BROOKLYN COMMUNITY BOARD 6
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
COBBLE HILL COMMUNITY MEETING ROOM
NOVEMBER 4, 2013
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ATTENDANCE:
PRESENT:
D. KUMMER P. BELLENBAUM J. BERNARD
N. COX G. KELLY M. KOLMAN
A. KRASNOW R. LEVINE S. LONIAL
R. LUFTGLASS T. MISKEL G. REILLY
M. SHAMES E. SHIPLEY M. SILVERMAN
L. SONES S. TURET
EXCUSED:
R. BASHNER P. FLEMING
ABSENT:
B. SOLOTAIRE
GUESTS:
S. WHITEHOUSE M. WEDICK
*** M I N U T E S ***
Meeting was called to order at 6:41pm.
Motion was made by Lou Sones and seconded by Glenn Kelly to approve the minutes of the last meeting held on October 7, 2013.
MOTION PASSED: UNANIMOUSLY
Presentation by the consultant team working for Friends of Brooklyn Community Board 6, Inc. on the draft findings of the Gowanus Canal Corridor Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA) study, a State-funded program which enables groups to formulate adaptive reuse plans and economic redevelopment strategies for brownfield properties.
A discussion of findings and proposed recommendations followed. Mark Shames expressed concern and opposition to any push toward historic district designation for the study area. It was explained that the “District” described consists of a handful of non-contiguous properties listed in the ACE. EIS report from 2004 (relating to Whole Foods.) General agreement that such a designation should be explored but is not yet supported until more is understood about the implications. Sayar Lonial suggested we reach out to the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce about funding for the proposed Gowanus Business Advocate, based on job creation projections.
Discussion followed of how such projections would be developed and funded. Matt Silverman suggested we highlight and lead with the infrastructure recommendations. As they form a foundation for the success of all the other recommendations. He also suggested that we support the establishment and development of a Gowanus business/economic development organization. Ariel Krasnow suggested that we support green industrial jobs through these recommendations. Could we include some guidelines to push for more sustainable industrial development?
Regarding the proliferation of hotels in manufacturing zones, the next administration may be very receptive to a specific zoning limitation on hotels in this area. We would want these restrictions tied to any request for an increase in F.A.R. (to spur building improvements), and there is a good chance we could get them.
Glenn Kelly suggested we reach out to Small Business Services’ outgoing director for assistance in crafting a job description for the Business Advocate. We don’t want to reinvent the wheel.
All agreed that we should talk to a number of development and business support organizations about how to create and fund this position.
There being no further business to come before the committee, a motion to adjourn was made by Elizabeth Shipley and seconded by Bob Levine.
MOTION PASSED: UNANIMOUSLY
Minutes submitted by Elizabeth Shipley.