Business & Tech

Sydney's Owner Takes Farmers Market Fight to Village Board

After threatening to file a discrimination lawsuit against the Westhampton Chamber of Commerce, Erin Finley says she has reached out to the Westhampton Beach Village board.

Erin Finley, owner of in Westhampton Beach, has asked the Westhampton Beach Village Board of Trustees to impose a "restraint" on the .

Finley said she sent correspondence to board members after the Westhampton Chamber of Commerce, which runs the market, restricted her from selling her goods at the market. 

"I don't want the board to rescind their permit to operate, but I think they should impose a restraint," said Finley. "As much as I love the farmers market, the village should not sign off on a permit that is restrictive and discriminates against business."

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Early in May, Finley said after she submitted paperwork to the chamber to sell biscotti at the market at a shared booth with another vendor, she learned that she is no longer permitted to sell at the market because she owns a business on Main Street.

Finley, who is the president of the , has since threatened to file a lawsuit against the chamber.

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The chamber has maintained that the board made a decision in April to restrict Main Street business owners from participating in the market in an effort to provide unique items at the market.

Chamber President Dwane Wagner said "The main purpose of the market is to enhance business for all the merchants of the village by drawing new people into the village by providing unique products just steps from Main Street."

The chamber has also offered that Main Street businesses leave business cards and other informational pamphlets at the farmers market for attendees. 

Westhampton Beach Mayor Conrad Teller said he does not believe this is a matter for the village board. 

"This is a private matter between them," said Teller. "My job is to run the village with the board for everybody, not just one entity."

Teller further stated that he has not heard anything different from fellow board members. 

Deputy Mayor Toni-Jo Birk said that the village has and will continue to be pro-business and said, "I would think that any organization would do whatever they can to support local businesses."

She said should could not speak to the full situation between the Chamber Finley until she knows all the facts.

Trustee Patricia DiBenedetto said she was not aware that a letter had been sent to the village so she couldn't comment on the situation. She plans to look into it. 


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