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BID announces merger of Downtown Batavia Public Market and Genesee Country Farmer's Market

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Business Improvement District (BID) would like to announce the merger of the Downtown Batavia Public Market and the Genesee Country Farmer’s Market. The joint venture would consolidate the markets and their vendors into one large farmer’s market located Downtown at the corner of Bank Street and Alva Place.

The market would retain the name Downtown Batavia Public Market and would be run by the Genesee Country Farmer’s Market Board, in which Executive Director of the BID, Laurie Oltramari, was named as a board member.

With the City’s approval, the market would increase its operations to be open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. After visiting surrounding businesses to get their feedback, the increase of operations was well-received by area businesses who enjoy using the market to buy fresh fruits, vegetables and more.

The markets' merger addresses the City of Batavia’s “highly distressed” census tracts to have access to essential goods for healthy living. The public market is located with the City of Batavia’s BOA plan and with the City in its process of updating its Comprehensive Plan, which is focused on smart growth and sustainable practices, the merger was a well-timed collaboration.

The Downtown area has had a walkability audit to record the needs of both walkers and drivers. Within the immediate vicinity of the downtown public market is senior housing, healthcare facilities, the historic downtown core, and the bordering neighborhoods. With this mix, it lends itself to the greater success of the Downtown Batavia Public Market.

The BID envisions the market growing and it is excited to have the Genesee Country Farmer’s Market ready and able to take on the new venture. The Genesee Country Farmer’s Market enjoyed being at the Batavia Downs parking lot and thanks them for their support through the years, but the new move will reinforce the sustainable model for the farmers and tap into the trending desire to be located in downtowns.

If you would like more information regarding the merger of the markets or the BID in general, please contact Laurie Oltramari at (585) 344-0900 or e-mailLOltramari@DowntownBataviaNY.com. If you are interested in volunteering or being a vendor at the Downtown Batavia Public Market, please contact Bob Austen atRobertAusten@frontiernet.net.

Jason Crater

Good idea! I always thought it was silly to have two separate markets. The central location really should bring in some business too.

I only wish there was one day with evening hours because I work in Buffalo during the day M-F.

Jan 20, 2016, 8:22am Permalink
Peter O'Brien

You earn your living by working, therefore the city cares not for your needs.

Don't believe me? Just follow whats been happening the last few years. Nothing has been done that helps people who help themselves.

Example: Garbage tax relief? We're taking all that money back for other BS

Jan 20, 2016, 2:57pm Permalink
kevin kretschmer

Michele's Bakery & Catering started a Farmer's Market on Saturday's last summer adjacent to their building on W. Saile Dr. There are also Saturday Markets in LeRoy, Perry, Clarence, and of course the Rochester Public Market which is one the best in the entire country (and open year-round). The Farmer's Market in Geneseo operates seasonally on Thursdays from 3:00 - 6:30 pm.

Jan 21, 2016, 4:40pm Permalink

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