BROOKLYN COMMUNITY BOARD 6
GENERAL BOARD MEETING
COBBLE HILL HEALTH CENTER
380 HENRY STREET
FEBRUARY 11, 2013*
ATTENDANCE
PRESENT:
E. ANDERSON R. BASHNER P. BELLENBAUM
N. BERK-RAUCH D. BRAVO E. CAUSIL-RODRIGUEZ
SR. R. CERVONE N. COX N. DUTTA
E. FELDER P. FLEMING D. GIULIANO
J. HEYER G. KELLY M. KOLMAN
D. KUMMER N. LALLI R. LEVINE
H. LINK S. LONIAL A. MCKNIGHT
T. MISKEL C. PIGOTT L. PINN
G. REILLY R. RIGOLLI M. SHAMES
M. SILVERMAN L. SONES E. SPICER
S. TURET
EXCUSED:
J. BERNARD F. BROWN M. CHIRICO
Y. GIRELA R. GRAHAM H. HUGHES
J. KLETTER R. LUFTGLASS G. O’CONNELL, JR.
M. RUIZ M. SCOTT D. SCOTTO
E. SHIPLEY B. SOLOTAIRE J. THOMPSON
M. VERRET D. WILLIAMS
ABSENT:
(*NOTE: Because this meeting date was changed, any absent Board Members were automatically listed as
excused.)
GUESTS:
K. FEDER, BOROUGH PRESIDENT MARKOWITZ’ REPRESENTATIVE
M. RIVERA, COUNCIL MEMBER GONZALEZ’S REPRESENTATIVE
C. ZINNEL, COUNCIL MEMBER LANDER’S REPRESENTATIVE
T. SMITH, ASSEMBLY MEMBER MILLMAN’S REPRESENTATIVES
O. JONAS, STATE SENATOR MONTGOMERY’S REPRESENTATIVE
B. CAPE, STATE SENATOR SQUADRON’S REPRESENTATIVE
Complete list of meeting attendees on file at District Office 1
Chairperson Daniel Kummer called the meeting to order at 6:39pm.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Board Member Robert Levine made a motion to accept the minutes of the January general meeting, seconded by Board Member Andrea McKnight.
VOTE: 31 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 6:41 P.M.
CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT………………………………………………………....….DANIEL KUMMER
Chairperson Daniel Kummer began his report by extending condolences on behalf of the board to our former Chairperson, Pauline Blake, whose sister Cherry Blake passed away a few days ago. Cherry Blake, like her sister Pauline, was also quite active in the Park Slope community teaching Sunday school at St. Augustine’s R.C. Church on 6th Avenue for the last 3 decades, and serving as the Secretary of the 78th Precinct Community Council. Our hearts go out to the Blake Family. They will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Chairperson Kummer reported to the Board that only 2 years ago Continuum Health Partners had announced their intention of closing down various health care services at Long Island College Hospital. At that time, we immediately heard from LICH, who were transparent and honest in explaining the fiscal challenges that Continuum was facing. Based on intensive lobbying and a great deal of behind-the-scenes action a deal was brokered for Continuum to sell LICH to SUNY-Downstate. When SUNY-Downstate took over, they did so with much fanfare and an announcement that they would be preserving LICH’s spectrum of health care services. Flash forward 2 years later, and we learn that the State Comptroller issued a report in January 2013 detailing the precarious fiscal condition of SUNY-Downstate. With absolutely not a word from anyone at LICH, we learn in the media that SUNY-Downstate is not only considering closing down LICH, but that their Board of Directors has even voted to go ahead with it. What’s most outrageous is that no one at the hospital, or at SUNY-Downstate, or the Governor’s Office, has reached out to let the community know that any of this was going on. We have been trying to get someone to come out to brief our Youth/Human Services/Education Committee, seemingly to no avail. From what we know, even though SUNY-Downstate has as much as written off LICH, they cannot move ahead without the approval of the State Department of Health which has a unit that oversees hospitals. So even though SUNY-Downstate may intend to close down LICH, it is not as yet a fait accompli. And, of course, there is a lawsuit challenging the process. We will keep you posted as we learn more about this most troubling development.
Chairperson Kummer informed the Board that last month he announced that the EPA had released their Potential Remediation Action Plan (or PRAP) for the Gowanus Canal and that the period of comment on the proposal ran through March 28, 2013. We have recently learned that the EPA has extended the period of comment an additional 30 days to April 27, 2013. In the interim there have been a series of meetings, some involving the EPA and some strictly for the Red Hook community, to talk about one element of the PRAP that would potentially involve establishing a processing facility on the Red Hook waterfront to treat some of the dredged materials from the canal and turn it into inert landfill to be used to fill in a section of the private property that would be used. This element has engendered a great deal more curiosity on the part of Red Hook residents who are coming to learn more about it. There will be a meeting at 6:30pm this Wednesday evening, February 13th at P.S. 15, 71 Sullivan Street (between Richards and Van Brunt Streets) with the EPA to answer more questions about this controversial element of the proposal. The EPA has pledged previously that they
2
would not force the community to take on this element if it proves to be too controversial so they are interested in making sure that everyone knows the facts before a judgment is reached.
Chairperson Kummer ended his report by advising the Board that we’ve also seen some alarming headlines about the Brooklyn Public Library’s intention of selling off the Pacific Branch Library at 4th Avenue and Pacific Street in Park Slope. Since 2004 we have been pressuring both the Brooklyn Public Library and the Landmarks Preservation Commission to move forward on a report that would allow the designation of the branch as an individual landmark, as it was the first Carnegie-designed branch library in Brooklyn when it was built in 1904. Both agencies have stymied these efforts over the years for reasons never known to us. Now, it seems, the Brooklyn Public Library intends to use the proceeds of the sale of this property to finance the construction of a new, modern library branch a bit further to the north in the Brooklyn Academy of Music, or BAM, Cultural District. There is currently a ULURP application that has gone to Brooklyn CB2 and the Borough President to approve the BAM South Site development which would include the new library branch. They are projecting that the new branch wouldn’t be open until 2016 at the earliest, and they will not move ahead with the disposition of the Pacific Branch until after the BAM South Site development application is approved. We have been assured that the disposition of the Pacific Branch is subject to ULURP, so there would be a public review process before the property could be sold. But they are clearly dependent on the funds from the sale to finance the new branch, which puts the disposition question well after the fact when it comes to future planning for their system. At this time we are looking to bring representatives of the Brooklyn Public Library out to meet with us in March to reintroduce themselves; it’s been more than a few years since their last visit and obviously there’s a lot going on that they haven’t been proactively sharing.
DISTRICT MANAGER’S REPORT………………………………………….…….CRAIG HAMMERMAN
District Manager Craig Hammerman began his report by advising the board that the Department of Transportation has informed the district office that they have recently initiated a comprehensive investigation of the proposed installation of a speed hump on 13th Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues. They will conduct a study to evaluate the warrant and feasibility of a speed hump installation. They anticipate completing their study within the next sixteen weeks and will notify us of their findings at its conclusion.
District Manager Hammerman informed the Board that TVM Productions is currently in production on its latest television series entitled The Americans. They will be filming on location at Union Street between Columbia and Hicks on Wednesday February 13th, 2013. The scene involves a stunt car explosion. They will be in the area between the hours of 4:30pm and 9pm and the stunt will occur between the hours of 6pm and 9pm.
District Manager Hammerman ended his report by advising the Board that MTA has informed the district office of the proposed Bus Schedule Revisions that will take effect in April 2013. The revisions in our district will be in the B61 that will in the AM peak go from a bus every 9 minutes to a bus every 8 minutes and at Midday go from a bus every 12 minutes to a bus every 10 minutes. There are no proposed changes to the PM peak or evening schedules. We welcome the additional B61 service!
Chairperson Kummer recognized elected officials representatives
Kai Feder, representing Borough President Markowitz, reported to the board that all of its members should have received their board reappointment letters and they are due by February 28th. He ended by informing the Board of upcoming events at Borough hall. February 14th – Valentine Day Celebration for anyone married 50 years or more, February 27th – African American Heritage Celebration, March 11th-25th Dine In Brooklyn, and March 15th – St. Patrick’s Day brunch.
Catherine Zinnel, representing Council Member Brad Lander, reported that the Councilman has released his annual report. The report can be viewed at: http://bradlander.com/Annual-Report-2012. There will be a 3
Community Forum about LICH that will take place on Thursday, Feb. 14th at the Kane Street Synagogue. The meeting will center on how the community can work together to save the hospital. This forum is sponsored by the Cobble Hill Association, Brooklyn Heights Association, Carroll Garden Association, Kane Street Synagogue, New York State Nurses Association, and 1199 SEIU. Councilman Brad Lander along with State Senators Daniel Squadron and Velmanette Montgomery, Assemblywoman Joan Millman, and the Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz sent letters to Comptroller John Liu and the City’s Corporation Counsel requesting rejection of an extension of DHS emergency declaration, as well as the proposed contract for 165 West 9th Street. The Comptroller has stated that his office would be auditing the work DHS has done with Alan Lapes and the proposed operator Housing Solutions USA/Aguila Inc. Once we hear back from them we will inform the board.
Tamar Smith, representing Assembly Member Joan Millman, urged everyone to sign the Assemblywoman’s petition which calls on Chairman H. Carl McCall of the State University of New York to keep University Hospital Brooklyn at Long Island College Hospital open. To sign the petition, go to: http://www.change.org/petitions/governor-andrew-cuomo-and-nys-health-department-commissioner-dr-nirav- shah-keep-university-hospital-brooklyn-at-long-island-college-hospital-open. She ended by informing the Board that on Thursday, January 24th Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver appointed the Assemblywoman to the Assembly Committee on Ways and Means.
Oscar Jonas representing State Senator Velmanette Montgomery stated that the Senator was also against the closure of LICH and also signed the letters to Comptroller John Liu and the City’s Corporation Counsel requesting rejection of an extension of DHS emergency declaration, as well as the proposed contract for 165 West 9th Street. He ended by stating that the Senator has introduced new legislation with Assemblyman David Weprin that would take control of the city’s schools out of the hands of the Mayor and place it in a new Board of Education.
Belinda Cape, representing State Senator Squadron, stated that the Senator has also spoke out against the closure of LICH stating that "Our fight isn't over. SUNY's plan essentially turns a $63 million state grant into a subsidy for a massive real estate deal that will cut essential services without any community benefit. It should be no surprise that our community and Brooklyn will feel looted with this result. DOH has an opportunity to ensure the needs of this community and all of Brooklyn is met – and that's precisely what we will urge it to do."
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 at 499 Union Street.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to approve a new on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of 499 Union Street LLC, at 499 Union Street (at Union/Bond Streets).
Board Member Nica Lalli asked if there was a difference between a catering and a restaurant license. If the applicant receives this license can they change it to something else? Board Member Neena Dutta stated that this is not a catering license, they are asking for a full liquor license. Board Member Nica Lalli further stated that the applicant would like to get the license so anyone renting their space would not have to get a temporary license. 4
Permits & Licenses Committee Chair Gary Reilly stated that this license is specifically for the catering hall business. The applicant could not open up to the general public and begin to sell liquor.
Board Member Dominique Bravo asked the capacity of the catering hall. Permits & Licenses Committee Chair Gary Reilly stated 200 people.
VOTE: 31 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 7:00 P.M.
Permits & Licenses Committee Chair Reilly also reported that the committee reviewed a renewal of an on- premises Beer and Wine license application at 396 6th Avenue.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to conditionally approve a renewal of an on-premises Beer and Wine license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of Lucky Lou’s Café and Grill at 396 6th Avenue (between 6th/7th Streets) with the condition that the door remain closed.
VOTE: 31 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 7:05 P.M.
Permits & Licenses Committee Chair Reilly further reported that the committee reviewed a new on-premises liquor license application at 284 5th Avenue.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to approve a new on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of Terroir Park Slope LLC, at 284 5th Avenue (between 1st Street/Garfield Place).
VOTE: 30 YEAS, 1 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED
TIME: 7:08 P.M.
Permits & Licenses Committee Chair Reilly additionally reported that the committee reviewed an unenclosed sidewalk café permit application renewal at 223 5th Avenue.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to approve an unenclosed sidewalk café permit application renewal submitted to the Department of Consumer Affairs on behalf of Mescals of 5th Avenue Restaurant Corp. at 223 5th Avenue (between President/Union Streets) to permit 14 tables and 18 seats.
VOTE: 31 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 7:10 P.M.
LANDMARKS/LAND USE COMMITTEE………….…...….ROBERT LEVINE, LANDMARKS CHAIR
5
…………………...….PETER FLEMING, LAND USE CHAIR
Landmarks Committee Chair Robert Levine reported that the committee reviewed a Certificate of Appropriateness application submitted to the Landmarks Preservation Commission for alterations to 19 Montgomery Place, Park Slope Historic District.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to conditionally approve a Certificate of Appropriateness application submitted to the Landmarks Preservation Commission for replacement railings at front entrance, façade alterations at rear elevation, rooftop addition and HVAC equipment at roof of 19 Montgomery Place (between Carroll St/Garfield Place), Park Slope Historic District with the following conditions: Glass on rear second floor be replaced by picket-type iron fence Glass railing in front replaced by picket-type iron fence Add fence to front roof patio about 4 feet back from front façade to prevent visible use Eliminate dormers and elevated roof line at rear and put mechanicals at roof level.
VOTE: 31 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 7:20 P.M.
COMMUNITY SESSION
Shari Appollon, representing the Brooklyn Lacrosse Club an organization whose mission it is to bring the sport of lacrosse to the youth of Brooklyn, stressing fundamentals, teamwork, respect and Brooklyn. She emphasized the girls program which takes place in Brooklyn Bridge Park (at Pier 5). They will be hosting free clinics and college fairs this summer. For more information please visit http://www.brooklynlacrosse.org.
Diana Richardson, representing Boys Town New York an organization that opened in 1990 that offers hope and healing to troubled children and families through a variety of programs for a culturally diverse population of adolescents from all five boroughs of New York City. Most of their children have violated the law in some way and enter Boys Town services through New York City Administration for Children’s Services. A smaller percentage of our children and families come to us through self-referral. She highlighted the Common Sense Parenting program which is a practical, skill-based program that teaches parents logical strategies and easy-to- learn techniques to address issues of communication, discipline, decision making, relationships, self-control and school success in their families. For more information please visit http://www.boystown.org/new- york/programs/csp.
David Rood-Ojalvo, representing Project Hope Crisis Counseling Program in Red Hook which was created by The New York State Office of Mental Health and funded by FEMA to assist individuals, families, and groups impacted by the disaster caused by Hurricane Sandy. Project Hope offers free and confidential supportive counseling and public education services to Hurricane Sandy disaster victims. For more information please visit http://www.omh.ny.gov/omhweb/disaster_resources/project_hope or call 646-265-3210.
Vrunda Vaghela, representing NYU graduate students studying Urban Planning stated that they are now in the process of studying the Gowanus Canal area to do a comprehensive neighborhood plan. If anyone would like to be a part of the study and volunteer you can contact them after the meeting. Chairperson Kummer asked them to follow up with our District Manager
6
Susan Lopez, a resident who lives on Court Street, spoke out against the possible closure of LICH. She stated that if the hospital is closed it will cause hundreds of employees to be out of work, and adversely affect the many patients who use the hospital on a daily basis. The neighborhoods population is growing particularly with all the new developments in the area and for this reason we really need the hospital especially for very serious illnesses (cardiac care). She urged everyone to call the Governor’s office to get involved and prevent the closure of the hospital.
NEW/OTHER BUSINESS
No new business from any board member
Motion: by Board Member Roger Rigolli, seconded by Board Member Paige Bellenbaum; To adjourn the meeting.
VOTE: 31 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 7:36P.M.
Minutes submitted into the district office by Assistant District Manager Leroy Branch on March 4, 2013.
7