Senate Resolution No. 2644

BY: Senator PARKER

COMMENDING BRP Companies and Urbane Development
upon the occasion of hosting the grand opening of
Flatbush Central Caribbean Marketplace

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and pay
tribute to those organizations who have dedicated ample time and
resources with the goal of developing and maintaining culturally
significant institutions; and

WHEREAS, Tradition calls for this State and Nation to acknowledge
the central nature of these institutions and not only their ability to
enrich the communities among them, but preserve them as best as
possible; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Urbane Development Group and BRP Companies upon the occasion of
hosting the grand opening of Flatbush Central Caribbean Marketplace, May
13-14, 2022; and

WHEREAS, Founded in 2000, as the brainchild of Dr. Una Clarke, the
first Caribbean-born woman elected to the City's legislature, Flatbush
Caton Market was Dr. Clarke's response to addressing the struggles of
many street merchants within her district; and

WHEREAS, Seeing the opportunity to build and support these members
within her community, Dr. Clarke's office partnered with the City of New
York to create a designated space in which these venders could set up
shop; and

WHEREAS, Still unsatisfied with their transition from the street to
a mere parking lot, Dr. Clarke went on to raise $100,000 towards the
construction of a permanent building where merchants could set up their
markets daily under one shared roof; and

WHEREAS, The FCM building opened on January 19, 2002, and in the 20
years since, Flatbush Caton Market has been a beacon of cultural
inspiration, hosting various community events, merchant showcases, and
seasonal farmer's markets; and

WHEREAS, In 2013, seeking to reinvigorate and expand the Market's
scope, the New York City Economic Development Corporation awarded a
joint venture partnership to BRP Companies and Urbane Development to
redevelop the marketplace; and

WHEREAS, The grand opening of the new Flatbush Central Caribbean
Marketplace has introduced top of the line alterations, including an
expanded and newly renovated vendor market, classrooms for business
training, and workshops and offices to provide spaces where merchants
can grow their small businesses; and

WHEREAS, The evolution of the Flatbush Central Caribbean Marketplace
from its humble beginnings as Flatbush Caton Market speak to the deeply

Caribbean roots of its neighborhood and, with the time and dedication
put in by the community to ensure that the market can remain a cultural
focal point for years to come, is in line with the tradition of this
Legislative Body's sense to accordingly merit these efforts; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend BRP Companies and Urbane Development upon the occasion of
hosting the grand opening of Flatbush Central Caribbean Marketplace; and
be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to BRP Companies and the Urbane Development Group.