BROOKLYN COMMUNITY BOARD 6
GENERAL BOARD MEETING
SECONDARY SCHOOL FOR LAW, JOURNALISM & RESEARCH
237 7TH AVENUE
MARCH 10, 2010
ATTENDANCE
PRESENT:
B. ATKINS R.S. BASHNER J. BERNARD S. BURZIO J. DRESSLER E. FELDER J.C. FOULKE B.GINSBERG Y. GIRELA R. GRAHAM J. IGNERI T. KAMBER G. KELLY M. KOLMAN D. KUMMER D. LALLI B. LESTER R. LEVINE A. McKNIGHT T.L. MISKEL C. MOLINARI
G. O’CONNELL M. RECA-HEYER D. REISS
Y. ROMAN M. SCOTT D. SCOTTO M. SHAMES L. SONES E. SPICER J. THOMPSON S. TURET V. TWYFORD
D.C. VITO R. ZUCKERMAN
EXCUSED:
P. FLEMING R. LOHIER R. LUFTGLASS
A.A. PUGLIESE
ABSENT:
T. ALEXANDER L. CIRANDO S. COLES
D. GIULIANO M. RUIZ M. VERRET
GUESTS:
H. REICHBACH, CITY COUNCIL MEMBER LEVIN’S REPRESENTATIVE
M. CURTIN, CITY COUNCIL MEMBER LANDER’S REPRESENTATIVE
A. SCHAETZEL, STATE ASSEMBLY MEMBER BRENNAN’S REPRESENTATIVE
T. SMITH, STATE ASSEMBLY MEMBER MILLMAN’S REPRESENTATIVE
A. RAMOS, STATE SENATOR MONTGOMERY’S REPRESENTATIVE
D. WILEY, CONGRESS MEMBER VELÁZQUEZ REPRESENTATIVE
(Complete list of meeting attendees on file at the District Office.)
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Chairperson Richard S. Bashner called the meeting to order at 6:50 pm.
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ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Board Member Suzanne Turet made a motion to accept the minutes, seconded by Board Member Lou Sones.
VOTE: 32 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 6:51 P.M.
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MINUTES
CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT……………………………............................…...RICHARD S. BASHNER
Chairperson Richard S. Bashner began his report by reporting to the Board that since our last general meeting in January we’ve had a couple of Board Members resign from the Board, both citing personal reasons – Deborah Buscarello of Carroll Gardens and Nicholas Heyward of Gowanus. I’d like to thank them for their selfless service to our communities and wish them all the best.
Chairperson Bashner announced to the Board that Board Member Joanne Foulke, has decided not to put in for reappointment so tonight may be her last general meeting as a member. Joanne, I wish you well in the new job you recently started and understand how much of an adjustment that is. I’m glad you’re here tonight so that I can thank you, on behalf of myself and the Board, for all the years of service you gave to this Board – as the Co-Chair of the Transportation committee, as a member of our Executive Committee, and as our Elections Committee Chairperson – your place on the Board will not be easily filled.
Chairperson Bashner congratulated District Manager Craig Hammerman who is going to be this year’s recipient of the Mary Ellen Critchlow Award for Service to seniors by Heights and Hills at their annual spring event on May 13th.
Chairperson Bashner gave special thanks to the members of our Landmarks/Land Use Committee who came out on one of the worst weather nights we’ve seen in years, February 25th, the night the major blizzard started. Not only did all 3 of our applicants show up for the meeting, but the committee achieved a quorum and was able to conduct business because these 11 stalwart members took their job seriously.
Chairperson Bashner informed the Board that on March 2nd the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that they were listing the Gowanus Canal on their National Priorities List as a Superfund site. While we don’t know exactly how this will affect all of the other agencies doing work at the Gowanus Canal, including some of the City’s own agencies, the Department of Environmental Protection’s Gowanus Canal Facilities Upgrade Project is proceeding, as is the remediation of the Whole Foods site on 3rd Avenue and 3rd Street. When we learn more about the status of other pending Gowanus Canal items, like the Department of City Planning’s proposed rezoning, and HPD’s Gowanus Green project, we will continue to share news as soon as it becomes available.
Chairperson Bashner introduced Jennifer Posner of the Brooklyn Office of City Planning to make a brief announcement about the updating of its Comprehensive Waterfront Plan which was last done in 1992. Ms. Posner stated that the Department of City Planning is currently preparing a Comprehensive Plan for the over 500 miles of New York City’s waterfront, defined as New York Harbor and its tributaries, creeks and bays. 2
Vision 2020 will build on the original Comprehensive Waterfront Plan, published in 1992, and the city’s experience over the past 18 years in order to set forth a new long range vision for a 21st Century NYC waterfront. Specifically, Vision 2020 will identify key opportunities for improving our waterfront and outline strategies to realize this new vision. Public input will be critical throughout the year-long visioning process. A kick-off citywide public meeting to discuss the process and solicit feedback will be held on: April 8th from 6pm – 8:30pm at Murry Bergtraum High School located at 411 Pearl Street in Manhattan. For more information on how to get involved please visit their website at www.nyc.gov/waterfront.
Chairperson Bashner introduced John Griffin of Census 2010 to make a presentation about the Census. Mr. Griffin stated that the U.S. Census counts every resident in the United States, and is required by the Constitution to take place every 10 years. The 2010 Census will help communities receive more than $400 billion in federal funds each year for things like Hospitals, Job training centers, Schools, Senior centers, Bridges, tunnels and other-public works projects, and Emergency services. The data collected by the census also help determine the number of seats your state has in the U.S. House of Representatives. Starting this month, census forms will be delivered to every residence in the United States and Puerto Rico. When you receive yours, just answer the 10 short questions and then mail the form back in the postage-paid envelope provided. If you don't mail the form back, you may receive a visit from a census taker, who will ask you the questions from the form. The majority of the country will receive English–only materials. Households in areas with high concentrations of Spanish-speaking residents may receive a bilingual (English/Spanish) form. Any personal data you provide is protected under federal law. For more information please visit their website at www.2010census.gov.
Chairperson Bashner encouraged all Board Members to consider attending the next meeting of our Economic/Waterfront/Community Development and Housing Committee at 6:30pm on Monday, March 15th at the 78th Precinct, 65 6th Avenue (between Dean/Bergen Streets) because we are having a special presentation from Council Member Brad Lander on a new online tool his office created to monitor and track stalled development projects in his district, which is located at www.stalleddevelopment.com. We’re hopeful that we can use this opportunity to look at specific sites in our district and follow-up with various housing-related agencies to see how best we can help restart or repurpose of some of the stalled development sites in our district and get them into a more finished and usable state. Stalled development affects all of us, so I would encourage all of you to consider attending and contributing to this important discussion.
Chairperson Bashner ended his report by advising the Board that Board Member Anthony Pugliese mother, Teresa, passed away on February 9, 2010. He extended condolences on behalf of the Board to the Pugliese Family.
______________________________________________________________________________________ DISTRICT MANAGER’S REPORT……..…..................................................…CRAIG HAMMERMAN
District Manager Craig Hammerman began his report by reporting to the Board that the district office will be a Questionnaire Assistance Center drop-in site for the 2010 census. If you have any questions or would like help filling out the form, there will be census workers in the office on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11am-4pm.
District Manager Hammerman advised the Board that the Office of Governor Paterson invites everyone to a presentation on the New York State Crime Victims Board Commissioner Joan A. Cusack on Friday, March 19th. For more information please visit their website at www.cvb.state.ny.us.
District Manager Hammerman informed the Board that the NYPD was investigating a possible hate crime that took place in Carroll Gardens shortly after 8 p.m on Tuesday, March 2nd. A 22-year-old man was 3
severely beaten by five men shouting anti-gay slurs, near Luquer Street and Hamilton Avenue. City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn and other elected officials as a sign of solidarity and outrage of the attack will be hosting a candle light vigil on March 15th to show support for a 22-year old victim and the 76th Police Precinct.
District Manager Hammerman ended his reported by informing the Board that the Department of Transportation has responded to the district office in regards to their investigations for the installation of various speed humps throughout our district. Based upon their evaluations of the data collected it is their judgment that speed humps are not warranted at this time at the following locations: St. Marks Avenue between 5th and 6th Avenues, Berkeley Place between 6th and 7th Avenues, 1st Street between Denton Place and Whitwell Place, and Van Brunt Street between Coffey and Van Dyke Street. They are also in the process of investigating Butler Street between Court and Smith Streets and 8th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues for speed humps. Their investigations will take about 90 days to complete.
_______________________________________________________________________________________ Chairperson Bashner recognized the representatives of the elected officials.
Michael Curtin representing City Council Member Brad Lander stated that the Councilman was very enthusiastic to hear about the Superfund designation of the Gowanus Canal. He believes that the Superfund designation is the best approach for getting the canal cleaned up. He is calling for all stakeholders to come together and work collaboratively towards a comprehensive cleanup of the canal. He also stated that the Councilman was outraged by the bias attack on March 2nd and would be supporting the March 15th vigil.
Ann Schaetzel, representing State Assembly Member James Brennan stated that the Strengthening Community Fund of the American Recovery Reinvestment Act is putting out a Request for Proposal for organizations that promote Job Creation. For more information please contact her district office at 718-788- 7221.
Tamar Smith, representing State Assemblywoman Joan Millman began her report by presenting District Manager Craig Hammerman a proclamation honoring him on his 20th anniversary working at the Board. She then stated that the Assemblywoman will be co-hosting the third annual Volunteer Fair at the Park Slope Armory on May 13th from 6pm – 8:30pm. They are still looking for more organizations to set up tables. For more information please contact her office at 718-246-4889. The Assemblywoman has sponsored a Bill (A07137) which relates to the membership composition of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the establishment of specific committees to assist the Chairman of such authority. This will keep representation from labor and ridership on the board. She has also informed the Board of two locations that will be assisting residents with tax preparations: Food Bank for New York – Capital One Bank – 356 Fulton Street and Workforce 1 Career Center – 9 Bond Street. The Assemblywomen has sponsored a resolution to include New York State in International Earth Hour on Saturday, March 27 th at 8:30pm. She ended by stating that the Administration for Children‘s Services (ACS) has put out a list of child care facilities that they may have to close to save $9 million from their budget. Out of the 15 slated to close 4 are in CB6 district. She sent around a petition that she asked everyone to sign in opposition to the closings.
Anna Ramos, representing State Senator Velmanette Montgomery stated that she was leaving on the dais information regarding various issues the Senator is addressing, Income tax refunds, EPA designation of the Gowanus Canal as a Superfund, 2010 Juvenile Justice reform Agenda, comments on the proposed MTA service reductions and elimination of student MetroCards, as well as information regarding the Governor’s proposed budget. For more information please call her district office at 718-643-6140.
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_______________________________________________________________________________________
COMMITTEE REPORTS
LANDMARKS/LAND USE COMMITTEE.......................ROBERT LEVINE, LANDMARKS CHAIR
…..…………........PETER FLEMING, LAND USE CHAIR
Landmarks Committee Chairperson Robert Levine reported to the Board that the committee reviewed an application to request a special permit under Section 73-19 of the Zoning Resolution to allow a Use Group 3 charter school with first floor retail in an existing Use Group 16 warehouse in an M1 district at 255 Butler Street.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to disapprove an application submitted to the Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA Cal. No. 327-09-BZ) to request a special permit under Section 73-19 of the Zoning Resolution to allow a Use Group 3 charter school (non-profit school without residential accommodations) with first floor retail in an existing Use Group 16 warehouse in an M1 district at 255 Butler Street (northwest corner Butler/Nevins Streets).
Board Member Judith Thompson asked to what extent is the Board’s approval relevant. Landmarks Committee Chairperson Levine stated that since the Board is advisory, our recommendation will carry the same weight as any other item the Board votes on.
Board Member Mark Kolman stated that this building being located in a heavy traffic area should not be a factor in deciding whether or not we approve this motion. Students all over the City especially along 4 th Avenue have to deal with heavy traffic each and everyday, it is a part of living in a major city. Landmarks Committee Chairperson Levine stated that this is a M1 zone with narrow streets and it seems that they would have a difficult time parking the buses and dropping off or picking up.
Board Member Daniel Kummer stated that it is very difficult to find suitable locations to house schools and if DOT says it’s a safe environment traffic-wise, he does not think we have the expertise to second guess them.
Board Member David Reiss spoke out against the motion stating that he supports putting a charter school in this building.
Board Member Susanne Turet asked what kind of retail will be on the first floor. Landmarks Committee Chairperson Levine stated that we did not know.
Board Member James Bernard spoke out against the motion stating that it is very hard to find a site suitable for a charter school.
Board Member Debra Scotto spoke in favor of the motion stating that this is a horrible location for a school since it is in the middle of an active manufacturing district which will be dangerous to children.
Board Member Betty Lester spoke out against the motion stating that the building has not been used for years and we need sites for future schools.
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Board Member Jordan Dressler asked if the environmental impacts on the children as they relate to being in a manufacturing zone (i.e., exhaust from other facilities in the area) were discussed. Landmarks Committee Chairperson Levine stated yes.
Board Member Steven Burzio spoke out against the motion stating that all traffic issues should be mitigated before we vote.
Board Member Mark Shames spoke out against the motion.
Board Member Nica Lalli stated that we need to take a look at the numbers of seats in our district because she heard that there are a lot of seats available. She has some concerns with charter schools in general and when they share sites with other DOE schools it does not work, such as the case at P.S.15.
Board Member Glenn Kelly spoke in favor of the motion stating that this area was set aside for manufacturing and is too dangerous because of the commercial business there to place a school there.
VOTE: 20 YEAS, 12 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED
TIME: 7:55 P.M.
Landmarks Committee Chairperson Levine also reported to the Board that the committee reviewed a Certificate of Appropriateness application for restorations and alterations to the main basement entrance at 190 8th Avenue.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness application submitted to the Landmarks Preservation Commission for restorations and alterations to the main basement entrance at 190 8th Avenue (northwest corner 1st Street/8th Avenue), Park Slope Historic District.
VOTE: 32 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANISMOSLY
TIME: 7:59 P.M.
Landmarks Committee Chairperson Levine further reported to the Board that the committee reviewed a Certificate of Appropriateness application for alterations to the first floor rear façade including construction of an open porch, spiral stair and railings and the conversion of a window into a door at 800 Carroll Street.
Motion: by Board Member Lou Sones, seconded by Board member Suzanne Turet; Recommendation to approve an application submitted to the Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA Cal. No. 11-10-BZ) on behalf of 562 Court Street LLC, for a Special Permit pursuant to Section 73-36 of the Zoning Resolution to legalize a physical culture establishment use and to permit extension of use into cellar within existing mixed use building in a C2-3(R6B) zoning district at 562 Court Street (Block 382, Lot 37), the northwest corner lot at Court/Garnet Streets.
VOTE: 32 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 8:00 P.M.
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Landmarks Committee Chairperson Levine additionally reported to the Board that the committee reviewed a Certificate of Appropriateness application for restoration of brownstone and cornice, replacement front doors, sidewalk and areaway at 44 Strong Place.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness application submitted to the Landmarks Preservation Commission for restoration of brownstone and cornice, replacement front doors, sidewalk and areaway at 44 Strong Place, Cobble Hill Historic District with the following conditions: Approve doors, fence, areaway Approval of bulkhead if its gray color and roof railing is vertical No approval of brownstoning, cornice, sidewalk until plans is shown to the Community Board.
VOTE: 32 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 8:10 P.M.
Landmarks Committee Chairperson Levine also reported to the Board that the committee reviewed a Certificate of Appropriateness application for secondary facade alterations at 274 Clinton Street.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness application submitted to the Landmarks Preservation Commission for secondary facade alterations at 274 Clinton Street, Cobble Hill Historic District with the following conditions:
That the windows be double hung and are same width and location as existing windows. Due to lack of elevations and detail, we take no position on front areaway and would like to see the proposal before Landmarks Preservation Commission approval.
VOTE: 32 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANISMOSLY
TIME: 8:15 P.M.
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PUBLIC SAFETY/ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION/PERMITS & LICENSES COMMITTEE
………..…………RAYMOND LOHIER, PUBLIC SAFETY CHAIR
…………..…...DANIEL KUMMER, PERMITS/LICENSES CHAIR
...BOB ZUCKERMAN, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION CHAIR
Environmental Protection Chairperson Bob Zuckerman reported to the Board that the committee reviewed a presentation for an application for a Gowanus Watershed Initiative grant that proposes various Combined Sewer Overflow reduction measures for the Gowanus Canal.
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Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to provide a non-exclusive letter of support for an application for a Gowanus Watershed Initiative grant that proposes various Combined Sewer Overflow reduction measures for the Gowanus Canal.
Board Member David Reiss asked if this would be a non-exclusive letter of support. Chairperson Bashner stated yes.
Board Member Mark Shames spoke against the motion stating that this letter of support is inappropriate for the Board to do. We should not be supporting one applicant’s proposal over another.
Board Member Judith Thompson asked how much money is involved exactly. Environmental Protection Chairperson Zuckerman stated that there is $2.9 million to be given out between the Gowanus Canal and the Flushing Bay.
Board Member Elly Spicer spoke out against the motion stating that the Board should not support any specific group. We don’t need to go on record to support anything until we get more specific information.
Amendment: by Board Member Ellie Spicer and seconded by Board Member Mark Shames; Recommendation to only support the concept of given a grant to look at the kinds of issues that may be included in that particular proposal without endorsing a specific proposal over others.
Board Member Lou Sones stated that the letter should be broader and he agrees that we should support the concept of giving grants but not a particular proposal.
Board Member Susanne Turet spoke out against the motion stating that we need more information.
Motion: by Board Member David Reiss, seconded by Board Member Debra Scotto; Recommendation to Recommit.
VOTE: 32 YEAS, 1 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED
TIME: 8:30 P.M.
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PARKS/RECREATION/CULTURAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE…..…………..NICA LALLI, CHAIR
Parks Chairperson Nica Lalli reported to the Board that the Committee reviewed a presentation by Cobble Hill High School to expand their athletic facility.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to support the concept and ongoing development of an expanded athletic facility at the Cobble Hill School of American Studies at 347 Baltic Street (between Smith/Hoyt Streets) for use by students and for community programming.
Board Member Betty Lester spoke in favor of the motion stating that the school does not have a regulation gym to play in. Their gym is an old lunch room built in the 1940’s. All of the sports teams have to go to the opposing team’s gym to play their home games.
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Board Member Margarite Scott spoke in favor of the motion stating that the school has an excellent basketball program and because of the rules their family and friends cannot go to see them play or support them.
VOTE: 33 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 8:40 P.M.
Parks Chairperson Nica Lalli also reported to the Board that the committee discussed commending the Cobble Hill School for their foresight in conceiving of an expanded athletic facility.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to commend the Cobble Hill School of American Studies at 347 Baltic Street (between Smith/Hoyt Streets) for their foresight in conceiving of an expanded athletic facility at their location and a recommendation that they develop their concept into a detailed proposal to be presented to neighbors and other local groups.
VOTE: 33 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANISMOSLY
TIME: 8:44 P.M.
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ECONOMIC/WATERFRONT/COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT/HOUSING COMMITTEE
…..………………...DAVID REISS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CO-CHAIR
…………..… RICK LUFTGLASS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CO-CHAIR
.….………….GREG O'CONNELL, WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENT CHAIR
……………...... STEPHEN BURZIO, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CHAIR
……………………………………….....BETTY LESTER, HOUSING CO-CHAIR
……………………………………………..BEN ATKINS, HOUSING CO-CHAIR
Economic Development Co-Chair David Reiss reported to the Board that the committee discussed the funding for the installation of infrastructure at the Cruise Ship Terminal at Pier 12 provided by Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to thank Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez for providing funding for the installation of infrastructure at the Cruise Ship Terminal at Pier 12 that will enable vessels to use shore power when docked, and to encourage that the Public Service Commission establish a competitive rate structure that would favor the use of shore power over self- generated diesel-powered electricity.
VOTE: 29 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 8:47 P.M.
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Economic Development Co-Chair David Reiss also reported to the Board that the committee discussed the installation of appropriate infrastructure at Piers 8-10 that would permit visiting cargo vessels to use shore power when docked.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to support the installation of appropriate infrastructure at Piers 8-10 that would permit visiting cargo vessels to use shore power when docked.
VOTE: 26 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 8:52 P.M.
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COMMUNITY SESSION
Josefina Sanfeliu, a resident of the district, spoke out against the FDNY budget and staffing cuts that endanger firefighters, civilians and property. She also thanked the Board for their support at January’s Board meeting for the co-naming of various streets in our district after falling firefighters. She invited everyone to join the “Rallies and Reflections” Against Fire Cuts” on Saturday, May 8th. There are several locations throughout Brooklyn that one could attend: (1) 5011 7th Avenue at 51st Street @ 9am; (2) 93 Centre Mall at Clinton Street @ 10am; (3) 299 Degraw Street at Court Street @ 11am; (4) 901 Washington Avenue @ 1pm; (5) 1033, 1084, 1024 Pacific Street @ 2pm; (6) 850 Bedford Avenue @ 3pm; (7) 392 Himrod Street @ 3:45pm; (8) 104 Ross Street @ 4:15pm; (9) 636 Wythe Place @ 4:30pm; and (10) 136 Wythe Avenue @ 5pm.
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NEW/OTHER BUSINESS
Board Member Lou Sones informed the Board that the MTA is proposing to cut the B-77 bus line and extend the B-61 into part of the route. This would slow down service in and out of Red Hook. Chairperson Bashner stated the we have asked the MTA to come before our Transportation Committee to discuss the cuts to service in our district.
Board member Elly Spicer informed the Board that the Carpenters Union will be beginning their Apprenticeship Program in April in lower Manhattan.
Dan Wiley, representing Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez, informed the Board of a series of community planning workshops for the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway, led by NYC Department of Transportation, begins Thursday, March 25th. These workshops will inform DOT’s master plan for constructing the greenway. For more information, write to brooklynwaterfrontgreenway@dot.nyc.gov. The workshop in Community Board 6 will be at the Red Hook Recreation Center - 155 Bay Street on Tuesday, April 13th from 6:30-8:30pm.
Board Member Daniel Kummer made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Board Member Elly Spicer.
VOTE: 26 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 9:05 P.M
Minutes submitted into the District Office by Assistant District Manager Leroy Branch on March 26, 2010. 10