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Flatbush biz leaders toast Markowitz at Kings Theatre

Flatbush biz leaders toast Markowitz at Kings Theatre
Photo by Stefano Giovannini

It was a gala fit for Kings.

A gaggle of business leaders and pols gathered at the gloriously restored Kings Theatre in Flatbush on May 6 to raise a toast to former Borough President Marty Markowitz and celebrate the Flatbush Development Corporation.

The honor was nice, Markowitz said, but the humble former pol and perennial man-about-town deflected attention to the theater, which he said was the true honoree of the night.

“There is no question we all played second fiddle to the theater and its beautiful restoration,” said Markowitz, who pushed to revive the theater where he took his very first date. “I was of course flattered that they chose me, but I was thrilled that they chose the theater for the event.”

In addition to honoring Markowitz, the gala celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Flatbush Development Corporation, which promotes local businesses and economic development in the neighborhood.

The restoration of the Kings Theatre was a major project during Markowitz’s tenure as borough president, and although the theater did not open until after he left office, he is widely seen as the driving force behind the restoration the glamorous former movie palace to its rightful place as the crown jewel of Flatbush Avenue.

After years of hoop-jumping and construction, the Kings Theatre finally reopened to the public with a dazzling Diana Ross concert on Feb. 3.

Reach reporter Noah Hurowitz at nhurowitz@cnglocal.com or by calling (718) 260–4505. Follow him on Twitter @noahhurowitz