Revamped Flatbush Caton Market to add affordable housing

A facelift is coming to Flatbush.

The Flatbush Caton Market, a commercial and cultural institution in the busy nabe, will see a large-scale makeover complete with 166 affordable housing units, an expanded and renovated market, a new space for the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CACCI)—the managers of the market, and additional classroom space complete with a commercial kitchen.

The multi-purpose rejuvenation, intended to support the growth and vitality of local vendors/entrepreneurs as well as fit into Mayor Bill de Blasio’s 10-year goal of building or preserving 200,000 affordable housing units, will be developed by the BRP Development Corporation (BRP) according to the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), and will be designed by architecture firm Freeform + Deform.

Freeform + Deform
Freeform + Deform

“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.”

The market, whose building opened in 2001, is home to many small businesses and entrepreneurs, according to NYCEDC, and has become somewhat of a “cornerstone” for the local Caribbean community.

“The redevelopment of the Flatbush Caton Market is a critical step in strengthening Brooklyn’s Caribbean American small business community,” said CACCI President and Founder Dr. Roy Hastick, Sr. “The creation of CACCI’s Caribbean American Trade Center within the new development will provide a permanent home for CACCI’s programs, which promote small businesses and trade and investment opportunities for New York City’s Caribbean American and other communities.”

According to NYCEDC, the new market will continue to anchor the corner of Flatbush and Caton Avenues, with the new community space providing needed facilities to promote entrepreneurship through “training and capacity-building programs.”

Additionally, of the approximately 166 residential units that will be 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. BRP has also committed to providing a temporary space for the market’s current vendors, ensuring that the market will see a business-as-usual model throughout the construction process.

“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 Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams. “The selection of BRP is a win-win for all, creating a bigger and better market with spaces for business and community development while building approximately 166 mixed-income units of 100% much-needed affordable housing. 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.”

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