BROOKLYN COMMUNITY BOARD 6
PARKS/RECREATION/CULTURAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
NOVEMBER 20, 2013
ATTENDANCE;
PRESENT:
S. ADELS E. CAUSIL-RODRIGUEZ
J. FRANCIS G. KELLY E. LIN
R. REILLY J. REISCHEL A. SOFILLAS
EXCUSED:
N. LALLI J. OLTMAN SMITH
ABSENT:
I. DUTTON J. HEYER
H. HUGHES M. RUIZ C. RYAN
J. STRABONE
GUESTS:
N. FUNG M. MAHER H. NATOLI
G. ROMAN M. KRATZER B. KAPOCIAS
R. GOMEZ LUNA C. KAPOLUNA N. ROCCO
L. ALBRECHT
*** MINUTES ***
Presentation and discussion with representatives for the Department of Parks &
Recreation on any outstanding and contemplated Capital projects and a report on the state of existing parks in the district.
Martin Maher, the Chief of Staff to the Parks Department’s Brooklyn Borough Commissioner made a presentation to the committee.
1. DiMattina dog run in active construction. Timeframe is expected to be less than 1 year. $450K from City Council and the Borough President’s Office.
2. St. Mary’s Park will schedule scoping meeting sometime before New Year. $850K for both but won’t extend to both parts. Will probably be enough for just one part.
3. Thomas Green Park finished and new fence expected.
4. Coffey Park – $1.9 Million from City Council to do new walks. Summer/Fall expected start.
5. Valentino Pier – $1.9 Million for bathroom and fishing platforms from City Council. Design by consultants due soon and construction to proceed in Summer. Hurricane Sandy did not cause sustained damage to the park.
6. Red Hook Field/Xavier High School agreement still in legal negotiation/review. No time frame.
7. Nicholas Haywood Park - $550K from the Mayor. Nets will resurface baseball courts. Issues with fencing? No and no damage reported either.
Updates/Questions: Fencing in Carroll Park? A. No timeline yet – as it is FEMA-related as it’s a non-emergency site. It will be 6 months to go through the procurement process along with 38 other sites.
Marty’s wish list is to repair Harold Ickes Park near HLC Tunnel plaza. Not been repaired since the 1980’s. Idea to incorporate biking but not finishing in place. Suggestion that Community Board approach Councilman and businesses in the area to advocate for ideas committee recommends on 2011 bus tour.
Q. What is the stance on Gowanus area’s park? A. Since there is no firm plan as yet, they aren’t involved.
Marty Maher said that if Double D Park is to be considered for EPA/DEP use, their department stance is full and complete replacement of parkland.
Q. LICH Parks? A. If a future entity wanted to turn it over to Parks Department they would be open to that but the paperwork is in place that whatever the entity that operates there – they are obligated to maintain it.
For composting, whoever wants it they must go through Sanitation Department.
Presentation and review of a proposal by the President Street Block Association to establish a community garden at 503 President Street (Block 440, Lot 45) between Nevins Street/3rd Avenue.
Ivan Rodriguez and Barbara Quadrello introduced themselves and members of their association who came – 21 people in all. Ivan outlined their vision, their application for the proposed site. Four schools and numerous businesses were contacted along with the Senior Center around the block. They were all approached for programming opportunities. The application was received by the Community Board office, they have applied to Green Thumb and they are now requesting endorsement from the Community Board before they can go to HPD.
The architect talked about the problem of a big drop from the sidewalk of 2 to 3 feet. The plan is to have a slope (vs. steps) for wheelchair access.
Q. What about the budget? A. They are relying on the Green Thumb program for soil – per consultation with Annie’s Garden but their plan is to approach area businesses once it is approved. They would like to get the contact names of other community gardens in the area and DEP. We will ask The District Manager, Craig Hammerman to prepare contacts for them.
The architect working with an engineering firm to assess what specific needs will be. One community member spoke out about it.
Motion was made by Judi Francis, seconded by Norman Cox:
Move to approve the President Street Neighborhood Garden Project application for a Green Thumb Community Garden and request they return in one year for a progress report.
MOTION APPROVED: UNANIMOUSLY
The minutes of the previous meeting held on October 2, 2013 were approved.
NEW BUSINESS:
- Judi Francis will present the 2010 Tour Slide Show for our next meeting. - The committee asked to set up a meeting to specifically address the protection of the LICH parks, asking for specific designated status. - Committee also requests from the CB office a list of parks, gardens and school yards in the CB for a committee reference as we plan to tour the CB’s parks. - Which CB committee handles GrowNYC green groceries? - Set up another Prospect Park Alliance meeting.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
The minutes were submitted by Judi Francis.