ERMA — Resident Lou Ginsberg appeared before Lower Township Council Monday requesting permission to operate a 60-table, outdoor flea market at the county airport.
He said in trying economic times, a wholesale market would be ideal for the community.
Ginsberg said he would provide tables free of charge to non-profit groups. He said the market would be “family friendly” and a “class act.”
Ginsberg said he was seeking quotes for steel and aluminum pavilions to cover the tables at the proposed flea market. He said he was interested in using an area in front of the former Everlon building. Ginsberg said he forwarded a letter to Deputy County Administrator Steve Hampton.
The airport is owned by the county and operated by Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA).
Ginsberg said he would have a children’s play area at the market. He said he was seeking a change in a township ordinance to allow a flea market at the county airport.
He projected a May opening date for the flea market.
Councilmen Thomas Conrad and Glenn Douglass and Deputy Mayor Kevin Lare offered their support for the project.
Ginsberg said the flea market would operate from late April until the weather turned cold. He said the market could create a few part time jobs.
Township Manager Kathy McPherson said a flea market was not a permitted use at the airport and would require an ordinance change.
Township Planning Director Bill Galestock said Ginsberg would need to submit a site plan to the Planning Board. He said it would also require a use variance.
The airport industrial zone allows adult-oriented businesses. Galestock said by law, a township must designate an adult business area.
Ginsberg said he would not allow “smut” to be sold at the flea market.
Galestock said the township could not zone for a specific person since that would be spot zoning. He recommended if council changes the ordinance, to make the flea market a conditional use.
The flea market would operate from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, said Ginsberg.
Mayor Michael Beck asked Ginsberg to keep the township updated with progress he makes with the county and DRBA securing space at the airport.
