COMMUNITY BOARD SIX
PARKS/RECREATION/CULTURAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
APRIL 21, 2010
ATTENDANCE;
PRESENT:
M. CRONIN J. FRANCIS G. KELLY
K. MAIER L. MALUF C. MOLINARI
J. SCHOENWALD S. TURET
ABSENT:
M. DE PALMA B. GINSBERG Y. GIRELA
R. GRAHAM N. LALLI E. ROBERTS
M. SCOTT J. TREGO
GUESTS:
R. MYER – BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK DEVELOPMENT
J. LAIRD – THE ARSENAL CENTRAL PARK
N. WEBSTER M. DEPALMA D. LEVCI
D. FLEMMING B. BANKSON P. BLAKE
J. ARMER B. STONE J. ELMULEH
K. LEVY J. NICHOL B. BROOKHART
B. BAXT
*** MINUTES ***
In the absence of the Chairperson, Nica Lalli, Glenn Kelly chaired the meeting.
Presentation and discussion with a representative for the Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corporation on the recent announcement of the transfer of oversight and jurisdiction for the development of the park to New York City, update on development plans and activities for Pier 6, and other topics of interest.
He introduced Regina Myer and Josh Laird to talk about the change but first gave an update. Ms. Myer advised: Opened Pier 1 on March 22nd, wonderful turnout. Great first month. Looking forward to railings installed and remainder of work being done. Request for Proposals on concessions for Pier 1 and will be moving forward on some for Pier 6. Progressing with conservancy for Pier 1 going forward. New website – BrooklynBridgePark NYC.org Pier 6 construction moving ahead – open in late Spring with new amenities.
1. Playground 2. Water taxi 3. Sand.volleyball courts 4. Rest rooms 5. Dog run 6. Concessions
Early March, major announced change in structure for government and oversight and advised there is a public hearing on Monday at 6pm at Poly Technical for the public to comment on this change.
Mr. Laird is contact at Parks – spoke about hearing as an opportunity to express views behind proposed amendment to general project plan. Must be approved by several entities before amendment can go into effect but targeting July 31st for city to take control. After hearing there is a 30 day comment period. City takeover involves creation of new not for profit organizational entity that has representatives of various elected officials. There will be 17 individuals on the Board: 9 Mayoral appointments 4 Governor’s appointments 1 State Senator appointment 1 State Assemblyperson appointment 1 Borough President appointment 1 Council Speaker appointment
The Development Corporation will remain in place; which will lease the park to the not for profit operating entity. City community to build out rest of the park in taking over control. Creations of subcommittees or alternatives. Housing – to review revenue plan – 6 members total. City will fund a study (120 day contract period) with public hearing to discuss analysis, comment period and their final report. Sub- committee will vote on recommendation to accept findings of the study. Development of housing at John Street and Pier 6 must be approved by the Operating Committee. State Senate and Assemblymember reps. have the ability to hold up housing plan if they are not satisfied. Upon approval of Pier 6 housing – city will release remainder of $55 million in funds for Pier 6 park development. There is also a city commitment to pursue floating pool, ice skating rink and community meeting space.
Glenn Kelly comments: He would appreciate having something in writing on Josh Laird’s presentation for Board records. Josh agreed to provide it. Glenn also inquired why is this happening? The fate of the park should reside with the city. It should have both control and accountability for this park.
Judi Francis inquired if it is possible to see RFP’s for concessions before it goes out/ Josh and Regina will check and advise. Judy also asked if Pier 6 playground will open within a month? It has been delayed due to weather conditions.
Judi asked how are conservation easements administered versus mapped parks?
Josh advised a conservation easement will clarify the city’s intent to manage the park as protected in public domain. Provides an added layer of protection to keep it as a park. He also added that there already are a lot of parks that are not mapped as parks but still vested and protected as parks.
What is the accountability to the public in this park? Accountability to Board with public representatives through the elected officials reps. Commitment to reconstitute CAC with ability to make decisions and recommendations to operating committee. Will have voice but no decision making authority.
Glenn inquired about restrictions that will be placed on concessions? Regina said that Pier 1 concessions should be fairly priced, healthy food and perhaps beer and wine service – not open to retail.
A representative from Brad Lander’s office inquired about what parks regulations will apply? Josh advised none necessary but it is expected that the operating committee will adopt NYC rules and various regulations, e.g., park hours and park enforcement. Length of lease is 99 years.
Doug Uliaro inquired about jurisdiction of security in Parks – NYPD? Regina advised ti will be Parks Enforcement officials (under contract with City Parks) coordinating with police precinct. Doug commented about complexity of arrangement? Regina advised because of isolation (in terms of certain parts of the park) added security was deemed necessary. Josh advised it is not duplication – Police enforce the law and protect the public safety. They are armed. Park enforcement Patrol officers enforce park rules – noise, hours, etc. and are eyes and ears for the police.
A member of the public requested that sub-committee suggest and be looking at park-related revenue streams as alternatives to housing revenue. There are no restrictions on what alternatives to revenue (from housing) can be explored. There will be a whole range of options that the study will look at. Both Regina and Josh were clear that this was the point of the study.
Bob Stone expressed concern about transparency in public authorities using e.g., design for carousel has not yet been shared with the public. Regina advised that community outreach meetings will take place in the near future but there is no cost to the city – it was a gift.
Regina and Bob stayed for another hour to continue answering questions from the public.
Concern again expressed that the vast majority of the land involved in Brooklyn Bridge Park was public land. The funding for the work ($224 million from Authority and $55 million from the city) are public funds but yet these not for profit operating committee entity seems to be being created to circumvent ULURP and public oversight. Josh responded that there were numerous public hearings but again concern is that community public input has not been integrated into the plan.
Judi Francis moved to accept the minutes of the previous meting and Kim Maier seconded.
MOTION PASSED: UNANIMOUSLY
Members of the Committee discussed possible motion for recommendations to the Board.
Motion: While we support the city taking control and accountability for the park, we strongly request that the new operating entity follow the accepted process of consulting with and considering the recommendations of the Community Board’s whose residents are most affected by the park, (i.e., both CB 2 and CB6) prior to park plans being adopted or finalized.
There was no quorum but motion unanimous among 6 members present. See public meeting notice for Monday, April 26 attached.
Minutes submitted by Lisa Maluf