Local market gets the boot, as community board yields to pressure from plaza developer

J.D. Carlisle Development Corp. has pressured the local community board into withdrawing support for a farmers’ market that operates in front of Kips Bay Plaza on Sundays, DNAinfo reported. The developer has made deals with retailers, such as Fairway and Staples, for space at the retail complex.

However, last week, the market — called the Murray Hill Market — seemed to be saved from relocation when Community Board 6 voted to keep the market in its place. But J.D. Carlisle then told the board that it would resist the city’s attempts and support for developing a pedestrian plaza in that very location. Now, as a result, the market is slated to be evicted within six month.

Carlisle addressed a letter to the community board, claiming that the market would be negative for Fairway’s business.

“There is an aura of mean-spiritedness here,” Carol Schachter, chairperson of the CB6 business affairs and street activities committee, told DNAinfo.

But according to Tini Carlina, the CB6 district manager, “If we lose the support of Carlisle, The Plaza does not exist.” [DNAinfo] — Zachary Kussin