Local politicians joined in to cut the ribbon at the grand opening of the new Hester St. Market on Sunday. Above, in the foreground, from left, were Borough President Scott Stringer, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, Assemblymember Richard Brodsky — who was making the rounds as a candidate for state attorney general — state Senator Daniel Squadron and City Councilmember Margaret Chin. Below left, Silver, who is a Grand St. resident, did the honors, cutting the cake, while below right, he posed for a photo with Anne Schwartz, 88, an original tenant, and her son Barry. The event was a kickoff for the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Seward Park co-op on Grand St., as well as the official opening of the new market, which has now been running for seven weekends. The market offers everything from gourmet pretzels and lemonade to used bikes, fashion accessories made out of recycled materials and $20 expert tarot card readings.
