Riverdale is fractured

To the editor,

For years, the Riverdale farmers market, established by the Riverdale Y, was one of the few places where our entire community came together. It was more than a place to shop — it was where neighbors met, friendships were renewed, local musicians and artists shared their talents, and families spent time together. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the market became an even more important symbol of community, and we appreciated the leadership that sustained it through those difficult years.

However, a separate market was created in response to the timing of opening day, management concerns and the economic realities facing the small business owners who depend on these markets. While the reasons may be understandable, the result has been unfortunate. Our community is now divided between two locations in north and central Riverdale. Many residents do not have the time or ability to visit both, and neighbors who once gathered in one place are now separated.

Riverdale has lost something special.

I respectfully urge the Riverdale Y and Cravings & Crafts to come together, set aside their differences, and find a compromise that allows our community to once again enjoy a single, unified farmers market. The greatest beneficiaries would be our residents, our local businesses and the sense of community that has always made Riverdale unique.

BETSEY KNAPP