Endangered

Marty Markowitz: Keep Coney Businesses, and Bring in Brooklyn Flea Too

Photo: Melissa Hom

Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz is the type of guy who gets takeout from Gargiulo’s on Mermaid Avenue, so you know he respects a Coney institution. He’s trying to save the boardwalk itself, but how does he feel about the businesses on the boardwalk? We asked him just that, and here’s the statement he’s issued.

“I’ve consistently said that the future Coney Island should be a mix of ‘old school’ and hip, showcasing the best of Brooklyn and NYC while remaining freaky and fun. I could not be more thrilled with Luna Park and Zamperla’s commitment to a year-round entertainment and venues that celebrate the ocean views and maximize the beachfront location. But change is often difficult. As a Brooklynite, I have great respect for all boardwalk businesses that have kept the faith during hard times, therefore I’m calling on the City to see if we can help them stay in the area if not on the boardwalk. What a draw it would be — to have these longtime businesses along with outposts of hot local purveyors like Super Wings, Blue Marble Ice Cream, the Brooklyn Flea’s artisanal food vendors, the famed Red Hook vendors as well as classics like Villabate-Alba bakery and Junior’s represented in a truly unique Coney Island.”

Keep in mind, the vendors Marty mentions are just his personal vision. Eric Demby of the Flea tells us no one at Zamperla has contacted him, but it sounds like he’d be open to it: “I think that’s really great for Marty to think of us and I think the smart position is to balance the classic and the new.”

Marty Markowitz: Keep Coney Businesses, and Bring in Brooklyn Flea Too