COMMUNITY BOARD SIX
ECONOMIC/WATERFRONT/COMM. DEV. & HOUSING COMMITTEE
MAY 16, 2011
ATTENDANCE:
PRESENT:
D. ABRAHAM B. ATKINS N. BERK-RAUCH
L. BUFFINGTON S. BURZIO P. CARSON
C. DAVIS E. FELDER Y. GIRELA
S. MILLER V. MILNE D. REISS
P. THOMAS
EXCUSED:
J. FRANCIS M. KOLMAN R. LUFTGLASS
L. SONES
ABSENT:
R. BASHNER P. BLAKE M. KENTON
C. MOLINARI
GUESTS:
G. KRAL C. SALGUERO J. BOWIE
T. SANODZE A. GENN J. NADOWITZ
G. BRAYMAN P. SIMEONE
MINUTES
Update and presentation from representatives for the Economic Development Corporation on various topics including, but not limited to, the shore power initiative, Atlantic Basin Vessel Tie-up RFP, waterfront tenants (PortSide New York, Phoenix Beverages), BQE Trench Enhancement study, and other Piers 7-12 issues.
A request was made by the committee regarding DOT plans for Atlantic Avenue by Brooklyn Bridge Park to ask if DOT can come in and explain plans for lane changes and bike lanes.
The Economic Development Corporation representatives, Andrew Genn and Jose Nadowitz gave an update on various topics.
SHORE POWER
• Moving forward - will reduce emissions • Port Authority providing most funding
• Pier 12 – ships can turn off engines and plug in • Early 2013 plan should begin • City will subsidize for 5 years – about $1 million per year • Cruise lines are retrofitting at a cost of $1 million • No reduction of rate for now, just being subsidized • How is rate set? Complex process - Should ask representative from PSE to speak.
ATLANTIC BASIN RFP
• Docking and tie-up RFP • Goal based on 2007 study which identified need for tie-up space for smaller boats • Atlantic Basin is a good place for smaller boats to dock • Competitive bid – several entities have expressed interest. Bid due May 21st • Dock space is needed for boats in NYC • NYC used to have many places like this • Tugboat, ferry and excursion companies have shown interest. May be a place for single fleet or may be for many independent boats • Decision to be made by mid July, 2011
Q. Snack bar RFP out for Brooklyn Waterfront? A. Not sure, may be vending machines.
PIER 7-12
*DOT Plans on Atlantic by BBP may make problems for Phoenix (says Phoenix rep.) Great success with Phoenix Beverages. More business and cargo volume. Great percentage processed here in Brooklyn and go out in trucks.
Q: Trucks? Beginning concession to natural gas. Trucks are now (supposedly) off Columbia Street and using BQE.
Q: Atlantic Avenue Usage? Trucks know to be careful because of Brooklyn Bridge etc.
PORTSIDE NY
• Process is slow moving but going forward • Piece of Pier 11 not included in Phoenix • Looking to access indoor space soon • Tanker Mary Whelan is eligible for historic presentation
BQE TRAVEL ENHANCEMENT STUDY
• Fix the ditch • Funded by Congress • Congress Street to Sackett Street • 8-9 months of community meetings • 3 options were developed • Capital money easier to obtain than annual maintenance costs • Financing project may be difficult
• Financing similar to Highline may be an option • Incorporating new materials may save money • Decking the ditch would be extremely expensive • Still at early phases • Benefit of alternatives is that they are ----------------- and would not greatly affect traffic, pedestrians and community • Next phase would be elected to push for funding for this
MOTION - encourage elected officials to 10 potential sources of funding to begin work on project. Motion withdrawn. Committee will invite elected officials to find out more about next steps.
Minutes from the previous meeting held on March 21, 2011 were approved at 7:57pm.
NEW BUSINESS
• Get Columbia Street Waterfront Association to speak on Phoenix Beverages trucking issues? (--------------). Someone thinks they spoke last year.
Motion: Committee should express displeasure that Taxi of Future RFP didn’t require having the plan require that it be built in NYC.
There being no further business to come before the committee, the meeting was adjourned.