BROOKLYN COMMUNITY BOARD 6
GENERAL BOARD MEETING
OLD FIRST REFORMED CHURCH
729 CARROLL STREET
OCTOBER 13, 2010
ATTENDANCE
PRESENT:
T. ALEXANDER B. ATKINS R.S. BASHNER
N. BERK-RAUCH J. BERNARD L. BLYER
S. BURZIO L. CIRANDO N. COX
E. FELDER P. FLEMING B. GINSBERG Y. GIRELA D. GIULIANO R. GRAHAM G. KELLY M. KENTON D. KUMMER D. LALLI R. LEVINE R. LOHIER R. LUFTGLASS T.L. MISKEL L. NAPOLITANO A. A. PUGLIESE G. REILLY R. RIGOLLI
Y. ROMAN M. RUIZ M. SCOTT
M. SHAMES L. SONES E. SPICER
S. TURET M. VERRET D. VITO
EXCUSED:
J. DRESSLER H. HUGHES M. KOLMAN A. McKNIGHT C. MOLINARI D. REISS D. SCOTTO E. SHIPLEY J. THOMPSON
ABSENT:
M. HEYER J. IGNERI G. O’CONNELL
V. TWYFORD
GUESTS
HON. BRAD LANDER, CITY COUNCIL MEMBER
HON. JOAN MILLMAN, CITY COUNCIL MEMBER
HON. VELMANETTE MONTGOMERY, STATE SENATOR
HON. DANIEL SQUADRON, STATE SENATOR
H. REICHBACH, CITY COUNCIL MEMBER LEVIN’S REPRESENTATIVE
M. CURTIN, CITY COUNCIL MEMBER LANDER’S REPRESENTATIVE
A. WARDLAW, STATE ASSEMBLY MEMBER ORTIZ’S REPRESENTATIVE
T. SMITH, STATE ASSEMBLY MEMBER MILLMAN’S REPRESENTATIVE
O. JONAS, STATE SENATOR MONTGOMERY ‘S REPRESENTATIVE
J. LEVINE, STATE SENATOR SQUADRON’S REPRESENTATIVE
V. AVEIS, CONGRESSWOMAN CLARKE’S REPRESENTATIVE
D. WILEY, CONGRESSWOMAN VELÁZQUEZ’ REPRESENTATIVE
A. NOVEK, CITY COMPTROLLER LIU’S REPRESENTATIVE
(Complete list of meeting attendees on file at the District Office.) 1
Chairperson Richard S. Bashner called the meeting to order at 6:51 pm.
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MINUTES
CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT……………………………...……..………….....…...RICHARD S. BASHNER
Chairperson Richard S. Bashner began his report by introducing a new Board Member, Lisa Napolitano from South Park Slope, appointed at the recommendation of Council Member Stephen Levin. That brings out total headcount up to 49 members.
Chairperson Bashner reported to the board that he attended a meeting at Borough Hall called by Senator Squadron on October 1st regarding the truck traffic being generated by Phoenix Beverage’s use of Piers 7 and 11. Because of the reconstruction of Van Brunt Street north bound, part of the truck route is closed and some of the truck drivers are using undesignated residential streets. For this reason, Phoenix Beverage has asked the drivers to use the BQE northbound to get from pier 11 to pier 7 instead of using unauthorized streets.
Chairperson Bashner informed the board that there would be a very important announcement made tomorrow afternoon regarding the Long Island College Hospital and SUNY-Downstate merger, which has now been the subject of discussion for past two years. We do not have the details of the announcement, but the Governor is supposed to be delivering the information himself from LICH, which means it is likely something substantial. He has asked District Manager Hammerman to send out an email with the specifics when they become available.
Chairperson Bashner advised the board that we’ve been invited by the Department of Transportation to attend a kick-off meeting on October 18th for the Brooklyn Streetcar Study, a trolley and light rail study being funded by an allocation secured by Congresswoman Velázquez. The study will be exploring the feasibility of the installation of trolley/light rail service between Downtown Brooklyn and Red Hook. We had previously included this item among our annual budget requests, the money had been set aside for several years, and DOT is ready to proceed. We are looking forward to participating.
Chairperson Bashner ended his report by updating the board on last month’s motion to recommit the idea of the Minerva statue view corridor. Land Use Chair Peter Fleming and District Manager Hammerman had a preliminary meeting with representatives of Green-Wood Cemetery and Brooklyn Community Board 7. They will also be meeting with the Department of City Planning and CB7 in a couple weeks to get a better idea of the role we would be taking on if we decided to go ahead with the sponsorship of a 197-a plan.
_________________________________________________________________________________________ DISTRICT MANAGER’S REPORT……………..................................................…CRAIG HAMMERMAN
District Manager Craig Hammerman began his report by informing the Board that the Department of Transportation has determine that a speed hump on Plaza Street between Lincoln and Berkeley Places and Butler Street between Court & Smith Streets are good candidate locations for the installation of speed humps.
District Manager Hammerman informed the board that National Grid would be installing and sampling a monitoring well on Luquer Street between Court and Smith Streets, beginning about mid-October for one month. The wells will help measure the chemical characteristics and flow direction of ground water, upgradient from the former Manufactured Gas Plant site, Public Place, located between Smith Street and the Gowanus Canal. Additional information is available at www.citizensmgpsite.com.
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District Manager Hammerman advised the board that on September 27th he was invited by the director of the 311 Call Center to take a tour of some improved 311 reporting mechanisms that have been set up on-line. This new system will provide the community more transparency and better information about the type of calls that are coming into 311. We will have the ability to download spreadsheet data and be able to manipulate them.
District Manager Hammerman reported to the board that on October 1st he, along with other leaders from Park Slope, met with Deputy Mayor Stephen Goldsmith, the deputy mayor for operations, to talk about the delivery of City government services. They spoke about the advantages and disadvantages of management centralized and decentralized systems, the role of community boards, the City’s 311 system, and how technology is changing government. The Deputy Mayor invited our District Manager to submit further ideas on how government services are delivered for them to consider.
District Manager Hammerman ended his report by announcing that this Saturday at 10am in front of M.S. 51 is the Park Slope Civic Council’s fall Civic Sweep event. Anyone interested should show up prepared to work.
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ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Board Member Peter Fleming made a motion to accept the minutes, seconded by Board Member Lou Sones.
VOTE: 31 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 7:00 P.M.
__________________________________________________________________________________________ Chairperson Bashner recognized elected officials and their representatives.
Hope Reichbach, representing Council Member Stephen Levin stated that the Councilman has introduced a bill to suspend alternate side of the street parking in areas surrounding film shoots. The bill will: 1. Suspend alternate side of the street parking for up to seven days on the site of a film shoot 2. Suspend alternate side of the street parking in the four blocks adjacent to a film site 3. Require production companies to post notice of the temporary suspension of parking rules on the effected streets.
Michael Curtin, representing Council Member Brad Lander stated that the Councilman was working with the Parks Department to replace, as quickly as possible, any trees lost to the recent storms. Please email his district office with specific locations at lander@council.nyc.gov.
Angela Wardlaw, representing Assembly Member Felix Ortiz stated that the Assemblyman has introduced Bill No. A02453 which prohibits the writing, sending or reading of text messages on a mobile telephone while driving. He will also be participating in the Hispanic Caucus held in Puerto Rico to discuss health care and college funding for high school students.
Tamar Smith, representing Assembly Member Joan Millman stated that the Assemblywoman contacted the 78 th Precinct and urged placement of additional crossing guards at 3rd and 4th Avenues. The precinct immediately reassigned a crossing guard to 4th Avenue and 3rd Street, and as soon as possible, another will be posted to 3rd Avenue. On Monday, November 22nd from 9am-4pm, the Assemblywoman in partnership with YMCA Brooklyn will be offering Free Mammograms outside her district office located at 341 Smith Street. For more information, please call Jennifer Levy at 718-875-1190 ext 211 to register.
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Veronica Aveis, representing Congress Member Yvette Clarke introduced herself as our new liaison for the Congresswomen’s office. On October 30th, the Congresswomen will be hosting a Jobs Fair at the Congregational Nursing Home Building. For more information, please call her district office at (718) 287- 1142.
Asher Novek, representing NYC Comptroller John Liu stated that the Comptroller would be hosting a Polish Heritage Celebration on October 26th and an Italian Heritage Celebration on October 19th. For more information, please call 212-669-4466.
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COMMITTEE REPORTS
LANDMARKS/LAND USE COMMITTEE.............................ROBERT LEVINE, LANDMARKS CHAIR
…..……..………........PETER FLEMING, LAND USE CHAIR
Land Use Committee Chairperson Peter Fleming reported to the Board that the committee reviewed a Certificate of Appropriateness application for the legalization of an existing garden wall, the construction of a new surround front entranceway, and restoration of brownstone surface of the garden level at 177 Congress Street.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to conditionally approve a Certificate of Appropriateness application submitted to the Landmarks Preservation Commission for the legalization of an existing garden wall, the construction of a new surround front entranceway, and restoration of brownstone surface of the garden level at 177 Congress Street (between Clinton/Henry Sts), Cobble Hill Historic District with the following condition: That the planter be removed and replaced with a fence running the full width of the building areaway.
VOTE: 33 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 7:15 P.M.
Chairperson Bashner recognized Assembly Member Joan Millman who began by stating that she was very pleased with the impending press conference where the Governor will announce the merger of Long Island College Hospital with SUNY-Downstate Medical Center. The state would provide $40 million to support the merger. The Assemblywoman as Chair of the Assembly’s Election Law Committee will be arranging for public demonstrations of the new optical scan voting machines. If you know of any locations suitable for the demonstration please contact her office. She also reported that there was a number of complaints about the new system, and she will be holding hearings after the November election.
State Senator Velmanette Montgomery began by informing the Board that in the upcoming months there will be a great deal of discussion about what to do with the funds that the state received from the “Race To The Top” grant from the Federal government. She is also planning in November a Conference to discuss “Community Planning for the Elderly”. She ended by thanking the board for actively and effectively representing the residents of Brooklyn Community Board 6.
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Council Member Brad Lander began by informing the Board that he was working with the Parks Department to replace, as quickly as possible any trees lost to the recent storms. He also announced that the Landmarks Preservation Commission would be holding a public hearing on the proposed expansion of the Park Slope Landmarks Historic District on Tuesday, October 26th at 12:30 p.m. on the 9th floor of the Municipal Building at 1 Centre Street in Manhattan. He encouraged everyone to attend this event. Earlier this year, the NYC Department of Transportation changed Prospect Park West from three to two lanes of traffic and installed a separated two-way bike lane, with the goals of reducing speeding, improving the borough's cycling network, and increasing pedestrian safety. His office, together with Councilmember Stephen Levin and Brooklyn Community Board 6, would like your feedback on these changes, so they have put together a public survey on the bike lanes. The City Council at its October Waterfront Committee will be addressing the Greener Ports of New York issue by discussion a resolution calling on Congress to enact legislation that would enable the Port Authority to implement some of the things we have been discussing. His office and parent leaders from local schools have been working together with the New York City Department of Education's Office of School Food, the Brooklyn Food Coalition, and GrowNYC, the District 15 Community Education Council and other organizations on the "School Food Rocks" conference, to be held Saturday, October 23rd at M.S.
51. This conference will bring together parents, educators, students, School Food staff, and food activists to discuss how we can work together to achieve healthier and more sustainable school food throughout District 15.
Dan Wiley, representing Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez invited everyone to the next community- planning workshop for the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway, led by NYC Department of Transportation. The workshop will be for Red Hook October 14th. DOT is also moving forward with the five-month study, funded through a Federal Transportation Administration grant secured by the Congresswoman, to determine the feasibility of a streetcar network linking Red Hook with Downtown Brooklyn and surrounding neighborhoods. The study will include community meetings and a technical analysis of the area's needs and demographics, as well as a look at the engineering advantages and limitations of any prospective project.
______________________________________________________________________________________ COMMITTEE REPORTS cont…
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 Rick Luftglass reported to the Board that the committee discussed the Clean Ports Act of 2010.
Motion: by Board Member Gary Reilly, seconded by Board Member Suzanne Turet; Recommendation to support the Clean Ports Act of 2010 (H.R. 5967) which would amend the Federal Motor Carrier Act to allow ports to enact and enforce clean truck programs and implement environmental programs above the current federal requirements.
Board Member Lou Sones stated that most truckers would not be able to upgrade their equipment to comply with new regulations and it might force them out of business since it is so competitive.
Board member Gary Reilly spoke in favor of the motion stating that it will allow us to do something about the environmental issues on the ports. 5
Board Member Roger Rigolli spoke out against the Federal government playing a role in someone’s business. They should pit their efforts in building a tunnel and get the trucks off the roads. They should also introduce methanol gas and provide subsidies to any station that puts these tanks in. They should concentrate on those things instead of hurting the truckers with extra costs because they are the backbone of our country.
VOTE: 32 YEAS, 2 NAYS, 1 ABSTENTION
MOTION PASSED
TIME: 8:05 P.M.
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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE…………………………………..……………RICHARD BASHNER, CHAIR
Chairperson Richard Bashner report to the Board that the committee discussed FY 2012 Capital and Expense budget requests.
Motion: by Board member Elly Spicer, seconded by Board Member Tom Miskel; To approve the FY 2011 Capital budget requests.
Amendment: by Board Member Roger Rigolli, seconded by Board Member Lou Sones; To move Priority #26 - Construction of Freight Harbor Tunnel to the #2 priority and move priorities #3-25 down by one.
Board Member Peter Fleming spoke in favor of the change.
VOTE: 27 YEAS, 7 NAYS, 1 ABSTENTION
AMENDMENT PASSED
TIME: 8:18P.M.
Amendment: by Board Member James Bernard, seconded by Board Member Derrick Vito; To switch priority #3 – Traffic Calming of Bartel-Pritchard Square traffic circle with priority #11 – Modernization of Wyckoff Gardens Houses community center.
VOTE: 28 YEAS, 5 NAYS, 2 ABSTENTIONS
AMENDMENT PASSED
TIME: 8:42 P.M.
Amendment: by Board Member Benjamin Atkins, seconded by Board Member Nica Lalli; To move priority # 34- Remediation of BQE Trench (“Fix the Ditch”) to priority #13 and move priority #14-33 down by one.
VOTE: 28 YEAS, 4 NAYS, 3 ABSTENTIONS
AMENDMENT PASSED
TIME: 9:05 P.M.
Discussion continued on the original motion as amended.
VOTE: 34 YEAS, 1 NAY, 1 ABSTENTION
AMENDED MOTION PASSED
TIME: 9:11 P.M.
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Motion: By Board Member Nica Lalli, seconded by Board Member Suzanne Turet; To approve the FY 2011 Expense budget requests.
Amendment: by Board Member Roger Rigolli, seconded by Board Member Barbara Ginsberg; To switch priority # 7 – Increased funding for Out-of-School Time Programs with priority # 3 – Expansion of Truck Enforcement Programs.
VOTE: 34 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 1 ABSTENTION
AMENDMENT PASSED
TIME: 9:18 P.M.
Discussion continued on the original motion as amended.
VOTE: 33 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 1 ABSTENTION
AMENDED MOTION PASSED
TIME: 9:20 P.M.
_________________________________________________________________________________________ Chairperson Bashner recognized State Senator Daniel Squadron who began by stating that it was a victory that LICH was saved by the merger with SUNY-Downstate Medical Center. He is also very happy that Phoenix Beverage trucks will be using the BQE instead of driving on the residential streets northbound from Red Hook. He is hopeful that Shore Power will be coming to the piers in Red Hook for the cruise lines. He ended by informing the Board that the ferry to Governors Island has move from Fulton Ferry Landing to Pier 6 off Atlantic Avenue. In addition, a new High School has just opened on Governors Island called Urban Assembly New York Harbor School, which provides a college-preparatory education built upon New York City’s maritime experience.
_______________________________________________________________________________ EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (continued)……………………..……………RICHARD BASHNER, CHAIR
Economic Development Co-Chair Rick Luftglass reported to the Board that the committee discussed “VISION 2020” – New York City Comprehensive Waterfront Plan.
Motion: by Board Member Gary Reilly, seconded by Board Member Suzanne Turet; Recommendation to conditionally support the Department of City Planning’s Vision 2020: New York City Comprehensive Waterfront Plan.
Board Member Lou Sones stated that we should add that this board does not support “Big Box” stores on the waterfront. Chairperson Bashner stated that we should add it because it is this board’s position not to have big box stores on piers 7-12 although we did vote in favor of IKEA. We should also add our recommendation from our 197-a Plan.
Board Member Elly Spicer stated that we should look at activities on the waterfront on a case-by-case basis.
VOTE: 29 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 9:51 P.M.
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ELECTION COMMITTEE……………………………………………………..PETER FLEMING CHAIR
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Election Chairperson Peter Fleming announced to the Board the members who have been suggested as nominees. The individuals are as follows:
Nica Lalli for Chairperson Daniel Kummer for First Vice Chairperson Elly Spicer for Second Vice Chairperson Gary Reilly for Treasurer No one has been nominated for Secretary
Next month we will have floor nominations for anyone who wants to be nominated, and an election will be held in December if needed.
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TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE………..……..………………….THOMAS L. MISKEL, CO-CHAIR
…………………………………….STEPHEN BURZIO, CO-CHAIR
Transportation Co-Chairperson Stephen Burzio reported to the Board that the committee reviewed a presentation by the Department of Transportation on the scope of the North Flatbush Avenue BID Area Streetscape Improvements Capital Project.
Motion: by Committee;
To support the scope of the North Flatbush Avenue BID Area Streetscape Improvements Capital Project with the condition that DOT return to Community Board when the designs are more developed.
VOTE: 21 YEAS, 3 NAYS, 1 ABSTENTION
MOTION PASSED
TIME: 10:02 P.M.
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COMMUNITY SESSION
Arlex Cardona, Outreach Coordinator for Managed Long-Term Care explained to the board that this Medicaid program was developed for people who need health and supportive long-tern care services. These services help members stay in their homes and communities for as long as they are able. For more information, please call 917-229-2038.
John Seidler, resident from Park slope asked that board to look into the issue of bike lanes on Plaza Street. He believes the street is too small and the residents will have trouble accessing their buildings. Would like the board not to support these bike lanes. He would also like to ask if enforcement could be increased at the intersection of Plaza, Union Streets and Prospect Park West due to the excessive honking by motorist.
Michelle de la Uz, Executive Director of the Fifth Avenue Committee informed the Board that the families have been moving into the Red Hook Homes and that there are a few homes on Coffee Street left at market rate. They also have a few Storefronts in Park slope to rent out and would like to see minority business go in them, so if anyone knows someone who is looking for space please have them contact the office at 718-237-2017.
Sheldon Levy, resident from Park Slope also spoke out against another bike lane on Plaza Street and the need for enforcement in and around the GAP to help with the quality of life in the area in regards to horn honking. He also spoke out against changing the south side of Union Street between PPW and 8th Avenue parking 8
regulations to no parking from 7am-10pm. DOT should leave them the way they are no parking during rush hour traffic. He ended by asking the board if we could do anything about enforcement of bicyclist riding in and out of the bike lanes on PPW. __________________________________________________________________________________________
NEW/OTHER BUSINESS
Board Member Roger Rigolli asked if this Board could take up the issue of the mandatory sick leave bill for businesses. The bill would require private employers to give their workers nine paid sick days. He feels the government should not mandate this because it will detrimentally affect most employers’ especially small businesses.
Board Member Gary Reilly invited everyone to attend the Gowanus Canal Superfund Community Advisory Group (CAG) meeting on October 26th from 7pm – 10pm at the Old American Can factory located at 232 3rd Street. This Superfund Community Advisory Group is designed to serve as the focal point for the exchange of information among the local community and EPA, the State regulatory agency, and other pertinent Federal agencies involved in cleanup of the Superfund site
Motion: by Board Member James Bernard, seconded by Board Member Tom Miskel; To adjourn the meeting.
VOTE: 25 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 10:24PM
Minutes submitted into the District Office by Assistant District Manager Leroy Branch on October 26, 2010.
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