It survived a temporary move and the COVID-19 crisis, and has finally graduated to a new swanky building in Flatbush on the ground floor of Caton Flats, located at 2123 Caton Ave.
Under former Mayor Bill de Blasio, the site was marked for development into “affordable housing” while it was a single story building and a parking lot back in 2013. But, Urbane, a Black-run community development venture, put their bid in to keep the space true to Dr. Clarke’s vision as it grew. “It’s been a challenge but the vendors have really rose to the occasion. They’ve been through a lot and persevered through a lot,” said Johnson-Piett. “Recognizing it was another storm to weather because these folks came from trauma, they came from poverty. And their existence and business has had that sorta as a backdrop, so this was just another thing.”
Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso said he was excited to see the market in a new, permanent building that celebrates Caribbean culture and will also have incubator space to support new small businesses. “I can’t wait to go and try some doubles and roti!” said Reynoso.