BROOKLYN COMMUNITY BOARD 6
GENERAL BOARD MEETING
NYCHA MICCIO CENTER
110 WEST 9TH STREET
JANUARY 12, 2011
ATTENDANCE
PRESENT:
T. ALEXANDER B. ATKINS R.S. BASHNER
J. BERNARD S. BURZIO N.COX
E. FELDER P. FLEMING B. GINSBERG
Y. GIRELA D. GIULIANO R. GRAHAM
M. HEYER J. IGNERI G. KELLY
M. KENTON M. KOLMAN D. KUMMER
D. LALLI R. LUFTGLASS A. McKNIGHT
T.L. MISKEL L. NAPOLITANO G. REILLY
D. REISS R. RIGOLLI Y. ROMAN
D. SCOTTO M. SHAMES E. SHIPLEY
L. SONES J. THOMPSON S. TURET
M. VERRET
EXCUSED:
N. BERK-RAUCH L. BLYER L. CIRANDO
B. GINSBERG H. HUGHES R. LEVINE
C. MOLINARI G. O’CONNELL A.A. PUGLIESE
M. RUIZ M. SCOTT E. SPICER
ABSENT:
D.C. VITO
GUESTS
HON. STEPHEN LEVIN, CITY COUNCIL MEMBER
HON. BRAD LANDER, CITY COUNCIL MEMBER
L. DEPALMA, BOROUGH PRESIDENT MARTY MARKOWITZ’S REPRESENTATIVE
H. REICHBACH, CITY COUNCIL MEMBER LEVIN’S REPRESENTATIVE
J. BLUMSTEIN, CITY COUNCIL MEMBER LANDER’S REPRESENTATIVE
T. SMITH, STATE ASSEMBLY MEMBER MILLMAN’S REPRESENTATIVE
O. JONAS, STATE SENATOR MONTGOMERY’S REPRESENTATIVE
A. DELISI, STATE SENATOR SQUADRON’S REPRESENTATIVE
V. AVEIS, CONGRESSWOMAN CLARKE’S REPRESENTATIVE
D. WILEY, CONGRESSWOMAN VELÁZQUEZ’ REPRESENTATIVE
A. NOVEK, NYC COMPTROLLER LIU’S REPRESENTATIVE
Complete list of meeting attendees on file at the District Office
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Chairperson Daniel M. Kummer called the meeting to order at 6:45 pm.
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CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT……………………………...……..………….....…...DANIEL M. KUMMER
Chairperson Daniel M. Kummer began his report by sharing his thoughts with the Board on what he envisions the role of Chairperson to be. He believes the Chairs role is inherently that of helping a diverse group of committed people who care about their community find balance between often competing interests. We have the interest of diverse communities of residents in our district, i.e. renters and homeowners, residents of private and public housing, etc., that need careful attention and consideration. We need to continue to insure that the most vulnerable and chronically underserved communities get better support and attention to their needs, while at the same time maintain our ongoing efforts and projects that impact the relatively more affluent portions of our district. We need to support strong centers of neighborhood activism, while at the same time nurturing the less firmly rooted centers of activism in all neighborhoods. We also have many businesses in our district, many of them small businesses struggling to survive in this economy, who have a good relationship with the community. As we act in our regulatory and advisory capacity, we need to strive for a balance that fosters those businesses chances for success as responsible members of our community and as potetential employers for our residents. No less importantly, there is also an important process balance that the Chair needs to take the lead in striking. I will run a fair and efficient process where views are aired and decisions reached in a way that encourages rather that discourages further participation. In this spirit, I hope that much of the initiative for tackling new challenges comes from the Board itself. Your participation in the Board is obviously going to be a much more rewarding experience if we are working on things that you care about and benefit all of the constituents in our diverse neighborhoods. I invite you to share with me your thoughts on how we can and should be doing things better as we move forward.
Chairperson Kummer congratulated and welcomed all the new officers to the dais Board Members: Tom Miskel, First Vice Chair; Elly Spicer, Second Vice Chair; Nica Lalli, Secretary; and, Gary Reilly, Treasurer.
Chairperson Kummer informed that Board that we received two resignations from Board Members since our last meeting. Jordan Dressler from Cobble Hill was appointed to the Mayor’s Office of the Criminal Justice Coordinator as the Criminal Justice Counsel and First Vice Chair Ray Lohier was officially sworn in as a Federal Judge for the Second Circuit after the United States Senate finally acted by a unanimous vote to approve his appointment by President Obama.
Chairperson Kummer announced that he has appointed several Board Members to Chair committees and join our Executive Committee. They include Terry Alexander and Martha Kenton as our new Public Safety Co- Chairs, Mark Shames as our new Permits & Licenses Chair and Glenn Kelly who will be Co-Chairing our Parks/Recreation/Cultural Affairs Committee with Nica Lalli. Returning to our Executive Committee is Richard Bashner, who agreed to Chair our Community Development Committee and Co-Chair our Waterfront Development Committee with Greg O’Connell. Other new committee chairs include Rick Luftglass who will be taking over our Budget Committee, and Gary Reilly who by virtue of becoming our new Treasurer automatically chairs our Finance/Personnel & Law Committee. He also asked Board Member Ben Atkins to Chair the Community Board’s Berkeley Carroll School Construction Task Force meetings.
Chairperson Kummer reported to the Board that he met with Borough President Marty Markowitz on January 4th and discussed various issues including bike lanes in our district and Atlantic Yards.
Chairperson Kummer ended his report by congratulating District Manager Hammerman who was recently appointed by President Obama, at the recommendation of former Governor David Paterson, and is now an official member of our local draft board. Even though there is no current draft, young men when they reach 18
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are still required to register with the Selective Service System before they reach age 25, so that we maintain an active pool of candidates should a draft ever become necessary.
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ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Board Member Peter Fleming made a motion to accept the minutes, seconded by Board Member Glenn Kelly.
VOTE: 26 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 1 ABSTENTION
MOTION PASSED
TIME: 6:55 P.M.
__________________________________________________________________________________________ DISTRICT MANAGER’S REPORT……………..................................................…CRAIG HAMMERMAN
District Manager Craig Hammerman began his report by informing the board that the City Council had a hearing on January 10th to discuss the City’s response to the recent snowstorms. At the hearing the administration presented a 15-point plan for how the will address snow removal in the future. What is on everyone’s mind now is when will the department resume collecting garbage and recycling? Since they do not have to do much more snow removal, they will begin collecting the garbage where they left off before the storm. If you put your garbage out, leave it out. If it has snow on it, make it visible. They will not be able to get to the recyclables until next week. 311 is no longer taking missed garbage complaints.
District Manager Hammerman informed the Board that DOT would be conducting comprehensive investigations of various streets in our district to evaluate the warrant and feasibility of speed hump installations on Hoyt Street between Union and 3rd Streets. They also have conducted investigations for speed humps on Congress Street between Columbia and Hicks Streets, which is a good candidate for a speed hump and 8th Street between 7th & 8th Avenues, which is not a good candidate for a speed hump.
District Manager Hammerman informed the Board that the Department of Buildings (DOB) has advised us of emergency conditions at 305 2nd Street. 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 congratulated Lillie Marshall, Tenant Association President of Red Hook West for being elected District Chair of New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Brooklyn South District Citywide Council of Presidents (CCOP) Executive Board which works with senior NYCHA staff on the many issues affecting life in NYCHA developments, including issues at the local, state and federal government levels.
District Manager Hammerman ended his report by informing the Board that the NYPD in an effort to expedite bicycle traffic and to enhance safety for pedestrians and bicyclists will begin to enforce all traffic regulations that impede bicycle lanes and create risk of injuries to bicyclists and pedestrians. Members of the NYPD will pay particular attention to double parking violations. There will be zero tolerance for vehicles parked in lanes designated for bicycle traffic. They will also begin to summons bicyclists who ride on the sidewalk and disobey traffic signals and Stop signs
Chairperson Kummer recognized the representatives of the elected officials.
Luke DePalma, representing Borough President Marty Markowitz stated that the Borough President would be hosting a Brooklyn public hearing for the city Council on January 19th to discuss the City’s response to the recent blizzards. Last week at the Park Slope Civic Council, the MTA stated that as part of the Culver Viaduct
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Project they would be renovating the exterior of the arch located at 4th Avenue. The Borough President has secured $2 million to the renovation along with State Assembly Member Joan Millman who secured $800,000.
Oscar Jonas, representing State Senator Velmanette Montgomery stated that the Senator on January 28, 2011 would be hosting a forum on Empowering Communities to take Care for the Elderly.
Veronica Aveis, representing Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke stated that anyone interested in the U.S. Public Service Academy or the Annual Congressional High School Art Contest should contact her office. The Academy is an undergraduate institution devoted to developing civilian leaders for the public sector. Modeled on the military academies, it will offer four years of tuition-free education in exchange for five years of civilian service following graduation. Its mission is to educate, develop, and inspire civilian leaders who have the character, intellect, and experience necessary to serve the nation honorably and effectively, and who are committed to devoting their lives to public service.
Dan Wiley, representing Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez stated that there would be a public meeting discussing the NYC Department of Transportation feasibility study to analyze the impact of a light -rail line from Red Hook to downtown Brooklyn. The meeting will take place in March.
Asher Novek, representing NYC Comptroller John Liu stated that the Comptroller is having a series of borough town hall meetings to give New Yorkers a chance to learn about the power of the auditing process. New Yorkers will have the opportunity to suggest an audit to the Comptroller’s staff. Brooklyn’s meeting will take place on January 26th.
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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 an application for an extension of term of a special permit for physical culture establishment at 550 5th Avenue.
Motion: by Board Member Lou Sones, seconded by Board Member Roger Rigolli; Recommendation to approve an application Recommendation to approve an application submitted to the Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA Calendar No. 11-00-BZ) on behalf of 501 Associates LLC for an extension of term of a special permit for physical culture establishment in portions of existing building at 550 5th Avenue aka 191 15th Street (Block 1041, Lot 43 (1001)).
VOTE: 29 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 1 ABSTENTION
MOTION PASSED
TIME: 7:26 P.M.
Land Use Committee Chairperson Peter Fleming also reported to the Board that the committee reviewed a Certificate of Appropriateness application for the construction of a rear extension at 140 Court Street.
Motion: by Board Member Judith Thompson, seconded by Board Member Roger Rigolli; Recommendation to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness application submitted to the Landmarks Preservation Commission for the construction of a rear extension at 140 Court Street (between Atlantic Ave/Pacific Street), Cobble Hill Historic District 4
Board Member Rick Luftglass asked if the applicant notified the neighbors. Land Use Committee Chairperson Peter Fleming stated yes.
Board Member Glenn Kelly spoke in favor of the motion stating that the applicant was only building a one- story extension.
VOTE: 30 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 7:30 P.M.
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COMMUNITY SESSION
No speakers registered.
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NEW/OTHER BUSINESS
Board Member Nica Lalli stated that in light of the NYPD memorandum on aggressive enforcement of all traffic regulations that impede bicycle lanes and create risk of injuries to bicyclists and pedestrians and bicyclists who ride on the sidewalk and disobey traffic signals and Stop signs, all bikes should be registered with the NYPD to help facilitate summons writing. This would be a good revenue stream for the city and it would help officers identify bicyclist since a number of them do not carry identification. Chairperson Kummer stated that he would take that issue under advisement.
_________________________________________________________________________________________ Chairperson Kummer recognized City Councilmember Brad Lander who began by stating that his office has created a "39th District Blizzard Cleanup Report" that examines the response in the neighborhoods of the 39th District. He also stated that the NYC Department of Education (DOE) is proposing changes to the John Jay High School campus in Park Slope. DOE’s proposal is to bring in a new, fourth school – Millennium Brooklyn, a selective high school, with priority given to students who reside in Brooklyn, as well as an inclusion program for students with autism – and to phase out the middle school programs at the Secondary Schools of Law and Journalism. The MTA will be closing the northbound F/G-train platforms at the 15th St. and Ft. Hamilton Parkway stations for the next 5 months. This is necessary for major track work on the F local tracks. He believes that the MTA should provide service alternatives. He has set up a petition on his website and urged everyone to sign it to show his or her support. On January 22nd the Councilman, Windsor Terrace Alliance, and The Humane Society of the United States will be hosting a special free workshop: How to Resolve Common Urban Wildlife Problems: Effective and Humane Solutions for NYC Residents. The workshop will be on January 22nd. On January 31st, the Councilman and the Park Slope Interfaith Social Justice Network will be sponsoring a Community Discussion on Homelessness in New York City & Potluck Dinner. Bring a dish to share, and canned goods to donate to St. Augustine’s Helping Hands food pantry. The Councilman and State Senator Daniel Squadron organized a rally on January 4th , which hopefully help end the stalemate on the shore power issue. They have been pushing for shore power for a long time and switching to it would allow ships to hook up to the electric grid instead of idling their engines in port. This would stop tons of unnecessary and life- threatening pollution in the air of the surrounding communities. The Port Authority and the Environmental Protection Agency have obtained $15 million in funding to build the necessary infrastructure. However, for shore power to become a reality, the Economic Development Corporation, which operates the cruise terminal, Carnival Cruise Lines, which uses the terminal, and New York Power Authority, which delivers electricity to the terminal, need to come to a final agreement about the price of electricity. He is hopefully that an agreement will be reached very soon. 5
Chairperson Kummer recognized City Councilmember Steven Levin stated that he would be co-sponsoring with the Boerum Hill Association, a traffic task force to address various transportation issues in and around the Boerum Hill community. The first meeting is being held at 250 Baltic Street, on February 2nd at 6:30 p.m. He encourages everyone to attend and voice their concerns. He invited everyone to attend the City Council’s first public hearing at the Brooklyn Borough Presidents office on January 19th to discuss the City’s response to the recent blizzards. To combat motorist taking their frustrations out on their horns in traffic, the Councilman was able to get No Honking signs put up at 8th Avenue and Union Street. He is also pushing the 78th Police Precinct to step up enforcement at key times during the day to help minimize this quality of life issue. The Councilman stated that over a year ago a law was passed preventing motorist from idling in front of schools for longer that one minute. He has asked DOT and DOE to educate the general public as well as put up signs encouraging parents to turn their cars off when dropping off or picking their kids up from school. He also spoke in favor of shore power, and believes all parties involved are close to some sort of an agreement.
Alex DeLisi, representing State Senator Daniel Squadron, stated that the Senator is rallying with former Mayor Ed Koch to call on the senate to “Keep the Pledge” and pass the vital redistricting, ethics, and budget reform bills. On January 11th, he sent a memo to each of his Senate colleagues urging them to maintain the progress toward transparency and accountability. He also stated that there was progress on the change to the governance structure of the Brooklyn bridge park. The Park is applying for a permit for a floating pool. In addition, they are in the process of considering alternative financing plans that do not include more housing within the park.
Motion: by Board Member Roger Rigolli, seconded by Board Member Glenn Kelly; To adjourn the meeting.
VOTE: 30 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 8:10PM
Minutes submitted into the District Office by Assistant District Manager Leroy Branch on January 27, 2011.
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