UPDATE: As of summer 2009, this flea has been revived until at least June, located now at 4th Street between Avenues B and C. For more info, see the comments section below, or read here.
RIP: site of the former MHC flea market on Avenue B @11th Street
I used to pass the MHC flea market many weekends as I walked my dog from the West Village over to the East (the squirrels in Tompkins Square Park being somewhat more desirable than those in Washington Square). I went down on Saturday just to make sure I had my facts straight about it and . . . in fact, it no longer exists.
I can't substantiate the number, but Shane, who sells used bikes at the Monk Thrift Shop down the street, told me that the church sold the site this spring for $160 million.
Too big a temptation for the Mary Help of Christians, apparently.
The vendors from the market have tried several different sites, but nothing is sticking yet, according to a woman helping Shane sell bikes. Unfortunately, search around the internet and pages that list fleas in New York City still include this one, as well as other defunct markets.
************************************** GOOD NEWS *********************************
Mary Help of Christians Market Vendors have relocated. The market vendors have reformed for a great cause, to raise funds for the schools in the area that have lost funding for several programs. The Earth School, Thompson Square Middle School and P.S. 64, have welcomed the market to help raise sorely needed funds. Running for a few weekends in the fall of 2008, the market resumed for the spring of 2009 and has since opened as of May 9th at 4th St. between Avenues B and C. It will be running until June 14th and possibly longer. Open Saturdays and Sundays 7am - 7pm. New Vendor are welcome to contact Jeanette at 212-979-2186 or Deb 347-216-4691!! All are welcome to come and show your support for the schools and the vendors. See you at the Schoolyard!
Posted by: Deb | Thursday, May 21, 2009 at 04:00 PM