Cranbury Township could have fresh fruits and vegetables sold downtown as soon as this summer if enough vendors are interested. 

Local resident Susan Norman has been working on bringing a farmers' market to town, but said at least 10 vendors are needed to make the first year successful. About four are interested, Norman said. 

At Monday’s Township Committee meeting Norman presented the idea and gained support from the committee. She said having a farmers' market in town could help put Cranbury on the map and make it a destination in the area.

Norman's idea is to hold it on Fridays in the Cranbury Bookworm parking lot, where she has already spoke to owners, from about noon to 5 p.m., since that time works well for farmers who would have time to pick fresh in the morning before the market, and prepare afterwards for their next day.

The township code says vendors who wish to sell anything downtown must pay a $75 permit fee annually, which includes the cost of a background check, according to Township Clerk Kathleen Cunningham, noting the process could take four to six weeks. They also must have fingerprinting done.

The vendor fee sparked controversy, with members of the public saying vendors at Cranbury Day and the Arts & Craft fair at the school did not need a permit.

Committee member Dan Mulligan said the committee needed to take another look at the code and possibly make adjustments, based on what is written in the document.

Along with the market, Norman said she has spoken with several businesses downtown that would be willing to hold sidewalk sales and offer shopping and dining specials. For example, Gil & Bert’s Ice Cream might do a ‘sundaes on Friday’ special, while Charmed by Claire may be willing to hold a sidewalk sale.

Norman said in the next three weeks they would be a better idea on if the market will open.

If you are a vendor or farmer interested in selling at the market, contact Susan Norman at 609-273-4811.