Marty Markowitz
Encyclopedia
Marty Markowitz is the Borough President
of Brooklyn
, New York City
, the most populous borough in New York City with nearly 2.6 million residents. Markowitz was first elected borough president in 2001 after serving 23 years as a New York State Senator. His third term began in January, 2010.
, Brooklyn
in a Jewish family. His father, Robert, was a waiter at Sid's, a kosher delicatessen
. When Markowitz was nine years old his father died; his mother, Dorothy, later moved the family to public housing in Sheepshead Bay. Markowitz graduated from Wingate High School in 1962.
He took night classes at Brooklyn College
for nine years, and received his bachelor's degree
in Political Science
in 1970.
Markowitz and his wife Jamie Snow were married in 1999.
. The organization grew into Brooklyn Housing and Family Services, which is the largest tenants advocacy organization operating in New York State today .
He was elected to the State Senate in 1978, and spent over two decades as a New York State Senator for Brooklyn. During his time as a state senator, he was known for creating a series of oceanfront concerts and other festivals rather than drafting legislation.
Markowitz first ran for Borough President in 1985, but failed to unseat the incumbent Howard Golden
. Markowitz subsequently pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor
for failing to disclose a campaign contribution; he was fined and performed community service.
Markowitz was elected to the borough presidency in 2001, as the Democratic
candidate.
Markowitz was re-elected on November 8, 2005, with 79% of the vote, compared to 13% for Republican
challenger Theodore Alatsas, and 7% for Gloria Mattera, the Green Party
candidate. In the 2005 New York City mayoral election
, Markowitz endorsed Republican
incumbent Michael Bloomberg
, as did many other Democrats including Ed Koch
.
s have little real power within city government, Markowitz has used the office to be an enthusiastic advocate for Brooklyn, promoting tourism
and events borough-wide.
During the Northeast Blackout of 2003
, Markowitz stood on the Brooklyn Bridge
as throngs of fellow Brooklynites trudged home from work in Manhattan
, holding a megaphone and cheering "Welcome home to Brooklyn!" to thunderous applause. He repeated this during the 2005 New York City transit strike
, inviting Brooklynites into Borough Hall
for warm drinks and a chance to call loved ones.
Markowitz frequently speaks at public schools in Brooklyn on occasions such as performances and graduations.
Markowitz has called for the demolition of the residences at Admiral's Row
, saying they are damaged beyond repair. However, the Beardsley / Crawford & Stearns report commissioned by the National Guard as part of the Section 106 review of the property disputes this claim. In 2006, Markowitz stated that "a crucial community resource must take priority over preservation at Admirals Row", presumably referring to the supermarket
parking lot
which will replace the historic Second Empire structures if the land is ceded to the city.
During his four decades in public service, Markowitz has made the creation and preservation of affordable housing
a top priority. Through capital funding and advocating for affordable units as part of the borough president’s ULURP (land use) authority, thousands of affordable housing units have been created, including inclusionary zoning
in Greenpoint/Willamsburg and the Habitat for Humanity project in Ocean Hill/Brownsville. Markowitz also fought to save Starrett City, the nation’s largest federally-subsidized housing complex, and keep it “affordable forever.”
Markowitz’s efforts to stimulate and grow Brooklyn’s economy include revitalizing Coney Island
, re-zoning Greenpoint-Williamsburg and Downtown Brooklyn
, cleaning up Newtown Creek
, encouraging development of the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal
, attracting regional corporate headquarters, large manufacturers and retailers, startups and green businesses, and lobbying on behalf of Brooklynites for the affordable housing and jobs attached to the Atlantic Yards
project.
As a longtime advocate for seniors, Markowitz fought vigorously to keep Brooklyn senior centers open when they were threatened with closures due to budget cuts. His efforts to save Brooklyn’s financially troubled medical institutions resulted in the preservation of maternity and pediatric units at Long Island College Hospital
as well as the critical services provided by school medical clinics. Markowitz has also called for increased parental and community engagement in schools and has supported policies that improve graduation rates and prepare Brooklyn students to compete and succeed in the global economy. His office was instrumental in creating two new schools in Brooklyn: the High School for Innovation in Advertising and Media and the Brooklyn Academy of Global Finance.
Markowitz founded and currently hosts the Seaside Summer Concert Series (begun in 1979), New York City’s largest free weekly concert series, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Concert Series (started in 1983), the nation’s largest free public concerts for African American and Caribbean audiences. He has supported Brooklyn’s cultural community, including the BAM Cultural District and Issue Project Room, and is working to restore the Loew's Kings Theatre in Flatbush. Markowitz has hosted annual heritage events at Borough Hall celebrating Brooklyn’s diversity, including celebrations of the Turkish, Asian, Latino, African-American, Jewish, Caribbean, Italian, Greek, Russian, Polish, Lebanese and LGBT communities. Markowitz has worked to establish Brooklyn’s first-ever LGBT Center for Brooklyn. The Brooklyn Community Pride Center board has been formed to determine a location and gather support for the project.
As borough president, Markowitz has founded initiatives to promote and improve the quality of life in Brooklyn, including Shop Brooklyn, the Lighten Up Brooklyn and Take Your Man to the Doctor campaigns, Camp Brooklyn, the jobs-for-youth Summer HEAT program, Dine in Brooklyn restaurant week, the Brooklyn Book Festival
, the smART Brooklyn Gallery Hop and Brooklyn Tourism.
complex, which will feature a new home for the New Jersey Nets
and 6,430 units of housing. His desire to bring an NBA team to Brooklyn had been known since his campaign for Borough President, and he was instrumental in persuading Bruce Ratner
to purchase the team in 2004. In March 2008, Ratner acknowledged that much of the project was stalled - but that construction on the basketball arena would begin before 2009. This has angered many citizens, who have suggested that affordable housing should come before a sports complex for the developer's team.
In 2002 Markowitz appointed Dolly Williams
to the New York City Planning Commission. In 2004 it was revealed that Williams, who is co-founder of a Brooklyn construction company, had invested a million dollars in Bruce Ratner's
purchase of the New Jersey Nets
. Williams announce that she would recuse herself from any decisions about the Atlantic Yards project. Williams is the only Brooklyn appointee to the Planning Commission.
On Thursday, April 3, 2008, Markowitz and his wife Jamie Snow attended a controversial gala honoring Ratner
at the Brooklyn Museum
. The gala featured Japanese artist Takashi Murakami
and a performance by Kanye West
. Markowitz delivered an address to gala attendees, prompting protesters outside to take a break from shouting "shame" in order to chant pejoratives at the Borough President
. During this event, Markowitz's wife Jamie took eight limited edition fiberglass placemats designed by Murakami
; this move caused some controversy, since there were only enough produced to provide each guest with one. Similar limited edition Murakami placemats have sold for around $1,000 on ebay
.
was scheduled to modify the layout of Prospect Park West, installing a two way protected bicycle lane. The project was stalled after Markowitz wrote a letter to the city opposing the measure. The traffic calming
measures were planned in response to documented pedestrian safety issues and had the support of Community Board 6. A DOT study showed that "more than 70% of vehicles were exceeding the 30 mph limit, and at least 15 percent were traveling at 40 mph or faster. From 2005 to 2007, there were 58 reported crashes on Prospect Park West." The conflict came to a head in April 2010 when DOT announced plans to go ahead with the modifications. Markowitz made disparaging remarks about DOT commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan
, calling her a "zealot", though he later clarified his statement. Markowitz claimed he supports other bike lanes in the city, but his opposition stems from the elimination of parking spaces and one lane of traffic. The bike lane was completed in June 2010 despite Markowitz continued opposition. Markowitz lives in Windsor Terrace, on the southern portion of Prospect Park West.
and the Netherlands
. The Board found that "by accepting travel expenses for his wife for each trip, [Markowitz] used his position as a public servant for private or personal advantage." The Board found that Markowitz was aware of the rule prohibiting his acceptance of the free trips at the time of the trips.
Borough president
Borough President is an elective office in each of the five boroughs of New York City.-Reasons for establishment:...
of Brooklyn
Brooklyn
Brooklyn is the most populous of New York City's five boroughs, with nearly 2.6 million residents, and the second-largest in area. Since 1896, Brooklyn has had the same boundaries as Kings County, which is now the most populous county in New York State and the second-most densely populated...
, New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
, the most populous borough in New York City with nearly 2.6 million residents. Markowitz was first elected borough president in 2001 after serving 23 years as a New York State Senator. His third term began in January, 2010.
Personal life
Marty Markowitz born and raised in Crown HeightsCrown Heights, Brooklyn
Crown Heights is a neighborhood in the central portion of the New York City borough of Brooklyn. The main thoroughfare through this neighborhood is Eastern Parkway, a tree-lined boulevard designed by Frederick Law Olmsted extending two miles east-west.Originally, the area was known as Crow Hill....
, Brooklyn
Brooklyn
Brooklyn is the most populous of New York City's five boroughs, with nearly 2.6 million residents, and the second-largest in area. Since 1896, Brooklyn has had the same boundaries as Kings County, which is now the most populous county in New York State and the second-most densely populated...
in a Jewish family. His father, Robert, was a waiter at Sid's, a kosher delicatessen
Delicatessen
Delicatessen is a term meaning "delicacies" or "fine foods". The word entered English via German,with the old German spelling , plural of Delikatesse "delicacy", ultimately from Latin delicatus....
. When Markowitz was nine years old his father died; his mother, Dorothy, later moved the family to public housing in Sheepshead Bay. Markowitz graduated from Wingate High School in 1962.
He took night classes at Brooklyn College
Brooklyn College
Brooklyn College is a senior college of the City University of New York, located in Brooklyn, New York, United States.Established in 1930 by the New York City Board of Higher Education, the College had its beginnings as the Downtown Brooklyn branches of Hunter College and the City College of New...
for nine years, and received his bachelor's degree
Bachelor's degree
A bachelor's degree is usually an academic degree awarded for an undergraduate course or major that generally lasts for three or four years, but can range anywhere from two to six years depending on the region of the world...
in Political Science
Political science
Political Science is a social science discipline concerned with the study of the state, government and politics. Aristotle defined it as the study of the state. It deals extensively with the theory and practice of politics, and the analysis of political systems and political behavior...
in 1970.
Markowitz and his wife Jamie Snow were married in 1999.
Political career
Markowitz began his public service career in 1971, at the age of 26, by forming the Flatbush Tenants Council in the Brooklyn neighborhood of FlatbushFlatbush, Brooklyn
Flatbush is a community of the Borough of Brooklyn, a part of New York City, consisting of several neighborhoods.The name Flatbush is an Anglicization of the Dutch language Vlacke bos ....
. The organization grew into Brooklyn Housing and Family Services, which is the largest tenants advocacy organization operating in New York State today .
He was elected to the State Senate in 1978, and spent over two decades as a New York State Senator for Brooklyn. During his time as a state senator, he was known for creating a series of oceanfront concerts and other festivals rather than drafting legislation.
Markowitz first ran for Borough President in 1985, but failed to unseat the incumbent Howard Golden
Howard Golden
Howard Golden was the long-time Democratic borough president of Brooklyn serving from 1977 to December 31, 2001. Prior to becoming Brooklyn Borough President, Golden served as City Councilman for the Borough Park section of Brooklyn...
. Markowitz subsequently pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor
Misdemeanor
A misdemeanor is a "lesser" criminal act in many common law legal systems. Misdemeanors are generally punished much less severely than felonies, but theoretically more so than administrative infractions and regulatory offences...
for failing to disclose a campaign contribution; he was fined and performed community service.
Markowitz was elected to the borough presidency in 2001, as the Democratic
Democratic Party (United States)
The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
candidate.
Markowitz was re-elected on November 8, 2005, with 79% of the vote, compared to 13% for Republican
Republican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
challenger Theodore Alatsas, and 7% for Gloria Mattera, the Green Party
Green Party (United States)
The Green Party of the United States is a nationally recognized political party which officially formed in 1991. It is a voluntary association of state green parties. Prior to national formation, many state affiliates had already formed and were recognized by other state parties...
candidate. In the 2005 New York City mayoral election
New York City mayoral election, 2005
The New York City mayoral election of 2005 occurred on Tuesday November 8, 2005, with incumbent Republican mayor Michael Bloomberg soundly defeating former Bronx borough president Fernando Ferrer, the Democratic nominee. They also faced several third party candidates.This was the fourth straight...
, Markowitz endorsed Republican
Republican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
incumbent Michael Bloomberg
Michael Bloomberg
Michael Rubens Bloomberg is the current Mayor of New York City. With a net worth of $19.5 billion in 2011, he is also the 12th-richest person in the United States...
, as did many other Democrats including Ed Koch
Ed Koch
Edward Irving "Ed" Koch is an American lawyer, politician, and political commentator. He served in the United States House of Representatives from 1969 to 1977 and three terms as mayor of New York City from 1978 to 1989...
.
Borough presidency
As borough presidentBorough president
Borough President is an elective office in each of the five boroughs of New York City.-Reasons for establishment:...
s have little real power within city government, Markowitz has used the office to be an enthusiastic advocate for Brooklyn, promoting tourism
Tourism in New York City
Tourism in New York City includes nearly 47 million foreign and American tourists each year. Major destinations include the Empire State Building, Ellis Island, Broadway theatre productions, museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and other tourist attractions including Central Park,...
and events borough-wide.
During the Northeast Blackout of 2003
Northeast Blackout of 2003
The Northeast blackout of 2003 was a widespread power outage that occurred throughout parts of the Northeastern and Midwestern United States and Ontario, Canada on Thursday, August 14, 2003, just before 4:10 p.m....
, Markowitz stood on the Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the United States. Completed in 1883, it connects the New York City boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn by spanning the East River...
as throngs of fellow Brooklynites trudged home from work in Manhattan
Manhattan
Manhattan is the oldest and the most densely populated of the five boroughs of New York City. Located primarily on the island of Manhattan at the mouth of the Hudson River, the boundaries of the borough are identical to those of New York County, an original county of the state of New York...
, holding a megaphone and cheering "Welcome home to Brooklyn!" to thunderous applause. He repeated this during the 2005 New York City transit strike
2005 New York City transit strike
The 2005 New York City transit strike was a strike in New York City called by the Transport Workers Union Local 100 . Negotiations for a new contract with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority broke down over retirement, pension, and wage increases. The strike began at 3:00 a.m. EST on...
, inviting Brooklynites into Borough Hall
Brooklyn Borough Hall
Brooklyn Borough Hall was designed in 1835 by architect Gamaliel King, and constructed under the supervision of superintendent Stephen Haynes. It was completed in 1849 to be used as the City Hall of the City of Brooklyn...
for warm drinks and a chance to call loved ones.
Markowitz frequently speaks at public schools in Brooklyn on occasions such as performances and graduations.
Markowitz has called for the demolition of the residences at Admiral's Row
Admiral's Row
Admiral's Row is a row of Second Empire style homes formerly used by naval officers in the New York City borough of Brooklyn at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, and owned by the National Guard. Some of the homes date back to the Civil War. U.S. Navy closed the original Navy Yard in the mid-1960s, it...
, saying they are damaged beyond repair. However, the Beardsley / Crawford & Stearns report commissioned by the National Guard as part of the Section 106 review of the property disputes this claim. In 2006, Markowitz stated that "a crucial community resource must take priority over preservation at Admirals Row", presumably referring to the supermarket
Supermarket
A supermarket, a form of grocery store, is a self-service store offering a wide variety of food and household merchandise, organized into departments...
parking lot
Parking lot
A parking lot , also known as car lot, is a cleared area that is intended for parking vehicles. Usually, the term refers to a dedicated area that has been provided with a durable or semi-durable surface....
which will replace the historic Second Empire structures if the land is ceded to the city.
During his four decades in public service, Markowitz has made the creation and preservation of affordable housing
Affordable housing
Affordable housing is a term used to describe dwelling units whose total housing costs are deemed "affordable" to those that have a median income. Although the term is often applied to rental housing that is within the financial means of those in the lower income ranges of a geographical area, the...
a top priority. Through capital funding and advocating for affordable units as part of the borough president’s ULURP (land use) authority, thousands of affordable housing units have been created, including inclusionary zoning
Inclusionary zoning
Inclusionary zoning, also known as inclusionary housing, is an American term which refers to municipal and county planning ordinances that require a given share of new construction to be affordable by people with low to moderate incomes...
in Greenpoint/Willamsburg and the Habitat for Humanity project in Ocean Hill/Brownsville. Markowitz also fought to save Starrett City, the nation’s largest federally-subsidized housing complex, and keep it “affordable forever.”
Markowitz’s efforts to stimulate and grow Brooklyn’s economy include revitalizing Coney Island
Coney Island
Coney Island is a peninsula and beach on the Atlantic Ocean in southern Brooklyn, New York, United States. The site was formerly an outer barrier island, but became partially connected to the mainland by landfill....
, re-zoning Greenpoint-Williamsburg and Downtown Brooklyn
Downtown Brooklyn
Downtown Brooklyn is the third largest central business district in New York City , and is located in the northwestern section of the borough of Brooklyn...
, cleaning up Newtown Creek
Newtown Creek
Newtown Creek is a estuary that forms part of the border between the boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens, in New York City, New York, United States. It derives its name from New Town , which was the name for the Dutch and British settlement in what is now Elmhurst, Queens...
, encouraging development of the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal
Brooklyn Cruise Terminal
The Brooklyn Cruise Terminal is one of three terminals for ocean-going cruise ships in the metropolitan New York City area. The terminal is located at Red Hook Pier 12, which forms the south side of the Atlantic Basin at Pioneer and Imlay Streets in the Red Hook section of Brooklyn, New York. The...
, attracting regional corporate headquarters, large manufacturers and retailers, startups and green businesses, and lobbying on behalf of Brooklynites for the affordable housing and jobs attached to the Atlantic Yards
Atlantic Yards
The Atlantic Yards is a mixed-use commercial and residential development project of 16 high-rise buildings, under construction in Prospect Heights, adjacent to Downtown Brooklyn and Fort Greene in Brooklyn, New York City...
project.
As a longtime advocate for seniors, Markowitz fought vigorously to keep Brooklyn senior centers open when they were threatened with closures due to budget cuts. His efforts to save Brooklyn’s financially troubled medical institutions resulted in the preservation of maternity and pediatric units at Long Island College Hospital
Long Island College Hospital
Long Island College Hospital is a teaching hospital situated at Hicks and Amity Streets in Cobble Hill section of Brooklyn, New York.Founded in 1858, the hospital has 506 beds. In 1860 it introduced the practice of bedside teaching and it later became the first U.S. hospital to use stethoscopes...
as well as the critical services provided by school medical clinics. Markowitz has also called for increased parental and community engagement in schools and has supported policies that improve graduation rates and prepare Brooklyn students to compete and succeed in the global economy. His office was instrumental in creating two new schools in Brooklyn: the High School for Innovation in Advertising and Media and the Brooklyn Academy of Global Finance.
Markowitz founded and currently hosts the Seaside Summer Concert Series (begun in 1979), New York City’s largest free weekly concert series, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Concert Series (started in 1983), the nation’s largest free public concerts for African American and Caribbean audiences. He has supported Brooklyn’s cultural community, including the BAM Cultural District and Issue Project Room, and is working to restore the Loew's Kings Theatre in Flatbush. Markowitz has hosted annual heritage events at Borough Hall celebrating Brooklyn’s diversity, including celebrations of the Turkish, Asian, Latino, African-American, Jewish, Caribbean, Italian, Greek, Russian, Polish, Lebanese and LGBT communities. Markowitz has worked to establish Brooklyn’s first-ever LGBT Center for Brooklyn. The Brooklyn Community Pride Center board has been formed to determine a location and gather support for the project.
As borough president, Markowitz has founded initiatives to promote and improve the quality of life in Brooklyn, including Shop Brooklyn, the Lighten Up Brooklyn and Take Your Man to the Doctor campaigns, Camp Brooklyn, the jobs-for-youth Summer HEAT program, Dine in Brooklyn restaurant week, the Brooklyn Book Festival
Brooklyn Book Festival
The Brooklyn Book Festival is an annual book fair held in Brooklyn, New York. It was begun in 2006 by Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, who wanted to showcase the "Brooklyn voice" in literature, as numerous authors reside in the borough...
, the smART Brooklyn Gallery Hop and Brooklyn Tourism.
Atlantic Yards
Markowitz is a supporter of the controversial Atlantic YardsAtlantic Yards
The Atlantic Yards is a mixed-use commercial and residential development project of 16 high-rise buildings, under construction in Prospect Heights, adjacent to Downtown Brooklyn and Fort Greene in Brooklyn, New York City...
complex, which will feature a new home for the New Jersey Nets
New Jersey Nets
The New Jersey Nets are a professional basketball team based in Newark, New Jersey. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
and 6,430 units of housing. His desire to bring an NBA team to Brooklyn had been known since his campaign for Borough President, and he was instrumental in persuading Bruce Ratner
Bruce Ratner
Bruce Ratner is an American real estate developer and is a current minority owner of the NBA's New Jersey Nets...
to purchase the team in 2004. In March 2008, Ratner acknowledged that much of the project was stalled - but that construction on the basketball arena would begin before 2009. This has angered many citizens, who have suggested that affordable housing should come before a sports complex for the developer's team.
In 2002 Markowitz appointed Dolly Williams
Dolly Williams
Dolly Williams is co-founder and CFO of A. Williams Construction, a Brooklyn, NY general contracting company. She was a member of the New York City Planning Commission from 2002-07.-Personal life:...
to the New York City Planning Commission. In 2004 it was revealed that Williams, who is co-founder of a Brooklyn construction company, had invested a million dollars in Bruce Ratner's
Bruce Ratner
Bruce Ratner is an American real estate developer and is a current minority owner of the NBA's New Jersey Nets...
purchase of the New Jersey Nets
New Jersey Nets
The New Jersey Nets are a professional basketball team based in Newark, New Jersey. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
. Williams announce that she would recuse herself from any decisions about the Atlantic Yards project. Williams is the only Brooklyn appointee to the Planning Commission.
On Thursday, April 3, 2008, Markowitz and his wife Jamie Snow attended a controversial gala honoring Ratner
Bruce Ratner
Bruce Ratner is an American real estate developer and is a current minority owner of the NBA's New Jersey Nets...
at the Brooklyn Museum
Brooklyn Museum
The Brooklyn Museum is an encyclopedia art museum located in the New York City borough of Brooklyn. At 560,000 square feet, the museum holds New York City's second largest art collection with roughly 1.5 million works....
. The gala featured Japanese artist Takashi Murakami
Takashi Murakami
is an internationally prolific contemporary Japanese artist. He works in fine arts media—such as painting and sculpture—as well as what is conventionally considered commercial media —fashion, merchandise, and animation— and is known for blurring the line between high and low art...
and a performance by Kanye West
Kanye West
Kanye Omari West is an American rapper, singer, and record producer. West first rose to fame as a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records, where he eventually achieved recognition for his work on Jay-Z's album The Blueprint, as well as hit singles for musical artists including Alicia Keys, Ludacris, and...
. Markowitz delivered an address to gala attendees, prompting protesters outside to take a break from shouting "shame" in order to chant pejoratives at the Borough President
Borough president
Borough President is an elective office in each of the five boroughs of New York City.-Reasons for establishment:...
. During this event, Markowitz's wife Jamie took eight limited edition fiberglass placemats designed by Murakami
Takashi Murakami
is an internationally prolific contemporary Japanese artist. He works in fine arts media—such as painting and sculpture—as well as what is conventionally considered commercial media —fashion, merchandise, and animation— and is known for blurring the line between high and low art...
; this move caused some controversy, since there were only enough produced to provide each guest with one. Similar limited edition Murakami placemats have sold for around $1,000 on ebay
EBay
eBay Inc. is an American internet consumer-to-consumer corporation that manages eBay.com, an online auction and shopping website in which people and businesses buy and sell a broad variety of goods and services worldwide...
.
Opposition to Prospect Park West bike lane
In September 2009, New York City Department of TransportationNew York City Department of Transportation
The New York City Department of Transportation is responsible for the management of much of New York City's transportation infrastructure...
was scheduled to modify the layout of Prospect Park West, installing a two way protected bicycle lane. The project was stalled after Markowitz wrote a letter to the city opposing the measure. The traffic calming
Traffic calming
Traffic calming is intended to slow or reduce motor-vehicle traffic in order to improve the living conditions for residents as well as to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists. Urban planners and traffic engineers have many strategies for traffic calming...
measures were planned in response to documented pedestrian safety issues and had the support of Community Board 6. A DOT study showed that "more than 70% of vehicles were exceeding the 30 mph limit, and at least 15 percent were traveling at 40 mph or faster. From 2005 to 2007, there were 58 reported crashes on Prospect Park West." The conflict came to a head in April 2010 when DOT announced plans to go ahead with the modifications. Markowitz made disparaging remarks about DOT commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan
Janette Sadik-Khan
Janette Sadik-Khan is the current Commissioner of the New York City Department of Transportation, appointed by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg on April 27, 2007, to replace Iris Weinshall....
, calling her a "zealot", though he later clarified his statement. Markowitz claimed he supports other bike lanes in the city, but his opposition stems from the elimination of parking spaces and one lane of traffic. The bike lane was completed in June 2010 despite Markowitz continued opposition. Markowitz lives in Windsor Terrace, on the southern portion of Prospect Park West.
Possible Mayoral Bid
Markowitz was mentioned as a possible candidate for the 2009 Mayoral election. Bloomberg was asked what he thought about Markowitz, and according to WABC, he said it was too early to get involved choosing a candidate, but said, "Markowitz seems very capable, and if he wants to run, he should run" (though this statement was made before Bloomberg himself, after having term limitations for mayor of New York City removed by a vote of the city council, announced and won a third term). WABC reported he had gotten 18% in polls for the Democratic nomination.Conflicts of Interest Board violations and fine
In July 2011, New York City's Conflicts of Interest Board fined Markowitz $20,000, an unusually large penalty, for accepting three trips for his wife that were paid for by the governments of TurkeyTurkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
and the Netherlands
Netherlands
The Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located mainly in North-West Europe and with several islands in the Caribbean. Mainland Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east, and shares maritime borders...
. The Board found that "by accepting travel expenses for his wife for each trip, [Markowitz] used his position as a public servant for private or personal advantage." The Board found that Markowitz was aware of the rule prohibiting his acceptance of the free trips at the time of the trips.
External links
- New York Finance Campaign Voter's Guide
- New Yorker profile of Markowitz
- Marty Markowitz: «In Brooklyn there is place for everybody!» Exclusive interview with Marty Markovitz for Russian-American web portal RUNYweb.com