Former WTC greenmarket reopened at Liberty Plaza

They're back -- the apple people, the jam ladies, and the folks with those delicious pies have all returned as part of the reopening of the greenmarket formerly held at the base of the World Trade Center. The market, which before 9/11 had an 18-year history at Liberty and Church Streets, has found a temporary home at Liberty Plaza, diagonally across from its former site.

Selling asparagus and sugar snap peas, fresh-cut flowers and potted ferns, green-tomato chutney and honey farmed from Manhattan bees, 15 of the 16 farmers that held spots at the original WTC market set up their stands last Thursday at the market's grand re-opening. They were as happy to be there as community members were to have them.

"We're here again!" exclaimed Beth Linskey excitedly, recognizing an old customer as he made his way toward the bite-size bits of bread and open jars of homemade jam and chutney spread out for tasting. "He's a faithful customer -- even if he tastes more than he buys," she said, teasing. He flashed her a bashful smile, licking jam from his lips.

Beth Linskey, at right, sells homemade jams, chutneys

Like Linskey, many view the greenmarket's return as a symbol of the resilience of Lower Manhattan. "It's a small step, but it's an important step to show that Lower Manhattan will come back better than ever," said Gov. George Pataki at the re-opening ceremony last Thursday. "The return of the greenmarket is… one of many steps we are taking to bring back the quality of life for those who live, work, and raise their families here in the local community."

Pataki had announced in late April a series of short-term projects designed to improve everyday life for Lower Manhattan residents and workers. The greenmarket's return topped the list, and in just a little more than a month, that promise was met.

Downtown workers welcomed market's return

"It's one of those things you just really missed, one of those symbolic things," said Ann Feldman. A Brooklyn resident who works in Lower Manhattan, Feldman was on her way back to the office Thursday when she saw the farmer's tents. "I picked up my cell phone right away and called my husband," she said. "'Guess what's back!' I said to him." Already holding two full bags of produce, Feldman proceeded to fill a third with fresh broccoli.

Vocal community support for the market helped bring about its return, said Tom Strumolo, acting director of the Greenmarket program run by the Council on the Environment of NYC. In the weeks and months following 9/11, Strumolo said, he began looking for alternative sites at which the farmers -- suddenly deprived of a major outlet -- could sell their goods.

Market features produce from farms in upstate New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania

"The residents and office workers here have been the foundation stone of support," said Strumolo. "They've ferreted out the farmers at other markets and begged them to come back, they've written letters, they've made phone calls to the community board."

Residents' pleas echoed what Strumolo and others already knew about the market. "It was vital to the economics of the growers, an incredible community organizer, and also a real boost to the businesses that adjoined the market because it drew so many people out into the street," he explained.

With strong support from CB1, the community board that represents residents in the area closest to the World Trade Center site, Strumolo worked with the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation to help find a new home for the greenmarket.

Gov. George Pataki says market's opening is sign of progress

Market's Return Brings Painful Memories, Joyous Reunions

Although most were excited to return, farmers nevertheless faced painful memories on Thursday. The market, which had operated at the base of the World Trade Center every Tuesday and Thursday, was in full swing the morning of September 11, 2001.

Kernie Kernan, of Kernan Farms in southern New Jersey, started to pack up his produce when the first plane hit. But then the second plane struck. "After the second one, you knew it was something serious," recalled Kernan. "We dove under the truck to avoid the falling debris," he said, and people fleeing from the buildings leapt into the back of the truck to avoid being struck. "You could hear things hitting the top of the truck," Kernan remembered. "As soon as it quit we got out and just took off," running over the Brooklyn Bridge to safety. Fortunately, apart from minor injuries, every greenmarket farmer escaped harm.

Greenmarket is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays

Hill said she returned, in part, for the business she lost. "It's probably accounted for about 10 percent of our sales, which is pretty big for just one market," she said. The orchard began selling apples, peaches, and pears at the World Trade Center market 18 years ago. "Obviously, if we were there two days a week year-round, it's pretty important to us."

But even more than business, Hill is looking for people. "We know lots of people by what they eat, but none of their names," she said -- which made it almost impossible to find people after 9/11. "We found some around the city at other markets, but there are still people you need to see," she added. "You really do develop a relationship with them, and we're looking for those relationships back."

Fifteen farms stands offer a variety of produce, other goods

Each familiar face will bring relief, said Miller, who said she was happy to have already reconnected with several people in the greenmarket's first hours. "I intend, now, to keep better track of the people that I care about," she said.

The greenmarket will operate at Liberty Plaza from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday until September. The LMDC and Greenmarket program are still seeking a permanent home for the market, because Liberty Plaza is slated for redevelopment next fall and will not be available.

But even in their temporary home, the farmers feel confident that they've come back for good. "Now that they've got us back here," Miller said, "they won't be able to get rid of us."

The greenmarket is at Liberty Plaza from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, through September.