Easton Zoners Approve West Ward Farmers' Market

Easton's Zoning Hearing Board has approved a plan to run a year round farmers' market in the city's West Ward.

Jim Ayoub, who owns Valley View Farms, in a space he owns at 1458 Northampton Street.

His idea already has the blessing of the city Planning Commission, and on Monday night, Easton's zoning board gave its OK.

"It stretches business out to the West Ward, which is something we’ve been trying to accomplish as well," said board member James Eddinger.

Ayoub, who sells beef, lamb, pork and poultry, said the new market will house wares by 16 other vendors. At first, it will operate Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and serve "basically an extension of the Easton Farmers' Market, to carry it year round."

The Farmers' Market currently runs from May to November .

Also getting the board's approval Monday was the . Troy Reynard, owner of the Cosmic Cup on College Hill, plans to turn the former hotel at 6th and Northampton Streets into a restaurant/brew pub similar to Bethlehem's Brew Works.

Like many downtown eateries, Two Rivers Brewing needed a parking variance from the board. Reynard said he's leased about 20 spaces from Dyke's Lumber, and noted that his building was a brief walk from the city parking garage.

Board members asked Reynard how he planned to minimize the sound and smell of the brewing. He said there would be a ventilation system in space, but added that he only expects to be brewing twice a week.