgill said.
Pickersgill said the BIDMA has reached an agreement with Riverhead Enterprises principal Sheldon Gordon to lease the space at 117 East Main Street, formerly occupied by Swezey’s Department Stores, for 16 weeks, beginning Feb. 1.
The BIDMA will pay the landlord $3,000 for the 16-week term, Pickersgill said in a phone interview Friday night.
“We have more than 50 booths already spoken for,” Pickersgill said. The interest just keeps growing, he said.
The indoor farmer’s market will be open every Saturday from Feb. 1 to May 17. The BIDMA board on Wednesday approved $3,000 to fund the lease and the town board is expected to approve the plan on Tuesday, Jan. 21.
The BIDMA president is planning to seek donations and volunteers to “spruce up” the interior of the capacious brick building.
He said he’s meeting with an contractors this weekend to discuss electric service and heat for the building. He was on site this morning working on repairing the front door.
“This is very exciting for Main Street and very exciting for local growers and farmers, as you can see from the great response we’ve had,” Pickersgill said. “We’re very happy Shelly [Gordon] was willing to do this with us.”
The BIDMA president said he’s seeking corporate sponsors to help underwrite other expenses of the indoor market.
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