BROOKLYN COMMUNITY BOARD 6
GENERAL BOARD MEETING
JOHN JAY EDUCATIONAL CAMPUS
237 7TH AVENUE
JUNE 13, 2012
ATTENDANCE
PRESENT:
E. ANDERSEN R. BASHNER P. BELLENBAUM
N. BERK-RAUCH E. CAUSIL-RODRIGUEZ SR. R. CERVONE
M. CHIRICO N. COX P. FLEMING
Y. GIRELA D. GIULIANO R. GRAHAM
J. HEYER H. HUGHES G. KELLY
J. KLETTER D. KUMMER R. LEVINE
H. LINK S. LONIAL A. MCKNIGHT
T. MISKEL G. O’CONNELL, JR. C. PIGOTT
L. PINN G. REILLY R. RIGOLLI
M. RUIZ M. SCOTT M. SHAMES
E. SHIPLEY M. SILVERMAN B. SOLOTAIRE
L. SONES E. SPICER J. THOMPSON
S. TURET M. VERRET D. WILLIAMS
EXCUSED:
J. BERNARD D. BRAVO M. KOLMAN
N. LALLI R. LUFTGLASS D. SCOTTO
ABSENT:
N. DUTTA E. FELDER
GUESTS:
K. FEDER, BOROUGH PRESIDENT MARKOWITZ’ REPRESENTATIVE
C. ZINNEL, COUNCIL MEMBER LANDER’S REPRESENTATIVE
T. SMITH, ASSEMBLY MEMBER MILLMAN’S REPRESENTATIVE
J. VOGEL, STATE SENATOR MONTGOMERY’S REPRESENTATIVE
P. RHÉAUME, CONGRESS MEMBER CLARKE’S REPRESENTATIVE
D. WILEY, CONGRESS MEMBER VELÁZQUEZ’ REPRESENTATIVE
Complete list of meeting attendees on file at District Office 1
Chairperson Daniel Kummer called the meeting to order at 6:48pm.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Board Member Noel Berk-Rauch made a motion to accept the minutes of the May general meeting, seconded by Board Member Norman Cox.
VOTE: 27 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 1 ABSTENTION
MOTION PASSED
TIME: 6:50 P.M.
“PERFECT ATTENDANCE AWARDS”
Kai Feder, 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 the district is improved and enhanced. He then presented the “Perfect Attendance Award” to the Board Members of Brooklyn Community Board 6 who achieved perfect attendance records during calendar year 2010. Award recipients include Norman Cox, Glenn Kelly, Daniel Kummer, Peter Fleming, Judith Thompson, Thomas Miskel, and Suzanne Turet. Congratulations!
CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT………………………………………………………....….DANIEL KUMMER
Chairperson Daniel Kummer began his report by congratulating all of the Perfect Attendance Award recipients.
Chairperson Kummer thanked Parks Committee Co-Chair Nica Lalli and our District Manager for attending a recent meeting at the Prospect Park Alliance in response to the impact that events at the Bartel Pritchard Square entrance to the park have had on the adjacent residential community. At this meeting, Prospect Park Administrator Emily Lloyd committed to several meaningful steps that will reduce the impact of events beginning with next year’s season of events as permits have already been granted to this year’s event organizers. Probably the most significant concession is that they will no longer allow bands and DJ’s to entertain from this location. Meanwhile, Ms. Lloyd also offered to meet with residents on site during the early morning weekend hours when these events are taking place so they could all assess the impact in real time.
Chairperson Kummer announced that the Borough President has appointed 7 new members to our Community Board who were invited to join us at tonight’s meeting. Our new members include: Eric Andersen (BP), a resident of the northern section of 4th Avenue; Paul Basile (BP), one of our Gowanus industrial business owners and current member of our Transportation Committee; Eladia Causil-Rodriguez (BP), a resident of north Park Slope; Marco Chirico (BP), a resident of Carroll Gardens; Joni Kletter (39), a resident of south Park Slope and member of our Parks Committee; Lance Pinn (BP), the owner of Brooklyn Boulders across from the Thomas Greene Playground in Gowanus, and; Matthew Silverman (BP), resident of north Park Slope and long- standing member of our EWCDH and PSEPPL committees. Our current Board Member roster totals 48 members.
Chairperson Kummer reported to the Board that Rick Luftglass has graciously taken on the position of Housing Chair in addition to his many other duties as Chair of our Budget and Economic Development Committees.
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Chairperson Kummer reminded all Board Members that the district office has sent out Committee Membership Request Forms for our upcoming 2012-13 session which begins on September 1st. He appealed to all board members to take the few minutes to complete and return the form. The district office also uses these forms to update any personal contact information that may have changed – phone number, address, email address, etc. – so that their records are up-to-date and accurate. Committee assignment notifications will be sent out in August.
Chairperson Kummer welcomed back Assistant District Manager Leroy Branch who was unable to attend last month’s meeting because of some elective surgery.
Chairperson Kummer informed the Board that our State legislature has drawn up new lines for our State and Federal representatives which go into effect January 1st. Park Slope will experience a fairly substantial change in local elected leadership as most of the area that is currently being represented by State Senator Eric Adams will be transferred over to the district currently represented by State Senator Kevin Parker. Senator Parker has recently met with District Manager Craig Hammerman and me to introduce himself and get to know more about what our issues are. I’d like to publicly thank him for demonstrating initiative and reaching out to us.
Chairperson Kummer advised the Board that the EWCDH committee will be holding our second of two Public Housing Town Hall meetings, this time for residents of Red Hook East and West Houses. I’d like to thank our committee Co-Chairs Richard Bashner and Rick Luftglass, and our District Manager for taking time out of their weekend to join me on a site visit so we would have a better idea of what some of the issues are. I’d also like to especially thank our former Board Member Judith Dailey and Red Hook activist Wally Bazemore, for meeting with us, taking us on a tour, and running through a list of issues that really helped bring us up-to-speed. After our meeting Monday night we will begin the process of compiling our notes and preparing a report which we hope to present and discuss with NYCHA Chairperson John Rhea.
Chairperson Kummer reported to the Board that the second State Liquor Authority hearing for the Barclays Center liquor license is scheduled for 7:00pm on Wednesday, June 20 at the SLA’s office in Harlem. While we not pleased with the surprise news that the applicant intends to serve alcohol one-hour past event times in the limited, exclusive portions of the facility, we are standing by our resolution and in general are very pleased that the applicant has agreed to our proposed stipulation that all alcohol service be cut-off by 2am. We are also pleased to note that the Empire State Development Corporation and Barclays Center have scheduled a kick-off interagency meeting to begin actively focusing on operational concerns so the security plans, sanitation plans, transportation plans, etc. all have a proper venue for continued dialogue moving forward.
Chairperson Daniel Kummer ended his report by extending condolences on behalf of the Community Board to Congresswomen Nydia Velázquez and her family on the recent passing of her mother.
DISTRICT MANAGER’S REPORT………………………………………….…….CRAIG HAMMERMAN
District Manager Craig Hammerman began his report by informing the board that the Department of Transportation has determined that a speed hump on Prospect Place between Flatbush Avenue and 6th Avenue is unwarranted at this time.
District Manager Hammerman reported to the Board that the MTA has advised the district office that the B103 bus route has been revised. The B103 will return to its former path via 3 rd Avenue when traveling from the Prospect Expressway to Flatbush Avenue. There will be no bus stops along the 3rd Avenue route; however, one westbound bus stop on 3rd Avenue and State Street will be restored. They plan to implement this revision in early June 2012.
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District Manager Hammerman also reported to that he and Assistant District Manager Leroy Branch participated in a site visit with DEP and DOT to discuss our many concerns regarding flooding on 9 th Street as well as 2nd Avenue, i.e. missing sidewalks and inadequate drainage. We asked them to start working up a scope with some estimates on how much money it would cost to rectify the problems. Once we receive those estimates we will lobby our elected officials to allocate funds by way of a capital project to fix the problems.
District Manager Hammerman ended his report by informing the board that he also participated in a site visit with DEP at the Shaft 22B site which is located at 4th Avenue and Sackett Street, which will become a community garden once all work has been completed. The project has falling behind and DEP has offered some interim space for the gardeners. They are in the process of signing an agreement for not less than 8 years under a City Green Thumb-like program. If all things go well the community gardeners will be in the space sometime in the fall.
Chairperson Kummer recognized elected officials representatives
Kai Feder, representing Borough President Markowitz, invited the Board members to the Borough President’s Board members orientation on June 27th. He also announced various special events hosted by the Borough President:
The lunchtime school concerts in Borough Hall Plaza will be coming to a close. Tuesdays, and Thursdays in the months of July and August - The Seaside and Martin Luther King Jr. free Summer Concert Series will begin its 34th year. Thursday, June 21st – The 7th Annual Caribbean-American Heritage Month festivities. Wednesday, June 8th – the 9th Annual Russian Heritage Festival. Thursday, July 19th – Lighten up Brooklyn 2012 Fitness Fair.
Catherine Zinnel, representing City Council Member Lander, reported that the Councilman was looking forward to the upcoming Transportation Committee meeting on June 21st in which DOT will be making a presentation on various pedestrian safety improvements at the Bartel-Pritchard Square traffic circle, installation of an eastbound bicycle lane along 14th Street between Prospect Park West and 3rd Avenue and a westbound bicycle lane along 15th Street between Bartel-Pritchard Square and 3rd Avenue, and various traffic safety measures being pursued by the department in the Hicks Street corridor as a follow-up to the BQE Trench Enhancement Study. She also informed the Board that the Carroll Gardens library would be closed for two months for roof renovations.
Tamar Smith, representing Assembly Member Millman, reported that The Assemblywoman was very pleased to have played an important role in negotiating a settlement regarding Tobacco Warehouse and Empire Stores. Not only was she able to save these historic structures but also she was able to add 38,000 square feet of new parkland for Brooklyn Bridge Park. She also invited everyone to her annual Senior Resource Fair on Friday, June 22nd at St. Francis College.
Jim Vogel, representing State Senator Velmanette Montgomery reported to the board that the Senator supported rehearing the Barclays Center liquor license application because the arena representatives never mentioned at the hearing that they would be serving alcohol as late as 2am to the VIP sections of the arena. He urged everyone to come to a second SLA hearing, scheduled for June 20, where the public can voice its opinion regarding this issue.
Patrick Rhéaume, representing Congress Member Clarke, stated that FEMA would be redrawing the boundary lines for flood districts. This is important because depending whether your property falls within the boundary
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you may have to purchase flood insurance. The notice and comment stage is a few years off but if anyone would like to be involved in this process they should contact the Congresswoman’s office.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
LANDMARKS/LAND USE COMMITTEE………………………...….ROBERT LEVINE, LANDMARKS
…………………………….….PETER FLEMING, LAND USE
Landmarks Committee Chair Robert Levine reported that the committee reviewed a Certificate of Appropriateness application for excavation of front yard, installation of new steps, lower window openings at front facade, alterations to ironwork and replacement siding and new window locations at penthouse at 439-441 Henry Street.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation anticipated on a Certificate of Appropriateness application submitted to the Landmarks Preservation Commission for excavation of front yard, installation of new steps, lower window openings at front facade, alterations to ironwork and replacement siding and new window locations at penthouse at 439-441 Henry Street (between Kane/Degraw Streets), Cobble Hill Historic District.
VOTE: 38 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 7:32 P.M.
Landmarks Committee Chair Levine also reported that the committee reviewed a Certificate of Appropriateness application for the legalization of previously installed ironwork at 326A President Street.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation anticipated on a Certificate of Appropriateness application submitted to the Landmarks Preservation Commission for the legalization of previously installed ironwork at 326A President Street (between Smith/Hoyt Streets), Carroll Gardens Historic District.
VOTE: 38 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 7:34 P.M.
Landmarks Committee Chair Levine further reported that the committee reviewed a Certificate of Appropriateness application for the addition of a gas lamp post in front areaway and replacement ironwork at 110 Berkeley Place.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation anticipated on a Certificate of Appropriateness application submitted to the Landmarks Preservation Commission for the addition of a gas lamp post in front areaway and replacement ironwork at 110 Berkeley Place (between 6th/7th Avenues), Park Slope Historic District. Board Member Hildegaard Link stated that she loved the gas lights, but they use as much gas as a hot water heater.
Procedural Motion: by Board Member Judith Thompson, seconded by Board Member Mark Shames; To take the gas lights out of the motion and vote on them separately. 5
VOTE: 2 YEAS, 36 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION TO SEPARATE FAILED
TIME: 7:38 P.M.
Discussion continued on the original motion.
VOTE: 36 YEAS, 2 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED
TIME: 7:39 P.M.
Landmarks Committee Chair Levine additionally reported that the committee reviewed a Certificate of Appropriateness application for the expansion of a sidewalk tree pit in front of 100 Park Place.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation anticipated on a Certificate of Appropriateness application submitted to the Landmarks Preservation Commission for the expansion of a sidewalk tree pit in front of 100 Park Place (between 6th/7th Avenues), Park Slope Historic District.
Board Member Glenn Kelly stated that the only reason she came to us is to correct an existing sidewalk violation which is being caused by the roots of a tree. The Parks Department asked the applicant to enlarge the tree pit to rectify the violation.
Board Member Roger Rigolli asked if the size of the pit would be a hazard to pedestrians. Landmarks Committee Chair Levine stated no.
VOTE: 38 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 7:46 P.M.
Chairperson Kummer recognized Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer
Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer began by thanking the Board Members for their tireless efforts in representing the residents of the district. He stated that we need to begin to look at the future of Community Boards in a different way. This is the 20th anniversary in which Community boards have not received an increase in their budgets because they are not valued at City Hall. We need to create a citywide planning agenda which is neighborhood based and the community boards are the best vehicle to accomplish this. We have to have a charter revision commission to take a look at how neighborhoods can play a better role in figuring out what gets built in their communities. We need to make sure there are more resources at the local level where by each district office has a professional urban planner on staff because local communities do not have the expertise in land use, zoning and planning to be able to negotiate with large developers. Community Board 6 should be proud that they have an Urban Planning Graduate that has been working with District Manager Hammerman over the last few years. Because of his diligence he was able to bring that fellow program to Brooklyn. He ended by stating that he looks forward to working with Community Boards in the next year to get the resources that would make the above-mentioned items come to fruition.
PUBLIC SAFETY/ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION/PERMITS & LICENSES COMMITTEE
………………………………………………....GARY REILLY, CHAIR
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Permits & Licenses Committee Chair Gary Reilly reported that the committee reviewed an unenclosed sidewalk cafe permit application renewal at 170 7th Avenue.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to conditionally approve an unenclosed sidewalk cafe permit application renewal submitted to the Department of Consumer Affairs on behalf of Credence LLC dba Bareburger at 170 7th Avenue (between 1st Street/Garfield Place) to permit 16 tables and 32 seats with the condition that the number of tables and chairs be reduced to 12 tables and 24 chairs.
Board Member Robert Levine asked if the tables on 1st Street would in any way impedes or interferes with the entrances to the residences on the block. Board Member Monique Verret asked how much clearance would there be on the 1st Street side. Permits & Licenses Committee Chair Reilly stated that they are leaving 8 feet 3- 1/2 inches to pedestrians, and that 8 feet is the minimum required.
Board Member Glenn Kelly stated that one of the reasons for the sidewalk café is that they are a popular establishment that always has lines to get in.
Board Member Levine asked if there would be any fencing around the café because in other cafes they serve from the outside of the fence. Permits & Licenses Committee Chair Reilly stated that there would be a service aisle within the café which is also a requirement.
VOTE: 39 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 8:15 P.M.
Permits & Licenses Committee Chair Reilly also reported that the committee reviewed a new application for an unenclosed sidewalk cafe permit at 2 Lincoln Place.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to approve a new application for an unenclosed sidewalk cafe permit submitted to the Department of Consumer Affairs on behalf of Kiki Asian Bistro Corp. at 2 Lincoln Place (between 5th/6th Avenues) to permit 11 tables and 26 seats.
VOTE: 39 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 8:16 P.M.
Permits & Licenses Committee Chair Reilly further reported that the committee reviewed an on-premises liquor license application at 284 3rd Avenue.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to conditionally approve an on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of Bigger Boat Inc. at 284 3rd Avenue (between Carroll/President Streets) with the following conditions: Stop serving at 10pm and close at 11pm from Sunday to Thursday and stop service at 11pm and close at 12pm on Friday and Saturday. Outdoor space is limited to 10 seats and subject to appropriate certificate of occupancy. State in motion that “hours are as stipulated by applicant”.
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VOTE: 39 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 8:18 P.M.
Permits & Licenses Committee Chair Reilly additionally reported that the committee reviewed an on-premises liquor license application at 191 5th Avenue.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to approve an on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of Bierkraft Inc. at 191 5th Avenue (between Berkeley Place/Union Street).
Board Member Hildegaard Link spoke in favor of the motion stating that there is a precedent for having this type of business in Park Slope – Park Slope Ale House.
Board Members Mark Shames spoke in favor of the motion stating that there will be no odor issue permeating through the air in regards to the brewing of the beer.
Board Member Levine asked if the permit allowed more than 30 gallons to be brewed in a week. Permits & Licenses Committee Chair Reilly stated yes.
VOTE: 38 YEAS, 1 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED
TIME: 8:22 P.M.
Permits & Licenses Committee Chair Reilly additionally reported that the committee reviewed an on-premises liquor license application at 285 3rd Avenue.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to approve an on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of I'll Have Coffee LLC at 285 3rd Avenue (between President/Carroll Streets).
VOTE: 39 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 8:23 P.M.
Permits & Licenses Committee Chair Reilly furthermore reported that the committee reviewed an on-premises liquor license application at 271 Smith Street.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to approve an on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of Dassara LLC at 271 Smith Street (between Degraw/Sackett Streets).
VOTE: 38 YEAS, 1 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED
TIME: 8:24 P.M.
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Permits & Licenses Committee Chair Reilly also reported that the committee reviewed an on-premises liquor license corporation change application at 270 Smith Street.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to approve an on-premises liquor license corporation change application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of ILGT LLC at 270 Smith Street (between Degraw/Sackett Streets).
Board Member Monique Verret asked if there was a maximum on the number of licenses you can have on a block. Chairperson Kummer stated no, but there are the 500 foot rule hearings - If you are applying for a license to operate a bar, tavern, nightclub or adult entertainment facility, you would have to have a hearing if your establishment is within 500 feet of three or more licensed establishments.
VOTE: 39 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 8:29 P.M.
Permits & Licenses Committee Chair Reilly further reported that the committee reviewed an on-premises liquor license application at 195A 5th Avenue.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to conditionally approve an on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of 5th Avenue Salumi Inc. at 195A 5th Avenue (between Berkeley Place/Union Street) with the following conditions: License is for beer and wine only. Mark Shames supports the application. Stop serving at 10pm and close at 11pm from Sunday to Thursday and stop service at 11pm and close at 12pm on Friday and Saturday.
VOTE: 39 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 8:31 P.M.
Lastly, the Permits & Licenses Committee Chair Reilly reported that the committee reviewed an on-premises liquor license application at 278B 5th Avenue.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to approve an on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of Calexico 278 LLC at 278B 5th Avenue (between 1st Street/Garfield Place).
VOTE: 39 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 8:32 P.M.
NEW/OTHER BUSINESS
Board Member Thomas Miskel invited everyone to celebrate the 3rd annual Bloomsday literary pub crawl on June 16th, which will feature the requisite drinking and reading, plus traditional Irish music and a Leopold Bloom-approved lunch.
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COMMUNITY SESSION
Wayne Bailey & Steve Ettlinger, urged the Board to have a second hearing on the Barclays Center liquor license application because the arena representatives never mentioned at the first hearing that they would be serving alcohol as late as 2 a.m. to the VIP sections of the arena. They felt that the representatives lied at the hearing. Chairperson Kummer stated that the Community Board would not be having a second hearing.
Meagan Van Harte, representing NYC Office of Emergency Management will be distributing documents related to coastal storms, i.e. Ready NY Hurricane guide, Coastal Storm Basics, Hurricane Hazards, and Hurricane Evacuation Zone finder.
For more information please visit http://www.nyc.gov/html/oem/html/hazards/storms.shtml. She also asked if everyone would go to https://a858-nycnotify.nyc.gov/notifynyc/ to register for “Notify NYC” which is the City of New York's official source for information about emergency events and important City services.
Motion: by Board Member Roger Rigolli, seconded by Board Member Noel Berk-Rauch To adjourn the meeting.
VOTE: 39 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 8:45 P.M.
Minutes submitted into the district office by Assistant District Manager Leroy Branch on August 14, 2012.
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