BROOKLYN COMMUNITY BOARD 6
TRANSPORTATION/PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
OCTOBER 17, 2013
ATTENDANCE:
D. ABRAHAM J. ARMER W. BLUM
J. COHN D. DECOSTANZO E. GOTTLIEB
R. GRAHAM S, LONIAL D. MAZZUCA
E. MCCLURE A. MCKNIGHT T. MISKEL
G. REILLY R. RIGOLLI M. SILVERMAN
J. THOMPSON
EXCUSED:
D. GORDON
ABSENT:
E. ANDERSON D. GIULIANO G. O’CONNELL, JR.
R. SLOANE
GUESTS:
K. CHIU – REP, FOR HON. FELIX ORTIZ, STATE ASSEMBLY MEMBER
CAPTAIN JUSTIN LENZ – COMMANDING OFFICER NYPD 76TH PRECINCT
POLICE OFFICER V. MARRONE – COMMUNITY AFFAIRS 76TH PRECINCT
A. INGLESBY – REP. FOR MTA NYC TRANSIT
P. BLAKE – PRESIDENT OF THE 78TH PRECINCT COMMUNITY COUNCIL
M. FRIES L. MUCZYN F. D/AMICO
***MINUTES***
Introduction and discussion with new 76th Precinct Commanding Officer, Captain Justin Lenz.
Commanding Officer of the 76th Precinct, Justin Lenz addressed the committee. He introduced himself and his previous positions. Vincent Marrone, Community Officer for the Precinct was also present.
Matthew Silverman, co-chair of Public Safety, asked about crime hot spots. Captain Lenz noted our crime rate down significantly vs. the city. One homicide, one car theft with keys in the ignition seems to have largely been avoidable.
Question was asked about the homeless shelter and Police security? Captain Lenz noted they will coordinate with the shelter.
Jerry Armer who is the President of the 76th Precinct Community Council noted that the community should attend the CB6 meetings regarding the shelter to address/discuss concerns.
Captain Lenz noted the biggest concern tends to be loitering which they previously addressed with foot patrols _____ a similar condition.
Q. Regarding illegal truck enforcement – commercial trucks on residential streets. A. Captain Lenz said he will discuss the matter internally and try to address.
Matthew Silverman – the committee board passed a list of priorities, one of which was bike patrols. What is the 76th Precinct’s take on this in the neighborhood?
P. O. Marrone said the 76th has used it and likes it. It is good for community interaction.
Q. Motorized bikes are unregulated. What can the committee do to address this? A. Captain Lenz said that regulations are in place. Police tend to follow up at a work place with delivery persons if they see this.
Q. Speed enforcement efforts by the city – is this ongoing? A. The 76th Precinct is not involved.
Discussion of registering electric bikes – not clear at this time.
Eli Gottlieb noted that Hicks Street, north and south, is a speed issue that the committee has been pushing to address.
Officer Marrone noted if there are concerns on committee issues to call him as he is the Community Affairs Liaison.
Update presentation from representatives for the Taxi and Limousine Commission on the department’s new Boro Taxi service where cabs can now provide safe, legal street hail service to passengers in all 5 boroughs.
Justine Johnson of the Taxi and Limousine Commission discussed new boro taxi service. 6,000 new permits each year for 3 years. 18,000 total permits $1,500 per permit Can street hail or by call in the boroughs except in Manhattan below 96th Street. Airports only by prearranged – no hail.
The requirements for boro taxis are similar to yellow cabs. Green color and markings Meter LPAP (screen and ______ card) Inspections Can do flat fares for pre-arranged calls in place of meter 20% are wheelchair accessible ($1,200/year) – Only 231 yellow cabs are wheelchair accessible. As of October 8th, 3,585 – 2,379 regular – 1206 wheelchair accessible. 3 bases in CB6 for boro taxis.
32 permits for non-wheelchair accessible and 78 wheelchair accessible in CB6 928 drop offs since June 6, 2013 96% pick-up
Discussion of taxis. Note: 90 day process to back up so some cars may appear incomplete and cannot do street hails. Refusal to pick up or complaints are similar to yellow cabs through TLC.
Base cost is $3,000 for 3 years. Car license is $1,500 for 3 years. Then grows to $3,000 to $4,500 for 3 years. Years 1-3 $1500, Years 4-6 $3,000, Years 7-9 $4,500.
Q. What is driver’s response particularity to Manhattan ______ A. Generally good and positive reaction from drivers. Currently 19,000 applications for those licenses.
Q. Are there plans for city taxis at Newark. A. No answer.
Presentation and discussion with representative for New York City Transit on the agency’s plans to restore B37 bus service to 3rd Avenue in 2014.
Andy Inglesby, Dorian Statum and Sarah Wegs from NYC Transit lead the discussion on the partial reinstallation of the B37 bus from Bay Ridge to Atlantic Center. It will operate 7 days a week from 5am to Midnight. Every 20 minutes on weekdays and 30 minutes on weekends starting mid-year 2014.
Public hearing November 14th at 2 Broadway from 5pm to 7pm. The bus will not be going to Livingston Street due to the traffic.
Q. Statement. Feeling that partial reinstallation is not acceptable – particularly for the handicapped.
Q. Will stops be revised at the Whole Foods location? A. Tom Miskel replied that this will be revisited when Whole Foods opens and bus route starts. _________by DOT – likely stops will be revised.
Q. Traffic on 3rd Avenue can be bad - is NYCT working with DOT to address this traffic? A. Tom Miskel – since 2010, 3rd Avenue is much busier so this will be discussed/addressed likely this year.
Q. 3rd Avenue express buses – seem low ridership. Why wasn’t this cut instead or downgraded? A. B37 cut partly because there is a subway is on 4th Avenue.
Barclay center terminus to be determined
Discussion that 3rd Avenue traffic flow will need to be carefully reviewed both for traffic and businesses.
Can submit comments on www.mta.info website.
November 14 hearing, January Board meeting, implemented by mid-2014. Full bus ______ in Brooklyn in 2014.
Rescheduled presentation and review of a proposal to co-name Luquer Street between Clinton Street and Hamilton Avenue as “Lydia Buffington Way.”
Street renaming for Luquer Street between Clinton Street and Hamilton Avenue as “Lydia Buffington Way.” Jerry Armer made a motion to approve the co-naming.
VOTE: 17…..YEAS 0…..NAYS 0…..ABSTENTIONS
MOTION APPROVED: UNANIMOUSLY
Motion was made to approve the minutes of the meeting held on September 19, 2013.
MOTION APPROVED: UNANIMOUSLY
Brad Lander, City Council Member will be holding a meeting on Transportation on October 29 th at the Greenwood Baptist Church located at 7th Avenue and 6th Street.
There being no further business to come before the committee, the meeting was adjourned.
Minutes submitted by Eli Gottlieb.