A Market for Little Caribbean

Urbane Development, led by CEO James Johnson-Piett, has a strong track record of revitalizing underserved communities by supporting local small businesses and fostering economic growth. With a primary focus on low-income neighborhoods, Urbane's project in the Little Caribbean area of Brooklyn aims to preserve and enhance the local Caribbean market while providing affordable housing and community resources. The development includes affordable housing units, a Caribbean-themed market, food hall, community kitchens, and maker labs, all designed to bolster local entrepreneurship.

The Caribbean market in Flatbush has historically been a vibrant hub for Caribbean immigrants, offering a range of island goods and serving as a cultural touchstone. Urbane's challenge is to modernize and upscale this market without displacing existing vendors, many of whom are struggling street peddlers. Urbane has promised to train these vendors in upscale merchandising to integrate them into the new complex. The concept of "development without displacement" is central to their strategy, aiming to protect the community's cultural and economic fabric from the adverse effects of gentrification.

Questions facing Urbane include whether the new market space can attract a diverse, free-spending clientele, including global tourists and the local Caribbean diaspora, while generating sufficient revenue for sustainability. Additionally, there are concerns about the potential community pushback if vendors cannot scale and are asked to leave. Most importantly, the project faces financial challenges, such as financing the development and ensuring a return on investment for partners.