San Jose Flea Market Vendors Secure: In a significant development for vendors at San Jose’s Berryessa Flea Market, an agreement has been reached to extend its operation until at least January 2026. San Jose Councilmember David Cohen brokered the deal with the Bumb family, owners of the land where the flea market operates. This extension brings relief to the vendors who had been facing uncertainty since 2021 when the Berryessa BART Urban Village project was approved by the City Council. The initial plan was to rezone a portion of the flea market for a substantial mixed-use development, but it has since been revised to a more modest version with 940 homes.
The agreement ensures that vendors can continue their operations without the imminent threat of closure until the specified date. Previously, the flea market’s earliest closure date was set for 2024, with vendors requiring a one-year notice before development commenced. The continuous updates on development progress had left vendors anxious, given the potential for closure in each update. With the new agreement, the earliest a one-year advanced notice of closure can be issued is January 1, 2025, and the earliest possible closure is January 1, 2026.
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Erik Schoennauer, a consultant representing the Bumb family, noted that due to changes in the development plans and the city’s opposition to the downsized project, actual construction might not start in the next two years. This provides an extended timeline for the flea market’s operation, potentially beyond the specified date.
The extension also offers vendors more time to explore alternative locations and plan their transition. The city has initiated the Flea Market Advisory Board to study the economic benefits of the flea market and assist vendors in moving to a new location. Roberto Gonzalez, president of the Berryessa Flea Market Vendors Association, expressed optimism about the additional time, citing ongoing explorations for potential sites. The city and the Bumb family have allocated funds, including $5 million from the Bumb family and $2 million from the city, to support the advisory board’s work, facilitating a smoother transition for the vendors.
Our Reader’s Queries
Who are the owners of San Jose Flea Market?
The Bumb family, who have owned the flea market and adjacent land near the Berryessa/North San Jose BART station for a long time, have submitted a proposal to the city to construct 940 homes and 45,500 square feet of ground-floor retail space on the site.
Is the Berryessa flea market closing?
Vendors at San Jose’s Berryessa Flea Market can now breathe a sigh of relief as they have been granted an extension until Jan. 1, 2026 to sell their goods on the site. The market has been facing uncertainty for years, with vendors unsure of when they would have to relocate due to future residential development plans. However, they can now continue to operate their businesses for the foreseeable future. This news comes as a welcome relief to the vendors who can now focus on providing quality products to their customers without the added stress of relocation.
How do you get people to buy your stuff at the flea market?
To make money in the flea market business, it’s important to scope out your market and customer base. Once you have a good understanding of your audience, select a strategic booth location and tag your items attractively. Organizing your items in an eye-catching way can also help draw in customers. Determine your haggling and discount strategy to ensure you’re making a profit. Additionally, finding opportunities to buy low and sell high can increase your earnings. Consider using online platforms to expand your reach and attract more customers.
How big is San Jose swap meet?
With a market that spans 120 acres, the selection of goods for sale is incredibly diverse. It’s easy to get lost in your search for items on your shopping list due to the sheer variety available. But fear not, there’s something for everyone here.