Farmers' market is great news for Ansonia

Kudos to Vinnie Scarlata, Ansonia Economic Development Commission chairman, for gaining city approval this week for a farmer's market.

It will be set up in the municipal parking lot on West Main Street, near the train station. Grand opening is slated for Thursday.


As an Ansonia resident I must say I'm happy about this positive turn of events. I'm sure I'm not alone.

Mayor James Della Volpe has voiced his support, as has Bart Flaherty, chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission. 
 
Scarlata said he looked at the following potential locations: Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center; City Lot, East Main Street; City Lot, West Main Street; Farrel Corp. Lot, Main Street; Nolan Field, Wakelee Avenue; Veterans Memorial Park next to City Hall, Main Street.

He considered a variety of necessary attributes, such as parking, accessibility, traffic, visibility, vendor spaces, site maintenance, police coverage, insurance, and state certification.

Scarlata used his own criteria to rate the sites, and came up with the West Main Street spot. Commission members will serve as market managers.

Scarlata and all city officials deserve plaudits for moving quickly to make this concept a reality.