Brooklyn Bugle » marty markowitz

Tale of the Tweets: Marty Markowitz’s Final State of the Borough Address

Homer Fink — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 02:36:26 +0000

Marty Markowitz’s final State of the Borough address was staged as a faux talk show and featured guest appearances by Larry King, Tony Danza, Pat Kiernan and Sunny Anderson. We also learned that the famous Coney Island parachute jump has received $2 million in funding to have its lighting restored.

(In honor of Marty’s final SOTB we’ve included a “Throwback Thursday” video of him above.)

And now, the rest of the story:

Tale of the Tweets: Red Hook Fairway Re-Opens

Homer Fink — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 19:40:46 +0000

Red Hook’s Fairway Market reopened with a celebration that began at 7:30 a.m. on Friday with a foodie event to remember,” with food and product demos, giveaways and appearances from Miss America Mallory Hytes (who lives in Brooklyn) and Borough Prez Marty Markowitz.

Among improvements to the grocery post-Sandy—which decimated the 52,000sf waterfront store with 5 feet of water—are wider aisles, no dead ends in produce, entire store is easier to navigate, bakery is three times larger, a new cafe with enhanced offerings, meat & seafood easier to shop and a self-serve meat aisle across from the butcher counter.

In addition, a new expanded bulk section now comprises 198 items, including granola, nuts & seeds, grains & beans, natural candy and more.

The store was packed all weekend, here’s the Tale of the Tweets from opening day onward:

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/55734

Miss America & Markowitz To Celebrate Fairway’s Reopening On 3/1

Homer Fink — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 19:36:43 +0000

The reopening of Red Hook’s Fairway Market March 1 is be treated as a celebration for the local community, complete with guest “stars” and lots of hoopla. Racked reports that the grand reopening at 8 a.m. Friday will include demos and giveaways—and an appearance from Miss America Mallory Hytes (who lives in Brooklyn) and Borough Prez Marty Markowitz.

As previously reported, 5 feet of water filled the 52,000sf waterfront grocery store. Owners have invested $10 million to install a new bake area and larger cafe, wider aisles and all-new equipment.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/55543

Markowitz on LICH Closing: “A Serious Mistake”

Homer Fink — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 02:49:30 +0000

Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz testified before the Assembly Health Committee at Brooklyn Borough Hall today. Here’s the transcript of his testimony:

This morning’s unanimous vote by the board of SUNY Downstate to shut down LICH is simply unacceptable. Closing LICH jeopardizes the health and well-being of thousands of Brooklynites and will have serious effects on our economy.
LICH provides essential medical treatment for thousands of Brooklynites with chronic conditions and those seeking emergency care—without it, they will lose their lifeline.
Comptroller DiNapoli’s audit claims that LICH is underutilized, yet according to several reports, including a study by the New York Nurses Association, LICH averaged a 90 percent occupancy rate. And in 2010, LICH delivered more than 3,000 babies, and treated over 4,000 infants in its neo-natal unit and nearly 2,000 heart patients.
The statistics clearly show that LICH is not underutilized.
Furthermore, the New York Nurses Association also found that in 2012 there were well over 120,000 patient visits to LICH. Roughly 20 percent of those were emergency room visits, meaning without LICH, one out of every five patients would have had to go elsewhere, losing valuable time in the process. And in life threatening situations, every second counts.
And the hospital’s hard working staff has clearly proven their capabilities and dedication as they are essentially operating with half the required resources. The facility has been staffed and budgeted for no more than 250 beds, yet the hospital has more than 500 beds!
Sadly, these 2,000 dedicated doctors, nurses, and hospital staff are in danger of losing their jobs. Many of these employees live in Brooklyn, so closing LICH would have devastating economic consequences that would ripple across Brooklyn. And right now, the last thing we want to do is hurt our already fragile economy.
In the debate on LICH’s future, we cannot ignore the simple fact that the real estate value of the LICH property is estimated at $500 million dollars. It raises the serious concern that this hospital may be viewed more valuable closed than open. But whatever profits SUNY might gain from real estate will be more than offset by the loss in jobs and valuable medical service to our community.
It’s plain to see that closing LICH would be a serious mistake, so I call on SUNY’s board to rethink this rash decision and continue working to find alternative solutions that would ensure that Brooklynites do not lose critical medical services.

BHB file photo by Claude Scales

Tweets about “#savelich”

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/55136

Lighting Of The Borough Hall Christmas Tree: December 6

Homer Fink — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 19:21:58 +0000

On Thursday, December 6, at 5:30 p.m. Brooklyn Borough Prez Marty Markowitz will emcee the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Borough Hall Plaza. A lucky kid from the audience will be chosen to flip the switch and illuminate the 40-foot-tall balsam fir, which Time Out New York hailed as one of the city’s holiday trees “worth seeking out on a cold winter’s night.” The tree will sparkle with holiday colors each night through the holiday season. Brooklynite Adriana Louise of NBC’s “The Voice” will provide entertainment and sing her favorite Christmas song. Free holiday refreshments will be served, and Santa is also rumored to be stopping by. (Photo: Downtown Brooklyn Partnership)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/52551

BBP Prez Marty Markowitz Weighs In On Nix Of NYC Marathon

Homer Fink — Sat, 03 Nov 2012 03:42:10 +0000

Brooklyn Borough Prez Marty Markowitz has issued a statement on the cancellation of Sunday’s NYC Marathon, which would have grazed Brooklyn Heights in Downtown Brooklyn…

I applaud Mayor Bloomberg and New York Road Runners for doing the right thing for New York City and the Marathon after considering everyone’s opinion as well as logistical information. I spoke with the Mayor’s Office and Road Runners President Mary Wittenberg—a woman for whom I have great respect—and shared my personal concerns, and those expressed by Brooklynites. Mayor Bloomberg and his staff have done an outstanding job of leading our city through these challenging times, and this decision had to be among the most difficult they’ve had to make over the last week. Let’s continue the recovery process and make every effort to return normalcy to our city.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/51101

BBP Prez Markowitz Weighs In On Nix Of NYC Marathon

Homer Fink — Sat, 03 Nov 2012 03:42:10 +0000

Brooklyn Borough Prez Marty Markowitz has issued a statement on the cancellation of Sunday’s NYC Marathon, which would have grazed Brooklyn Heights in Downtown Brooklyn…

I applaud Mayor Bloomberg and New York Road Runners for doing the right thing for New York City and the Marathon after considering everyone’s opinion as well as logistical information. I spoke with the Mayor’s Office and Road Runners President Mary Wittenberg—a woman for whom I have great respect—and shared my personal concerns, and those expressed by Brooklynites. Mayor Bloomberg and his staff have done an outstanding job of leading our city through these challenging times, and this decision had to be among the most difficult they’ve had to make over the last week. Let’s continue the recovery process and make every effort to return normalcy to our city.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/51101

Brooklyn Borough Prez Markowitz Weighs In On Hurricane Sandy

Homer Fink — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 01:23:35 +0000

Brooklyn Borough Prez Marty Markowitz has posted a statement for Brooklyn residents regarding Hurricane Sandy. See his full statement here. He advises, “Forecasters expect Sandy to have more far-reaching impacts than Irene, so residents need to remain vigilant, follow directives of the city and emergency officials, and remain home if not under an evacuation order. Brooklynites are tough but it’s important to use common sense and err on the side of caution. I know our borough and city will band together, help our neighbors, and weather the storm.” See the link for webbie, Facebook and Twitter resources, as well. (Graphic: CT)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/50105

It Pays To Live In Brooklyn: We’re The Second Most-Expensive City In The Nation

Homer Fink — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 15:37:21 +0000

This isn’t necessarily the kind of statistic that fosters a giddy smile. According to a story in the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Brooklyn is the second most expensive city in the nation, topped only by our sister to the west: Manhattan. The Washington-based Council for Community & Economic Research based its survey primarily on housing. There is no neighborhood breakdown, but past studies would obviously place Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO and Williamsburg at the peak of the borough’s hierarchy.

Behind Brooklyn are: Honolulu, San Francisco, San Jose, Queens and Stamford. Conn. The Council’s evaluation ranked 300 American cities based on other factors, as well, including utilities, transportation, grocery prices (damn you, Gristedes!) and prescription drug prices.

Using the number 100 to represent the national average, Brooklyn ranked at 183.4 overall: 129.9 in groceries, 126.4 in utilities, 104 in transportation costs and 111.1 in healthcare—along with a whopping 344.7 in housing. Manhattan’s average was 233.5. The Eagle points out that this means housing costs in Brooklyn are more than three times the average American city, like Erie, Pa., or Charlottesville, Va.

Borough President Marty Markowitz told the Eagle, “Brooklyn is thrilled that so many successful men and women, particularly in professional fields, have chosen to live here, adding to our economic diversity and making it one of the most desirable places on the planet to live, work and play. But we are also mindful that Brooklyn must never be a place of only the very rich or the very poor.”

Carlo Scissura, president of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, added, “As Brooklynites, we want to be No. 1 in everything, but I don’t think we want to be Number 1 or 2 in this survey. We want to keep the middle class here. We don’t want them to leave.”

(Graphic: Chuck Taylor)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/47235

Brooklyn Borough Prez Markowitz Weighs In On Bloomberg’s Soda Ban Proposal

Homer Fink — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 15:56:17 +0000

NYC Mayor Bloomberg’s intent to ban 16+-ounce sodas in movie theaters, sports arenas, food carts, restaurants and delis met with plenty of opposition at a NYC Board of Health hearing in Long Island City Tuesday, which drew such a crowd that an overflow room was needed. Among those testifying that the proposed policy is sour grapes was Brooklyn Borough president Marty Markowitz, who offered a dollop of humor, alongside a much-needed common sense message.

The hotly contested issue—which would be the first such ban in the nation—has fostered public rallies, petitions and an advocacy group, New Yorkers for Beverage Choices, which relayed its message at the Brooklyn Heights Regal/United Artists movie theater earlier this month with a sign on the marquee proclaiming: “Say No to the NYC Ban.”

In his address at the hearing, Markowtiz said, “Despite the city’s many positive health programs, I do not support the proposed ban, because consumers should have the ultimate say. The way to approach obesity is through education, advocacy, counseling, group support and efforts to raise self-esteem—not a punitive policy that forcibly limits consumer choices.”

He added, “I’m overweight not because I drink Big Gulp sodas, but because I eat too much pasta, pastrami sandwiches, pizza, bagels with cream cheese and lox, red velvet cake and cheesecake, don’t exercise as much as I should, and my genes are working against me. Someone who exercises regularly, eats right and has the right DNA can drink an entire two liter bottle of soda and not gain a pound.

“When it comes to a personal decision like what I put on my dinner table, the government can educate, inform, advocate and inspire, but should not be the final decision maker when it comes down to what is best for me. Ultimately, it should be the consumer that decides,” Markowitz said.

Unfortunately, despite the best intentions of Brooklyn’s Borough Prez, his testimony will likely ring hollow with the NYC Board of Health. All 11 members were personally appointed by Nanny Bloomberg himself, all but insuring rubber stamp approval when the legislation goes up for a vote in September. Next up: Prohibition!

Markowitz’s full statement:

Although I am here in disagreement on this particular policy, I fully support and commend this administration’s commitment to improving the health of all New Yorkers.
From expanding smoke-free zones to healthier school meals, banning trans fats to increasing access to fresh fruits and vegetables, and reducing sodium in foods to labeling calories at fast food chains, this administration’s health initiatives have proven to be enormously successful.
But despite the city’s many positive health programs, I do not support the proposed ban on sugary drinks—or what I used to know as soda—larger than 16 ounces because consumers should have the ultimate say.
The way to approach the obesity epidemic is through education, advocacy, counseling, group support, and I believe most importantly, efforts to raise self-esteem, not a punitive policy that forcibly limits consumer choices.
When it comes to what we eat or drink, a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. Someone who exercises regularly, eats right, and has the right DNA can drink an entire two liter bottle of soda and not gain a pound. But if someone like me did that—I would be twice the size I am now.
Let me be clear: I’m overweight not because I drink Big Gulp sodas, but frankly because I eat too much pasta, pastrami sandwiches, pizza, bagels with cream cheese and lox, red velvet cake and cheesecake, don’t exercise as much as I should, and my genes are working against me. I was an overweight kid and I’m an overweight adult.
There’s an absolute truth that I want to share with you. Nobody wants to be obese, but for whatever reason, whether it’s genetics—which plays a big part in this—overeating, or a lack of exercise, for many of us, what we eat really sticks to us.
Don’t get me wrong. For those with this problem, I know large sodas, fast food, fatty foods, too much sodium, and super-sized portions, as well as “white” products—breads, pasta, rice, and baked goods—are a direct cause of the obesity epidemic. But the key is limiting them from our diets, not banning them.
So to really tackle the obesity epidemic head on, I urge the Department of Health to launch a citywide campaign to promote group exercise in the neighborhoods with particularly high rates of obesity.
And let’s get the private sector involved. If the city is really serious about knocking pounds off the scale, we should create an “exercise stamp” program like “food stamps” that subsidizes the cost of gym membership, spin studios, or group exercise classes for the city’s youth and low-income families. After all, you’re more likely to get in shape and stay that way when you’re working out with others who are facing the same challenges.
With kids glued to their computer screens, iPhones, iPads, or other electronic devices all day, only their fingers are getting a workout and not their bodies. So getting kids to be active and in shape is more important than ever. Unfortunately, right now roughly 20 percent of high school students in New York City have no physical education classes in an average week and far too many don’t even have space to exercise.
That is unacceptable. When I was a kid, we had gym class every day. So let’s not combat obesity by banning large sodas; let’s do it with a policy that requires students to exercise every day in middle school and high school.
And in neighborhoods struggling with obesity, we should be setting up physical fitness programs and outdoor group exercise clinics led by physical trainers. In addition, we should be ensuring that all New Yorkers have access to fresh fruits and vegetables by providing incentives to developers to rent to full-service supermarkets rather than another bank or drug chain, and open up our schools so that they can educate not only children, but parents on how to cook healthier and smarter meals with an emphasis on smaller portions.
As one of the most diverse places in the world, we should be sharing the best practices from our many ethnic groups to educate residents on how to prepare tasty, exciting, and healthy dishes. For instance, Asian American cuisine is delicious and also emphasizes more vegetables, smaller portions of meat, and less starch.
And with the same gusto that the city has poured into its anti-smoking ads, let’s send a clear message that obesity leads to heart attacks, diabetes, high blood pressure, other deadly health risks—and lowers the quality of life—but with the caveat that the goal is not to idolize being razor-thin. It’s about being fit and increasing self-esteem, because beauty comes in every size and shape. How sweet it is!
So when it comes to a personal decision like what I put on my dinner table, the government can educate, inform, advocate, and inspire, but should not be the final decision maker when it comes down to what is best for me. Ultimately, it should be the consumer that decides.
It’s as simple as this: the better you look, the better you feel. And the better you feel, the better you want to look and the more you’ll be conscious of what you eat and drink. I said it before and I’ll say it again: nobody willingly wants to be obese.

Photo via Brooklyn Borough President’s Facebook Page

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/44851

Macy’s Finally Sees The Light? ‘Considers’ Fireworks Return To East River

Homer Fink — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 16:11:39 +0000

Apparently, Macy’s has finally realized that where there’s smoke, there’s fire. For much of the past year, Public Advocate Bill de Blasio and Brooklyn Heights state Sen. Daniel Squadron have been rallying for the annual 4th of July fireworks extravaganza to return to the East River, including public rallies, petitions and a non-stop tirade of phone calls.

Since 2009, Macy’s has hosted its annual holiday blowout from the Hudson River. The original move there four years ago was said to acknowledge the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s journey up the river. But the fireworks have remained there since, despite an onslaught of protests that aiming them toward New Jersey spites the spirit of the event, stealing views from residents of Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan’s East Side, where they had been for 32 years previous.

Now, the New York Daily News reports that Macy’s is “considering a return” to the East River: “Bending to outer-borough pressure, Macy’s execs and top people in its fireworks operations have agreed to meet with pols to discuss” bringing the show home. A source told the Daily News, “Macy’s has expressed willingness to move to the East River. Macy’s has been receptive to sitting down and discussing solutions. We’re optimistic that soon there will be good news.”

The sit-down will be local elected officials first face-to-face discussion about the fireworks with Macy’s execs. De Blasio stressed, “The fireworks belong in the East River. Outer-borough New Yorkers deserve to be part of the city’s Fourth of July celebration too.” Squadron added that their return to the East River “would allow millions of New Yorkers to join the celebration and provide communities and businesses with the economic spark they need.”

City Councilman Steve Levin, who represents Brooklyn Heights and has also been a persistent advocate for the fireworks’ return home, said, “They couldn’t come back soon enough, and we will welcome them with open arms. I’m from New Jersey. I’ve got nothing but love for New Jersey, but the fact of the matter is there is nothing quite as spectacular as Fourth of July fireworks over New York Harbor.”

Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz is also invited to the imminent sit-down, where pols will present a petition that now has 3,100 signatures urging that the show return to its original locale.

All the same, Macy’s has not determined where the 2013 4th of July setting will be. Spokesman Orlando Veras repeated what he’s been saying for the past three years: “Macy’s fireworks will take place in and around all accessible New York City waterways and will not be a permanent fixture at any one location.”

(Photo: New York Daily News)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/44558

‘Lighten Up Brooklyn’ Focuses On Anti-Obesity & Healthy Living July 19 At Borough Hall

Homer Fink — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 23:15:16 +0000

Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz will join entertainer Ben Vereen Thursday, July 19 for a day’s events to celebrate “Lighten Up Brooklyn” on the Borough Hall Plaza at 200 Joralemon Street. Sponsored by the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation and the New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene, the event centers on anti-obesity and healthy lifestyle initiatives. It was first launched by Markowitz 11 years ago.

Activities include dancing for older adults led by Mark Morris Dance Center, IntenSati workout, Zumba for youth, a power walk, yoga and capoeira. Events runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, see here. See the schedule here.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/44031

Pols Pitch Petition To Bring Macy’s July 4th Fireworks Home To Brooklyn

Homer Fink — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 21:39:56 +0000

They’re not giving up. At the beginning of April, State Senator Daniel Squadron and City Council Member Steve Levin led a rally to return the annual Macy’s 4th of July fireworks to the East River. Since 2009, the historic annual display has been based along the Hudson, stealing views from residents of Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan’s East Side, instead aiming them toward New Jersey.

Now Squadron, Public Advocate Bill de Blasio and BP Marty Markowitz have launched an online petition “urging Macy’s not to leave Brooklyn and Queens in the dark. Bring the fireworks back to the East River so everyone can enjoy the show.”

At a press conference Thursday, the pols declared that they are again trying to convince Macy’s to bring the fireworks home, where they were based for 32 years before moving four years ago. As BHB previously reported, Macy’s has maintained that the move was temporary to celebrate Henry Hudson’s voyage up the river. But this “temporary” is beginning to smell a lot more like “long term.”

Meanwhile, poor Hoboken, N.J., put a warning on its community webbie warning of potential gridlock as “tens of thousands” are expected to flood the locale. Apparently, the community doesn’t have the moxie of Brooklyn, eh?

NYC Mayor Bloomberg, meanwhile, was unusually demure when asked about the location of fireworks: “It’s up to Macy’s. They’re paying for it. You know, I’d love to see it move back and forth… but in the end, it’s their call.”

If you’re in favor of bringing one of the greatest free shows of the summer back to Brooklyn please sign that petition here.

(Photo: Squadron & de Blasio/Gothamist)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/43130

Gotta Appreciate Our Key Food, As Windsor Heights Store Supplanted By Walgreen’s

Homer Fink — Sat, 02 Jun 2012 04:12:53 +0000

The closing of a supermarket is always an unexpected phenomenon, particularly when they provide the neighborhood with one of its core services. In Brooklyn Heights, Montague Street’s Key Food has been around for decades… Can you imagine the neighborhood without it? (Gristede’s: uh, personal opinion, yes).

On June 30, the Key Food on Prospect Avenue in Windsor Terrace is closing its doors—to be replaced by pharmacy mega-chain Walgreens—and Marty Markowitz is not happy about it. According to the Windsor Terrace-Kensington Patch, a deal was finalized last week following the retirement of the grocery’s 80-year-old majority owner. Some 50 employees are now out of a job.

The Key Food closing is so dramatic for the region that Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz is weighing in: He calls it “a terrible blow to local residents left with few to no options for one-stop shopping access to quality, affordable food. It’s extremely difficult to compete with major drug store chains and banks that are over-populating neighborhoods.” See his full statement below.

The closing of Key Food on Prospect Avenue in Windsor Terrace strikes a terrible blow to local residents who are left with few to no options for one-stop shopping access to quality, affordable food. While I’m a firm believer in free enterprise, the unfortunate reality is that when it comes to buying, renting or leasing these locations, it’s extremely difficult to compete with major drug store chains and banks that, one could argue, are over-populating neighborhoods that are under-populated with full service supermarkets.
My office has long advocated for food justice and better access to supermarkets and fresh, nutritious foods in our most underserved neighborhoods, and this is a troubling reminder of why that fight has to continue. In fact, efforts will be made to convince Walgreens to provide a green grocer/fresh fruits and vegetables sub-tenancy or green market stall in Windsor Terrace as it has done in Bay Ridge and at other locations across the country to complement the limited food selection at their stores.
I have spoken with the president of Key Food Stores Co-op, Inc. and it’s my expectation they will make every effort to determine if another suitable site can be found to serve the residents affected by the loss of the Windsor Terrace supermarket.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/41615