Full Board — November 10, 2010 · Brooklyn Community Board 6

BROOKLYN COMMUNITY BOARD 6

GENERAL BOARD MEETING

LONG ISLAND COLLEGE HOSPITAL

339 HICKS STREET

NOVEMBER 10, 2010

ATTENDANCE

PRESENT:

B. ATKINS R.S. BASHNER N. BERK-RAUCH J. BERNARD L. BLYER S. BURZIO L. CIRANDO N. COX E. FELDER P. FLEMING G. KELLY M. KOLMAN D. KUMMER D. LALLI R. LEVINE R. LOHIER R. LUFTGLASS A. McKNIGHT T.L. MISKEL C. MOLINARI G. O’CONNELL

A.A. PUGLIESE G. REILLY D. REISS

R. RIGOLLI M. RUIZ M. SHAMES E. SHIPLEY L. SONES E. SPICER

S. TURET M. VERRET

EXCUSED:

J. DRESSLER B. GINSBERG Y. ROMAN

D. SCOTTO

ABSENT:

T. ALEXANDER Y. GIRELA D. GIULIANO R. GRAHAM M. HEYER H. HUGHES J. IGNERI M. KENTON L. NAPOLITANO M. SCOTT J. THOMPSON V. TWYFORD

D.C. VITO

GUESTS

HON. BILL DE BLASIO, PUBLIC ADVOCATE

HON. BRAD LANDER, CITY COUNCIL MEMBER

L. DEPALMA, BOROUGH PRESIDENT MARTY MARKOWITZ’S REPRESENTATIVE

A. THOMPSON, CITY COUNCIL MEMBER LEVIN’S REPRESENTATIVE

J. BLUMSTEIN, CITY COUNCIL MEMBER LANDER’S REPRESENTATIVE

T. SMITH, STATE ASSEMBLY MEMBER MILLMAN’S REPRESENTATIVE

R. LIPKIND, STATE SENATOR ADAMS’ REPRESENTATIVE

A. DELISI, STATE SENATOR SQUADRON’S REPRESENTATIVE

V. AVEIS, CONGRESSWOMAN CLARKE’S REPRESENTATIVE

D. WILEY, CONGRESSWOMAN VELÁZQUEZ’ REPRESENTATIVE

(Complete list of meeting attendees on file at the District Office.) 1

Second Vice-Chairperson Nica Lalli called the meeting to order at 6:40 pm.

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MINUTES

DISTRICT MANAGER’S REPORT……………..................................................…CRAIG HAMMERMAN

District Manager Craig Hammerman began his report by informing the board that the Department of Transportation has determined that a speed hump on 8th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues is unsuitable at this time because of the number and placement of utilities on the street.

District Manager Hammerman informed the Board that the Department of Buildings (DOB) has advised us of emergency conditions at 341 Sackett Street and 108 5th Avenue. DOB has informed the property owners that the premises have to be made safe by demolition, repair, sealing or whatever means necessary to protect public safety.

District Manager Hammerman advised the board that Transportation Alternatives will be hosting a summit to address the pervasive effect speeding has on myriad aspects of New Yorkers’ lives. This full-day summit will bring together elected officials and leaders in the fields of transportation policy, public health, medicine, traffic safety and enforcement to discuss the extent and impact of speed-related crashes and best practices in enforcement and policing. The summit will be held on November 19th at 295 Lafayette Street in Manhattan.

District Manager Hammerman reported to the board that on October 18th the Department of Design and Construction (DDC) began a distinctive sidewalk contract in our district. They will be replacing tinted concrete and bluestone sidewalks at select locations. This contract is site specific for violations already issued. For more information, please call the district office.

District Manager Hammerman informed the board that on November 18th the Department of Transportation (DOT) in conjunction with Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez will have a community meeting to kick-off the start of a five-month study to determine the feasibility of a streetcar network linking Red Hook with Downtown Brooklyn and surrounding neighborhoods. This initial analysis is the first step in determining if this mode of transportation is a viable option to connect the residents and businesses of the rapidly growing Red Hook neighborhood with Brooklyn's broader transportation system and support economic development.

District Manager Hammerman advised the board that on October 26th community members, representatives from elected officials and government agencies gathered for the first meeting of the Gowanus Canal Superfund Community Advisory Group (CAG). Organized by the EPA, this group will be responsible for bridging the gap between the EPA, who will be performing the Gowanus Canal cleanup, and neighborhood groups who need to know what is going on. While the CAG has no direct authority, it is the consensus of public opinion the CAG provides that can influence decisions during the long cleanup process.

District Manager Hammerman reported to the board that on November 4th he attended the first meeting of the Atlantic Yards Service Cabinet at Brooklyn Borough Hall. The meeting was hosted by the Brooklyn Borough President and Council Member Letitia James with representatives from the three effected Community Boards, City and State agencies, other elected officials offices, Forest City Ratner and Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC). The cabinet is expected to meet quarterly to discuss construction progress, parking, and traffic.

District Manager Hammerman informed the board that he attended a scoping meeting with the Parks Department to discuss the use of a $1.7 million grant from Council Member Sara Gonzalez for Coffey Park in the Red Hook section of our district. The budget will be used primarily to reconstruct the paths at the north end of the park, add additional shrubbery/plantings around the perimeter, and perhaps some additional lighting. Once they have advanced to a design they will be making a public presentation to our Parks Committee.

District Manager Hammerman advised the board that for the next two weekends 10th Street from Hamilton to 3rd Avenue including the intersection of 2nd Avenue and 10th Street will be closed due to crane operations and the MTA contractor transporting equipment to be used for the rehabilitation of the Culver Viaduct.

District Manager Hammerman reported to the board that the Landmarks/Land Use Committee meeting has been rescheduled for December 2nd due to the Thanksgiving holiday.

District Manager Hammerman informed the board that the Department of Sanitation instituted their annual shift to night collection hours in mid-November, continuing through mid-April, to ensure that personnel are available 24 hours a day in the event that they are needed for emergency snow removal. Each year one of the five sanitation sectors within the district is shifted to nighttime collection. This year Sector 65 which encompasses South Park Slope and Gowanus from 6th to 15th Streets and Prospect Park West to the Canal will receive night collections.

District Manager Hammerman ended his report by announcing that on Saturday, November 11th there will be a Veterans Day Ceremony in Carroll Park to honor our American Veterans for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice.

__________________________________________________________________________________________ 1st Vice-Chairperson Raymond Lohier recognized the representatives of the elected officials.

Luke DePalma, representing Borough President Marty Markowitz invited everyone to a meeting of the Brooklyn Parent Academy on November 15th at Borough Hall to discuss bullying and bias-based behavior in and around our schools. On Tuesday November 16th the 5th Avenue committee will be have a community forum to discuss the Gowanus Canal Superfund.

Ashley Thompson, representing Council Member Stephen Levin stated that they have received a great number of responses to the survey for the new bike lane on Prospect Park West. They will have the results very soon and will share them with the board.

Tamar Smith, representing Assembly Member Joan Millman stated that on November 22nd the Assemblywoman in partnership with YMCA Brooklyn would be offering Free Mammograms outside her district office. She also advised that Board that in conjunction with the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office, they will be is sponsoring a food drive to benefit the Family Justice Center for Victims of Domestic Violence. Donations can be dropped off at her district office located at 341 Smith Street (between Carroll & President Streets). Also , as Chair of the Assembly’s Election Law Committee, the Assemblywoman will be holding hearings to discuss ways of improving the use of the new optical scan voting machines.

Alex DeLisi, representing State Senator Daniel Squadron, stated that on November 18th the Senator would be sponsoring free flu shots at LICH. The Senator along with other elected officials drafted a letter to the President of the Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation (BBPC), supporting the CAC’s request to publicly release the proposals for the Tobacco Warehouse. Lastly, the senator is inviting everyone to an open community discussion to follow up on his 2010 Community Convention Meeting to discuss various local issues affecting your community. The meeting will be held on November 21st.

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CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT……………………………...……..………….....…...RICHARD S. BASHNER

Chairperson Richard S. Bashner began his report by thanking Board Member Bob Levine, and our former Board Member Celia Cacace, for volunteering their time to help our district office prepare the December community board mailing. Although we reduced the size of our actual mailing from roughly 900 pieces a month down to 340, it still means that once a month our office staff has to roll up their sleeves to get it done. Having extra volunteers during this time is always helpful. If you would like to add your name to the list of potential volunteers who have daytime availability and can get to our district office in Cobble Hill, please let District Manager Craig Hammerman know.

Chairperson Bashner thanked Board Member Rick Luftglass who represented us at the November Borough Board meeting where the Borough President presented his proposed comments on the City’s Vision 2020: Comprehensive Waterfront Plan draft recommendations. The Borough President’s Office thanked us for our comments, which Board member Luftglass and District Manager Hammerman drafted on our behalf, and incorporated many of our concerns into their comments.

Chairperson Bashner ended his report by reminding everyone that we will be holding a holiday party next month, probably during the week of December 13th. When the details are finalized we will send out an announcement. Since we alternate the location of the party between our two precincts, this year it will be held within the 78th Precinct.

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 ADOPTION OF MINUTES 

Board Member Tom Miskel made a motion to accept the minutes, seconded by Board Member Glenn Kelly.

VOTE: 28 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS

MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

TIME: 7:04 P.M.

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COMMITTEE REPORTS

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE…………………………………..……………RICHARD BASHNER, CHAIR

Chairperson Richard Bashner report to the Board that the committee discussed the Congressional bill H.J. Res. 61, proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to equal rights of men and women.

Motion: by Committee;

Recommendation to approve the Congressional bill H.J. Res. 61, proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to equal rights of men and women.

VOTE: 27 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 1 ABSTENTION

AMENDMENT PASSED

TIME: 7:09P.M.

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

…………………………..……………………..BEN ATKINS, HOUSING CO-CHAIR

Economic Development Co-Chair Rick Luftglass reported to the Board that the committee discussed the proposed formation of an Atlantic Avenue Business Improvement District.

Motion: by Board Member Gary Reilly, seconded by Board Member Suzanne Turet; Recommendation to approve a proposal by the Atlantic Avenue Business Improvement District Steering Committee and the Department of Small Business Services for a proposed business improvement district

VOTE: 29 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS

MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

TIME: 7:10 P.M.

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ELECTIONS COMMITTEE…………………………………………………..PETER FLEMING, CHAIR

Elections Committee Chairperson Peter Fleming reported to the Board that at last month’s meeting the following individuals were on the 2011 ballot for Board officer positions:  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

Tonight will be the last chance to nominate anyone for Board Officers.

2nd Vice Chairperson Nica Lalli declined her nomination due to a new employment opportunity. She then nominated Board Member Daniel Kummer for Chairperson. Board Member Kummer accepted.

Board Member Tom Miskel was nominated for 1st Vice Chairperson by Board Member Stephen Burzio, and he accepted the nomination.

Board Member Daniel Kummer nominated Board Member Nica Lalli for Secretary. Board Member Lalli accepted.

With no further nominations from the floor, Committee Chairperson Fleming closed nominations.

The final uncontested slate of officers for 2011 is, therefore, as follows:

 Daniel Kummer – Chairperson  Tom Miskel – First Vice Chairperson  Elly Spicer – Second Vice Chairperson  Gary Reilly – Treasurer  Nica Lalli – Secretary 5

Chairperson Bashner thanked Elections Committee Chair Peter Fleming for overseeing the process.

_________________________________________________________________________________________ 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 and approved a proposal by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission to extend the Park Slope Historic District.

Motion: by Committee;

Recommendation to approve a proposal by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission to extend the Park Slope Historic District.

Board Member Ben Atkins stated that he had some concerns in regards to LPC bringing on more staff to prevent delays in hearings, especially for small business owners.

Board member Glenn Kelly stated that LPC’s intention is to not allow a building that is not in context to get further out of context with the expanded historical district.

Board Member Lou Sones stated that it is his understanding that if a owner had a new building with a lot of glass and a storm damage them, we would not require them to then put up historical windows because that would be punitive. Landmarks Committee Chairperson Levine stated that it would be subjective and we would have to look at the situation on a case-by-case basis.

Board Member Nica Lalli spoke in favor of the motion stating that as a homeowner in Park Slope she does not have any problem bearing the burden, if any, of living in a landmarked district.

VOTE: 29 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS

MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

TIME: 7:24 P.M.

PUBLIC SAFETY/ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION/ PERMITS & LICENSES COMMITTEE

………………......................RAY LOHIER, PUBLIC SAFETY CHAIR

……...GARY REILLY, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION CHAIR

………………DANIEL KUMMER, PERMITS & LICENSES CHAIR

Environmental Protection Chairperson Gary Reilly reported to the Board that the committee discussed the relocation of the Washington Monument, which was formerly located at the Gowanus Canal Pump Station at Butler Street.

Motion: by Board Member Lou Sones, seconded by Board Member Robert Levine; Recommendation to request that the Department of Environmental Protection solicit community input to determine a publicly accessible location to relocate the Washington Monument which was formerly located at the Gowanus Canal Pump Station at Butler Street.

Amendment: by Board Member Lou Sones, seconded by Board Member Robert Levine; To ask DEP to come back to our committee to guarantee that the Washington Monument is in safe storage and will be located back to the Gowanus Canal Pump Station at Butler Street or somewhere else in our district.

VOTE: 29 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS

AMENDMENT PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

TIME: 7:47 P.M.

Vote on original motion as amended.

VOTE: 29 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS

MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

TIME: 7:48 P.M.

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TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE………..……..………………….THOMAS L. MISKEL, CO-CHAIR

…………………………………….STEPHEN BURZIO, CO-CHAIR

Transportation Co-Chairpersons Thomas Miskel and Stephen Burzio reported to the Board that the committee reviewed a presentation by the Department of Transportation on the ParkSMART parking meter program.

Motion: by Committee;

Recommendation to support the continuation of the ParkSMART parking meter peak rate of $0.50 per 20 minutes coupled with the maximum 1-hour parking regulation for the parking meters in Park Slope along 5th and 7th Avenues, including spur meters, and along 9th Street.

Board Member Levine would like it stated that we are only talking about existing spur meters on 9 th Street. Chairperson Bashner affirmed. 8

Amendment: by Board Member Nica Lalli, seconded by Board Member Robert Levine; To ask DOT to come up with a plan to address two-wheeled motorized vehicles in the ParkSMART parking meter program.

VOTE: 31 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS

AMENDMENT PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

TIME: 7:55 P.M.

Vote on original motion as amended.

VOTE: 31 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS

MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

TIME: 7:56 P.M.

YOUTH/HUMAN SERVICES/EDUCATION COMMITTEE

….....…DERRICK C. VITO, YOUTH SERVICES CO-CHAIR

………..JAMES BERNARD, YOUTH SERVICES CO-CHAIR

……………..MARK KOLMAN, HUMAN SERVICES CHAIR

……………………SUZANNE TURET, CHAIR, EDUCATION

Youth Services Co-Chairperson James Bernard reported to the Board that the committee reviewed City Council Intro 332 a local law to amend the Administrative Code of the City of New York, in relation to prohibiting smoking in pedestrian plazas and public parks.

Motion: by Board Member Suzanne Turet, seconded by Board Member Nica Lalli; Recommendation to support City Council Intro 332, a local law to amend the Administrative Code of the City of New York, in relation to prohibiting smoking in pedestrian plazas and public parks and to repeal subdivision b of section 17-513 of the Administrative Code, in relation to requiring a study regarding the prevention of second-hand smoke circulation in restaurants.

Board Member Sones spoke out against the motion stating that this is a slippery slope and this amendment goes too far.

Board member David Reiss stated that banning smoking indoors is good because there is a risk of second hand smoke. He then asked if there was any studies done that would prove scientifically the effects of second hand smoke outside. Board Member Sones stated that there is.

Board Member Elizabeth Shipley stated that there is no way to determine the effects of out door smoking in all cases because factors such as proximity and wind come into play. She further stated that this amendment also goes a bit too far and would support a ban in children’s play areas.

Board Member Mark Shames spoke out against the motion stating that this issue should have been given to the Health [sic] committee.

Board Member Roger Rigolli spoke out against the motion stating that smoking outside in an open area should be allowed.

Board Member Anthony Pugliese stated that all smokers should stay in their homes and we need to do something about the smokers who hang out in front of bars, especially on Smith Street because their smoke enters resident’s windows.

Board Member Monique Verret stated that this amendment should be focused on protecting children’s health, so they should change it to ban smoking in playgrounds, sports activity areas and any other areas where children congregate.

Board Member Norman Cox spoke in favor of the motion stating that they should focus on public parks since there are already other rules posted like radio playing, etc.

Board Member Noel Berk-Rauch stated that smoking indoors should be banned. Outdoors someone could walk away from a person who is smoking.

Board Member Levine spoke in favor of the motion stating that we should also be looking at the some from barbeque pits.

Board Member Suzanne Turet stated that it is wrong to ban smoking outdoors; it could be construed as discrimination.

Board Member Burzio spoke out against the motion stating that it is excessive.

Board Member Reilly spoke in favor of the motion stating that it distracts from the experience of being outside, especially with children in parks and beaches.

Motion: by Board Member Glenn Kelly, seconded by Board Member Raymond Lohier; Recommit for further consideration

VOTE: 18 YEAS, 11 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS

MOTION PASSED

TIME: 8:25 P.M.

Chairperson Bashner recognized Public Advocate Bill De Blasio who began by stating that he is looking forward to working with the Board in his new position. He stated that some of his priorities are land use issues, affordable housing and jobs. He would like to team up with the board to address all land use issues in the district. He has made a list of bad property owners and will push HPD to do more to get property owners to fix their properties and come into compliance with the City’s regulations. He also would like to work with DOE to get more involvement from the parents and community in their policy decisions. He has spoking with them and they have stated that they will make every effort to do so.

Councilmember Brad Lander began by congratulating District Manager Hammerman on receiving an award from the Cobble Hill Health Center for his years of service to our community. He also stated that he signed onto a bill that would limit the days that alternate side of the street parking is in effect in residentially zoned districts. If a particular neighborhood is maintaining a 90% cleanliness rating then the number of days and hours should be minimized. The City Council should be passing the resolution calling on Congress to enact legislation that would enable the Port Authority to implement some of the things that would make our ports greener. He did ask if anyone is interested in working on the shore power issue, they should call his office at 718-499-1090. He believes the new smoking bill goes a little too far and is looking forward to hearing what the 10

board thinks on this issue. He invited everyone to come to the final BQE Enhancement project meeting on November 15th. This project is a joint effort between the City and the community to improve the pedestrian environment along the BQE, between Atlantic and Hamilton Avenues. He ended by saying that he and Borough President Marty Markowitz have each set aside $225,000 in capital funds for the DiMattina dog run.

Dan Wiley, representing Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez also invited everyone to the final BQE Enhancement project meeting. He also stated that the Congresswomen was an original co-sponger of the Green Ports Bill and is looking forward to it passing. He ended by informing the board that the applications for the Federal Assistance program for State and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged public facilities is due by the end of next week.

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 COMMUNITY SESSION 

No speakers registered.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

 NEW/OTHER BUSINESS 

No new/other business presented.

Motion: by Board Member Roger Rigolli, seconded by Board Member Gary Reilly; To adjourn the meeting.

VOTE: 29 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS

MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

TIME: 9:00PM

Minutes submitted into the District Office by Assistant District Manager Leroy Branch on November 30, 2010.