Dear Petitioners and OG Residents,

Many of our local students are finishing up school today and next Monday for the year. Congratulations to all the kids, teachers and parents! There is still time to help resolve this very local issue for the majority of the Summer and Fall months. Please read this important update and help if you can!

The Old Greenwich Farmers Market continues to search for a suitable location within the historic Village or town following the loss of its longtime site due to redevelopment of Living Hope Church private residences.

Organizer Dana (Evans) Lee has explored a number of potential locations, including the new Civic Center, commuter parking lots adjacent to OG School, other church properties, the library, and commercial sites. Several of these locations present challenges related to school operations, changing commuter parking needs, traffic circulation, construction activity, or existing parking commitments.

A possible temporary location at St. Catherine's in Riverside is currently under review. While Dana appreciates the church's willingness to host the market, the site is a let down to the community of Old Greenwich and its many, longstanding volunteers and customers. A 2026 temporary move to St. Catherine’s parking lots may limit the number of vendors that can participate and could affect the market's financial sustainability. At the same time, Dana Lee, organizer, feels it would provide visibility to Riverside, CT residents who may not currently visit the market.

Almost 500 Old Greenwich community members by petition, local officials, and state representatives have expressed support for maintaining the farmers market in the historic town of Old Greenwich. The goal remains finding a location that is accessible, safe, visible, and capable of supporting the market's vendors and long-term success. One of the main caveats of our in town market is that it allows our community to gather together in person, shop and also visit local downtown businesses. It's a chance to see neighbors in the community and support our Connecticut Farmers, some who have traveled 90 minutes or more, each way, for 15 years, just to get their organic produce to us. The least we can do is try harder to show the farmers we care deeply about them and this issue.

Selectwoman, Lauren Rabin has requested our updates today, Thursday, June 18th. I have responded with an emergency request for them to assist us with securing an OG location for 2026, put the issue on the agenda for discussion and do what they can immediately to resolve this matter for our community.

Are you an OG business owner with parking space? Do you have an idea or way to secure a local site that our community supports as soon as possible? 

Can you provide an immediate emergency solution in OG with the footprint of approximately 75 parking spaces, 4 hours, once a week, from 2-6pm, one weekday? This was previously Wednesdays, for 15 years. 

Could this work on the sidewalks in town, once a week, like the sidewalk sales?

Do you have a magic wand to get Parks and Rec. in OG to make something happen for our historic little town, whose kids and families have relied on this market for 15 years?

Please respond in the comments or  call the First Selectmen asap with your concerns and ideas. 

Below is my letter (written on behalf of our many local petitioners) which was sent by email to Lauren Rabin and our Board of Selectmen and Selectwomen, June 18, 2026.

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Dear First Selectman and Members of the Board,

I am writing to respectfully request immediate action to keep the Farmers Market within the historic town of Old Greenwich and to reconsider the proposed relocation to an out-of-town site.

For fifteen years, the OG Farmers Market has been an important community gathering place located within walking and biking distance of many residents. Families, seniors, children, and local businesses have benefited from a market that is accessible, visible, and integrated into the fabric of our community. It has become much more than a place to buy local food—it is a longstanding community institution.

The proposed relocation to a site outside of town raises significant concerns. The location is not easily walkable or bikeable for many residents, requires travel along busy roads, and lacks the safe, family-friendly environment that has contributed to the market's success. Many families who currently walk or bike to the market would no longer be able to do so safely or conveniently.

Community support for keeping the market in town is clear. Nearly 500 residents have signed a petition asking that the market remain local and accessible. This level of public engagement reflects the importance of the market to our residents and warrants immediate attention.

Given the urgency of the situation, I respectfully request that the Board treat this as a priority matter and consider the following actions:

• Place the Farmers Market location issue on the agenda of the next Board meeting.
• Consider holding a special meeting dedicated to identifying a temporary in-town location for the remainder of the season.
• Review all available town-owned properties, including the Civic Center and other municipal lots, to determine whether a four-hour weekly accommodation can be made from June through November. (Or most of this time)
• Direct the appropriate departments to identify available time windows and operational solutions rather than dismissing potential locations based on scheduling conflicts that may be manageable.
• Consider issuing a temporary permit or pilot approval for an in-town location while a longer-term solution is evaluated.

Importantly, this is not a request for a permanent commitment. This is a request for a temporary seasonal accommodation that preserves a valued community resource while a long-term plan is developed. Dana Lee, market organizer,  should not have been forced to go through this process alone. The organizers need our support, and they have our community ready to assist if it remains in OG.

The Town has consistently promoted goals related to walkability, community engagement, support for local agriculture, and quality of life for families. Keeping the Farmers Market accessible to residents aligns directly with those priorities. The market operates only one day per week for approximately four hours, and I believe a collaborative solution can be found that balances municipal needs with the overwhelming public interest in keeping the market local.

I respectfully ask that the Board act quickly to prevent the loss of a cherished community asset and work with residents and organizers to identify a practical in-town location for this season.

Thank you for your consideration and for your service to our community.

Sincerely,

Colleen M. Proppé
OG Resident, Mom & Lifelong Organic Food Advocate