BROOKLYN COMMUNITY BOARD 6
GENERAL BOARD MEETING
JOHN JAY EDUCATIONAL CAMPUS
237 7TH AVENUE
FEBRUARY 9, 2011
ATTENDANCE
PRESENT:
R.S. BASHNER N. BERK-RAUCH L. BLYER
S. BURZIO N.COX E. FELDER
P. FLEMING D. GIULIANO R. GRAHAM
H. HUGHES J. IGNERI G. KELLY
M. KOLMAN D. KUMMER D. LALLI
R. LEVINE R. LUFTGLASS T.L. MISKEL
C. MOLINARI G. REILLY D. REISS
R. RIGOLLI Y. ROMAN M. RUIZ
M. SCOTT D. SCOTTO M. SHAMES
E. SHIPLEY L. SONES E. SPICER
J. THOMPSON S. TURET D.C. VITO
EXCUSED:
T. ALEXANDER J. BERNARD L. CIRANDO
B. GINSBERG M. HEYER M. KENTON
L. NAPOLITANO A.A. PUGLIESE
ABSENT:
B. ATKINS B. GINSBERG Y. GIRELA
A. McKNIGHT M. VERRET
GUESTS
HON. STEPHEN LEVIN, CITY COUNCIL MEMBER
HON. BRAD LANDER, CITY COUNCIL MEMBER
HON. JAMES BRENNAN, STATE ASSEMBLY MEMBER
HON. ERIC ADAMS, STATE SENATOR
HON. DEVIN COHEN, CIVIL COURT JUDGE
L. DEPALMA, BOROUGH PRESIDENT MARTY MARKOWITZ’S REPRESENTATIVE
H. REICHBACH, CITY COUNCIL MEMBER LEVIN’S REPRESENTATIVE
M. SCHWEINSBURG, CITY COUNCIL MEMBER GONZALEZ’S REPRESENTATIVE
J. BLUMSTEIN, CITY COUNCIL MEMBER LANDER’S REPRESENTATIVE
A. SCHAETZEL, STATE ASSEMBLY MEMBER BRENNAN’S REPRESENTATIVE
T. SMITH, STATE ASSEMBLY MEMBER MILLMAN’S REPRESENTATIVE
O. JONAS, STATE SENATOR MONTGOMERY’S REPRESENTATIVE
J. LEVINE, STATE SENATOR SQUADRON’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 1
Chairperson Daniel M. Kummer called the meeting to order at 6:40 pm.
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CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT……………………………...……..………….....…...DANIEL M. KUMMER
Chairperson Daniel M. Kummer began his report by reporting to the Board that we received a resignation from Board Member Greg O’Connell since our last meeting who cited competing demands on his time given the work he is involved in in Upstate New York as a reason to leave the Community Board. That brings our total roster to 45 members.
Chairperson Kummer reminded the Board Members whose terms are up this year, and to anyone wishing to become a Board Member, that the Brooklyn Borough President’s Office will be receiving applications for Board membership up until February 25, 2011. Remember, the forms are returnable to the Borough President’s Office directly, not to our district office. If you have any questions about the appointment process, you can contact Luke DePalma, our liaison at Borough Hall.
Chairperson Kummer informed that Board that he recently met with Council Member Steven Levin as part of his introductory round of meetings with our elected officials. He was very pleased to hear that the Council Member was most receptive to our need to put our heads together to come up with a way to motivate property owners and developers to make their properties safe and remove blighted conditions from our community. It was reassuring to hear that their office was already in touch with the owner of 187 7th Avenue at the corner of 2nd Street, which has sadly become a poster child for exactly this type of challenging situation. We look forward to working with the Council Member in coming up with an effective strategy for dealing with this situation, which we’ll quickly be looking to replicate.
Chairperson Kummer announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently released their Remedial Investigation report as part of the Gowanus Canal Superfund process and will be hosting a meeting for the public to ask questions about it on Wednesday, February 23 rd from 6:30-9:00pm at P.S. 32, 317 Hoyt Street (at Union Street). The document itself is available on the EPA’s website and a hard copy is on file at the Carroll Gardens Library for public viewing. He asked District Manager Craig Hammerman to send out an email with a link to the document so that everyone can familiarize themselves with it in preparation for the meeting.
Chairperson Kummer ended his report by thanking everyone who came out to the Transportation Committee meeting on January 23rd to hear a presentation by DOT regarding their findings and recommendations regarding the Prospect Park West bicycle lanes and traffic-calming project installed in summer 2010. We will be having another public hearing in the future to further discuss this item.
__________________________________________________________________________________________ DISTRICT MANAGER’S REPORT……………..................................................…CRAIG HAMMERMAN
District Manager Craig Hammerman began his report by informing the board that he had the opportunity to address eight new officers at the 76th Police Precinct. These officers were not incoming rookies but part of NYPD’s “Operation Impact” in which officers were sent to patrol high-crime pockets that have resisted the overall crime drop.
District Manager Hammerman informed the Board that on February 10th he and Board Member Tom Miskel would be attending the second meeting of the Atlantic Yards Cabinet set up by Borough President Marty Markowitz and Councilwoman Letitia James to be an ongoing venue to address issues related to Atlantic Yards throughout its construction and implementation periods. The biggest issue he has heard in our district that he will be bringing up at the meeting is the weather-related loss of the fifth travel lane on Flatbush Avenue, the 2
reversible lane. Given the abundance of snow we have received over the last month and the fact that there is no place to put the snow we have loss some capacity on Flatbush Avenue and he hopes that he will hear at the meeting how they intend to address this issue in the future. Anyone with any issues related to Atlantic Yards should contact him at the district office so he can raise them at these meetings.
District Manager Hammerman advised the Board that the Brooklyn Public Library would be installing an Emergency Generator and Cooling Tower at the Central Library at Grand Army Plaza. Since the generator and cooling tower are visible from a small section of Eastern Parkway, the library is in discussions with Landmarks Preservation Commission staff and will be making a presentation to Brooklyn Community Board 9.
District Manager Hammerman ended his report by informing the Board that the MTA NYC Transit has informed the Board that the have secured $800,000 from Assembly member Joan Millman and $2 million from Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz for the restoration and capital improvement to the 4th Avenue F and G station which are currently planned to commence this year. Specifically, they are currently planning 'on using these funds on the following capital improvements: Repair and restoration of exterior tower stone and brickwork Repair and painting of the viaduct underside over 4th Avenue Replacement of lighting beneath the viaduct over 4th Avenue and the sidewalks, which would double the existing illumination Restoration of all four entrance globes (4th Avenue and 10th Street) Restoration of all entrance doors (4th Avenue and 10th Street) Restoration of all storefront windows (4th Avenue and 10th Street) in preparation for new retail tenants by 2012
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Board Member Peter Fleming made a motion to accept the minutes, seconded by Board Member Lou Sones.
VOTE: 23 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 6:54 P.M.
Chairperson Kummer recognized Assembly Member James Brennan who began by stating that New York State is facing big budget shortfalls because about $5.5 billion in Federal stimulus funds now incorporated into the State’s budget are expiring in June. The State Division of the Budget currently estimates the deficit for this coming year to be $9 billion, which may grow. The income tax adjustment for wealthy households enacted in 2009 expires on December 31st; this will reduce revenue by $1 billion in the upcoming budget and a total of $5 billion by 2012-2013. He has written Governor Cuomo urging him to preserve this tax revenue. The impacts of balancing the budget just with cuts could be very severe, with devastating reductions of billions of dollars in health care, education, public safety, transportation, and other vital services in the City of New York. The budget is due on April 1st and he will be keeping us informed as events unfold.
Chairperson Kummer recognized the representatives of the elected officials.
Luke DePalma, representing Borough President Marty Markowitz urged all Board Members whose terms are up this year, and to anyone wishing to become a Board Member to fill out and submit their applications for Board membership before February 25th. He ended by stating that his office is taking pothole complaints. Please go to
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the Borough President’s website at http://www.brooklyn-usa.org/pothole.html to fill out a form.
Tamar Smith, representing Assembly Member Joan Millman announced two upcoming meetings for members to attend: 1. Gowanus Canal - A public meeting to discuss the Remedial Investigation and risk assessments will be held at PS 32 (317 Hoyt Street) in Brooklyn on Wednesday, February 23 from 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm.
2. Brooklyn Bridge Park - On Tuesday, February 22nd there will be a meeting open to the public with Brooklyn Bridge Park Board of Directors. The meeting will be held at Cadman Plaza Public Library, 1st floor 280 Cadman Plaza West at 1pm.
Oscar Jonas, representing State Senator Velmanette Montgomery stated that Governor Cuomo has released his SFY 2011-12 Executive Budget Proposal. There will be Legislature's Joint Public Hearings scheduled which provides an opportunity for New Yorkers to comment on the Governor's proposals. The Senator is hoping to see some of her constituents at those hearings in Albany and/or hear any thoughts you may have on the budget by emailing her at montgome@nysenate.gov or calling her district office at 718-643-6140.
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 February 17th.
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COMMITTEE REPORTS
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE……………………………………..……………DANIEL KUMMER, CHAIR
Chairperson Daniel Kummer reported to the Board that the committee discussed adding new language to the Responsible Development Policy of Community Board 6.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to approve the various additions to the Responsible Development Policy of Brooklyn Community Board 6, i.e. Environmental Impact/Sustainability.
Board Member Roger Rigolli asked if this policy applies to only ULURP applications or all developers and how do we enforce them. Chairperson Kummer stated that this is for any Land Use matter involving new construction, substantial renovations or additions totaling at least 10,000 square feet that comes before us for findings and recommendations in connection with an application for a variance, a zoning change, an amendment of an urban renewal plan, a disposition of City-owned property or another action under ULURP. In terms of enforcement, this policy is only “categories of evidence” that we are asking developers to present as part of their presentation to our Land Use/Landmarks Committee for approval under the ULURP process. These standards can help us in the process of making our recommendation decision.
Board Member Lou Sones asked if this policy applies to as-of-right development. Chairperson Kummer stated no.
Board Member Richard Bashner spoke in favor of the motion stating that we can use these standards in helping us make our decisions for a ULURP application.
Board Member Elizabeth Shipley asked whether the developer’s compliance is based on them meeting the threshold of the criteria of the rating systems or do they have to be formally certified or going through the 4
certification process for the various green programs. Chairperson Kummer stated that this is about showing a record of accomplishment that you have met standards on past projects, and are committed to certain values moving forward.
Board Member Shipley asked if we could add language “compliance with” to signify that our intent is for developers to commit to the standards of applicable green rating programs… Chairperson Kummer stated that he would accept the change as a friendly amendment
VOTE: 28 YEAS, 2 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
AMENDMENT PASSED
TIME: 7:31P.M.
Chairperson Kummer recognized Senator Eric Adams who began by applauding the work that the Community Board does on behalf of the residents of the district. The Senator stated that he answers all of his emails and if someone has any concerns they think he can help them with they should email him at eadams@senate.state.ny.us. He asked everyone to go to his website at www.nysenate.gov/senator/eric-adams to look at the budget and contact him with any ideas or concerns you may have. He strongly believes that the Governor must not reduce the funding of Education to the detriment of the students and/or the schools.
PUBLIC SAFETY/ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION/ PERMITS & LICENSES COMMITTEE
..…………..................TERRY ALEXANDER, PUBLIC SAFETY CO-CHAIR
………………………...MARTHA KENTON, PUBLIC SAFETY CO-CHAIR
………...……GARY REILLY, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION CHAIR
………………………… MARK SHAMES, PERMITS & LICENSES CHAIR
Permits & Licenses Chairperson Mark Shames reported to the Board that the committee reviewed a cabaret license application and an on-premises liquor license application at 18 Commerce Street.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to approve a cabaret license application submitted to the Department of Consumer Affairs and an on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of Paris Burlesque Club at 18 Commerce Street (between Columbia/Richards Streets) with the following condition that they do not use the garden/side space.
Board Member Sones spoke in favor of the motion stating that the applicant has experience in running this type of establishment. There were some concerns with the name burlesque because of its connection to adult entertainment clubs but this is not that type of club it’s just a “classy” name.
Board Member Bashner asked if outreach to the community was done. Permits & Licenses Chairperson Shames responded in the affirmative.
Board member Judith Thompson asked if this applicant had operated other gentlemen clubs or more tasteful clubs without nudity. Permits & Licenses Chairperson Shames stated there would be no adult entertainment at this club.
VOTE: 32 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 7:31 P.M.
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Permits & Licenses Chairperson Kummer also reported to the Board that the committee reviewed a renewal unenclosed sidewalk cafe permit application on behalf of Stone Park Corner LLC at 324 5th Avenue
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to approve a renewal unenclosed sidewalk cafe permit application submitted to the Department of Consumer Affairs on behalf of Stone Park Corner LLC at 324 5th Avenue (northwest corner 5th Avenue/3rd Street), to permit 11 tables and 22 seats.
VOTE: 32 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 7:46 P.M.
Permits & Licenses Chairperson Daniel Kummer further reported to the Board that the committee reviewed an on-premises liquor license application at 381 7th Avenue.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to conditionally approve an on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of 381 7th Avenue Restaurant LLC at 381 7th Avenue (between 11th/12th Streets) with the condition that they submit to the district office their approved backyard usage plans from the Department of Buildings.
Board Member Robert Levine stated that there should be stringent times for the use of the back yard.
Board Member Sones asked if it was made clear that the documentation had to be in before the Board Meeting. If so, then we should deny this motion and revisit it later if they get the documentation in.
Board Member Thompson asked if we could separate the outside with the inside when it comes to the license. Permits & Licenses Chairperson Shames stated no.
Chairperson Kummer clarified that the motion reverted to disapproval of the backyard use since we had not received their documentation and that we would make our intent clearer in our letter to the SLA.
VOTE: 29 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 4 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED
TIME: 8:12 P.M.
Chairperson Kummer recognized City Councilmember Brad Lander who began by stating that his office has created a “Report to the Community” which is available for review on his website at http://bradlander.com/councilmember-lander-report-to-the-community-january-2011. He is working on getting active ground floor use requirements for the stretch of 4th Avenue that was already rezoned. City Planning is actively looking at this and will get back to his office in the near future. Had a meeting with the developers of 333 Carroll Street and they have agreed to remove the giant steel extra floors. He is asking that the community get involved in the NYC Department of Education (DOE) proposed changes to the John Jay Educational Campus in Park Slope. He is committed to the school, but there still are a number of questions that need to be addressed. He ended by stating that the City Council voted 36-12 to greatly expand the city’s Smoke Free Air Act, which will include a ban on smoking on the city’s parks and beaches.
Chairperson Kummer recognized City Councilmember Steven Levin stated that because the transportation task force set up to address various transportation issues in and around the Boerum Hill community was well- attended by residents from surrounding neighborhoods, he would try and encompass those communities in his 6
discussions. One of the suggestions that came for the task force is to create a 20 mph zone from Court Street to 4th Avenue/Baltic to Pacific Street. He is looking forward to working with the board to try to help with abandoned and deteriorated buildings in the district. He asked if there are trash bins not being collected from the various corners of the district to please call his office. The City Council is in the process of allocating funds for CBO’s, schools, etc, if you are interested please call his office.
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COMMUNITY SESSION
Karen Geer, the new Executive Director of the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music stated that the Conservatory promotes individual and community growth through music, and is committed to making music accessible to people of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. She explained the various programs they offer and stated that there are scholarships available for those in need. Please visit their website at http://www.bqcm.org or call 718- 622-3300.
Sheldon Levy, resident of Park Slope asked the Board if they could speak to DOT on his behalf regarding the new parking signs on Union Street between 8th Avenue and Prospect Park West. The new signs are “No Standing” seven days a week between 8am – 10pm. He believes that this regulation is excessive and unwarranted and should be changed to an 8am - 8pm restriction.
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NEW/OTHER BUSINESS
No new business
Motion: by Board Member Mark Shames, seconded by Board Member Lou Sones;
To adjourn the meeting.
VOTE: 29 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 8:35PM
Minutes submitted into the District Office by Assistant District Manager Leroy Branch on February 28, 2011.
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