On this site you can read about the Essex Street Market, what is happening now, and how you can help.
We had a petition on which over 2,000 neighbors and supporters of the Essex Street Market signed. Unfortunately, the web hosting site closed the petition, and we was not able to rectify this to keep it open. A second petition was considered, but sadly, it appears at this point the EDC will move forward with their “strong desire” to raze the historic and eclectic building, rebuild it as part of a new development, and offer no guarantees to existing vendors to help with their capital costs of moving.
We wish the best possible scenario moving forward for the vendors, for the EDC to work to keep a strong mix of local, mom and pop vendors, both old and new, and we will mourn the loss of another part of our historic Lower East Side as it continues in the same developmental path as so much of Manhattan and New York City has — box stores and chains replacing mom and pop shops.
Please CLICK HERE to READ THE PETITION at the petition site and read others’ comments!
The Essex Street Market (120 Essex Street, NY, NY 10002) on the Lower East Side of New York City is an original city run market, operating continuously for over 70 years. It is thriving, with multi-generational vendors alongside independently owned entrepreneurial startups, with success stories reaching around the world.
Those of us who live on the Lower East Side, as well as those who seek out the Essex Street Market — or come upon it by surprise — cherish its history and service to the neighborhood. It’s a living piece of Lower East Side history, created for pushcart vendors in 1940. It’s been featured in many walking tours, movies, guidebooks, culinary media, and the climax scene of the 1948 film noir “The Naked City.”
The market represents our diverse neighborhood, serving people from all walks of life. Many of the vendors could not exist outside the Essex Street Market.
So what may happen to the Essex Street Market?
The recently passed guidelines for the SPURA site redevelopment include the possibility of moving the Essex Street Market from its historic location to a nearby, yet to be determined location.
Loss of this historic market in its current location would be a loss for our neighborhood and for the city of New York. The Essex Street Market has already become a historic, culinary, and retail destination spot. There is no guarantee that the current vendors — upon whom many neighbors rely — could survive such a move.
Now is the time to voice your support to preserve the essex street market in its current, historic location. Our city leaders cannot make informed decisions about the market without our input.
PLEASE READ THE ONLINE PETITION TODAY! Also, look at How You Can Help for more action!