Queens/Brooklyn
He stole the Nets from New Jersey and the Islanders from Long Island — and now he’s after the new soccer franchise trying to set up shop in Queens.
Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz wants Major League Soccer to drop its plan to build a pro-soccer stadium in Flushing Meadows Park, and instead field a team in the “greener pastures” of his borough, according to the New York Post.
The Beep says no place on earth can compete with the cachet of the Brooklyn brand — and claims the Borough of Kings is filled with more soccer-starved fans than its neighbor to the east.
“I know Queens is pushing for a stadium, but I believe pro soccer belongs here in Brooklyn,” Markowitz said following a ceremony marking the opening of three new sports fields in Brooklyn Bridge Park.
“Soccer is the Number 1 sport in the world, so why shouldn’t we have a team here in Brooklyn?”
He suggested East New York or Brownsville, saying both struggling neighborhoods could use the economic boost and have the empty land and transportation access needed. He also mentioned East Williamsburg and Bushwick.
Queens Councilman Peter Vallone Jr., called it a declaration of war.
“Brooklyn is already in the process of stealing our . . . Civic Virtue statue and moving it to Green-Wood Cemetery, so what’s next, the Mets?” he fired back. “I better go and lock up the Unisphere.”
Vallone has yet to take a position on whether Flushing Meadows is the best place in Queens for a 25,000-seat soccer stadium, saying he has concerns about the use of existing parkland.
Queens Borough President Helen Marshall had similar reservations about parkland, but wants the stadium for her borough.
Mayor Bloomberg supports Queens, although the plan faces opposition from park advocates and some civic organizations in the borough.
Asked about the league’s new suitor, MLS spokeswoman Risa Heller said it’s “100 percent focused on bringing pro soccer to Queens.”
New York Red Bulls GM Jérôme de Bontin, a former resident of Brooklyn Heights, said that while he “isn’t qualified to speak for the league,” he thinks a Brooklyn pro soccer team “could do well.” The Red Bulls play in Harrison, NJ.
Markowitz’s plan was well received by one of his biggest critics, Geoffrey Croft of New York City Park Advocates.
“Markowitz’s idea makes more sense than taking parkland at the expense of one of Queens’ heaviest-used parks,” he said.
Read More:
Brooklyn’s boot-iful! Marty’s goal to beat Qns. for soccer club
New York Post - December 14, 2012 - By Rich Calder
Opposition To Flushing Meadows Park Land Grab Takes To The Streets
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December 8, 2012
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Flushing Meadows-Corona Park Under Siege
New York Daily News - October 22, 2012 - By Geoffrey Croft
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Bronx Activists Warn Queens Residents To Be Wary Of
Proposed Major League Soccer Flushing Park Stadium Deal
A Walk In The Park - October 10, 2012
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A Walk In The Park - September 15, 2012 - By Geoffrey Croft
A Walk In The Park - July 31, 2012
A Walk In The Park - June 23, 2012
Let Brooklyn have the stadium if they have an appropriate place for it. I think a pro Soccer stadium is a good idea but losing park space is not the way to do it.
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