City Market gets local leadership

The departure of Tom Lowe does not mean the end of the Renaissance for the Niagara Falls City Market

Lowe got things started with double up, new vendors, car shows and more.

He loved Niagara Falls like he lived here, running things for Field & Fork Network.

Alas, opportunity called. He left earlier this spring to work for the American Heart Association.

His replacement was on site Friday.

Joanna Congi, a lifelong Niagara Falls resident, homeowner and booster, has taken over for Lowe. Not only that, but they are good friends. Congi said Lowe shared his contacts and connections and is helping things move forward.

She is still  seeking new vendors for this season, from crafters to food trucks and, of course, farmers.

Congi has a long family history in the restaurant business. Her grandmother worked at Fortunas for 47 years.

She also has personal food industry experience, working in Buffalo and perhaps best known locally for her time at Wine on Third. The connections from all those years will be invaluable.

She is also still cooking, working as a personal chef in addition to her market gig.

Plans remain for a massive remake of the market which will include a new building on the front of the property including indoor space and even a kitchen which will serve as an incubator for food entrepreneurship. The market will be shifted toward Pine Avenue rather than being hidden at the back of a plaza.

The $18 million market project, being funded by New York State, is being overseen by USA Niagara Development with input from the Restaino administration. It was announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul because Niagara Falls has only Republican leadership in Democrat-dominated Albany.

Not much specific has been released about the plans though some adjacent businesses have been complaining about potential parking changes.

The pharmacy in the city-owned at the rear of the plaza remains boarded and closed. Gagsters, Goodfellas, Palace of Dosas, Master Khechen, DMR Hardware and the Marketside remain operating.

The former 755 Restaurant appears to be on the verge of reopening. At least there is a sign hung and pictures of food.

The design firm planning the new market will be at the Community Family Fun Day planned for July 12.

More information is available by emailing falls.market@gmail.com.

Other events coming include evening markets: July 10, Aug. 14, Sept. 11, Oct. 9 and a community local food day Sept. 25.