Brooklyn Flea Market's Future Is Focus of Town Hall Meeting

A popular Brooklyn flea market's future will be debated at a town hall meeting tonight, and community members and political figures are stepping up to defend it.

Brooklyn Flea, which has been operating every Sunday since April of this year, has come under fire from members of a church situated across the street, Queen of All Saints.

A church leader, Sister Aileen Halleran, feels that the market reduces church attendance and clogs the street with cars and bicycles, according to a deacon at another church, Kathryn Zarczynski. Queen of All Saints will be hosting the community meeting; a representative of the church could not be reached for comment.

Council Member Letitia James, who represents the area, said a dismantling of the market is something that's "not going to happen." Brooklyn's president, Marty Markowitz, will be sending a representative to the meeting to support the market.

Brooklyn Flea's co-founder, Eric Demby, said the market faces "no imminent danger in the short or long term. ... If it means we have to get more parking spaces, garbage cans, bike racks, we'll do whatever it takes," he said.

Brooklyn Flea sits on the grounds of Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School. Mr. Demby said the market had a private contract with the school and would not comment on the nature of the arrangement. The school could not be reached for comment.