New Amsterdam Market At South Street Seaport Closes

The New Amsterdam greenmarket was one of the new features of the South Street Seaport neighborhood that re-invigorated the southern tip of Manhattan in a post-9/11 world. But this week, the new Amsterdam Market announced that they have closed, that their last market was June 21, and that the market would no longer be able to run due to financial difficulties and local city officials like Councilwoman Margaret Chin, who supported Howard Hughes' "shopping mall" at South Street Seaport instead.

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"Our market grew in frequency and scope while nurturing an evolving community of small businesses dedicated to sustainable food production, regional economies, and fair trade," market founder Robert LaValva said in a written statement. "We held a total 88 markets and numerous innovative celebrations of our region's bounty; supported nearly 500 food entrepreneurs; and contributed to the creation of more than 350 jobs."

LaValva went on to decry the decisions made in favor of big business.

"Manhattan has already lost more than one acre of beloved and irreplaceable public space and is now seeing its most precious public asset ruined by inappropriate programming and terrible waterfront design."

Councilwoman Margaret Chin denounced the attack, saying "I was sorry to learn this morning that the New Amsterdam Market has ended. Aside from that, it would be an understatement to say that I am deeply disappointed by Robert LaValva's email attacking me as part of his announcement of the closure."

Councilwoman Chin said that she and the community would try to revive the greenmarket.

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Joanna Fantozzi is an Associate Editor with The Daily Meal. Follow her on Twitter@JoannaFantozzi