The following was excerpted from this year’s State of the Borough address:
After too many years of decline, Fulton Mall is undergoing a historic transformation. This area brings back so many memories for me, and I’m sure for many of you here tonight who are of a “certain age.” I can still remember my mother dragging me to stores like Mays, Martin’s, E.J. Korvette, A&S, Chock Full o’ Nuts and Needicks.
Today, we’re thrilled to welcome the likes of Aeropostale as well as, coming soon, H&M, and nearby, on Adams Street, Panera Bread. Macy’s, the flagship of the Fulton Mall for many years, has committed to renovating and upgrading its facade.
Elsewhere in Downtown, we now have a Barney’s Co-op and of course, the trailblazer — Morton’s the Steakhouse.
I’ve supported a $15-million streetscape project for Fulton Mall that includes repairing sidewalks, adding new public seating and repaving roads, because I believe we can once again make it New York City’s most-prized shopping district, an eclectic and dynamic commercial strip that reflects the diversity of Brooklyn. And I knew what would be the perfect gateway to the new Fulton Mall. So working closely with the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, we convinced restaurateur Danny Meyer to open a Brooklyn outpost of his famed burger joint, Shake Shack.
As borough president, I am committed to help every new business boost our local economy. Therefore, I pledge to join the long lines in front of Shake Shack anytime I can.
Sorry, Jamie, I know it violates my diet, but what can I say? I’m doing it for Brooklyn!
Marty Markowitz is borough president of Brooklyn.
