BROOKLYN COMMUNITY BOARD 6
GENERAL BOARD MEETING
OLD FIRST REFORMED CHURCH
729 CARROLL STREET
FEBRUARY 12, 2014
ATTENDANCE
PRESENT:
R. BASHNER P. BELLENBAUM N. BERK-RAUCH
F. BROWN E. CAUSIL-RODRIGUEZ SR. R. CERVONE
E. FELDER P. FLEMING Y. GIRELA
R. GRAHAM V. HERAMIA J. HEYER
G. KELLY A. KRASNOW D. KUMMER
R. LEVINE H. LINK S. LONIAL
R. LUFTGLASS D. MAZZUCA L. PINN
M. RACIOPPO G. REILLY R. RIGOLLI
M. SHAMES M. SILVERMAN B. SOLOTAIRE
L. SONES E. SPICER J. THOMPSON
S. TURET D. WILLIAMS
EXCUSED:
D. BRAVO C. CALABRESE D. GIULIANO
A. MCKNIGHT T. MISKEL M. RUIZ
M. SCOTT E. SHIPLEY J. STRABONE
ABSENT:
E. ANDERSON H. HUGHES M. KOLMAN
P. MINDLIN C. PIGOTT D. SCOTTO
GUESTS:
HON. JAMES BRENNAN, STATE ASSEMBLY MEMBER
L. JACOBSON, BOROUGH PRESIDENT MARKOWITZ’ REPRESENTATIVE
L. WELLINGTON, COUNCIL MEMBER MENCHACA’S REPRESENTATIVE
C. ZINNEL, COUNCIL MEMBER LANDER’S REPRESENTATIVE
L. WHEELOCK, ASSEMBLY MEMBER BRENNAN’S REPRESENTATIVE
M. M. ALAM, ASSEMBLY MEMBER ORTIZ’S REPRESENTATIVE
T. SMITH, ASSEMBLY MEMBER MILLMAN’S REPRESENTATIVE
J. VOGEL, STATE SENATOR MONTGOMERY’S REPRESENTATIVE
S. EDWARDS, STATE SENATOR PARKER’S REPRESENTATIVE
J. HAMILTON, 20TH STATE SENATORIAL DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE
R. YOUNG, STATE SENATOR SQUADRON’S REPRESENTATIVE
P. RHEAUME, 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 6:44pm.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Board Member Noel Berk-Rauch made a motion to accept the minutes of the January’s general meeting, seconded by Board Member Roger Rigolli.
VOTE: 25 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 6:46 P.M.
CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT………………………………………………………....….DANIEL KUMMER
Chairperson Daniel Kummer began his report by informing the Board that he, along with District Manager Craig Hammerman and Assistant District Manager Leroy Branch, had a chance to sit down with our new City Council Member Carlos Menchaca to talk about some of our outstanding concerns for Red Hook and offer our support for helping to get him and his staff up-to-speed on the issues affecting the Red Hook community that we’ve been involved in over the years. The Chair expressed optimism about working closely with him and his eager staff who already are making quite an impression on the community.
Chairperson Kummer reported to the Board that yesterday, he appeared and testified before the Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA) at their public hearing on New York Methodist Hospital’s (NYM) proposed new Center for Community Health building which we had voted on last month. This Board resolution and his testimony had a strong effect on BSA and NYM was asked to submit additional materials by March 4th. The community will have until March 25th to comment on those materials.
Chairperson Kummer advised the Board that we had several town hall meetings followed by site visits to our public housing properties in our district as we began to pull together a comprehensive list of our outstanding issues, programs and policies which we intended to bring to the attention of the New York City Housing Authority. Of course, our efforts were interrupted by the impacts of Hurricane Sandy which, itself, became yet another learning experience for us. We have managed to schedule a follow-up meeting with the Presidents of all of our respective tenant associations which will be happening later this month so we should be in a good position to reenergize our advocacy efforts very shortly. The Chair thanked Housing Chair Ariel Krasnow for staying with this important subject. As a sense of scale, we have over 4,500 units of public housing in our district which, according to NYCHA statistics, accounts for more than 10,750 residents. More than 10% of our district lives in public housing. It is essential that we continue to play an active role in the life of our public housing residents and, through our advocacy, work to make conditions better for everyone in our district.
Chairperson Kummer encouraged everyone to consider attending The City Club of New York and Pratt Institute’s Breakfast Panel Discussion called, “Acting Local: Community Boards and Neighborhood Planning” which will include our District Manager as a panelist next Friday, February 21st from 8:30-10:00am. With the substantial turnover in leadership in local government taking place we have a chance to contribute and influence many agendas. Discussions like these are opportunities to explore ideas – old and new ones – and really be a part of the change that’s happening around us.
Chairperson Kummer thanked Board Member Mark Shames and District Manager Hammerman for attending the City Law Borough Presidents Breakfast Panel Discussion held last week with the City’s 5 Borough Presidents. I’m told that we could be very proud of our Borough President Eric Adams for offering some strong
2
opinions on issues important to us, like preserving libraries, strengthening Community Boards, and taking advantage of new technologies but not dehumanizing government in the process.
Chairperson Kummer ended his report by informing the Board that the office of Assembly Members Jim Brennan and Joan Millman, together with other local elected officials, New York Methodist Hospital, and CB’s 6, 7 and 14 will be hosting a Volunteer Fair the evening of Thursday, May 29th. More information about the fair will be sent out from the district office as the details are finalized.
DISTRICT MANAGER’S REPORT………………………………………….…….CRAIG HAMMERMAN
District Manager Craig Hammerman began his report by informing the board that he and Assistant District Manager Branch attended a meeting with the Deputy Borough President Diana Reyna and other District Managers from Brooklyn. We discussed submitting to Borough Hall items that we felt needed to be addressed through the Borough Service Cabinet agenda. The Borough Service Cabinet, chaired by the Borough President or a member of his staff and composed of the district managers of Brooklyn’s community boards and representatives from city agencies, focuses on city service delivery and agency responsiveness across the borough. Since the meeting Borough Hall has addressed at least 3 items on the list we jointly submitted. We look forward to working with the new Borough Hall staff in the future.
District Manager Hammerman advised the board that the annual Youth Acknowledgement Awards application is now available on our website at www.BrooklynCB6.org/Announcements. The awards seek to honor youth who have made a substantial contribution to improving the quality of life in our neighborhoods through direct action or by serving as a positive role model for others. Also available on our website is the Robert Acito Award for Youth Involvement application which will be given to an adult member of the CB6 community who has demonstrated a commitment to young people and has proven to be a positive force in their lives. The awards will be given out at our May Board meeting.
District Manager Hammerman reported to the Board that we have been advised by the Street Activity Permit Office that several applications for Weekend Walks have been submitted. Each year, the Department of Transportation partners with community groups to present neighborhood events on multi-block stretches of commercial streets temporarily closed to vehicles and opened to walking and other activities. Local merchants' associations, community groups, and business improvement districts host Weekend Walks as a fun way to highlight local businesses and cultural institutions. He and Assistant District Manager Branch will be meeting with the organizers of the Walks which will include to two days in July and two days in August. As more information becomes available we will let you know.
District Manager Hammerman reported to the Board that the community garden on 12th Street and 4th Avenue that was reviewed by this Board in 1997 in which we supported a proposal by the Sisters of Mercy to develop a frail developmentally disabled group home on the site is finally moving forward. The board back then negotiated with the Sisters of Mercy to include a community garden for the surrounding community as part of the project. While completing the process they found a buried tank on the site which brought on environmental concerns that the Sisters of Mercy had to address before moving forward. On February 5th they have informed us that they finally closed on the site and now they can proceed with building the group home.
District Manager Hammerman ended his report by informing the Board that he still had tickets to visit the Lakeside Skating Rink on February 25th. Anyone interested should see him at the end of the meeting.
Chairperson Kummer recognized elected officials and their representatives
3
Assembly Member James Brennan began by thanking all the Board members for their participation on the Board and their dedication to the residence of the district. He stated that he will be co-sponsoring a Community Volunteer Fair at Congregation Beth Elohim located on 8th Avenue and Garfield Place. Over 50 neighborhood services, cultural and athletic organizations, including those that focus on the environment, children, recreation, youth, women, health, the arts, community service and the elderly will all be there. Anyone interested please contact his office at 718-788-7221. He further mentioned that the Governor gave the State Legislature the State budget on January 21st. It is anticipated that they will complete work on it and enact it by March 31st. The Mayor has asked for approval from the State Legislature and the Governor to increase the NYC income tax from 3.9% to 4.4% for people making over 500,000 per year for 5 years. This increase would raise $500 million per year which will allow NYC to implement full day Universal PreK program city-wide within 2 years. $330 million will go to the PreK programs and $170 million will go to JHS After school programs. He is hopeful this will pass the legislature. Lastly, the Governor would like to limit spending increases state wide to 2% per year for the next 4 years so that he can fund additional tax cuts across the state. The problem with this is that most of the tax cuts would go to residents outside of NYC because most of the cuts involve rebates to homeowners. Since NYC residents are only ¼ of the homeowners across the state, ¾ of the money always goes outside of NYC. One of the largest tax cuts ($1 billion) would only go to residents outside of NYC because it is part of a plan to pay for local property tax increases in the suburbs and upstate NY even though we here in NYC pay state taxes like everyone else. This he believes is unfair. One last thing, if the Governor only limits spending increases to 2%, the State will not be able to provide additional support to the MTA for its construction budget over the next 5 years leaving the burden on the residents of NYC by increasing the fare unabated.
Lauren Jacobson, representing Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams stated that everyone should have received in the mail the re-application for the Board. She has copies for anyone who did not receive them. She ended by stating that this would be her last meeting since she was leaving borough hall and enjoyed working with everyone from the board.
Lee Wellington, representing Council Member Carlos Menchaca, invited everyone on March 6th to a “Build It Back” Workshop at P.S. 15 in Red Hook. They are expecting NYCHA and the Mayor’s Office on recovery to be in attendance to discuss the reopening of the enrolment period for the program. Also, we finally received the dates for the public review period for the City’s CDBG-DR Action Plan. The plan details how the City plans to spend the $1.773 billion grant from HUD for eligible Hurricane Sandy disaster recovery and rebuilding activities. The written comment period will end March 2nd. For more information please contact the councilman’s office at 718-439-9012.
Catherine Zinnel, representing Council Member Brad Lander, stated that for local non-profits who are seeking small expense funding grants, need to submit their applications by March 21st. For more information please visit http://council.nyc.gov/html/budget/application.shtml. Also, the “Love Your Block” grants applications are due by February 20th. The Brooklyn PTA 5k Fun Run will take place on the morning of Saturday, May 10th in Prospect Park. Online registration will open soon. She ended by informing everyone that the councilman will now be inviting anyone to ask him questions about the issues that are important to them, via the new website AskThem.io.
Maruf Mitu Alam, representing Assembly Member Félix Ortiz stated that “Briana’s Law” which would require cops to get CPR retraining every two years passed in the State Assembly yesterday. The Assemblyman is supporting a bill (A.5872-A) to establish a goal of awarding 5% of state contracts to service disabled veterans who own small businesses. For more information on any of the legislation please visit http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Felix-Ortiz/. He ended by stating that NYCHA will no longer have to pay 52 million for the NYPD Housing Bureau (PSA1). They will be able to keep the money and use it where it is most needed. He commended the Mayor for his assistance in making this happen.
4
Tamar Smith, representing Assembly Member Joan Millman, reported that the Assemblywoman announced her support for legislation (A.8343) introduced to increase New York State’s minimum wage to $9.00 per hour. The Assembly passed the entire 10 point package entitled The Women’s Equality Act, but the Senate had a problem with the pro-choice point. The Assemblywoman is confident that the full legislature will pass the act with all 10 points. The Assemblywomen is in support of a bill introduced that would reduce the city’s speed limit from 30 to 20 mph on all streets except those chosen by the City Council for different speeds. National Grid has begun its preliminary work for remediation at the Public Place Site in our district. She ended by stating that the Assemblywomen support the zoning variance for NY Methodist Hospital.
Jim Vogel, representing State Senator Velmanette Montgomery expressed admiration to this board because Board Member Paige Bellenbaum went to Albany to coach Senators on how to put together a funding bill. The Senator is working on the “Real Jobs For Real People” initiative. She has been holding meetings with other elected officials and community leaders in order to find ways that the City and the State working together can encourage the use of industrial lands in our City for “Real Jobs for Real People”. He ended by stating that a municipality could only use the money saved by Medicaid waivers if you reduce the hospital beds in a certain community by a minimum of 25%. It is expressly not to be used to bail out institutions that are in trouble.
Jordan Levine, representing State Senator Daniel Squadron stated that the MTA will be rolling out Bus Time, the real-time bus tracking service throughout Brooklyn by the end of the month. Riders will now have access to real-time info on bus arrivals via the MTA website, text messages, and apps. The Senator will also be hosting a forum to discuss the 5 week closure of the “G” train this summer on April 3rd at 6pm. He ended by asking everyone to save the date for the Senator’s 2014 Community Convention which will be Sunday, April 27, 2014 from 2-5pm at Seward Park Ed Campus which is located at 350 Grand St. in Manhattan.
Patrick Rheaume, representing Congress Member Yvette Clarke stated that the Congresswomen has submitted a bill, the National Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure Protection Act that would increase collaboration between federal agencies and private companies to protect our information and require additional monitoring of potentially vulnerable systems. She is hopeful that it will pass. For more information please visit http://clarke.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-clarke-s-statement-on-bipartisan- commitment-to.
Dan Wiley, representing Congress Member Nydia Velázquez, stated that the Congresswomen is in opposition to H.R. 3102, the legislation that would cut the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. She feels that if one supports this bill you are voting to take food from the mouths of almost 4 million of our fellow citizens. She also supports an extension of unemployment insurance benefits. The Congresswomen continues to fight for LICH and will push SUNY to have a more open and transparent process. He invited everyone to attend Red Hook NY Rising CRP Resiliency Open House on February 22nd and 23rd from 11am – 6pm. For more information visit http://portsidenewyork.org/portsidetanke/2014/2/13/red-hook-ny-rising-crp-resiliency-open- house-sat-222-sun-223-11am-6pm. He ended by also encouraging everyone to get involved in the Bridging Gowanus Community Planning Process sometime in mid-March.
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 unenclosed sidewalk café and an alteration to a current on-premises liquor license application at 346-348 Flatbush Avenue.
5
Motion: by Committee (coupled);
Recommendation to approve a new unenclosed sidewalk café on behalf of Marco’s Brooklyn, Inc. dba Franny’s at 348 Flatbush Avenue (between 8th Avenue/Sterling Place) to permit 4 tables and 10 seats.
Recommendation to approve an alteration to a current on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of Marco’s Brooklyn, Inc. at 346-348 Flatbush Avenue (between 8th Avenue/Sterling Place).
VOTE: 27 YEAS, 0 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 7:43 P.M.
Permits & Licenses Committee Chair Gary Reilly also reported that the committee reviewed the renewal of an unenclosed sidewalk café permit application at 347 Court St.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to approve the renewal of an unenclosed sidewalk café permit application submitted to the Department of Consumer Affairs on behalf of Marco Polo Take Out LLC. dba Enoteca at 347 Court St. (between President/Union Streets to permit 4 tables and 8 seats.
VOTE: 27 YEAS, 0 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 7:45 P.M.
Permits & Licenses Committee Chair Gary Reilly additionally reported that the committee reviewed a new on- premises liquor license application at 404 Henry Street.
Motion: by Board Member Peter Fleming, seconded by Board Member Sayar Lonial; Recommendation to approve a new on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of 404 Henry St. Corp. at 404 Henry Street (between Kane/Baltic Streets) with the condition it is more than 200 feet away from P.S. 15.
VOTE: 27 YEAS, 0 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 7:50 P.M.
Permits & Licenses Committee Chair Gary Reilly further reported that the committee reviewed a new on- premises liquor license application at 51 5th Avenue.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to approve a new on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of The Chocolate Room at 51 5th Avenue (between St. Marks Avenue/Bergen Street.
VOTE: 27 YEAS, 0 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 8:00 P.M.
6
Permits & Licenses Committee Chair Gary Reilly moreover reported that the committee reviewed a new on- premises liquor license application at 257 Columbia Street.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to approve a new on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of Solivan Services dba Orchard at 257 Columbia Street (between Carroll/President Streets).
VOTE: 27 YEAS, 0 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 8:03 P.M.
Permits & Licenses Committee Chair Gary Reilly likewise reported that the committee reviewed a new on- premises liquor license application at 478 Smith Street.
Motion: by Board Member Peter Fleming, seconded by Board Member Sayar Lonial; Recommendation to approve a new on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of K G Carroll Gardens LLC dba Kimchi Grill at 478 Smith Street (between Garnet/West 9th Streets).
VOTE: 27 YEAS, 0 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 8:05 P.M.
Permits & Licenses Committee Chair Gary Reilly in the same way reported that the committee reviewed a new on-premises liquor license application at 286 3rd Avenue.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to approve a new on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of 3 Avenue Corp. at 286 3rd Avenue (between Carroll/President Streets).
VOTE: 27 YEAS, 0 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 8:06 P.M.
Permits & Licenses Committee Chair Gary Reilly similarly reported that the committee reviewed a new on- premises liquor license application at 344 7th Avenue.
Motion: by Board Member Peter Fleming, seconded by Board Member Sayar Lonial; Recommendation to approve a new on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of Khaw Thai Inc. at 344 7th Avenue (between 9th/10th Streets).
VOTE: 27 YEAS, 0 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 8:08 P.M.
7
LANDMARKS/LAND USE COMMITTEE………….…...….ROBERT LEVINE, LANDMARKS CHAIR
…………………...….PETER FLEMING, LAND USE CHAIR
Landmarks Committee Member Glenn Kelly made the report on behalf of the committee chairs, neither of which was able to attend the last committee meeting. Committee Member Kelly reported that the committee reviewed a Certificate of Appropriateness application for the enlargement of an existing areaway in the front yard of 777 Carroll Street.
Motion: by Board Member Robert Levine, seconded by Board Member Roger Rigolli; Recommendation to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness application submitted to the Landmarks Preservation Commission for the enlargement of an existing areaway in the front yard of 777 Carroll Street (between 7th/8th Avenues), Park Slope Historic District with the condition that if LPC has no objection to the enlargement of the basement doors, we have no objection to bluestone removal as long as it is re-used in order to maximize bluestone in the front courtyard.
VOTE: 28 YEAS, 0 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 8:10 P.M.
YOUTH/HUMAN SERVICES/EDUCATION COMMITTEE
……………………….....…...........VACANT, CHAIR YOUTH SERVICES
……...........BENJAMIN SOLOTAIRE, CO-CHAIR HUMAN SERVICES
………...........PAIGE BELLENBAUM, CO-CHAIR HUMAN SERVICES
……………………...........SUZANNE TURET, CO-CHAIR EDUCATION
………………..……...........MARK KOLMAN, CO-CHAIR EDUCATION
Human Services Co-Chairs Benjamin Solotaire and Paige Bellenbaum reported to the Board that the committee reviewed a proposal by Urban Recovery House to establish a 25-30 bed methadone-free rehabilitation facility for self-pay clientele at 110 Beard Street.
Motion: by Board Member Benjamin Solotaire, seconded by Board Member Glenn Kelly; Recommendation to support a proposal by Urban Recovery House to establish a 25-30 bed methadone-free rehabilitation facility for self-pay clientele at 110 Beard Street (between Richards/Van Brunt Streets).
After a lengthy discussion by several Board Members it was decide that more information was needed for the board to make an informed recommendation.
Motion: by Board Member Mark Shames, seconded by Board Member Hildegaard Link; To recommit.
VOTE: 22 YEAS, 6 NAYS
MOTION PASSED
TIME: 9:00 P.M.
8
COMMUNITY SESSION
Renee Crowley, representing the Fifth Avenue Committee is focusing on resilience work in Red Hook and Gowanus areas giving individuals the tools to rebuild their homes in a resilient way. They are also focusing on foreclosure prevention programs to help homeowners who might have gone into debt because of Sandy. For anyone who would like more information please email her at rcrowley@fifthave.org.
Arthur Goldstein asked if DOT plans to expand the Citi Bike sharing program to Park Slope. If they did would the Community Board be if favor or against it. He feels the program is detrimental to the real estate values of Park Slope by having them in front of residential buildings. District Manager Hammerman stated that DOT would like to bring the program to our district but at this time they lack the funds. That could change with the new Administration and if it does we were assured that we would have the opportunity to review the locations.
NEW/OTHER BUSINESS
Motion: by Board Member Noel Berk-Rauch, seconded by Board Member Robert Levine; To send a letter to Governor Cuomo supporting the renaming of the new Tappan Zee Bridge and/or portions of the Hudson River after the late Pete Seeger.
VOTE: 24 YEAS, 2 NAY, 2 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED
TIME: 9:08 P.M.
Motion: by Board Member Robert Levine, seconded by Board Member Suzanne Turet; To conditionally support the Legislation (Intro No. 28) to amend the New York city charter, in relation to requiring that all community board full board meetings be webcast with the condition that the City identify the resources and provide technical assistance for such a project.
VOTE: 31 YEAS, 0 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 9:10 P.M.
Board Member Judith Thompson stated that the State of New York would like to kill every last swan in our state. We have these birds in Prospect Park and children love them. The State’s argument for killing them is simple because they are not native to our state. Some people consider the swans an invasive species, however they are beautiful and most people love them. We should write a letter asking that they be spared. Chairperson Kummer stated that he would refer this issue to the Environmental Protection Committee.
Motion: by Board Member Roger Rigolli, seconded by Board Member Judith Thompson; To adjourn the meeting.
VOTE: 28 YEAS, 0 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 9:14 P.M.
Minutes submitted into the District Office by Assistant District Manager Leroy Branch on February 26, 2014.
9