City unveils plan to move Essex Street Market

The Economic Development Corporation unveiled plans yesterday for its redevelopment of the Seward Park urban renewal area that included moving Essex street market out of its current location, on Essex near Rivington Street and into a new facility across the street on Delancey. According to DNAinfo, the new market would be nearly twice the size of the existing one and would have the capacity to hold 65 vendors — nearly three times the current roster. Of course, many community activists, including a group called Save the Essex Street Market and some of the market’s vendors are opposed to lifting the market from its historic home. “The Essex Street Market as it stands is living history,” said Anne Saxelby, who operates Saxelby Cheesemongers. But city officials say moving the market offers the best chance to redevelop the Seward Park area as initially intended, with the creation of more affordable housing. The EDC promised the market would exist in its current capacity until construction on a new facility is complete, and said a new building provides the best insurance that the market will remain stable through future administrations. [DNAinfo]