New Saturday farmers market coming to Eastside Costa Mesa

A farmers market will set up shop every Saturday in Costa Mesa’s Eastside beginning in September.

The Planning Commission voted 3 to 1 to approve a permit allowing St. John the Divine Episcopal Church at 183 East Bay St. to operate a weekend farmers market in the church parking lot.

The farmers market, which will offer fresh local produce, flowers and other food items, will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday.

Pastor Phil DeVaul said the farmers market will bring much needed social interaction for the community.

“Farmers markets promote relationships and community gathering,” he said. “It will make our neighborhood more neighborly.”

The church plans to tear out landscaping and add 34 additional parking spaces to its lot. The new parking area would accommodate up to 15 vendors each weekend.

Live music and alcohol sales will not be allowed at the market, according to city staff.

Commissioner Stephan Andranian voted against the project saying that he doesn’t believe the benefit of the market would outweigh the noise and traffic impacts to nearby residents.

“While I like farmers markets, I wouldn’t like one in front of my house,” Andranian said.

Commissioner Tim Sesler recused himself because he attends church at St. John the Divine.