BROOKLYN COMMUNITY BOARD 6
GENERAL BOARD MEETING
OLD FIRST REFORMED CHURCH
729 CARROLL STREET
JUNE 8, 2011
ATTENDANCE
PRESENT:
B. ATKINS R.S. BASHNER J. BERNARD
L. BLYER S. BURZIO N.COX
N. DUTTA E. FELDER P. FLEMING
Y. GIRELA D. GIULIANO R. GRAHAM
J. HEYER G. KELLY M. KENTON
M. KOLMAN D. KUMMER R. LEVINE
H. LINK R. LUFTGLASS A. McKNIGHT
T.L. MISKEL L. NAPOLITANO C. PIGOTT
R. RIGOLLI M. RUIZ D. SCOTTO
M. SHAMES E. SHIPLEY B. SOLOTAIRE
L. SONES E. SPICER J. THOMPSON
S. TURET M. VERRET D.C. VITO
D. WILLIAMS
EXCUSED:
P. BELLENBAUM D. LALLI C. MOLINARI
G. REILLY D. REISS
ABSENT:
T. ALEXANDER N. BERK-RAUCH H. HUGHES
J. IGNERI G. O’CONNELL, JR. Y. ROMAN
M. SCOTT
GUESTS
HON. STEVEN LEVIN, CITY COUNCIL MEMBER
L. DEPALMA, BOROUGH PRESIDENT MARTY MARKOWITZ’S REPRESENTATIVE
J. BLUMSTEIN, CITY COUNCIL MEMBER LANDER’S REPRESENTATIVE
A. SCHAETZEL, STATE ASSEMBLY MEMBER BRENNAN’S REPRESENTATIVE
A. WARDLAW, STATE ASSEMBLY MEMBER ORTIZ’S REPRESENTATIVE
T. SMITH, STATE ASSEMBLY MEMBER MILLMAN’S REPRESENTATIVES
J. VOGEL, STATE SENATOR MONTGOMERY’S REPRESENTATIVE
J. HAMILTON, STATE SENATOR ADAMS’ REPRESENTATIVE
A. DELISI, STATE SENATOR SQUADRON’S REPRESENTATIVE
P. RHEAUME, CONGRESSWOMAN CLARKE’S REPRESENTATIVES
D. WILEY, CONGRESSWOMAN VELÁZQUEZ’ REPRESENTATIVE
A. NOVEK, CITY 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 6:45 pm.
“PERFECT ATTENDANCE AWARDS”
Luke DePalma, the CB6 liaison to the Brooklyn Borough President’s Office, conveyed Borough President Markowitz’ sincere appreciation to all Board Members for their tireless efforts in working to ensure that the quality of life for the residents of Community Board 6 is improved and enhanced. He then presented the “Perfect Attendance Awards” to the Board Members of Brooklyn Community Board 6 who achieved perfect attendance records during calendar year 2010. Award recipients include Richard Bashner, Stephen Burzio, Glenn Kelly, Daniel Kummer, Thomas Miskel, Mark Shames, Lou Sones, Elly Spicer and Suzanne Turet.
CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT……..………………………...……..………….....…...DANIEL M. KUMMER
Chairperson Daniel M. Kummer began his report by stating that the Borough President has sent out his official letters of appointment to Community Board members. The Chairman welcomed the new additions to the board. Paige Bellenbaum (Councilman Levin’s appointee, Carroll Gardens) needed to be excused from tonight’s meeting, Neena Dutta (Borough President Markowitz appointee, Carroll Gardens), John Heyer (Borough President Markowitz appointee, Columbia Waterfront) our former liaison from the Borough President’s Office, Hildegaard Link (Borough President Markowitz appointee, Park Slope) a longtime member of our Transportation Committee, Charles Pigott (Borough President Markowitz appointee, Park Slope), Benjamin Solotaire (Councilman Lander’s appointee, Park Slope) member of our Youth/Human Services/Education Committee, and Dolly Williams (Councilman Levin’s appointee, Park Slope) former board member but had to resign when she became a City Planning Commissioner. He reminded all Board Members to sign in whenever they attend a meeting, and that they can make an appointment to meet with the District Manager to help them get up-to-speed on their responsibilities and issues.
Chairperson Kummer reported that last month Board Member Barbara Ginsberg chose not to reapply for membership; however, she will remain on our Parks/Recreation/Cultural Affairs Committee. We have also since learned that Lisa Cirando, Anthony Pugliese, and Maria Reca-Heyer have chosen not to reapply for membership. The Chairman took the opportunity to thank them all for their service to the board and our communities.
Chairperson Kummer congratulated our Treasurer Gary Reilly and his wife Mia who celebrated the birth of their first child, Vaughan Marie Reilly early this morning. According to Gary, “Mom and baby are excellent.” Vaughan came in at 7 lbs, 11.6 oz. and 21 inches long. If anyone would like to send a card or note to the Reilly family, District Manager Craig Hammerman has Gary’s address and will make it available on request.
Chairperson Kummer informed the Board that at a formal merging ceremony last week our Continuum Health Partners Long Island College Hospital formally became part of the SUNY Downstate network. According to all of the new signage immediately posted to signify the change, the hospital is now officially the SUNY Downstate Medical Center’s University Hospital of Brooklyn at Long Island College Hospital. He thanked District Manager Hammerman for attending the ceremony on our behalf and would like to extend a welcome to Dr. John LaRosa, President of SUNY Downstate, and express to him our thanks that our hospital is open for business and continues to serve our community’s medical and health care needs. I’d also like to thank our elected officials – Borough President Markowitz, Council Members Levin and Lander, Assemblywoman Millman, Senator Squadron and Congresswoman Velázquez – whose intervention and leadership were critical and made it possible for us to celebrate this moment.
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Chairperson Kummer advised the Board that we received a response from Con Edison on the issue related to employee parking at their Third Avenue Yard. In their letter, they reiterated that their primary goal is to no longer provide free parking for employees to help save money for their customers. They are actively promoting the possibility of carpooling, the use of pre-tax transportation spending accounts, and other messages to encourage mass transit options, but they will not commit to continuing to provide parking for their employees, regardless of who pays for it, at this time.
Chairperson Kummer informed the Board that on June 14th Empire State Development Corporation and Brooklyn Community Boards 2, 6 & 8 will be co-sponsoring a Community Forum on the latest traffic changes that will be taking place near the Atlantic Yards project. These changes were originally due to begin on or around July 15th, but the start date has since been pushed back to on or around July 24th. Sam Schwartz, their traffic consultant, will be on hand to make the presentation and there will be an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the plan.
Chairperson Kummer reported to the Board that District Hammerman and I recently met with Senator Eric Adams to talk about overlapping issues of interest that affect our board and the Senator’s district. The Senator was extremely clear that he is strongly in favor of seeing marriage equity legislation in New York State and that he is doing as much as he can on the issue. We have invited him to visit our Public Safety Committee to talk about some of the public safety initiatives he has been working on.
Chairperson Kummer also reported to the Board that they recently met with Emily Lloyd, Tupper Thomas' replacement as the new Administrator for Prospect Park, to discuss our interests in Prospect Park, which is not technically in our district, but is certainly an important asset and one which affects daily life in the district. We talked about a wide-range of issues – everything from parking around the park to the impact of barbequing and large-scale events on our district. With her varied background in government, having been in charge of transportation, sanitation and environmental agencies, we believe she has the potential to make some great contributions that will enhance our quality of life, firm up Prospect Park as the major regional park attraction that it is, and build upon Tupper’s wonderful legacy.
Chairperson Kummer further reported to the Board that they also met with Michael Cairl, the President of the Park Slope Civic Council to get a better understanding of some of the local issues that the council is dealing with and see how we can best support each other’s goals. The Civic Council has really embraced a proactive livable streets agenda, is continuing to push for a further expansion of the Park Slope Historic District, and has really forged some strong ties with the local merchant community and continues to promote support for local businesses.
Chairperson Kummer ended his report by reminding the Board Members that the board will not meet in July or August but will resume its meetings in September. If there is an issue of a time-sensitive nature that arises over the summer then the Executive Committee is empowered to act on behalf of the board according to our by-laws. Should the Executive Committee need to meet, we will make sure that all Board Members are aware of the meeting so they have the option of attending.
DISTRICT MANAGER’S REPORT……………..................................................…CRAIG HAMMERMAN
District Manager Craig Hammerman began his report by informing the Board that the Department of Transportation (DOT) has begun to implement the improvements in and around Grand Army Plaza. They will be improving conditions for pedestrians, motorists and cyclists by: Shortening and improving pedestrian connections, improving traffic movement, and expanding four landscaped pedestrian islands and sidewalks at Grand Army Plaza North. 3
Adding a new signal and traffic calming markings to improve safety in the inner ring of Grand Army Plaza. Adding five new crosswalks and expanding landscaped pedestrian islands, improving public space, and filling in a gap in the bicycle network in Grand Army Plaza South.
The implementation Schedule is as follows: Pedestrian safety islands: June-July 2011; Road repaving: August 2011; and Plaza spaces: August 2011. For more information, please visit their website at www.nyc.gov/dot.
District Manager Hammerman advised the Board that DOT would make a presentation at our June 16th Transportation Committee on the preliminary design investigation for the Prospect Park West bicycle lane raised medians. All interested parties should attend.
District Manager Hammerman extended an invitation on behalf of the Fire Department to all Board Members to attend the street co-naming ceremony of Richards/Seabring Streets to “Seven in Heaven Way” on June 11th.
District Manager Hammerman ended his report by informing that Board that the Committee Membership Request Form is now available and should be returned ASAP. All appointments are for one-year and will go into effect September 1, 2011.
Chairperson Kummer recognized the representatives of the elected officials.
Jonah Blumstein, representing Council Member Brad Lander reported to the Board that on June 11th the Councilman will be sponsoring a rally at Grand Army Plaza to protest the Mayor’s proposed budget cuts to New York City’s public schools. The Councilman also co-sponsored a rally against a plan to close Park Slope’s Engine 220 on 11th Street on May 25th. The rally was also attended by Public Advocate Bill deBlasio, Borough President Marty Markowitz and District Manager Hammerman.
Angela Wardlaw, representing State Assembly Member Félix Ortiz stated that in an effort to assist those in their search for employment opportunities, the Assemblyman co-sponsored a Career Fair at the Sunset Park Recreation Center. Over 70 employers was in attendance, looking to fill positions in a variety of fields including Civil Service, Banking, Customer Service, Warehouse and Factory, Retail and Sales, Food Service, and Health Care.
Tamar Smith, representing Assembly Member Joan Millman, stated that 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 24 th 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, and the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services, free blood pressure, hearing and vision tests.
Jim Vogel, representing State Senator Velmanette Montgomery, urged everyone to call their state representatives in regards to various important issues: Rent Regulation, which are due to expire, Marriage Equality, Hydrofracking the ban expired June 1st, and Ethics reform. He also invited everyone to a community forum on June 11th on Atlantic Yards to discuss legislation the Senator is sponsoring with Assemblyman Jeffries that would at last establish a governance structure involving the government and the community. In addition, a new traffic plan will be implemented on or around July 24th for the area surrounding the Barclay's Arena. This will result in changes to 4th Avenue, Atlantic Avenue, 3rd Avenue, Flatbush Avenue, and Pacific Street. A public meeting on June 14th will be held to detail the changes and answer questions. The Senator along with Councilmember Letitia James and Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn invite everyone to “UNITY 4
4.0”, a community meeting on June 15th to discuss the community's plans for the Atlantic Yards site, with the UNITY Plan and its principles as a jumping off point.
Alex Delisi, representing State Senator Daniel Squadron stated that on May 15th, along with other local elected officials, the Senator hosted a rally calling on New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) to ban tourist helicopter traffic at the Downtown Manhattan Heliport. As a formal follow-up to the rally, he co- sponsored a letter to the President of EDC reiterating the need to end tourist helicopter traffic. He also wrote a letter to the mayor about his proposed closures of three fire companies in his district. He explained in the letter that closing these fire companies is unacceptable, but also expressed his fear that his proposal has more to do with budget negations with the City Council than with questions of public policy. On May 26, he gathered with local elected officials and community members to rally to save Engine Company 205 in Brooklyn Heights. We sent a strong message that we can safely expect the neighborhood's growth to continue, necessitating Engine 205's presence in the community. He is still working diligently to pass the following pieces of legislation: an extension and expansion of rent regulation, marriage equality, and a comprehensive ethics package.
Dan Wiley, representing Congress Member Nydia M. Velázquez stated that 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 stated that next week there would be a meeting to continue the discussion on better and safer transportation in and out of Red Hook. The Congresswoman is also opposed to the Mayor’s proposed firehouse closings.
Asher Novek, representing NYC Comptroller John Liu stated that the Comptroller has released its third report entitled “Sustainable or Not” – A study that provides a projection for understanding how pension obligations will affect New York City’s future budget if current laws relating to municipal pensions remain in place and if historical economic trends remain largely intact. For more information, please visit http://www.comptroller.nyc.gov/rsnyc/. The Comptroller will be hosting a Town Hall meeting in Community Board 6 on July 13th. For more information, please call (212) 669-3916.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Board Member Roger Rigolli made a motion to accept the minutes, seconded by Board Member Monique Verret.
VOTE: 34 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 7:25 P.M.
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 a variance for the Whole Food Market store at 172-220 3rd Street aka 214 3rd Street.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to approve an application submitted to the Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA Calendar No. 66-11-BZ) for a variance of Section 42-00 of the Zoning Resolution that
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would permit a Food Store (UG 6) in excess of 10,000 square feet in an M2-1 zoning district at 172-220 3rd Street aka 214 3rd Street (Block 978, Lots 1, 7, 16, 19, 23, 30, 32), block bounded by 3rd Street, 3rd Avenue, 4th Street Basin and Gowanus Canal with the following conditions: After one year, Whole Foods will do another traffic study with a ¾-mile radius and Whole Foods agree to the expense of any mitigation. A closing hour of 10pm. Make the 3rd Street and 3rd Avenue walls include windows and be treated as storefronts as shown in the blueprints.
Board Member Ben Atkins asked why they were given a year for a traffic study. Land Use Committee Chairperson Fleming stated that the traffic study that they did, showed minimal impact and the committee felt it necessary to do another after one year as we had done with IKEA.
Board Member Judith Thompson stated that she had a concern about the heat conditions in/on the parking lot.
Board Member Hildegaard Link stated that we should not support their traffic study since the area they study was so small. The study area should expand to include the surrounding communities. In addition, we should ask Whole Foods to sell more than 10% of products produced from local resources. Land Use Committee Chairperson Fleming stated that Whole Foods was not able to speak to that issue.
Board Member Glenn Kelly spoke out against the motion stating that there was plenty of discussion on the building design and that Whole Foods created their own hardship.
Board Member Elizabeth Shipley stated that Whole Foods could get more than 10% of the produce from local sources but would not hold it against them.
Board Member Robert Levine stated that Whole Foods did nothing improper, even though they brought the property knowing it was zoned as Manufacturing. Therefore, the hardship on them was not self-imposed.
Board Member Steven Burzio asked if they were still trying to get LEED Green Building Certification. Land Use Committee Chairperson Fleming stated yes.
Board Member Dolly Williams asked if they were committed to hiring and doing business locally during the construction stage. In addition, was this property in the IBZ zone? Land Use Committee Chairperson Fleming stated yes.
Board Member Lou Sones has two problems with this project, they did an inadequate traffic study and the inconsistency in standards of properties in the IBZ zones based on what neighborhoods you’re in. In Red Hook, you can’t build but here you can.
Board Member John Heyer asked if there would be public access to the canal. Land Use Committee Chairperson Fleming stated that access would be limited to the entrance of the store.
Board Member Rick Luftglass spoke in favor of the motion stating that we should focus on the jobs this development will create and make sure they are quality jobs with good benefits.
Board Member Hildegaard Link stated that we should ask Whole Foods to do some food processing on site.
VOTE: 31 YEAS, 3 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED
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TIME: 7:45 P.M.
Land Use Committee Chairperson Peter Fleming also reported to the Board that the committee discussed the impact of the Whole Foods project on the remediation of the Gowanus Canal.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to ask the EPA to submit a statement that the Whole Foods project will not negatively affect the remediation of the Gowanus Canal.
Board Member Elizabeth Shipley stated that we should have gotten the answer to the motion before the vote. Land Use Committee Chairperson Fleming stated that we could not so the committee made the motion.
Board Member Glenn Kelly stated that there is no way for them to know the impact this project will have on the remediation of the canal.
Board Member Monique Verret asked if EPA would study the contaminated water that may be used to grow produce or will Whole Foods be responsible for measuring the contaminates in the water?
Board Member Elizabeth Shipley stated that Whole Foods would collect all rainwater runoff and treat it before using it and/or releasing it into the canal.
VOTE: 34 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 7:55 P.M.
Land Use Committee Chairperson Peter Fleming further reported to the Board that the committee reviewed a Certificate of Appropriateness application the addition of a roof extension with rear deck and HVAC equipment, conversion of window to door on rear elevation, installation of balcony at rear elevation and alteration to front areaway basement entrance at 627 3rd Street
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to disapprove a Certificate of Appropriateness application submitted to the Landmarks Preservation Commission for the addition of a roof extension with rear deck and HVAC equipment, conversion of window to door on rear elevation, installation of balcony at rear elevation and alteration to front areaway basement entrance at 627 3rd Street (between 8th Ave/PPW), Park Slope Historic District.
Board Member Lou Sones spoke in favor of the motion.
VOTE: 35 YEAS, 0 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 8:05 P.M.
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
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Permits & Licenses Chairperson Mark Shames reported to the Board that the committee reviewed a renewal unenclosed sidewalk cafe permit application on behalf of Giannino's Pizza Corp. at 305 Court Street.
Motion: by Board Member Lou Sones, seconded by Board Member Elizabeth Shipley; Recommendation to approve a renewal unenclosed sidewalk cafe permit application submitted to the Department of Consumer Affairs on behalf of Giannino's Pizza Corp. at 305 Court Street (southeast corner Court/Degraw Streets), to permit 18 tables and 36 seats.
VOTE: 35 YEAS, 0 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 8:06 P.M.
Permits & Licenses Chairperson Mark Shames also reported to the Board that the committee reviewed a new unenclosed sidewalk cafe permit application on behalf of TTT Brooklyn Inc. dba Jolie Cantina at 241 Smith Street.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to approve a new unenclosed sidewalk cafe permit application submitted to the Department of Consumer Affairs on behalf of TTT Brooklyn Inc. dba Jolie Cantina at 241 Smith Street (northeast corner Smith/Douglass Streets), to permit 8 tables and 18 seats with the following conditions: That the last seating on Sunday through Thursday be 10 PM and the sidewalk café be closed by 11pm. The last seating on Friday, Saturday, and holidays be 11PM and the sidewalk café be closed by midnight.
VOTE: 35 YEAS, 0 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 8:07 P.M.
Permits & Licenses Chairperson Mark Shames further reported to the Board that the committee reviewed an on- premises liquor license application on behalf of TTT Brooklyn Inc. dba Jolie Cantina at 241 Smith Street.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to approve an on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of TTT Brooklyn Inc. dba Jolie Cantina at 241 Smith Street (northeast corner Smith/Douglass Streets).
VOTE: 35 YEAS, 0 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 8:08 P.M.
Permits & Licenses Chairperson Mark Shames additionally reported to the Board that the committee reviewed (1) an on-premises liquor license application on behalf of 604 Pacific LLC dba Players and (2) an on-premises liquor license application on behalf of SE Pacific LLC dba Social Eatz, both at 604 Pacific Street.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to approve (1) an on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of 604 Pacific LLC dba Players and (2) an on-premises liquor license 8
application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of SE Pacific LLC dba Social Eatz, both at 604 Pacific Street (between Flatbush/4th Avenues) with the following conditions: No dancing. No outside promoters. This is not a nightclub. Main restaurant food menu until midnight and then bar menu until 4:00 am. As per SLA regulations. Garbage will be handled by private carters. Operator will keep, all refuse inside until immediately prior to pick up; Pacific Street location only. Operator will provide a 24-hour telephone contact number for complaints and posting it so that it is visible from the street. Operator will have signage asking patrons not to congregate in front of building. The inside design will include soundproofing and the operator pointed out they have no plans for exterior use. The operator will have security after 11:00pm as per NYPD ratio of 1-75, anticipate additional security on days of events (e.g. Barclay’s events). Proposed Hours of Operation: Sunday through Wednesday 2:00 am and Thursday through Saturday and any evening prior to Holidays until 4:00 am.
Board Member Lou Sones spoke out against the motion stating that he is for the licenses but is against the condition that they close at 2am on Thursdays.
VOTE: 26 YEAS, 7 NAYS, 1 ABSTENTION
MOTION PASSED
TIME: 8:13 P.M.
Permits & Licenses Chairperson Mark Shames moreover reported to the Board that the committee reviewed an on-premises liquor license application on behalf of Salmon East Seven Corp. dba Kevin's at 277 Van Brunt Street.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to approve an on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of Salmon East Seven Corp. dba Kevin's at 277 Van Brunt Street (between Visitation Pl/Pioneer St).
VOTE: 35 YEAS, 0 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 8:19 P.M.
Permits & Licenses Chairperson Mark Shames likewise reported to the Board that the committee reviewed a renewal unenclosed sidewalk café permit application on behalf of Bidochons Corp at 263 Smith Street.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to approve a renewal unenclosed sidewalk café permit application submitted to the Department of Consumer Affairs on behalf of Bidochons Corp at 263 Smith Street (northeast corner Smith/Degraw Streets), to permit 12 tables and 24 seats with the following conditions: That the last seating be 10 PM Sunday through Thursday with the sidewalk café to be closed by 11 PM and on Friday, Saturday and holidays that last seating be at 11 PM and the sidewalk café be closed at 12 midnight.
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VOTE: 35 YEAS, 0 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 8:22 P.M.
Permits & Licenses Chairperson Mark Shames similarly reported to the Board that the committee reviewed the process of the New York State Liquor Authority issuing an on-premises liquor license to the operators at a bar located at 602 Pacific without the Community Boards recommendation.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to send a letter to the New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) that states in the absence of a recommendation received by the SLA from the Community Board that the SLA deem the position of the community board to be an objection to the issuance of a license.
Board Member Lou Sones stated that this issue should really be recommitted since we had not had a chance to fully discuss and develop it in committee.
Procedural Motion: by Board Member Robert Levine, seconded by Board Member Richard Bashner; To recommit to Committee.
VOTE: 35 YEAS, 0 NAYS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 8:28 P.M.
Chairperson Kummer again recognized the representatives of the elected officials.
Chairperson Kummer recognized Council Member Steven Levin who began by stating the City Council had just wrapped up their final budget hearings with the Administration. Now they must find a way to restore funding for Daycare programs, Education, and Fire Houses. He also believes that they should reinstate the millionaires Tax.
Jesse Hamilton, representing State Senator Eric Adams, invited everyone to a Job Fair sponsored by the Senator on June 9th. He ended by expressing the Senators views against forcing NYC Public Schools to share their facilities with incoming Charter Schools.
COMMUNITY SESSION
Edward Byrne, representing the members of the Brooklyn #1 Detachment 217 of the Marine Corps League and the VFW Post #107 asked everyone to participate in Operation Brooklyn Shoe Box – to send shoeboxes filled with personal and comfort items to individual military members serving our country in Afghanistan. For more information please call 718-769-6094 or email VFWPOST107@verizon.net.
Richard Kessler, resident from Park Slope provided a brief history of the Lincoln Statue at Grand Army Plaza.
Daniel Clay, a resident from Red Hook Houses asked if the Board could look into getting lighting in the front of the buildings to illuminate the address. Reportedly, emergency personnel have a hard time seeing the address when they responded to an urgent situation in the development.
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NEW/OTHER BUSINESS
Board Member Judith Thompson asked if the Board could send a letter to the State opposing the proposed cuts to Small Claims Court. Chairperson Kummer said he would consider whether and where to refer this issue to for further discussion and consideration.
Motion: by Board Member Hildegaard Link, seconded by Board Member Elizabeth Shipley; To ask Whole Foods to follow the City Council’s new initiative “FoodWorks New York”, a new effort to produce the first ever-comprehensive plan to use New York City’s food system to create jobs, improve public health and protect the environment. Specifically, increasing minimum locally grown food to 30% and add a food processing incubator on site.
Procedural Motion: by Board Member Mark Shames, seconded by Board Member Elly Spicer; To table this motion.
MOTION PASSED
TIME: 8:51 P.M.
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: 8:52PM
Minutes submitted into the District Office by Assistant District Manager Leroy Branch on June 29, 2011.
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