At a recent meeting of the Great Neck Chamber of Commerce, the board of directors voted to oppose giving their stamp of approval to allow a farmer's market to operate in the Old Village, possibly at the Village Green Park, on one morning a week for the summer to fall season.

The original idea to bring a farmer's market into Great Neck had surfaced when Ivar Segalowitz ran successfully in a contested election for park district commissioner. As Mr. Segalowitz looked into other communities that host farmer's markets, he learned that nearby local merchants saw the markets as serving as a magnet for bringing in more business to them. In addition, many residents with whom he talked expressed interest in being able to buy locally grown produce that is rarely seen in commercial markets because of short shelf life and special requirements for shipping. New York State supports greenmarkets and requires that everything sold be either locally "grown, baked or fished."

Since the Village Green is located in an area of town where some of the businesses are struggling, the park district commissioners felt that perhaps the market would revitalize the area and that it could be tried for one season to determine if it was popular and beneficial to surrounding merchants. Last year when the idea was floated at a Village of Great Neck trustees meeting, some local merchants expressed concerns about the concept stating that since the farmer's market would have no overhead for rent and taxes, it would spell "unfair competition."

The village trustees decided not to go forward with the market for last year's summer season, but they indicated that if the Chamber of Commerce explored the issue and supported it, they would reconsider the idea.

A sub-committee of the chamber was formed to investigate. Bob Goldfarb chaired the committee, which included Judy Stern and Valerie Link. This committee visited some of the towns that host farmer's markets on the Island and talked with local businesses. They brought back their findings to the chamber's executive board, which voted 4-2 to support it.

However, when the idea was presented to the entire board, composed of 30 people, for discussion, one member argued emphatically and effectively against the idea. According to Chamber President Anthony Carbone and subcommittee members Mr. Goldfarb and Ms. Link, the main objection came from Bill Riley, manager at Waldbaum's. The Record visited Mr. Riley to hear his concerns directly and while he was cordial, he stated that the A&P Corporation, which owns Waldbaum's and Food Emporium, does not allow managers to speak with reporters. He did, however, confirm that he had expressed opposition at the chamber meeting. Mr. Riley gave the Record the name and number of a corporate manager for further information, but this person was on vacation and unable for comment as we go to press.

At a recent meeting, park district commissioners expressed their disappointment with the outcome of the chamber vote. Mr. Segalowitz stated that compromises had been proposed such as moving the market to Parkwood to distance it from directly competing with nearby green grocers and welcoming local merchants to participate if they met the requirements for such a market adding, "We gave it our best shot." The commissioners decided to withdraw their request to the Village of Great Neck and to "move on."