BP MARKOWITZ STATEMENT ON CLOSING OF PATHMARK IN SHEEPSHEAD BAY, EFFORTS TO ATTRACT REPLACEMENT SUPERMARKET

“The loss of a supermarket in Brooklyn, particularly when so many of our neighborhoods are lacking quality food at affordable prices, is not only a major quality of life issue but a public health issue. When supermarkets close, our residents—especially seniors—are forced to travel greater distances, often at greater expense, to provide for basic needs for themselves and their families. The preservation and creation of supermarkets has been, and continues to be, a top priority of my office, and it has been my ULURP policy to seek the inclusion of supermarkets as part of my discretionary land use review where deemed appropriate, as in the Shops at Gateway, Gateway Estates and Coney Island, to name a few. While I am disappointed the Pathmark on Nostrand Avenue will be closing, I am interested in working with the property owner and other stakeholders to identify a supermarket retailer to replace Pathmark and provide the residents of Sheepshead Bay and surrounding communities with the access to the fresh food they deserve.”