A&P NEGOTIATING TO BUY SITE OF VAN RIPER'S MARKET

MONTVALE, N.J. -- A&P here is negotiating to buy a property that includes Van Riper's, a well-known local farmer's market, for an undisclosed amount.

A&P store, Michael J. Rourke, senior vice president of communications and corporate affairs, told SN.

Construction on the site now occupied by the farmer's market is probably at least two years away, Rourke said. The size of the property A&P is negotiating to buy was not available.

Van Riper's is one of two farmer's markets that developed across the street from each other several years ago. Each originally consisted of farm stands with locally grown fruits and vegetables.

One of the markets -- Tice's -- expanded into a successful shopping center a decade ago. Van Riper's has remained closer to its roots, with a store and outdoor displays featuring produce and other fresh items from a variety of sources other than the Van Riper's farm.

Rourke said the store A&P plans to build on the site would be special. He declined to provide any specifics.