Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams, NYCEDC President and CEO James Patchett, Council Member Antonio Reynoso celebrate the announcement of a $2.7 million investment for renovations of Moore Street Market. Image Credit: NYC EDC

$2.7 Million in renovations to enhance facilities at one of Brooklyn’s oldest public markets. On August 20, 2019, New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), Council Member Antonio Reynoso and Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams announced $2.7 million dollars of improvements to enhance facilities at one of Brooklyn’s oldest public markets located on Moore Street.

The Moore Street Market is located at 110 Moore Street in North Brooklyn and occupies approximately 15,000-square-feet. The Market opened in 1941 and currently houses fifteen vendors and merchants, offering events year-round from cooking classes to holiday celebrations and seminars for small businesses. Brooklyn residents and visitors may find fresh produce, as well as multiple fish markets, coffee shops, sit-down dining spots, botanicas, craft shops, a barbershop, a beauty salon, a tailor, a bakery, a music store, available from local businesses.

The funding allocated will support renovations that include repairs to the facility’s roof, windows, and updates to the heating and cooling systems. In the fall, a designer will be commissioned to begin plans for these upcoming renovations and future upgrades to the facility.

Moore Street Market is one of six public markets that NYCEDC oversees and NYCEDC has recently partnered with El Puente de Williamsburg, who will serve as Moore Street Market’s official community partner. El Puente is a community human rights institution that promotes leadership for peace and justice through the engagement of members (youth and adult) in the community.

Weekly and monthly cooking classes, sewing seminars, reading workshops, and seasonal events are all included in the wide range of services El Puente will provide for the market. Additionally, El Puente will oversee the coordination, design, and installation of a new market mural and will guide marketing and promotional activities to attract customers to the market.

Moore Street Market was opened by Mayor Fiorella La Guardia in the 1940s as an initiative to provide pushcart vendors and street merchants with a clean and affordable site to do business.

NYCEDC President and CEO James Patchett stated, “Moore Street Market has been a community cornerstone for decades, and I want to thank . . . our community partners for this generous investment in the market’s future. The market is an important part of our City’s cultural fabric, and with this investment, we can ensure it meets the needs of local businesses and shoppers.”

Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams noted, “Moore Street Market has long been a hub for local and immigrant businesses, and a beacon of opportunity for people living in East Williamsburg and beyond. With this capital funding…we are making long-term investments in the vitality of a true neighborhood amenity.”

Dr. Frances Lucerna, Co-Founder & Executive Director of El Puente de Williamsburg stated, “El Puente remains committed to cultivating resources for the Market so that it continues to serve its mission in promoting local businesses that are the backbone of our community and be a cultural hub that not only celebrates our Latino culture, but aims to continue bridging all cultural practices of Williamsburg’s diverse population.”

By: Abby Cannon (Abby is a CityLaw intern and a New York Law School student, Class of 2020.)