JV Mall Pulls Plug on Planned Winter Farmers’ Market
High hopes for a winter farmers’ market Saturdays in center court at the Jefferson Valley Mall were unexpectedly dashed last week.
Karen Symington Muendell, who runs the not-for-profit Maize Market Management company that oversaw the successful outdoor farmers’ market behind the Yorktown Heights Engine Company #1 last year, said last minute demands by mall management caused the venture to be scrapped.
“They decided for whatever reason to play hardball and left us with no choice but to pull the market out of the mall,” Muendell said. “Why they waited four days before the market was to open was even more of a mystery. I don’t get it. Who else is going to rent center court? I’m looking at it as a blessing in disguise.”
Muendell said she thought she had ironed out all the details for the winter farmers’ market with the previous mall manager, but maintained Ryan Hidalgo, the newest mall manager, apparently had several concerns, including market vendors selling goods that could take away business from some mall tenants.
“I thought it would have been a positive for them,” said Muendell, noting the market would have attracted customers to the struggling mall.
Hidalgo issued a statement through Simon Properties, owners of the Jefferson Valley Mall, expressing disappointment with the market being a no-go.
“We have hosted farmers markets in many other Simon Properties and we were hoping to do so in this instance as well. Unfortunately, Maize was unable to meet some of the basic criteria that we require from our vendors therefore, we couldn’t come to a mutual agreement,” he stated. “Jefferson Valley Mall wishes Ms. Muendell well with all her future endeavors. We look forward to bringing our shoppers more value-added experiences in the weeks and months to come at Jefferson Valley Mall.”
Muendell said she was actively looking for an alternative indoors space to hold the winter farmers’ market.
“I do have a couple of ideas. A lot of people are helping me out. I do hope to get up and running in the next few weeks somewhere,” she said. “My vendors are ready to go.”
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