Markowitz seeks Brownsville “tech zone” contest

Brooklyn borough president Marty Markowitz has tech envy, the New York Daily News reported. The Brooklyn Beep feels his borough should host a competition not unlike the one Mayor Michael Bloomberg held for a tech campus on Roosevelt Island, but for technology companies to bring their manufacturing operations to the East New York or Brownsville area. Markowitz is expected to announce the competition in his State of the Borough speech tomorrow night.

“Just like the mayor… I’m suggesting [a] competition to create a high-tech manufacturing zone,” Markowitz said. “We desperately need manufacturing jobs.”

Markowitz chose the neighborhoods because of their high unemployment rates and the availability of city-owned land, the News said. He also said his first choice of tech company would be Apple. And despite Markowitz’s failed efforts to bring the company’s retail stores to the borough, he is undeterred.

“As much as I want an Apple store, and I do, if I had a choice I would rather have an Apple manufacturing facility,” Markowitz said. “Do the patriotic thing and bring the jobs home, and bring them to East New York and Brownsville.” [NYDN]