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May 22, 2007
Marty, Don't Destroy
The Albany Project, Marty Markowitz Jumps Shark, Will Purge Brooklyn CB6
[Markowitz's] full court press for Ratnerville has certainly strained my inclination to give him the benefit of the doubt, but a recent story in the New York Observer may prove to be the straw that broke the camel's back in that regard. It appears that Marty is going to purge Community Board 6 of all who have opposed the Ratnerville development later this week. Marty is apparently fed up with those members who have the temerity to think that a huge, eminent domain driven displacement of scores of local residents and businesses in CB6 might not be in the best interest of those the members are supposed to represent. It's a heavy handed, undemocratic move and one that is beneath the dignity of the Marty I used to know.
OnNYTurf, Markowitz to Purge Community Board 6 over Atlantic Yards Votes
This is another example of how some Community Boards have no legitimacy beyond the officials that appoints them. I feel for the about to be removed Board Members of Brooklyn CB6 who spoke their mind and spoke on behalf of the community and are now facing removal by a vindictive Marty Markowitz. Shame!
Author Phil DePaolo uses the Bronx as an example of how a Borough President broke a Community Board:
We have already seen this ugly scenario unfold in The Bronx where Adolfo Carrion refused to reappoint Community Board members whose terms were expiring last June when Bronx CB4 rejected the Yankee Stadium Proposal. Out of the 19 members whose terms were up, only five were allowed to stay. Since then, Bronx Community Board 4 has had a hard time conducting any business. The board hasn't been able to get enough members together to even hold a vote. There are people who haven't returned since they voted to change the board in June. The people who attended regularly.
Posted by lumi at May 22, 2007 8:26 AM