CaribeME CaribeME (2) | Page 7

Owned Business Enterprise (MBE) and the project’s developer, plans to partner with Urbane Development to provide robust educational programs focusing on management skills and business development strategies for small retailers. Additionally, BRP has committed to providing a temporary space for current market vendors, ensuring that the market will continue to operate throughout the construction of the new facility. Founded in 2001 with the support of former Council Member Dr. Una Clarke, the Flatbush Caton Market is home to many small businesses and micro-entrepreneurs and serves as a vital cornerstone of the local Caribbean community. The project follows extensive discussions with local elected officials and community stakeholders, who identified the community’s desire to bring new affordable housing and jobs to the area while protecting the current market vendors and providing them with expanded support to help them grow. The redevelopment of the site will reinforce the market’s important role in promoting economic growth in the Flatbush neighborhood. As part of the Mayor’s Housing New York plan, NYCEDC has continued to identify opportunities that promote mixed-use, mixed-income development and further the Mayor’s commitment to creating 200,000 affordable housing units throughout the five boroughs. In March 2017, NYCEDC and the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) announced a commitment to bring deeply affordable housing to the site of a former MTA bus depot on East 126th Street in East Harlem. In January 2017, NYCEDC, HPD, and the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) announced plans to transform an underutilized New York Police Department (NYPD) parking garage in Jamaica, Queens into a mixed-use development that will include over 350 units of 100% affordable housing, recreational and commercial/retail space, which will generate hundreds of good-paying construction and permanent jobs. About NYCEDC - New York City Economic Development Corporation is the City's primary vehicle for promoting economic growth in each of the five boroughs. NYCEDC's mission is to stimulate growth through expansion and redevelopment programs that encourage investment, generate prosperity and strengthen the City's competitive position. NYCEDC serves as an advocate to the business community by building relationships with companies that allow them to take advantage of New York City's many opportunities. Find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter, or visit our blog to learn more about NYCEDC projects and initiatives.