COMMUNITY BOARD SIX
PARKS/RECREATION/CULTURAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
FEBRUARY 15, 2012
ATTENDANCE;
PRESENT:
L. BLYER J. FRANCIS D. HERBSTMAN
H. HUGHES G. KELLY J. KLETTER
N. LALLI C. PIGOTT M. SCOTT
S. SHIFFMAN J. WOLFE
EXCUSED:
D. BRAVO E. CHAN Y. GIRELA
S. LONIAL K. MAIER J. OLTMAN-SMITH
E. ROBERTS
ABSENT:
R. GRAHAM J. HEYER
GUESTS:
A. ALEXIS – REP. FOR HON. SARA GONZALEZ, CITY COUNCIL MEMBER
R. CERVONE T. MCGINTY J. RASLOWSKY
T. PAOLOZZI E. VARGAS K. JEFFREY
M. MAHER N. O’NEILL
*** MINUTES ***
The Committee Co-Chair, Nica Lalli called the meeting to order. A quorum was not expected but she introduced the guests.
From Parks Department • Kevin Jeffrey, Brooklyn’s Parks Commissioner • Martin Maher • Edwin Vargas
From Xavier High School • Jack Wizlowski, Head of the school • Tom McGinty • Jack Raslowsky • Tony Paolozzi
Nica Lalli gave the background on Xavier High School improvement plan for the football and soccer field. Mt. Wizlowski outlined the project. For field #3 inside the track, to re-turf it, drainage, resurface the track as needed, new fencing, landscaping and lights installation.
On timing, Xavier said that it was now for both fall and spring use – discussions held to have use to 6pm vs. 6:30pm.
Secondly, the question was who had use of the field after school – in both fall and spring – for two days after school.
Thirdly, use on weekends – 3 hour block on Saturday in fall was the question – trading off Saturday use for some Fridays.
The architect outlined broadly the look of the field with a description of artificial turf, a general idea of the fence (with no specifics on height) but did say they were “going for” aluminum that looked like wrought iron.
Nica asked about the permanence of these agreements. She referred to the Commissioner and asked to address the formality of the agreement. The Commissioner spoke about the needs of the public benefit. He felt that Xavier appropriately re-thought the hours to a 50/50 split on future hours. The terms would be 15 years. He said that it was a better agreement for the community. The license and concessions committee will look at a contract.
Glenn Kelly asked to see the actual schedule – a comparison of what the community used today vs. what they would otherwise now get. He also asked what the demand for these fields was.
Nica said that lights added the extra hours. Judi Francis asked about the addition of the spring hours. Mr. Wizlowski said that was always his understanding that Spring was part of the deal for a variety of uses beyond football.
Judi also asked about the Titans commitment and the Commissioner said he is sure that Bill Solomon of the Titans is totally on-board with this plan, with e-mails back and forth every couple of weeks. Mr. Wizlowski feels that this is a model for future efforts with community support.
Glenn Kelly suggested that the scheduling needs to be looked at in full – at a public hearing or a larger listening session.
The Commissioner said that he is looking for an equitable distribution for Xavier and the community but feels that the schedule should be flexible enough to accommodate changes that come up over the years.
Jack Raslowsky said his hours are for 21 hours per week – 5 days for 3 hours each days.
Judi Francis asked questions about the lights. Timers will be put on the lights. The architect said that there are standards for the illumination – will be to city parks standards. Martin Maher said they would be willing to go to midnight if it makes sense as it is not in a residential area.
The Commissioner said it was 60% prime time for Xavier and 40% for the community and that he will take it to City Hall.
Nica moved that Xavier approve project as presented and for specifically 15 hours of prime time – Monday thru Friday – 3 to 6pm for Fall and Spring schedule and 3 hours on Saturday and or Sunday for 18 hours of play or scrimmage time during both seasons.
Anthony Alexis, Councilwoman Gonzalez’s representative met with Xavier and she agrees with the plan.
VOTE: 10…..YEAS 0…..NAYS 1…..ABSTENTION
MOTION PASSED
The Department of Parks and Recreation staff discussed the rules and regulations for field time and permitting. Martin Maher gave an update.
1. Thomas Greene Park - work starts March 5th 2. J. J. Byrne Playground at Washington Park is moving along well – May 11th at 11am – for a ribbon cutting for the playground.
3. Nicholas playground started in February – not sure it will be ready for summer.
4. Valentino Pier – Councilwoman Gonzalez’s office funded and designs will soon begin.
5. Coffey Park – By Fall designs should begin and shown this fall.
Edwin Vargas, Office of Permits, generates over 11K permits each year including athletics, events, film and photo, kayak launching (which will be a boating permit going forward).
On sports permits – Considerations. • 1st come/ 1st served • Youth first then adults • Limiting times given • Some grandfathering
Under the new provisions, youth are priority and return rights can be lost to youth organization that needs time. No permits for practice are granted. The physical permits must be shown and at the field.
There are no charges for youth league permits. • 18 and over leagues pay up 60% this year. • $12.50 per hour for grass or Astroturf • $16 per hour for rectangle field • $8 per hour on concrete or asphalt • For lighted surfaces (like tennis courts, fields, etc.) $25 per hour in 2 hour blocks (light to 11)
Very few fields are regulation-sized fields, he said, because they try to get as many fields as possible, particularly swing times, season overlaps. 21-30 days lead time for permits.
Only two Department of Education fields are scheduled under Parks permitting. All the rest are operated by NYC Department of Education.
Food in parks, beyond invited guests, will now require $3 million insurance policy. Permits are not required for parties under 20 people but are strongly encouraged to avoid conflicts and problems. If you apply on-line you get status update on permits.
Questions about DJ’s and amplified sound – maximum approval is for 4 hours but local precinct has final word. He advises us to go to the precinct for approval.
Events with people over 500 – special rules for port-a-potties etc. Only two parks allow barbecuing – Coffee and Red Hook. If people see violations, they should call 311. If there are problems residents have with an event, they should let Edwin Vargas know.
They do not allow fundraisers in parks unless the funds go to the park.
Day camps must be state certified and must also get permits.
A motion to approve minutes from the January 18th meeting was made by Judi Francis and seconded by Doug?
MOTION APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY
Nica reported a change in the motion on the community garden, revised to make sure it did not prevent HPD from building on it in future.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30pm.
The minutes were submitted by Judi Francis.