I’ve always been amazed that there has never been any thought given to having the Broadway Market embrace the ethnic groups that live in the immediate area (“What the Market Will Bear,” Artvoice v7n26). The market always served the surrounding community. If the population has shifted to more African-American, Muslim, and Vietnamese people, then the markets offerings ought to reflect this. Fresh produce including that used by various cultures available in an area that had food vendors preparing those items along with cultural presentations would make the market more of a draw to the greater region throughout the year but more importantly provide good fresh vegetables, meats, herbs, and spices in the diets of the ethnic groups living in the area 365 days year. People with limited personal transportation as well as those who do not wish to spend the time traveling outside their immediate area to shop would support this. (Why do you think Tops International on Maple Road in Amherst has ethnic food isles and fresh ethnic produce?)

A check cashing operation to anchor the market? Why not add the gun shop, the pawn shop and the liquor store and make the conversion to a Florida strip mall complete.

The lease should be allowed to expire and the present board dissolved.

Mark Braun
Tonawanda