COMMUNITY BOARD SIX
PARKS/RECREATION/CULTURAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
JUNE 16, 2010
ATTENDANCE;
PRESENT:
J. FRANCIS Y. GIRELA R. GRAHAM
G. KELLY N. LALLI L. MALUF
C. MOLINARI E. ROBERTS J. SCHOENWALD
EXCUSED:
S. TURET
ABSENT:
M. CRONIN M. DE PALMA B. GINSBERG
K. MAIER M. SCOTT J. TREGO
GUESTS:
L. HOROWITZ
*** MINUTES ***
Presentation and discussion with representatives for the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation on the park and public space plan for Governors Island, and other topics of interest.
Betty Chen works with West 8 Architects. Leslie Koch said there are 4 key strategies.
1. Expanded public access 2. Stabilization and infrastructure 3. Mixed use
There were 275,000 visitors in 2009. They are aiming for more – bikes, picnics, arts.
Brooklyn – Governors Island connection. Now we have a ferry from pier 6 every 10 minutes. Goal is long term connectivity to park space.
Brooklyn Partners: • Mexisle Ice Cream • Water Taxi Boats • Added Value • Etsy
Boats run every 10 minutes but be patient. Fewer bikes allowed from Brooklyn – sometimes it takes a few boats to get there.
Rules for getting to Governors Island will be on line soon.
Free bike Friday – free for you for first hour - $15.00 for 1st hour, $20.00 for 2 hours.
MIY of Profit and NFP uses as per original plan.
RFP’s 1. Entertainment 2. Artists Studio No further RFP’s at this point.
87 acres of public space remains the same from inception of GIPEC Plan in 2006.
Betty Chen talked about the phases toward making the Island a world-class park destination. 4 phases -1, 2A, 2B and 3.
$200 million construction budget. Realistic cost and phasing has been confirmed. Fall of 2012 start phase 1 but the Island will remain open during phases.
www.govislandpark.com www.govisland.com (state website)
150 acres being transferred from State to City. Earliest date for transfer would be July 14th.
Appointees – one each from Squadron, Silver, CB1 and Governor. Mayor has 9 appointees.
Operating budget $12.3 million per year. Transfer releases funding for capital construction. Phase 1 – $30 to 40 million. No funding commitments beyond phase 1.
Motion was made by Judi Francis. Thanks to Leslie and GIPEC team for advocating for the ferry/Pier 6. We urge GIPEC to look closely at visitor data and see how many people come from Brooklyn, to accommodate the Brooklyn population and make adjustments to ensure further Brooklyn visitors.
The motion was seconded by Glenn Kelly.
VOTE: 8…..YEAS, 1…..ABSTENTION
MOTION APPROVED
Glenn Kelly made a motion to send a letter to Mayor/all parties to request greater representation in the GIPEC Board at least proportionate with the percentage of the population that uses the island (in 2010) from Brooklyn, as evidenced by growing numbers of visitors from Brooklyn. The motion was seconded by Judi Francis.
VOTE: 8…..YEAS, 1…..ABSTENTION
MOTION APPROVED
Nica Lalli made a motion to request that CB6 have its own dedicated appointee to the GIPEC Board given our proximity to the island and our substantial number of users and potential users of Governors Island whether through expansion of the Board or current mayoral numbers shifting. The motion was seconded by Connie Molinari.
MOTION APPROVED: UNANIMOUSLY
Judi Francis requests: DOT come to make a presentation of proposed safe passage for CB6 members getting to Brooklyn Bridge Park. Possibly a joint meeting with the Transportation Committee.
Lisa Maluf asked for CB6 to write a letter to recognize all the retirees. Write to Parks Dept. Commissioner Benepe. We’ve always had a great relationship with leadership at Parks in our Community Board. Both at the Alliance and the Parks Department . We understand that there will be changes in the senior leadership due to retirements and we hope to see continued good communication, transparency and cooperation from the Parks leadership and loe for Brooklyn as local citizens.
What is the timng here and when can we hope to meet the new District Manager, Borough Commissioner and PPA leadership?
We would also like to say how much we will miss Eric Greene as our main point man for our Committee.
Motion made by Judi: To recognize and thank Julius Spiegel, Tupper Thomas, Eric Greene, Elido Rivas for all their service and dedication to CB6 and our parks. In particular, we would like to thank Eric Greene and Elido Rivas for working so honestly and openly with our committee. Lisa Maluf seconded the motion.
MOTION APPROVED: UNANIMOUSLY
Please put on the agenda for September Judi’s slide show of the Parks trip.
A motion to accept the minutes of the previous meeting was made by Judi Francis and seconded by Jonathan Schoenwald
MOTION APPROVED: UNANIMOUSLY
There being no further business to come before the committee, the meeting was adjourned.