COMMUNITY BOARD SIX
PARKS/RECREATION/CULTURAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
JANUARY 20, 2010
ATTENDANCE;
PRESENT:
M. CRONIN J. FRANCIS B. GINSBERG
G. KELLY N. LALLI B. LESTER
L. MALUF E. ROBERTS J. SCHOENWALD
M. SCOTT S. TURET
ABSENT:
M. DE PALMA Y. GIRELA R. GRAHAM
N. HEYWARD K. MAIER C. MOLINARI
J. TREGO
GUESTS:
L. RUBEN K. CUTHBERT A. BURDICK
B. MCDONALD T. RICE T. JONES
M. MAZILE J. PETION T. CALLENDER
D. FITZGERALD
*** MINUTES ***
The meeting was called to order at 7:47PM and committee introductions were made. A motion was made by Molly Cronin to adopt the minutes of the previous meeting. The motion was seconded by Betty Lester.
MOTION APPROVED: Unanimously
Presentation and discussion with representatives for the Department of Education of a proposed conceptual plan to construct an enclosed gymnasium facility adjacent to the Cobble Hill School of American Studies at 347 Baltic Street between Smith/Hoyt Streets.
Ken Cuthbert, Principal of the Cobble Hill School of American Studies, for the last 5 years, told the committee that the school needs a larger gymnasium. Freshman students initiated the formation of a volleyball league and the gym is too small and dangerous. The school leadership requested a grant from Borough President, Marty Markowitz who has allocated $500,000 to the project.
Lisa Ruben from the Department of Education helps schools with construction and programs. The Department is supportive and intends to advocate for the gym expansion.
Ken Cuthbert met with Brooklyn Parks in July and received their endorsement. $18 million cost of a dream facility.
Tina Callender, Librarian and Chair of the school leadership team, said that the varsity basketball team cannot have games at the school but instead they have home games in Brownsville. The Junior Varsity team must move home court every year. Students are not zoned and must travel from all over. They
would like to create a community facility which can be administered by the Parks Department outside of school hours.
Betty Lester asked how long would the project take?
Andrew Burdick – designer from the Studio Collaborative looked at several possibilities: • Building insert on top of or replacing existing gym. • Rooftop addition on the top of the middle of the building. • Addition on adjacent schoolyard/NYC Perk – a “Park Pavilion”
The Park Pavilion presents the most flexibility and least effects on the school.
Deborah Fitzgerald, teacher and neighborhood resident, introduced Jauline, a student, who spoke of her reasons for wanting the addition and the benefits to the community.
Timothy Price, the head basketball coach, spoke of the difficulties of “mature” boys traveling to each game – home and away. The team record has improved, a cheerleader squad has been created and school spirit has grown.
Deborah Fitzgerald said it is often difficult to attend the games at other locations.
Suzanne Turet asked – What is in the space now?
Andrew Burdick said that the space includes a color seal coat, tennis court and ¾ basketball court, trees, cobbled path and play equipment.
Barbara Ginsberg asked how high would the new building be?
Andrew Burdick said 10 to 15,000 square feet and about 24 to 30 feet high at a minimum.
Glenn Kelly asked – has the community been notified or invited?
Lisa Ruben said that it is very early but they are beginning to discuss who will be contacted.
Betty Lester asked how much of the playground would be required?
Tina Callender said about ¾ of the paved area and none of the play area would be used.
Nica Lalli suggested contacting the new Park Slope Armory for possible space. Think about who will run the space outside of school hours. How will this be managed?
Tina Callender said that custodians open the park in the morning. Local resident has keys also. Parks Department cleans and locks up on weekends.
Barbara Ginsberg said that she likes the concept but would like to see more before expressing a definite opinion.
John Schoenwald and Nica Lalli made a motion to support the concept and ongoing development of an expanded athletic facility at the Cobble Hill School of American Studies for the use of students and for community programming.
MOTION APPROVED: Unanimously
Judi Francis said that the community needs to be reminded of the shortage of park and open space that exists in this neighborhood and recommends contacting Howard Kolins, President of the Boerum Hill Association which is currently looking at open space needs.
She made a motion to commend the Cobble Hill School of American Studies for their foresight in creating this facility and recommends creating a proposal with details which can be presented to neighbors and local groups.
MOTION APPROVED: Unanimously
There being no further business to come before the committee, the meeting was adjourned.
The minutes were submitted by Glenn Kelly.