COMMUNITY BOARD SIX
YOUTH/HUMAN SERVICES/EDUCATION COMMITTEE
MAY 26, 2010
PRESENT:
M. DEPALMA L .HILL R. LOHIER
J. SKALLER V. TWYFORD D. VITO
EXCUSED:
L. CIRANDO M. KOLMAN M. RECA-HEYER
S. TURET
ABSENT:
J. BERNARD L. BUFFINGTON S. COLES
E. FELDER Y. ROMAN M. RUIZ
J. TREGO
GUESTS:
M. EFFINGER V. ABERDEEN D. JACKSON
S. RODRIGUEZ Y. LIPSCOMB P. GAYLE
C. LAWRENCE M. DOGAN L. CALAME
W. SPRINGS
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*** MINUTES ***
The meeting was called to order at 6:30pm. Introductions were made of the various agencies
present – Department for the Aging, Imani House, Dept. of Youth and Community
Development.
Presentation and discussion with representatives for the Department of Youth and Community Development on a citywide plan to close various Out-of-School (OST) programs, including several in the district.
A letter was read by Derrick Vito from Craig Hammerman submitted to both the DFTA and DYCD inviting the agencies to meet with the committee about the planned closing of their programs. The Director of the Department of Youth and Community Development, Mike Dogan appeared in their defense. He spoke about the cuts and answered questions.
DYCD contracts on a proposal to community based organizations and award contracts. 600 programs – 3 youth centers and renewed 2008 renewed again – life span is 7 years,
Budget cuts – have not been able to continue because of budget cuts – academic, cultural etc. on holidays and summer – every agency has had to cut to achieve savings. (copy attached)
Q. Imani House and Good Shepherd Services - zip codes 11217 and 11231 not considered high target zip codes. Looked at historical under-funded neighborhoods – looked at ages of youth, poverty level, youth not in school without high school, not working, language, single parents based on 2000 census.
OST not income based – program’s families live outside (Imani) – 66% outside targeted zip – one representative pointed out that one school is in Park Slope but children come from other areas. Agency wanted to offer year-round service is better is better to hold on to. Imani House does offer summer programs (Director does concede this point) asking DOE to help out and get funds from other sources.
Derrick Vito questioned why at meeting – reinstate funding – working parents - school children because they need after school care. How found out about meeting – parent went to all city agencies – why is ED not here. – because it is parent driven – wants programs reinstated.
What is ED doing? Wants to charge fees $225 per child – parents fund raising. ED is doing but to raise funds.
Alternatives: Hope city finances will improve. They have no money. 33 summer school middle programs have been cut.
They saved funding from several agencies. DOE to donate building and building staff – programs cut because of targeted zip codes, so fee-based and contributions from DOE. They have not received funding. Derrick pointed out that Arne Duncan is keen on these programs. They are not part of “Race to Top” so not sure of getting Federal funding.
5% across the board?? - might be fair but undermine system – reduce price – reduce holidays - price goes down and deliver.
Parents – fee based – cannot afford.
Josh Skaller asked if all programs were cancelled in zip code where do parents go? Parents really object that affluent zip code is cut but children come from other areas. Why not support Imani House due to 66% out reach.
CB6 – 30% $385,000, Brooklyn – 9 programs cut 30%, Queens – 56%
Ray Lohier asked what can CB6 do to reverse this?
Communication with Imani House to direct them to other agencies for money and continued advocacy.
Josh – rules about how programs are cut throughout city and does this run afoul of these regs.
CB6 – 14 day care, senior citizen. Resolution – is this decision final.
Presentation and discussion with representatives for the Department for the Aging on a citywide plan to close various senior centers, including at least one in the district.
Derrick Vito read letter: • 50 centers scheduled to close • Gowanus center in particular • 20 has been restricted • 6 to 12 M as a result. Department will save 1.2m dollars
• P/T Program – serves meals satellite program • No loss of service to community – seniors moved to other centers. • Gowanus will save $95,000. Criteria to close – serving under 30 meals • P/T program with satellite • Low management issues • City working on which centers close. Meals will still be served. Gowanus is small. • 1600 seniors – overall 50 centers closed, 11 centers in Brooklyn will close and 16 in Manhattan
Whatever cuts will be – just centers – word going out to centers and seniors aas to what is happening – building will be shuttered.
List of centers (on line) – CB6 would like list – committee has been meeting with city council and cost of transporting seniors to other centers. Meals on Wheels not affected. Representative said letter to committee asking these questions would be better.
One attendee interested in youth programs asked when program will be cut.
CB people – other factors should be considered when considering cuts.
Chairman read bullets from statement: • Why us? • Why disproportionally hurting us? • 66% outside is a factor • Late notice?
Quarter of program is worth keeping. Why are you closing it? Recommendation for alternate program for seniors.