PALMYRA FLEA MARKET REOPENS AFTER REMOVAL OF WWII MUNITIONS
Aug 3, 2008

PALMYRA, NJ - (August 17, 2008) The Tacony Palmyra Flea Market was given the green light to reopen this weekend after munitions experts cleared 290 pieces of World War II era shells over the last few months.

Borough officials shut the flea market in March following the discovery of numerous unexploded shells on the site, which once was home to the former Tacony Palmyra Drive in.

The shells were discarded on the property during a top secret U.S. Army testing program of recoilless rifle systems being developed across the Delaware River at the Frankford Arsenal in the 1940s.

For several years, the Army used the site as a test range for its howitzers. After World War II, the military abandoned the site and the area was paved over in the 1950s and became home to the drive in, which closed in 1986.

The 65 acre site is owned by National Amusements, a subsidiary of Viacom, which uses it as an open air flea market.

Yesterday, vendors and shoppers returned after five months away. Vendors said it might take some time for word to get out that the flea market is back in business.

"We didn't have too many customers today and the crowd was smaller than usual, but hopefully once they realize we're open again they'll be back," said Sarah Muakasa of New York, who has sold juniors' and women's apparel for the past four years at the flea market. "We're very happy to be back. We went to other flea markets when it was closed, but this is the best."

She said some vendors began lining up at about midnight to secure their old spots. Other vendors, Muakasa said, did not return yesterday.

Shopper Evelyn Robinson of Philadelphia was excited the flea market was reopened. "I had never been here, but heard there were great buys," she said. "I kept checking all summer to see if it would open. We just took a chance today. I'll be back."

Her patience paid off with a $35 comforter set she priced elsewhere for $70.

While the flea market is open for bargain hunters, the legal battle stemming from the closure continues.

Mayor John Gural said he's baffled that National Amusements has filed a lawsuit against the borough seeking financial reimbursement for business lost during the shutdown.

Gural said National Amusement's lawsuit shows the disregard the company has for its customers' safety.

"I think it's all about corporate greed," Gural said. "(National Amusements) say we capriciously shut them down, which is ridiculous. Public safety was the only reason it was shut down."

Mark Haefner, a lawyer representing National Amusements, would not comment on the case.

Borough solicitor Ted Ros enberg said the borough will vigorously defend itself against the lawsuit.

"The borough had no preconceived agenda to have National Amusements (flea market) shut down," Rosenberg said. "Once the large cache of unexploded ordnances were found, the chief of police said it was a "public safety issue' and ordered it shut down. You had close to 300 unexploded ordnances out there."

Borough officials also say they are upset about the number of munitions that have been left behind.

"I'm disgusted," Gural said. "We've cleared pieces of 290 unexploded ordnances. For the federal government to have left that in our community was totally irresponsible."

Furthermore, Gural said he doubts local officials would have learned of the extent of the problem if the borough hadn't undertaken a major housing and commercial redevelopment project in the area.

The flea market property is part of a 189 acre redevelopment zone, where the borough hopes to locate housing and commercial development, including a new exposition center.

The cleanup was funded with a $1.9 million grant administered by the state Department of Environmental Protection and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. The mayor said he's glad that a Tennessee based munitions team managed to clean up and dispose of the shells without any injuries.

The munitions team still has to clear one of the parking lots, which is cordoned off from the public, and an area surrounding a nearby pond before the cleanup will be finished.

Regardless, Gural said he believes flea market customers and vendors will be safe. "I'm confident the health and welfare of the people is being protected by the borough," he said.

Tacony Palmyra Swap N' Shop Flea Market. On Rte 73. Every Saturday & Sunday and selected holidays year round. 6am 3pm. 400 dealers. Antiques & collectibles, clothing, coins & stamps, crafts, furniture, jewelry, pottery, fresh produce. (609)829-3001; day of market (609)829-3000