As the saga of the Divine Lorraine comes perhaps closer to its finale (or is it yet another stutter step?), the redevelopment of North Broad could become a top priority for city planners, architects, developers, civic activists and more.

One wonderful (albeit temporary) use of a long vacant lot just west of North Broad Street is the advent of the Francisville Farmers Market, which celebrates its inaugural happening Saturday June 2, and continues Saturday’s 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., through Halloween, with extended hours until 7 p.m. every first Saturday. The site will also play host to various community events.

Banner advertising the market

The initiative represents the evolution of a dire need for the folks living in Francisville and the areas North of Ridge Avenue. Sure, you’ve got your Fresh Grocer a subway ride away, in Progress Plaza at Broad and Oxford Streets, and your various corner stores, but an convivial outdoor event featuring organic products might be the presence folks need to start buying. And, it is right across the street from Delaware Valley Community Health, the free clinic. That noted, there exists the possibility a young mother taking her baby for a checkup may discover some unexpectedly convenient fruit and produce. Plus, it’s right across the street from the large, ongoing development at 15th and Fairmount. And with the recent Fairmount boom between Broad and 20th Street, folks will have somewhere to go that is not Whole Foods for their whole produce needs.

A brighter shot of the site, with the Divine Lorraine in the background

Meanwhile, around town, Farmer’s Markets are flourishing. “Local food,” which includes farmer’s markets, accounts for 5 to 10 percent of the local economy, according to a recent Philadelphia Inquirer article. Which begs the question, when will there be a farmer’s market within a quarter mile walk of the homes of all residents in the city?

–Lou Mancinelli