Not a single invited elected official attended this week’s town hall at the Sea Breeze Jewish Center, but that didn’t stop opponents of Borough President Marty Markowitz’s plan to transform sleepy Asser Levy Park into a major new concert hub from pressing their case.
“The proposed plan – to use a Brooklyn term – is cockamamie,” attorney Norman Siegel declared. “It’s a bad plan that should be defeated.”
Siegel is part of the legal team helping congregants of both the Sea Breeze Jewish Center and Temple Beth Abraham, as well as residents of surrounding high-rise apartments, in their fight to block construction of a new $64 million amphitheater inside Asser Levy Seaside Park.
“Many believe it’s a done deal,” Sea Breeze Jewish Center Mendy Sontag said. “But there are no backhoes out there. Nothing is being done. I don’t think anything will be built this year. We must have accomplished something.”
Opponents of the amphitheater, who maintain the proposal will radically transform the current use of the park, and have reportedly amassed over 10,000 signatures on a petition, are pressing Markowitz to rethink the project.
Borough Hall has eschewed public meetings in the community and preferred instead to meet with Sontag and other members of the community task force in private to talk about their concerns.
Despite previous statements to contrary, Borough Hall says that the project – originally slated to begin this past summer – is actually on track, and expects to award construction contracts in January.
A necessary Environmental Impact Statement has yet to be issued.
Borough Hall Communications Director Laura Sinagra called the closed door meetings with community task force leaders “instructive,” but added that some elements of the design are “defining aspects” of the proposal.
Opponents say they welcome park improvements like better drainage, improved lighting and other amenities, as well as an expanded playground, as long as it’s not moved to a less desirable section of the park near West 5th Street.
“We know very well why you don’t want a carnival in your community,” attorney Herb Teitelbaum said. “We can assist you from not being bullied by the political forces in this borough.”
While no current elected official deemed to attend the town hall, former assemblymember Adele Cohen did.
“I am offended,” Cohen said. “Where in the world are our elected officials? Are they afraid of Markowitz?”
Cohen went on to blast the Democratic borough president’s support of Republican Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s re-election bid, suggesting that a third term for the incumbent would mean Markowitz has four more years to get his amphitheater built.
Opponents say they will continue to fight, and used this week’s town hall to launch a postcard-writing campaign aimed at Markowitz decrying efforts they say will “eliminate desperately needed recreation space and create an eyesore in the middle of our park.”
“It’ll be a lot of ups and downs before ultimate victory,” opposition organizer Ida Sanoff said. “We’re just getting started. It’s not a done deal.”
