'Beloved' Flatbush Bakery Fighting Eviction

FLATBUSH, BROOKLYN — A favorite Caribbean bakery that's been in business for 15 years on Flatbush Avenue is facing eviction, according to its owner, as local activists are trying to bring its plight to light.

Errol Miller, an immigrant from Jamaica, told Patch on Monday that he opened Errol's Caribbean Bakery, located at 661 Flatbush Ave., 15 years ago, after spending 16 years working at Jamaican Pride Bakery. The store sells a variety of Caribbean baked goods and entrees.

Miller said he never had a problem with his building's owner until this year. But after his $3,500 per month lease expired in May, Miller said the owner sued to remove him from the property, even though that same owner had repeatedly pushed off discussion of a new lease.

Miller said he fought the eviction in court, and was given six months by a judge to stay in his location. During that time, he said he worked out a verbal agreement with the owner to pay $5,000 per month, plus metered water expenses. Miller said he also agreed to pay to fix a bathroom on the premises.

But after that, the owner stopped returning his calls, and Miller's lawyer, who declined to provide a name, said she never received a written lease, despite multiple attempts to contact the owner.

Miller said he was told by a friend that the owner is looking to rent his space, plus two spaces attached to the bakery, for a total of $8,000 per month. His lawyer couldn't verify that, but said the matter "absolutely" comes down to money.

"That's what's going on here in Flatbush," she said, referring to the conduct of property owners around the neighborhood who are looking to maximize profits. "It's insane."

According to city property records, Miller's store is owned by 2 Hawthorn Street Associates, LLC. The company couldn't immediately be reached for comment on Monday.

Miller said it would be hard for him to move his business. One of the properties adjacent to his contains his massive oven, which he bought when he moved in, he said, adding that he couldn't move it to a new space.

He said the six month grace period given to him earlier this year expired at the end of November. He's waiting to be served with eviction papers, he said, at which point he'll go back to court.

Meanwhile, anti-displacement activist organization Equality for Flatbush is coordinating a rally at the bakery on Dec. 17.

"Come out on December 17th from 3pm-5pm to show that our community appreciates the amazing Caribbean food and service that Errol's Bakery provides," a Facebook posting for the rally read. "Come out and show that we want Errol's Bakery to stay where it is and to thrive for more years to come."

Pictured at top: Errol's Bakery. Photos by John V. Santore