Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Markowitz "Bought and Paid For" by Atlantic Yards Developer, Critic Says
By
John Del Signore
Published Oct 10, 2008
Modified Oct 10, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
John Del Signore
Published Oct 10, 2008
Modified Oct 10, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, pictured here at last week's Atlantic Antic, is still drawing fire over the way he runs several non-profit groups that put on free Brooklyn events and promote tourism. Last month city comptroller Bill Thompson said he was "very concerned" about $680,496 in taxpayer-financed no-bid contracts Markowitz awarded to the non-profits, and the Brooklyn Paper saw a conflict in the estimated $260,000 that Atlantic Yards developer Forest City Ratner donated to fund Markowitz's Best of Brooklyn non-profit and his concert series.
Now the Post, in an exclusive, has learned that the amount of money poured into Markowitz's non-profits by developer Bruce Ratner and others involved in the embattled Atlantic Yards project is at least $680,000—much more than originally believed. Dick Dadey of the government watchdog group Citizens Union tells the Post that "affiliated nonprofits should not be used as pseudo campaign accounts. One could argue that these nonprofits raise the profile of the borough president in a way that certainly aids his possible campaigns."
Markowitz is a longtime supporter of the Atlantic Yards project and bringing the Nets to Brooklyn, and he'll either run for mayor next year or seek a third term if the term limits are lifted. He doesn't see a conflict of interest and insists he's "absolutely proud of everything no matter what The Post wants to imply." But Daniel Goldstein of Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn tells the Post Markowitz is "clearly bought and paid for" by Ratner and his partners for Atlantic Yards:"This allows Ratner to support Markowitz's political interests outside of campaign finance rules. In return, Markowitz unconditionally supports Atlantic Yards."
Tagged
best of brooklyn
borough president
charity
marty markowitz
new york city
nyc
scandal
John Del Signore
Originally from the Albany area, John Del Signore has called NYC home since 1995. In addition to his thousands of meticulously-crafted bespoke blog posts for Gothamist, his writing has also been published in The Awl, Deadspin, The Nervous Breakdown, and performed at The Brick Theater in Brooklyn.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NYC Council to consider earlier Legionella reporting after deadly outbreaks
A bill facing a hearing Monday would require cooling tower owners to notify city health officials when bacteria levels reach a much lower threshold.
By
Catalina Gonella
Published Oct 18, 2026 at 7:36 p.m. ET
Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church
Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.
By
Giulia Heyward
News
Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church
Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.
By
Giulia Heyward
Bail reform remains major issue in NY governor's race, 7 years after it became law
By
Gino Fanelli
NYPD identifies Bronx man, 26, killed in Midtown subway shooting
By
Ryan Kost
,
Elizabeth Kim
and
Phil Corso
Have you seen this Yorkie? NYPD looking for adorable pup dognapped from her Queens home
By
Ryan Kost
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .