BROOKLYN COMMUNITY BOARD 6
GENERAL BOARD MEETING
BROOKLYN BOROUGH HALL
209 JORALEMON STREET
DECEMBER 12, 2012
ATTENDANCE
PRESENT:
E. ANDERSON R. BASHNER P. BELLENBAUM
N. BERK-RAUCH J. BERNARD D. BRAVO
E. CAUSIL-RODRIGUEZ N. COX N. DUTTA
E. FELDER P. FLEMING J. HEYER
H. HUGHES G. KELLY J. KLETTER
M. KOLMAN D. KUMMER N. LALLI
R. LEVINE H. LINK R. LUFTGLASS
A. MCKNIGHT T. MISKEL C. PIGOTT
L. PINN G. REILLY R. RIGOLLI
M. RUIZ M. SCOTT D. SCOTTO
M. SHAMES E. SHIPLEY M. SILVERMAN
B. SOLOTAIRE L. SONES J. THOMPSON
S. TURET
EXCUSED:
F. BROWN SR. R. CERVONE D. GIULIANO
S. LONIAL G. O’CONNELL, JR. E. SPICER
M. VERRET
ABSENT:
M. CHIRICO Y. GIRELA R. GRAHAM
D. WILLIAMS
GUESTS:
HON. STEPHEN LEVIN, COUNCIL MEMBER
HON. VELMANETTE MONTGOMERY, STATE SENATOR
HON. KEVIN PARKER, STATE SENATOR
K. FEDER, BOROUGH PRESIDENT MARKOWITZ’ REPRESENTATIVE
M. SARCI, COUNCIL MEMBER LEVIN’S REPRESENTATIVE
A. ALEXIS, COUNCIL MEMBER GONZALEZ’S REPRESENTATIVE
C. ZINNEL, COUNCIL MEMBER LANDER’S REPRESENTATIVE
C. RIVERA & A. STRAHLE, ASSEMBLY MEMBER MILLMAN’S REPRESENTATIVES
O. JONAS, STATE SENATOR MONTGOMERY’S REPRESENTATIVE
Z. OTT, STATE SENATOR SQUADRON’S REPRESENTATIVE
P. WEISS, STATE SENATOR PARKER’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 6:41pm.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Board Member Benjamin Solotaire made a motion to accept the minutes of the November general meeting, seconded by Board Member Rick Luftglass.
VOTE: 25 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 6:44 P.M.
CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT………………………………………………………....….DANIEL KUMMER
Chairperson Daniel Kummer began his report by extending condolences on behalf of the board to Board Member Bob Levine on the recent passing of his mother. I hope that your warm memories of her may offer some small consolation for your family’s loss. You’re in our thoughts and prayers.
Chairperson Kummer reminded everyone that this year's annual holiday party is going to be held on Monday, December 17th from 6-9pm, at the Sheep Station on the corner of 4th Avenue and Douglass Street. The cost is $30 per person and will include hors d'oeuvres and non-alcoholic beverages. Of course, this event is also an end-of-the-year fundraiser for our non-profit organization so tax-deductible donations above the $30 are encouraged. Donations can also be made online at www.FBCB6.org.
Chairperson Kummer reported to the board that since there were no challenges to the current slate of officers, there will be no elections this month. He thanked Board Member Peter Fleming, our Election Committee Chair, for discharging the duties of that office in his usual expert fashion. He then congratulated his fellow officers and thanked them all for their continued service to the board.
Chairperson Kummer thanked Board Member Glenn Kelly for representing us at a State Liquor Authority hearing on the liquor license application for Kemistry Lounge at 260 Flatbush Avenue. Board Member Kelly gave an overview of the State Liquor Authority hearing procedures. He stated that they will be changing the length of the renewal licenses from every 2 years to every 3 years.
Chairperson Kummer also thanked Board Member Mark Shames for agreeing to take over as our official representative to the EPA’s Gowanus Canal Community Advisory Group. As our Environmental Protection Chair, and someone who brings a great deal of institutional knowledge and Gowanus-related enthusiasm to the table I am confident that our representation is in good hands.
Chairperson Kummer ended his report by wishing everyone a very happy holiday season.
DISTRICT MANAGER’S REPORT………………………………………….…….CRAIG HAMMERMAN
District Manager Craig Hammerman began his report by informing the board of emergency conditions at 42 President Street, 160 & 185 Van Brunt Street in our district. Department of Buildings has informed the property owners that the premises have to be made safe by demolition, repair, sealing or whatever means necessary to protect public safety.
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District Manager Hammerman ended his report by again inviting everyone to our Holiday Party as well as on New Year’s Day “The Polar Bear Plunge” which is an annual fundraising event in Coney Island.
District Manager Hammerman introduced and thanked Melissa Umberger who is the first Urban Planner to work for our Community Board. She has been with the office for almost two years now and started as a Planning Fellow through a voluntary program through school. Melissa been a strong influence over the work we have been doing on the Gowanus Brownfield Opportunity Area Grant as our Project Manager.
Chairperson Kummer recognized elected officials representatives
Kai Feder, representing Borough President Markowitz, stated that the Borough President in conjunction with the Brooklyn Law School and the Brooklyn Bar association’s Volunteer Lawyers Project has set up the Brooklyn Sandy Relief Legal Clinic which will offer storm-related legal and application assistance in regards to insurance claims; FEMA applications and appeals; public assistance; and housing. The clinic will be located at Brooklyn Borough Hall at 209 Joralemon Street, room 320. Hours of operation are Tuesdays from 1pm to 4pm and Thursdays 9am to noon. For more information call 718-802-3890 or email the legal clinic at sandyrelief@brooklynbp.nyc.gov.
Metin Sarci, representing Council Member Steven Levin stated that the City is currently instituted the NYC Rapid Repairs program which is a free program to help residential property owners affected by Hurricane Sandy make emergency repairs. These emergency repairs will allow residents to stay in their homes so that they can complete more permanent repairs and finishes. Emergency repairs include permanent or temporary restoration of heat, power and hot water, and other limited repairs to protect a home from further significant damage. To register for NYC Rapid Repairs go to www.NYC.gov, or call 311, or visit a NYC Restoration Center.
Catherine Zinnel, representing Council Member Brad Lander, invited everyone who volunteered at the Park Slope Armory Shelter during Sandy, to a reunion and holiday party on December 18th at the Shelter.
State Senator Velmanette Montgomery stated that effective January 1, 2013 most of the current 18th Senate district will become the new 25th Senate district. To view a copy of the new district please visits www.latfor.state.ny.us/maps/2012s/fs25.pdf. She also informed the board that she has written a letter to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation requesting an investigation of the Gowanus Canal contamination post-Hurricane Sandy, as well as a new EIS for the Lightstone Development Corporation project along the canal. She feels that the project would potentially add hundreds of new apartments and potentially thousands of new residents that would stress an already fragile infrastructure. She further stated that her December 2012 newsletter is dedicated to the Hurricane Sandy relief efforts of the community members in Brooklyn. It is a collection of stories told by Community individuals and Recovery relief organizers. To view a copy of the newsletter visit http://www.nysenate.gov/press-release/december-newsletter-available-hurricane- sandy-relief. The Senator ended by stating that she will be asking the Department of Health and Human Services to come to the district to participate in a forum on understanding the Heath reform act.
Chlöe Rivera, representing Assembly Member Millman, announced that the Assemblywoman’s office will be a drop off point for donations to the Park Slope Civic Council's annual Toys for Tots drive again this year. Please bring your new, unwrapped gifts for children to 341 Smith Street through January 6, 2013. Last year they helped the Civic Council distribute more than 1,600 toys to children through wonderful organizations around the district who serve children in need such as CHIPS, Project Reach Youth, St. Augustine Food Pantry, Red Hook Lions Club and Safe Horizon.
Zeeshan Ott, representing State Senator Squadron, stated that this past weekend the Senator hosted “New York After Sandy”, a resource fair and community conversation for NYC residents and businesses. The one-stop 3
shop connected residents and business owners in need with government agencies, utility companies, social and legal service organizations, volunteer groups, and other organizations that provided help ahead of disaster assistance deadlines. He also hosted a community conversation as part of the event, providing New Yorkers with a direct opportunity to make their voices heard on NYC's long-term recovery and how the city can prepare for future emergencies. The ideas discussed during the conversation will shape Senator Squadron's work at home and in Albany to push for vital emergency and relief programs and infrastructure improvements. For more information please visit http://www.nysenate.gov/senator/daniel-l-squadron.
Patrick Rhéaume, representing Congress Member Clarke, reported to the board that the Congresswoman would be meeting with Forest City Ratner next week to discuss Homeland Security issues at the Barclay Center. Any concerns regarding the Center should be directed to the Congresswoman’s office at 718-287-1142.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION/PERMITS & LICENSES COMMITTEE
…………………....GARY REILLY, PERMITS & LICENSES CHAIR
……………………MARK SHAMES, ENV. PROTECTION CHAIR
Permits & Licenses Committee Chair Gary Reilly reported that the committee reviewed a new on-premises liquor license application and a new Cabaret license application at 18 Commerce Street.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to approve a new on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority and a new Cabaret license application submitted to the Department of Consumer Affairs, on behalf of Forty-Forty No More Enterprises, Inc. dba Con Amor Cabaret at 18 Commerce Street between (Columbia Street/Richards Street).
Board Member Lou Sones spoke out against the motion stating that the neighbors of the establishment are leery of this application because of the past history of this location. He also stated that the vote at the committee was very closed and it narrowly passed. He questioned the credibility of the applicant because the signatures on the petition he submitted were from individuals who lived at least 2-3 blocks away in public housing. None of his neighbors signed the petition and 38 names were from individuals who lived outside of Red Hook. The applicant also stated that they would be catering food from a local business called Defonte’s and when Committee Member Bette Stoltz ask the representatives of Defonte’s if it was true they stated to her that it was not. In terms of the sound remediation the person they are using is a tenant of the landlord and it is arguable whether the sound will be mitigated to the satisfaction of the neighbors.
Board Member Nica Lalli asked if this applicant was the same as in the past. Permits & Licenses Committee Chair Gary Reilly stated no. She also asked if at the committee meeting there was distrust for the landlord or the applicant. Board Member Lou Sones stated that the committee had no problems with the landlord just the applicant because he changed his story several times and he felt the applicant was not being “on the up and up”.
Board Member Glenn Kelly spoke out against the motion stating that he was very skeptical of this applicant and his haphazard presentation because he/it was evasive.
Board Member Paige Bellenbaum stated that the applicant dropped the burlesque part of the application and will only do jazz and comedy. She further stated that the presentation was very poor and precarious.
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Board Member Noel Berk-Rauch spoke out against the motion stating that since the SLA will be revising their renewal rules from 2 years to 3 years, the sketchiness of the presentation, the problems in the past, and not having a specific report on sound mitigation we should vote against this motion.
Board Member Andrea McKnight stated that it would be nice to have a jazz club in the neighborhood but if this applicant is not “on the up and up” we should not vote in favor of it.
Board Member Neena Dutta spoke in favor of the motion stating that the applicant was willing to speak with his neighbors and they refused to do so.
Board Member Richard Bashner stated that he was inclined to abstain because he has not heard any overwhelming positive things about this application. He then asked if the applicant had experience running a jazz/comedy club. Permits & Licenses Committee Chair Gary Reilly stated that they previously ran a club in Fort Greene.
Board Member Mark Shames stated that if this applicant did not take out burlesque he would have voted against the motion but since they have we should give them an opportunity to run their business. They are in a manufacturing zone and this board is on record as saying it is in favor of mixed. Some of us only want the mixed use we want. This is a hard location to set up this type of a business and if they want to try even with all the past failures we should not stand in their way.
Board Member Matthew Ruiz spoke in favor of the motion stating that we should not penalize this applicant for the past sins of previous operators.
Amendment: by Board Member Mark Shames, seconded by Board Member Richard Bashner; To include a stipulation that there will be no adult, sexual explicit, and/or burlesque entertainment in the club.
VOTE: 33 YEAS, 3 NAYS, 1 ABSTENTION
AMENDMENT PASSED
TIME: 7:44 P.M.
Discussion on original motion as amended continued.
VOTE: 34 YEAS, 3 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED
TIME: 7:46 P.M.
Permits & Licenses Committee Chair Reilly also reported that the committee reviewed a new on-premises liquor license application at 140 Court Street.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to approve a new on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of Chipotle Mexican Grill, at 140 Court Street between (Pacific Street/Atlantic Avenue).
VOTE: 37 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 7:47 P.M.
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Permits & Licenses Committee Chair Reilly further reported that the committee reviewed a new on-premises liquor license application at 196A Flatbush Avenue.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to approve a new on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of Perfect Brew LLC at 196A Flatbush Avenue between (Bergen Street/Dean Street).
VOTE: 37 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 7:51 P.M.
Permits & Licenses Committee Chair Reilly additionally reported that the committee reviewed a new on- premises liquor license application at 548 Court Street.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to approve a new on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of Brewshank, Inc. dba La Slowteria at 548 Court Street between (Garnet Street/West 9 Street).
VOTE: 37 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 7:53 P.M.
Chairperson Kummer recognized an elected official representative
Dan Wiley, representing Congress Member Velázquez, stated that the Small Business Administration has extended the deadline for Hurricane Sandy survivors in New York to return applications for physical damage to Jan. 28, 2013. Survivors are encouraged to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency at 800- 621-3362 and return completed applications to the SBA. Homeowners and renters unable to obtain an SBA low-interest disaster loan may be referred to FEMA for grant consideration. For more information visit http://www.sba.gov/content/ny-13365-sba-extends-deadline-hurricane-sandy-survivors-new-york. The Congresswoman has also sent a letter to the Department of Housing and Urban Development calling for the establishment of a task force to evaluate and respond to public health and environmental concerns related to Super Storm Sandy’s impact on New York City. She has also signed off on a letter calling on Mayor Michael Bloomberg “immediately improve access” to the federal food stamp program for more prospective clients in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. The D–SNAP program went into effect in NYC on December 12, but she is “concerned about three elements” of the city’s plan to implement it: the lack of accessibility to the D-SNAP benefit centers for residents of hard hit areas; the short length of time these residents have to apply for these benefits; and the ineligibility of residents in some areas that were badly damaged by flooding.
YOUTH/HUMAN SERVICES/EDUCATION COMMITTEE
………..……JAMES BERNARD, YOUTH SERVICES CO-CHAIR
............BENJAMIN SOLOTAIRE, HUMAN SERVICES CO-CHAIR
.…...…….PAIGE BELLENBAUM, HUMAN SERVICES CO-CHAIR
………………….……..MARK KOLMAN, EDUCATION CO-CHAIR
..….…………..………SUZANNE TURET, EDUCATION CO-CHAIR
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Human Services Co-Chairperson Benjamin Solotaire reported to the Board that the committee reviewed Narco Freedom’s planned expansion to continue to provide methadone maintenance treatment program, adult alternative treatment program and neighborhood and family health center clinic services at 561 Court Street.
Motion: by Board Member Judith Thompson, seconded by Board Member Lou Sones; Recommendation to support Narco Freedom’s planned expansion to continue to provide methadone maintenance treatment program, adult alternative treatment program and neighborhood and family health center clinic services at 561 Court Street (between Bush Street/Hamilton Avenue).
VOTE: 37 YEAS, 0 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 8:08 P.M.
Chairperson Kummer again recognized elected officials
Council Member Steven Levin stated that his office has been working diligently to help individuals affected by Sandy. His office has been a drop-off center for much needed items to be distributed to Red Hook, the Rockaways, Coney Island, etc. The outpouring of support and help for the individuals in effective areas has been tremendous. At Gowanus Houses there were 6 buildings that did not have power and heat and hot water for 2 weeks, but the response from the community was extraordinary as well. Volunteers came a helped by checking on seniors and anyone who could not get up and down in the buildings bringing them food water and medicine. He believes NYCHA has a number of questions to answer about its response to Sandy and when they have hearings he will let us know. He ended by wishing everyone Happy Holidays.
Senator Kevin Parker stated that in the Senate they are trying to transition from relief to recovery in the wake of hurricane Sandy. What will the long term plans for redeveloping the ravage communities as well as upgrading the infrastructure to help as much as we can prevent the same type of destruction in the future?
COMMUNITY SESSION
No speakers registered
NEW/OTHER BUSINESS
Board Member Lou Sones thanked everybody for supporting Red Hook Gags fundraiser. They raised $3000.00 in which $1500 will be going to Red hook Initiative for their meals program to seniors in Red Hook and $1500 will go to businesses in Red hook who were most effected by Sandy.
Motion: by Board Member Nica Lalli, seconded by Board Member Glenn Kelly; To adjourn the meeting.
VOTE: 37 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 8:17P.M.
Minutes submitted into the district office by Assistant District Manager Leroy Branch on December 26, 2012.
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