BROOKLYN COMMUNITY BOARD 6
PARKS/RECREATION/CULTURAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
OCTOBER 17, 2012
ATTENDANCE;
PRESENT:
Z. ABRAMS E. CAUSIL-RODRIGUEZ N. COX
I. DUTTON J. HEYER H. HUGHES
G. KELLY J. KLETTER N. LALLI
K. MAIER M. PETTIT C. PIGOTT
E. ROBERTS J. OLTMAN SMITH A. VESSELS
EXCUSED:
C. RYAN
ABSENT:
R. CERVONE J. FRANCIS R. GRAHAM
B. SLADE
GUESTS:
B. YOUNG M. LINSEY A. MESA
E. MCELHINNEY L. HUGHES-O’HIGGINS C. HAMPTON
L. BLANK L. ANATOL M. HAYES
L. GRAHAM J. KOSNIK L. MAYERS
M. SCHAFFRIN R. SOPHIC K. GOULD
R. BLANK R. LEVINE
*** MINUTES ***
Presentation and discussion with representative for Prospect Park on Prospect Park- related planned and contemplated projects, programs and policies of interest to park users and supporters.
Eric Landau – Vice President for Government and External Affairs and Special Assistant to the President of the Prospect Park Alliance was the representative.
Committee Co-Chair Nica Lalli greeted special guests – the Girl Scouts of Troop 2295.
She also reported on the vote to extend Cobble Hill Park to 10:00pm.
Glenn Kelly, Co-Chair reported on conversation with the 76th Precinct who told him that they were obligated to enforce.
Eric Landau introduced himself and described his duties. Lakeside Center – described new rinks and facilities.
- 1 open rink - 1 covered rink - Hockey - Roller skating - Giant fountain
Celebrating the restoration of the lake and restoration of the music island. Dedication ceremony on Friday morning. Open to the public on Saturday and Sunday. Fall 2013 – the center will be complete and open. Abraham Lincoln Monument will remain where it is for now. Parking on Breeze Hill Long Meadow ball fields – multi-year project/multi $M. Phase 1 – field mostly focused on drainage. Starting next year will be closed for one year. Phased to permit continued use of fields. Prospect Park will receive Participatory Budget funds – Money to rehabilitate Pedestrian paths, drainage and add garbage cans. To start 2013. Building at Well House Drive being converted to restrooms – in future toilets at the Tennis House. New restroom in the Parade Ground in construction will be done by Spring/Summer 2013. Parade Grounds – drainage/fence heights improvements - summer 2013/1 year duration. Fields are in good shape at present.
Q: Can historical markers plaques be included? Q: Limited access from park side – more gates? Part of gate work. A: Could be studied.
Future Projects: Grand Army Plaza Memorial Arch – restoration of the arch. Raising money – design as started. Restore/alter Tennis House for administrative use. Raising money. Picnic House: add air conditioning. Design is ready – trying to raise money. (All changes require Landmarks approval as well as other agencies/boards) Bowling Green working with Gallop NYC to provide classrooms. They are raising money to build a riding ring – private endeavor Received grant for master plan to study: - NE perimeter (Vale of Kashmir) - Restore rose garden - Restore ponds - New restroom - New entry - Restore Flatbush Avenue sidewalk/fence (next major capital project) - Fix Oriental Pavilion and upper concrete grove. Q: Three monuments in Vale of Kashmir? A: Will be restored. Q: Lakeside: Empire Music?
A: No music planned. RFP for operator being created.
Q: Gates to Parade Ground are often locked – have to walk? A: Can check
Q: Safety of Vale of Kashmir? A: Activate the area to bring users in.
Prospect Park Alliance pays approximately 2/3 of park operations.
Q: Will top of arch ever be opened? A: Maybe if restoration.
Q: Is Prospect Park Alliance responsible for the Villa? A: Shares with borough offices and other organizations.
Park Drive: facelift and changes. Joint effort of many groups to plan changes to the drive. Drive was re-marked to clarify the lanes. Crosswalks: cars: timed system, without cars: lights are green except they can push button for red. Has volunteers helping pedestrians and bikers understand new system. Formal bike races must be done by 8:30.
Q: Stats on bike-pedestrian accidents, can we have? A: Yes, but old numbers are not accurate.
Working with race marshals to improve race management.
Q: PPW sidewalk: weeds and poor condition? A: Not spraying anymore/short staffed, can’t really address it.
Bartel Pritchard Square parking lot – regarding complaints about events/noise. Will lower decibel limit to 75 @ 350 feet after 10:00pm No event permits with band or DJ.
Q: Use Bartel Pritchard parking in the evening? Q: Redesign Bartel Pritchard? Trash - extra crews – early and late. Q: Any consideration of “blue light” system in park or PPW? A: Hasn’t been considered.
Comment – keep dirt path clear along the drive. Keep drainage clear at arches.
There being no further business to come before the committee, the meeting was adjourned.
Minutes submitted by Norman Cox