May 27, 2020 10:30p
(WGTD)---When it opens for a virus-shortened season, Kenosha Harbor Market on 2nd Ave. may have some competition.
If it wins approval, a new non-profit called Kenosha Public Market will open a few blocks away in the parking lot of the Kenosha Municipal Building.
There’s already bad blood between the two.
For one thing, a couple members of the new organization’s board were formerly associated with Harbor Market, which suffered through some internal turmoil late last year.
For another, the new market’s hours will overlap directly with Kenosha Harbor Market. Kenosha Public Market President, Kenosha attorney J. Michael McTernan, was asked about that by Public Works Committee member Dave Bogdala. "Based on our desire, our operational plan, based on our customers and vendors, this was the preferred day that we wanted to submit," said McTernan.
The committee voted Wednesday night to delay approval of Kenosha Public Market’s permit until an evacuation plan was made available to the panel. The majority, however, indicated they had no problems with downtown Kenosha having two markets. "Some people are Brewers fans. Some people are Cubs fans. I'm a Yankees fan," said committee member Dominic Ruffalo. "I think this project is good for Kenosha."
There are some differences in emphasis and operations between the two markets. Harbor Market prides itself on selling produce that’s limited to what’s grown in the region.
Also, Harbor Market bans vendors from parking vehicles next to their tents. That won’t be the norm at Kenosha Public Market.
The new market, however, will offer online sales and curbside delivery during Saturday's live market.
-0-
