Marty Markowitz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Marty Markowitz
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Markowitz in 2007
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| 17th Borough President of Brooklyn | |
| In office January 1, 2002 – December 31, 2013 |
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| Preceded by | Howard Golden |
| Succeeded by | Eric Adams |
| Member of the New York State Senate | |
| In office January 1, 1979 – December 31, 2001 |
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| Preceded by | Jeremiah B. Bloom |
| Succeeded by | Carl Andrews |
| Constituency | 19th district (1979–1982) 21st district (1983–1992) 20th district (1993–2001) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 14, 1945 Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Jamie Snow |
| Education | Brooklyn College (BA) |
Martin Markowitz (born February 14, 1945) is an American politician. He served as the borough president of Brooklyn, New York City. He was first elected in 2001. Before that, he spent 23 years as a New York State Senator. His third and final term as borough president ended in December 2013.
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Early Life and Education
Martin Markowitz was born on February 14, 1945. His birthplace was Crown Heights, Brooklyn. He grew up in a Jewish family. His father, Robert, worked as a waiter. He passed away when Marty was nine years old. His mother, Dorothy, then moved the family to public housing in Sheepshead Bay.
Markowitz graduated from Wingate High School in Brooklyn in 1962. He took night classes at Brooklyn College for nine years. In 1970, he earned his bachelor's degree in political science.
Political Journey
Markowitz started his career in public service in 1971. He was 26 years old at the time. He created the Flatbush Tenants Council in Flatbush, Brooklyn. This group grew into Brooklyn Housing & Family Services. It is now a large organization that helps tenants in New York State.
Serving in the State Senate
Markowitz was a member of the New York State Senate from 1979 to 2001. During his time there, he was known for starting many fun events. These included oceanfront concerts and other festivals. He helped bring people together through these community events.
Becoming Brooklyn's Borough President
Markowitz first tried to become borough president in 1985. He was not successful then. Later, in 2001, he was elected as the Democratic candidate. He was re-elected on November 8, 2005. He won with 79% of the votes.
Leading Brooklyn as Borough President
As borough president, Markowitz worked hard to promote Brooklyn. He encouraged tourism and special events. He was a strong voice for the borough. During the Blackout of 2003, he stood on the Brooklyn Bridge. He cheered on people walking home from Manhattan. He did the same during the 2005 New York City transit strike. He invited Brooklynites into Borough Hall for warm drinks.
Markowitz often spoke at public schools in Brooklyn. He attended performances and graduations. He also worked to create more affordable housing. He helped save Starrett City, a large housing complex. His goal was to keep it affordable for everyone.
He worked to grow Brooklyn's economy. This included improving Coney Island and other areas. He also helped clean up Newtown Creek. He supported the development of the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal. He wanted to attract new businesses to Brooklyn.
Markowitz was a strong supporter of seniors. He fought to keep Brooklyn senior centers open. He also worked to save important medical services. These included maternity and pediatric units at Long Island College Hospital. He helped create two new schools in Brooklyn. These were the High School for Innovation in Advertising and Media and the Brooklyn Academy of Global Finance.
He started and hosts the Seaside Summer Concert Series. This began in 1979. It is New York City's largest free weekly concert series. He also started the Martin Luther King, Jr. Concert Series in 1983. This is the nation's largest free public concert series for African American and Caribbean audiences. He supported Brooklyn's cultural community. He worked to restore the Loew's Kings Theatre in Flatbush. He also hosted yearly events at Borough Hall. These celebrated Brooklyn's diverse communities. He worked to establish Brooklyn's first-ever LGBT Center.
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As borough president, he created programs to improve life in Brooklyn. These included Shop Brooklyn and Dine in Brooklyn restaurant week. He also started the Brooklyn Book Festival. He launched Brooklyn Tourism to attract visitors.
Bringing the Nets to Brooklyn
Markowitz was a big supporter of the Atlantic Yards complex. This project is now called Pacific Park. It includes the Barclays Center arena. This arena is home to the NBA's Brooklyn Nets. It also hosted the NHL's New York Islanders before they moved to UBS Arena in 2021. Markowitz wanted to bring an NBA team to Brooklyn for a long time. He was key in convincing Bruce Ratner to buy the Nets in 2004.
The Barclays Center officially opened on September 28, 2012. It started with a concert by Brooklyn-born rapper Jay-Z.
Bike Lane Discussion
In September 2009, the NYC Department of Transportation planned to add a two-way protected bicycle lane on Prospect Park West. Markowitz wrote a letter opposing this plan. The city wanted to make the street safer for people walking. A study showed that many cars were driving too fast. The bike lane was completed in June 2010. Markowitz lives in Windsor Terrace, near Prospect Park West.
Considering a Mayoral Run
Markowitz thought about running for mayor of New York. This was for the 2009 and 2013 elections. However, he decided not to run either time.
Personal Life
Markowitz and his wife, Jamie Snow, got married in 1999. They live in Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn. Their home is on the southern part of Prospect Park West.
