DUMBO might be Brooklyn’s Silicon Alley and and you can’t walk in Williamsburg without bumping into a hipster, but Brooklyn’s heart has always been Flatbush – and a bevy of officials descended in the neighborhood today to unveil what they hope will serve as an anchor to its future.
That after the City’s Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams, New York City Council Member Mathieu Eugene, and other elected officials today announced the selection of BRP Development Corporation (BRP) to transform the current Flatbush Caton Market, a local commercial and cultural institution, into a mixed-use project that includes an expanded and renovated market, new space for the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CACCI), and additional classroom space and a commercial kitchen that will support the long-term growth and vitality of dozens of local vendors and entrepreneurs.
The development, designed by architecture firm Freeform + Deform, will also create approximately 166 mixed-income residential units – 100 percent of which will be affordable – helping to meet Mayor Bill de Blasio’s goal of building or preserving 200,000 affordable housing units over 10 years.
“This development is going to be a true neighborhood hub,” said de Blasio. “We cannot wait to see the market thrive in its new home and create new opportunity for immigrant and local entrepreneurs. The affordable housing will help Flatbush continue to be a diverse neighborhood where people from every walk of life can live. We challenged our agencies to find new ways to infuse affordable housing into their projects, and this development is a testament to that focus.”
“From the beginning of my administration at Brooklyn Borough Hall, I have been focused on delivering a high-quality mixed-use project that would re-energize the Flatbush Caton Market and be worthy of the surrounding Flatbush community,” said Adams. “The Flatbush Caton Market will continue to hum with the heartbeat of our rich Caribbean diaspora as it serves Brooklyn and beyond for years to come.”
“The Flatbush Caton Market is an important neighborhood asset that brings a piece of the Caribbean to Brooklyn,” said Eugene. “The new plans for the Caton Market, which include a crucial addition of affordable housing, are designed to enhance the market for the vendors and our community.”
Founded in 2001 with the support of former Council Member Dr. Una Clarke, the Flatbush Caton Market has provided a home to many small businesses and micro-entrepreneurs, becoming a vital cornerstone of the local Caribbean community. Under the plan, BRP has committed to provide a temporary space for current market vendors, ensuring that the Market will continue to operate throughout construction of the new facility.
Of the approximately 166 residential units created through the project, 20 percent will be available for low-income residents, 30 percent for moderate-income residents, and 50 percent for middle-income residents.
The project also has the support of numerous Flatbush area lawmakers on the city, state and federal level.
“This project will provide some of the affordable housing that central Brooklyn desperately needs, particularly as all of the residential units will remain affordable to working families. In addition, this project will support entrepreneurs in our community by expanding the market and providing a location for the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry,” said Flatbush Congresswoman Yvette Clarke.
“The transformation of the Flatbush Caton Market is the kind of responsible development our city needs,” said State Senator Kevin Parker. “It is a smart, well thought-out expansion that will not only spur economic growth but meets the needs of the community. I am proud to have been a part of ensuring its success.”
“I am thrilled to see the expansion of the Flatbush-Caton Market,” said Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte. “Not only will the community benefit from additional economic development services, but the expansion of affordable housing is aligned with our commitment to addressing the district’s severe housing crisis. Additionally, as the Chair of the Oversight of Minority and Women Business-Owned Enterprise (MWBEs) Committee, I am ecstatic that the prime contractor selected to do this job is a certified MBE. Lastly, I appreciate the forethought of the Economic Development Corporation to include requirements for a diverse workforce in its RFPs, which will greatly benefit minorities and low-income New Yorkers.”
The city-owned site needs to go through the public process known as Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP), which could take several months before a groundbreaking date for the project is determined.
