CaribeME CaribeME (2) | Page 5

“This new development is the product of extensive community engagement and brings both affordability and economic opportunity to Flatbush,” said HPD Commissioner Maria Torres-Springer. “With over 250 units of 100% affordable housing, hundreds of New York City families will be able to call Brooklyn home, and with an expanded Flatbush Caton mark et and entrepreneurship training programs, local residents will have the resources and space they need to thrive. I’m thrilled the Council approved this plan and look forward to continuing to work with our City partners, the Council, and the community to see this project to fruition.” “Since the beginning of my administration, I have been focused on the redevelopment of Flatbush Caton Market into a high-quality, mixed-use project to re-energize the surrounding Flatbush community and to be worthy of the residents and entrepreneurs invested in its success,” said Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams. “Today, we celebrate an important milestone on the journey to opening the doors to an expanded market, hundreds of affordable housing units, and new community space to support our rich Caribbean diaspora. I am proud to be part of this broad-based revitalization effort that will help ensure the popularity of Brooklyn's brand translates to prosperity for every Brooklynite.” “The new Flatbush Caton Market is an important project for the local community and all of Brooklyn. I have worked hard for years along with NYCEDC, the developer, the market vendors, and other stakeholders to secure more benefits for the community, and I am pleased to see that NYCEDC and the developer have made modifications to their original plans in order to provide additional affordable housing for those making less money, and job opportunities for those living in the community,” said Council Member Mathieu Eugene. “The new market will include a permanent home for the Caribbean Chamber of Commerce and Industry, something I have been working towards for many years. I am also pleased that by working together, we were able to provide the vendors, who are the heart and soul of the market, with a year of free rent in a suitable temporary space. When the new market is complete, they will have the right to return to do business in the upgraded facility. I am looking forward to continuing to work with all of the parties involved in this project to ensure that people in the community benefit more from the new market.” “Ever since my mother, the Honorable Dr. Una S.T. Clarke led the effort to establish Flatbush Caton Market, it has become an extraordinary resource for local entrepreneurs who want to build and establish their businesses. Her vision led to a thriving enterprise that has been a destination of great significance to our local entrepreneurs and their customers, many of whom are immigrants fulfilling the promise of their American Dream,” said Congresswoman Yvette Clarke. “After redevelopment, the market will provide desperately needed affordable housing for hundreds of families, expanded opportunities for small businesses based in our community, and indoor space for families and children and a home the Caribbean American Trade Center that will serve as a hub for commerce in the heart of Brooklyn's Caribbean-American community. I want to thank Councilman Mathieu Eugene, the New York City Council, as well as Dr. Roy Hastick, the Caribbean- American Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and New York City Economic Development