GREENFIELD — As town officials try to find another location for homeless residents now on the Greenfield Common, the weekly farmers market gathered at Court Square on its usual Saturday morning.
While the situation created some obstacles, the two groups were able to share the space.
Because of the number of tents on the Common, the Farmers Market Morris dancers had to relocate their performance and some customers were unable to use tables or chairs.
Yet even with the difficulties, managers of the market said there were no issues with people residing on the Common.
“Each of the different vendors have different perceptions. Different people feel different ways,” said assistant manager Sue Lahoski. “It’s sad they have no place to go. We have this here and it seems to be working out.”
She said the market has shared the Common with other groups, such as protestors, and the groups remain separate.
Manager Alula Shields said each of the vendors has its own opinion on the matter, but all have an amicable relationship with the people living on the Common.
One issue was that some customers may want to share the Common and feel they can’t, Shields said.
Madelynn Malloy, one of the nearly two dozen homeless people now living on the Common, said the residents on the Common want everyone to be able to use the space.
“We try to shuffle out of the way. We want everyone to have the ability to use the space,” Malloy said. “Now that there are more tents, admittedly, it makes it more difficult.”
Last week, there were about a dozen homeless residents on the Common, but others have joined as the encampment continues to attract media attention by TV and newspaper reporters.
She said people from the farmers market have been wonderful.
“People have brought us fruit; personally, I think it’s wonderful to be able to get fresh produce,” Malloy said.
The group has been occupying the space on the Common for over a month.
Malloy said the group of people polices itself and wants to live peacefully without being an eyesore or a burden.
“This place was not my first choice at all,” Malloy said. “It is not ideal by any means. Unfortunately, we’re kind of stuck here in a bad situation and we’re trying to make the best of it.”