We have some bad news for the occult lovers, but do not panic just yet!
Last week, a routine fire inspection administered by the city’s fire department (FDNY) resulted in a temporary closure of Bushwick’s beloved occult bookstore and event space, Catland.
Bushwick’s spiritual treasure chest since 2013 located at 987 Flushing Ave., will remain closed until they make renovations to bring the space up to code, in order to ensure that a disaster similar to Oakland’s Ghost Ship doesn’t happen in Bushwick.
The inspection and the following closure disrupted the second weekend of Catland’s Full Moon Market, forcing host Jennifer Blue June to seek alternative location at Precious Metal.
According to the FDNY Catland was operating without sprinklers or fire protection; they didn’t have a secondary exit; and couldn’t conjure the necessary public assembly approvals.
Despite the early end of the year, Catland’s owner Melissa Madara remains optimistic and tells Bushwick Daily that “even if it comes as an inconvenience to us,” she has no ill will feelings towards the FDNY, and as far as Catland’s future is concerned, “there is nothing to worry about.”
“In the wake of the Ghost Ship tragedy out west, we appreciate that the FDNY is finally making efforts to protect artists and craftspeople from dangerous situations,” Madara recounts.
Madara says she hopes to have her business up to code as soon as possible. To lighten the mood of Catland’s dedicated patrons, the store has relinquished all shipping fees through the New Year, and will be adding new essential oils and incense to their collection.
Stay tuned to Bushwick Daily for further updates.
Featured image: Jennifer Blue June from the outside of her Full Moon Market, a week before Catland’s closure.