BROOKLYN COMMUNITY BOARD 6
GENERAL BOARD MEETING
BROOKLYN BOROUGH HALL
209 JORALEMON STREET
MAY 11, 2011
ATTENDANCE
PRESENT:
B. ATKINS R.S. BASHNER N. BERK-RAUCH
J. BERNARD L. BLYER L. CIRANDO
N.COX E. FELDER P. FLEMING
Y. GIRELA D. GIULIANO R. GRAHAM
H. HUGHES G. KELLY D. KUMMER
D. LALLI R. LEVINE R. LUFTGLASS
T.L. MISKEL C. MOLINARI D. REISS
R. RIGOLLI M. RUIZ M. SCOTT
D. SCOTTO E. SPICER J. THOMPSON
S. TURET M. VERRET D.C. VITO
EXCUSED:
B. GINSBERG M. HEYER J. IGNERI
M. KENTON M. KOLMAN A. McKNIGHT
G. O’CONNELL, JR. G. REILLY M. SHAMES
E. SHIPLEY L. SONES
ABSENT:
T. ALEXANDER S. BURZIO
L. NAPOLITANO A.A. PUGLIESE Y. ROMAN
GUESTS
HON. DANIEL SQUADRON, STATE SENATOR
I. GUERRERO, BOROUGH PRESIDENT MARTY MARKOWITZ’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 & A. STAHL, STATE ASSEMBLY MEMBER MILLMAN’S REPRESENTATIVES
O. JONAS, STATE SENATOR MONTGOMERY’S REPRESENTATIVE
A. DELISI, STATE SENATOR SQUADRON’S REPRESENTATIVE
V. AVEIS, CONGRESSWOMAN CLARKE’S REPRESENTATIVES
D. WILEY, CONGRESSWOMAN VELÁZQUEZ’ REPRESENTATIVE
Complete list of meeting attendees on file at the District Office 1
Chairperson Daniel M. Kummer called the meeting to order at 6:44 pm.
CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT……..………………………...……..………….....…...DANIEL M. KUMMER
Chairperson Daniel M. Kummer began his report by stating that while we had listed as our first order of business tonight the 2011 Youth Acknowledgement Awards, this year we did not receive any nominations for awards. He therefore asked that our Youth Service Committee Chairs meet with our District Manager – perhaps over the summer – to review our procedures to see how we could make sure that we are reaching the right people so that we can continue to provide an annual opportunity to shine a bright light on the positive contributions our young people are making in our district.
Chairperson Kummer asked for a moment of silence for Hope Reichbach, aide to Council Member Steve Levin who died since our last board meeting.
Chairperson Kummer thanked Parks/Recreation/Cultural Affairs Committee Co-Chair Glenn Kelly for representing us at the official groundbreaking ceremony held at the J.J. Byrne Playground at Washington Park yesterday. Construction at the playground started a few weeks ago and is expected to take one-year to complete. To partially offset the temporary loss of this important facility, the Old Stone House has been working with parents in the area to create a robust schedule of programs and activities that will fully utilize the 4 th Street cul- de-sac during daytime hours. They are extending their Play Street application status beyond the school year to include the summertime, and are continuing to work with the local community and merchants on developing weekend events as well. Parking for the community will still be available on the street during overnight hours.
Chairperson Kummer reported that yesterday District Manager Hammerman and I attended a meeting organized and hosted by Council Member Brad Lander with DOT and a representative of Prospect Park to continue our dialogue on the Prospect Park West bike lane plans. The department is exploring options for the raised pedestrian islands and they would like to come out to present their design to us within the next month, possibly at our June Transportation Committee meeting. Last month you may recall that we had been talking to them about opportunities to restore parking in the vicinity, and the resolution from our April meeting had a long list of other items that we had asked them to consider as well. The department appears to be taking our suggestions very seriously. We are expecting to have another conversation with them before our June meeting, and will be pursuing updates on all of the items from our list. Naturally, when the department is ready to come back to our committee we will alert the community.
Chairperson Kummer ended his report by advising the Board that before our Executive Committee meeting last night we also received a briefing from representatives for the Whole Foods Market project at 3rd Avenue and 3rd Street. Their representatives advised us that they were expecting to file their application with the Board of Standards and Appeals imminently, which means that we will be hearing the application within the next month. I would like to plan our review so that the full Community Board will get to vote on this at our June general meeting rather than afterward and only have the Executive Committee ratify the Landmarks/Land Use Committee’s recommendation; therefore, I will probably be asking our Landmarks/Land Use Committee to shift their regularly scheduled May meeting to accommodate this schedule.
DISTRICT MANAGER’S REPORT……………..................................................…CRAIG HAMMERMAN
District Manager Craig Hammerman began his report by informing the Board that the Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for private companies to provide a bike share program in New York City. The RFP calls for a private company to bear all the cost and responsibilities for the
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program during an initial five-year period while sharing revenues with the city, and with no taxpayer funds used for the program’s implementation, upkeep or maintenance. A program could be in place by spring 2012, using the latest in bike share technology to provide secure and convenient bicycles on a 24-hour basis, and at publicly accessible prices. Once the RFP is been awarded, DOT will be engaging the community to solicit more input and feedback.
District Manager Hammerman reported to the Board that the district office would be hosting an informational meeting on May 17th in an effort to better understand the rules and regulations governing restaurants and bars in our district. Representatives from the State Liquor Authority, City agencies and local precincts will be on hand to answer any questions in respect to noise, smoking, backyard usage, garbage and other related issues.
District Manager Hammerman informed the Board that the Carroll Gardens Association is offering Section 8 housing in the Red Hook section of our district. For more information, please contact Lisa at (718) 243-2233.
District Manager Hammerman ended his report by reporting that the School Construction Authority will be continuing its restoration to the exterior of Brooklyn Secondary School for Collaborative Studies/PS 146 on Henry Street. The Contractor is planning for an aggressive schedule this summer. Starting May 23rd to June 30th there will be a crane on Henry and Rapelye Streets. The details are as follows: No street closure No parking permitted for approximately 200 ft sections on either side of Henry Street from 3pm-11pm (M-F) These 200 ft sections will move each day as they move down Henry Street from Rapelye Street. Rapelye Street will have no parking on either side of the street in front of the school for two weeks (M- F) 3pm-11pm.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Board Member Elsie Felder made a motion to accept the minutes, seconded by Board Member Peter Fleming.
VOTE: 24 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 7:00 P.M.
Chairperson Kummer recognized the representatives of the elected officials.
Michael Schweinsburg, representing Council Member Sara Gonzalez stated that the Councilwoman along with ASPCA is sponsoring on May 21st a Brooklyn Pet Fair. The ASPCA’s mobile clinic is providing free vaccines, micro-chipping, and spay/neuter services.
Jonah Blumstein, representing Council Member Brad Lander reported to the Board that vandals set playground equipment at the recently renovated PS 29 on fire. The fire department is investigating the incident. The PTA’s of Brooklyn’s public schools and the Council Member will be sponsoring the fourth annual PTA 5-kilometer race/walk/stroll/toddle in Prospect Park. The race will take place on Saturday April 30th at 10AM. For more information, please go to http://nycruns.com/races/registration. The Councilman in partnership with the DA’s Office, MS 51 PTA, the 78th Precinct, and the Red Hook Community Justice Center is holding a Street Safety Forum on how to make sure your kids are safe when they are walking around the neighborhood. The Forum will take place on May 12th at MS 51’s monthly PTA meeting.
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Ann Schaetzel, representing State Assembly Member James Brennan, reminded everyone to attend the May 19th housing forum to discuss issues effecting homeowners, cooperators, renters, and homebuyers from 6pm-8:30pm at Ditmas Junior High School located at 700 Cortelyou Road in Brooklyn.
Tamar Smith, representing Assembly Member Joan Millman, started by introducing the Assemblywoman’s new Chief-of-Staff Anne Stahl. The Assemblywoman is partnering with State Senator Daniel Squadron to present her Annual Senior Resource Fair at St. Francis College, 180 Remsen Street, Brooklyn Heights (Between Court and Clinton Streets), on Friday, June 24th from 11AM-2PM. This free fair will offer seniors the chance to find information and assistance from a host of organizations, which offer programs and services for seniors. These will include the New York City Department for the Aging, Access-A-Ride, Social Security, Reduced Fare Metrocards, the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services, free blood pressure, hearing and vision tests. She advised the Board that on May 14th the Friends of the Carroll Gardens Library will be sponsoring “Love Your Library Day” book sale to benefit the Carroll Gardens Branch. There will be thousands of books at bargain prices, baked treats for sale and free performances. The Assemblywoman will again be hosting free bone density scanning, courtesy of Long Island College Hospital. The scans can help determine whether you are at risk of osteoporosis.
Oscar Jonas, representing State Senator Velmanette Montgomery, spoke about two programs, which will give youth the opportunity to work this summer. First, the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) which provides youth between the ages of 14 and 24 with summer employment and educational opportunities. For more information, please call 311 or (800) 246-4646. Second, the Summer Young Adult Skills Introduction Program at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. The goal of the program is to place young people directly in private sector work environments and give them the opportunity to learn about the work-place and specific skills needed for certain industries. Students must be at least 18 years old. For more information, please call Annamarie Vilardi at (718) 907-5924. He also stated that the Senator was working on legislation to reform rent regulations. He ended by informing the board that the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance urged taxpayers to take advantage of FreeFile - a program providing free state and federal tax preparation and e- filing services to qualified New York State taxpayers.
Chairperson Kummer recognized State Senator Daniel Squadron who began by stating that he is still petitioning his fellow senators to allow a Senate Democratic ethics reform package to the floor for a vote. Democrats are advocating changes in five major areas: an independent commission to police ethics with neither the Governor nor anyone else able to dominate appointments. He is also calling for a complete ban of tourist helicopters that are a real nuisance to people who live along and enjoy the South Brooklyn waterfront. He invited everyone to a rally on May 15th at Pier 6 in Brooklyn. He thanked the Board for their resolution to the alternative housing committee for the Brooklyn Bridge Park. He ended by stating that something needs to happen before the rent regulation laws expire. He urged everyone to contact their elected officials and ask them to vote extend and/or expand the laws.
Veronica Aveis, representing Congress Member Yvette Clarke announced that all high school students in the 11th Congressional District are eligible to compete in the Congressional District High School Arts Contest. The winner of the contest will have his or her artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building for one year. For more information, please call (718) 287-1142. She also stated that the Congresswoman is working on a Health Fair with the residents of Wyckoff Gardens Houses for sometime in the summer.
Dan Wiley, representing Congress Member Nydia M. Velázquez stated that the Congresswomen along with other elected officials, the South Brooklyn Legal Services, the Fifth Avenue Committee (FAC) and the Urban Homesteading Assistance Board (UHAB), held a rally in front of 294 5th Avenue in Park Slope to announce the filing of two separate motions arguing that mortgage holders can be held liable for maintaining building conditions once a foreclosure is initiated and a receiver is in place. He stated that on May 17th the National
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Environmental Justice Advisory Council will be convening a meeting at the Brooklyn Marriott. For more information on the council, please go to http://www.epa.gov/compliance/ej/nejac/index.html. On May 14, the Old American Can Factory will be hosting “Green Gowanus: Re-Envisioning and Industrial Canal - an exhibition of student research projects from Columbia, Parsons and the New School. For more information, please email rrg2122@columbia.edu. On May 16, the Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance will be hosting a follow-up to their 2010 Waterfront Conference. Over 350 elected officials, experts, and invited waterfront leaders will gather to plan for the future of the waterfront and its governance, using the newly released NYC Comprehensive Waterfront Plan and the harbor-wide Comprehensive Restoration Plan as their guides. For more information go to http://waterfrontalliance.org. The Congresswoman is working with the Council Member and Community Board to push DOT to implement some of the recommendations from the “Fix the Ditch” feasibility study of mitigating the noise pollution and making better connection across the BQE Trench at Hicks Street. He ended by stating that the Red Hook Streetcar feasibility study is complete and it will be very expensive ($176 million) to build. In the meantime, we must continue to advocate for better and safer transportation in and out of Red Hook.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
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 a Certificate of Appropriateness application for the raising of 2 lintels at the parlor floor of 22 Strong Place.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness application submitted to the Landmarks Preservation Commission for the raising of 2 lintels at the parlor floor of 22 Strong Place (between Kane/Degraw Sts), Cobble Hill Historic District.
VOTE: 27 YEAS, 0 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 7:37 P.M.
Landmarks Committee Chairperson Levine also reported to the Board that the committee reviewed a Certificate of Appropriateness application for the construction of an addition to an existing rear yard extension, and replacement stairs leading to rear yard, at 184 Berkeley Place.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness application submitted to the Landmarks Preservation Commission for the construction of an addition to an existing rear yard extension, and replacement stairs leading to rear yard, at 184 Berkeley Place (between 7th/8th Aves), Park Slope Historic District with the following conditions:
1. That the colors of the greenhouse and stairs are more in keeping with the old existing extension, i.e., black, brown, reddish brown.
2. Reduction of the obstruction of the staircase by reducing the size of the landing and/or turning the direction of the staircase to its original orientation or adding a turn in the landing to keep it from going so far out into the yard.
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VOTE: 27 YEAS, 0 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 7:39 P.M.
Landmarks Committee Chairperson Levine further reported to the Board that the committee reviewed a Certificate of Appropriateness application for the legalization of alterations to the front entrance railings and areaway at 513 2nd Street.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to disapprove a Certificate of Appropriateness application submitted to the Landmarks Preservation Commissioner for the legalization of alterations to the front entrance railings and areaway at 513 2nd Street (between 7th/8th Aves), Park Slope Historic District.
Board Member Judith Thompson asked that since the applicant did not get back to the board acknowledging that he has withdrawn this item from the LPC calendar, could we just do nothing. Landmarks Committee Chairperson Levine stated that if it does go before LPC we would have missed our chance to comment.
Board Member Peter Fleming stated that he was having difficulties finding a mason to do what was necessary.
VOTE: 27 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 1 ABSTENTION
MOTION PASSED
TIME: 7:44 P.M.
Landmarks Committee Chairperson Levine additionally reported to the Board that the committee reviewed a Certificate of Appropriateness application for the installation of a property line wall at 533 2nd Street.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness application submitted to the Landmarks Preservation Commission for the installation of a property line wall at 533 2nd Street (between 7th/8th Aves), Park Slope Historic District with the condition that the wall/fence match the stoop that LPC had previously approved.
VOTE: 28 YEAS, 0 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 7:47 P.M.
PARKS/RECREATION/CULTURAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE……………...NICA LALLI, CO-CHAIR
...………...GLENN KELLY, CO-CHAIR
Parks Committee Co-Chairperson Glenn Kelly reported to the Board that the committee reviewed a presentation on PortSide New York’s Boat Box project and its goals. The committee is looking forward to the speedy review of the project designs that will transform the existing storage container at the entrance to Valentino Park into an attractive feature and educational amenity.
PUBLIC SAFETY/ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION/ PERMITS & LICENSES COMMITTEE
..…………..................TERRY ALEXANDER, PUBLIC SAFETY CO-CHAIR
………………………...MARTHA KENTON, PUBLIC SAFETY CO-CHAIR
………...……GARY REILLY, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION CHAIR
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………………………… MARK SHAMES, PERMITS & LICENSES CHAIR
Committee Member Thomas Miskel reported to the Board that the committee reviewed a new unenclosed sidewalk cafe permit application at 279 5th Avenue.
Motion: by Board Member Roger Rigolli, seconded by Board Member Lou Sones; Recommendation to approve a new unenclosed sidewalk cafe permit application submitted to the Department of Consumer Affairs on behalf of Capodimonte LLC dba Aperitivo at 279 5th Avenue (northwest corner 5th Avenue/1st Street), to permit 11 tables and 29 seats.
Board Member Levine stated that 29 seats were a lot to be outside and then ask how many were inside. Committee Member Thomas Miskel stated 54 seats are on the inside of the restaurant.
VOTE: 28 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 7:53 P.M.
Committee Member Thomas Miskel also reported to the Board that the committee reviewed an on-premises liquor license application at 249 5th Avenue.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to approve an on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of BBBrooklyn LLC dba Beauty Bar at 249 5th Avenue (between Carroll St/Garfield Pl).
VOTE: 29 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 7:55 P.M.
Committee Member Thomas Miskel further reported to the Board that the committee reviewed 2 on-premises liquor license applications submitted on behalf of 604 Pacific.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to notify the N.Y.S. Liquor Authority that we are continuing our review of 2 on-premises liquor license applications submitted on behalf of 604 Pacific LLC dba Players, and SE Pacific LLC dba Social Eatz, both at 604 Pacific Street (between Flatbush/4th Avenues) to give the applicant additional time to meet with the community.
VOTE: 29 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 7:57 P.M.
Committee Member Thomas Miskel additionally reported to the Board that the committee reviewed Assembly Bill 4667-A, an act to amend the alcohol beverage control law in relation to rooftop and rear yard bars.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to support Assembly Bill 4667-A, an act to amend the alcohol beverage control law in relation to rooftop and rear yard bars.
Board Member Richard Bashner stated that we should make it clear that this bill apply to all facilities in our district. District Manager Hammerman stated that it would be included in our support letter. 7
VOTE: 29 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 8:01 P.M.
COMMUNITY SESSION
Richard Kessler, resident from Park Slope provided a brief history of the Lincoln Statue at Grand Army Plaza.
Duncan McGonagle, resident from Red Hook asked the Board to support all of the elected officials call for a complete ban of tourist helicopters along the South Brooklyn waterfront.
Anne Lipkey, a teacher from Community School District 15, stated that to better get parents involved in their child’s school life the United Federation of Teachers has a Parent Outreach Committee that deals with various issues effecting teachers and students, i.e.; bed bugs, order in schools and lay-offs.
Daniel Clay, representing the Red Hook Raiders Football team informed the Board that because of the proposed schedule for the use of the newly renovated football field by Xavier High School his team may not get adequate time to practice or play games. He asked that the Board investigate this matter to ensure that a fair time schedule is created for all organizations to share the field. __________________________________________________________________________________________
NEW/OTHER BUSINESS
No new business
Motion: by Board Member Roger Rigolli, seconded by Board Member Elsie Felder; To adjourn the meeting.
VOTE: 29 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 8:13PM
Minutes submitted into the District Office by Assistant District Manager Leroy Branch on May 31, 2011.
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