Jack Cargnoni says he might move his namesake flea market to North Fayette because of plans for a large retail, entertainment and office complex on the current site in Collier. Bargain hunters have been browsing Trader Jack's Flea Market each Saturday and Sunday for 15 years as of this week, sorting through tables with everything from dog biscuits to mood rings to Steelers socks. "When I first started this," Cargnoni said, "you wouldn't believe how many people said this was the stupidest thing I could ever do." Cargnoni has been clearing 220 acres he owns near the Imperial exit off Route 22/30, as a possible new location for Trader Jack's. Philadelphia developer Goldenberg Group Inc. has an option to buy Cargnoni's 136 acres near Interstate 79 in Collier. Goldenberg is working with PennDOT to build a ramp from the Interstate 79 Kirwan Heights interchange to the site. Allegheny County Council could give final approval this month to start work on a tax break for the $120 million complex to be known as Collier Crossing. Collier and the Chartiers Valley School District already have approved the first step toward a tax increment financing program for the project. Under the tax break, money that would be paid in property taxes is used to pay for infrastructure improvements. County approval also is needed. PennDOT will start an $80 million resurfacing project this fall on I-79 from Kirwan Heights to the Parkway West ramp, spokesman Dick Skrinjar said. Goldenberg spokesman Brian Clarke said the company hopes to save money by partnering with PennDOT to do the resurfacing and ramp construction simultaneously. Collier Commissioner Darlene Restich said PennDOT has set a June 14 deadline for Goldenberg to submit final plans for the ramp. PennDOT and Collier officials must approve the ramp design. If the Collier property is sold, "I might move the flea market to North Fayette, if it's welcomed in that particular area," said Cargnoni, a former township commissioner. Trader Jack's customers say they would follow the market. Each weekend, 665 display spaces are sold to vendors, who fill 24 rows on the asphalt lot as well as space inside the building. Jack Walter, of Brookline, said he buys five spaces, for $23 each, every weekend. He's been selling clothing, shoes and accessories at Trader Jack's for 14 years. His stock ranges from $1 sunglasses to $20 brand-name T-shirts. "It's profitable and exciting, and I love the family atmosphere," Walter said. His wife, their three children and his brother also work at the flea market. "We love the action here and the hustle and bustle," Walter said. "If Trader Jack's left, we'd follow it wherever it would go." Sue Reinhart, of Butler, and her mother, Dorothy, travel to Trader Jack's every other weekend. "We come here because of the friendliness of the vendors," Reinhart said, adding her biggest find was a $5 trunk full of craft supplies worth as much as $300. Dave Smith, of Washington, manages what regulars call the "dollar store" inside the market, selling items ranging from dog treats to potato chips. He understands what keeps people coming back to the flea market. "You never know what you're going to get," Smith said. "It's like Christmas every day."

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