May 14, 2014

BROOKLYN COMMUNITY BOARD 6

GENERAL BOARD MEETING

BROOKLYN BOROUGH HALL

209 JORALEMON STREET

MAY 14, 2014

ATTENDANCE

PRESENT:

E. ANDERSON R. BASHNER P. BELLENBAUM

N. BERK-RAUCH F. BROWN E. CAUSIL-RODRIGUEZ

SR. R. CERVONE E. FELDER P. FLEMING

Y. GIRELA D. GIULIANO R. GRAHAM

G. KELLY A. KRASNOW D. KUMMER

R. LEVINE H. LINK S. LONIAL

R. LUFTGLASS D. MAZZUCA A. MCKNIGHT

T. MISKEL C. PIGOTT L. PINN

G. REILLY R. RIGOLLI M. RUIZ

M. SCOTT D. SCOTTO M. SHAMES

E. SHIPLEY B. SOLOTAIRE L. SONES

E. SPICER J. THOMPSON S. TURET

D. WILLIAMS

EXCUSED:

V. HERAMIA J. HEYER H. HUGHES

M. SILVERMAN

ABSENT:

M. KOLMAN M. RACIOPPO J. STRABONE

GUESTS:

HON. BRAD LANDER CITY COUNCIL MEMBER

HON. JAMES BRENNAN, STATE ASSEMBLY MEMBER

K. FEDER, BOROUGH PRESIDENT ADAMS’ REPRESENTATIVE

M. OJALA, COUNCIL MEMBER LEVIN’S REPRESENTATIVE

L. WELLINGTON, COUNCIL MEMBER MENCHACA’S REPRESENTATIVE

B. ALONZO, COUNCIL MEMBER LANDER’S REPRESENTATIVE

T. SMITH, ASSEMBLY MEMBER MILLMAN’S REPRESENTATIVE

O. JONAS, STATE SENATOR MONTGOMERY’S REPRESENTATIVE

R. YOUNG, STATE SENATOR SQUADRON’S REPRESENTATIVE

D. WILEY, CONGRESS MEMBER VELÁZQUEZ’ REPRESENTATIVE

L. BENJAMIN, KINGS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY THOMPSON’S REPRESENTATIVE

Complete list of meeting attendees on file at District Office. 1

 YOUTH ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AWARDS 

Chairperson Daniel Kummer introduced Youth Services Committee Co-Chairperson who praised this year’s recipient “The Cookie Kids of P. S. 58” for their dedication and volunteerism in providing relief and assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. He then presented their adult representative Ilana Levine with their 2014 CB6 Youth Acknowledgement plaque and each young person with a certificate. The ceremony concluded with remarks from Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams.

Chairperson Daniel Kummer called the meeting to order at 6:45pm.

 ADOPTION OF MINUTES 

Board Member Glenn Kelly made a motion to accept the minutes of the April’s general meeting, seconded by Board Member Peter Fleming.

VOTE: 32 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS

MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

TIME: 7:00 P.M.

CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT………………………………………………………....….DANIEL KUMMER

Chairperson Daniel Kummer began his report by informing the Board that he has received a resignation from Board Member Elizabeth Shipley, who recently moved outside of our district. Citing escalating work demands coupled with this change of residence, she felt that the best option for her was to resign at this time. With Elizabeth’s resignation we currently have 43 Board Members. While membership terms technically expire on March 31st for those of us who are up for reappointment, anyone who is currently serving as a board member automatically continues to serve until new appointments are made which could happen at any time.

Chairperson Kummer reminded the Board that each year in June we begin the process of applying for membership to our standing committees for the yearlong term that begins on September 1st. At our Executive Committee meeting on Monday night it was the consensus of the committee that our existing committee structure is working well so it will remain in place for the 2014-2015 session. The district office will send out new Committee Membership Request forms next month, which I urge you all to complete and return to them as quickly as possible. Even if you think we have your resume on file, please provide us with your most up-to- date version, and especially let us know if any of your personal contact information like phone numbers or email addresses has changed. Please keep in mind that I do make every effort to give board members their top choices when possible.

Chairperson Kummer also reported to the Board that the Executive Committee reviewed and discussed changes which we believe will strengthen our public notification and outreach standards and rules to ensure that the public has convenient and ample access to information about actions coming before us which may impact the community. Some changes to our requirements for applicants will be incorporated into our existing rules over the summer, which will be in place in time for our new committee session in September. One special new policy was also discussed and adopted which I will share with you now. As you all are very well aware, our Permits & Licenses Committee often has a significant caseload dealing with all of the new applicants coming to us for liquor licenses and sidewalk café permits. While we have not routinely reviewed liquor license renewals, we have been automatically reviewing sidewalk café permit renewals which, by and large, have not surfaced any problems with these operations or produced any further changes to any conditions we may have imposed when we first reviewed them as new applications. Therefore, we will now apply the same rule for sidewalk café permit renewals that we use for liquor license renewals – unless the district office has a reason to put a

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sidewalk café permit renewal before the committee, which would typically be because of a persistent, chronic and founded complaint history, or if the community petitions us to hear it, we will no longer be automatically hearing sidewalk café permit renewal applications before our Permits & Licenses Committee. I believe this will allow us to continue to intervene in situations where reviews are warranted, and not bog down our committee and board with mindless automatic reviews that have not added value to the City’s overall permitting process.

Chairperson Kummer ended by invited all interested parties to the Transportation Committee meeting on May 15th, where they will be discussing with our elected officials an act to amend the vehicle and traffic law and administrative code of the City of New York, in relation to reducing the speed limit to 20 miles per hour.

DISTRICT MANAGER’S REPORT………………………………………….…….CRAIG HAMMERMAN

District Manager Craig Hammerman began his report by informing the Board that he was invited to be a presenter at a Brownfield conference that was given by New Partners for Community Revitalization (NPCR). In the discussion he proposed an idea that the City as well as the State could create a dedicated earmark of funding stream for environmental remediation programs from environmental violation penalties that they collect, especially since the theme of the conference was how the future of brownfield funding is uncertain in New York State. NPCR stated that they would include the concept in their final report to Albany.

District Manager Hammerman advised the board that we have submitted a draft of the Gowanus Brownfields Opportunity Area (BOA) report to the State which is currently under review. As soon as they sign off on it, we will share the final report more broadly. One of the recommendations of the report is to study the feasibility of creating an Industrial Business Improvement District (iBID) somewhere in the Gowanus. We have applied for discretionary funds from our local city council members so we can bring together the area’s indigenous manufacturers, artist, designers and business advocates to see whether an iBID is something that would suit their needs.

District Manager Hammerman informed the board that DOT will be resurfacing the segments of Bond Street that needs it before they install the new bike lanes and markings. This is in response to what the board had recommended in its conditional approval of the bike lanes. The other section of Bond Street that does not need resurfacing, the bike lanes will be installed imminently. DOT has agreed to come to our June Transportation Committee meeting to make a presentation and discuss how roadways get resurfaced. They are also in the process of installing pervious pavers at the 4th Street cul-de-sac, per the plan they presented to Transportation Committee last year.

District Manager Hammerman reported that the Department of Sanitation is in the process of distributing the new brown bins for the organic waste recycling collection that will begin next month in portions of our district. They will begin with the east/west streets from Union to 15th Streets and move from the canal to Prospect Park west to the east, before doing the north/south Avenues. We will be including reminders the Gowanus and Park Slope communities.

District Manager Hammerman advised the board that the Department of Design and Construction will be finishing their work on Henry Street in Cobble Hill and will restore the trench by the end of the week. The sidewalks are being done by National Grid, who is still working on Warren Street, and will be completed by the end of June. Any bluestone or tinted concrete that was disturbed will be restored or replaced in-kind.

District Manager Hammerman ended his report by announcing that the Reconstruction of Columbia Street is nearly completed. The contractor at this point is working on the various odds-and-ends or “punch list” items. If anyone sees anything that they believe should have been done, let the district office know as soon as possible so we can see if it can be added to the list before the City signs-off and releases the final payment. As a byproduct of their completion the community and city agencies have already begun the construction of new, interim open

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space on the west side of Columbia Street between Kane and Degraw Streets, a little project we are referring to as Diverter Park.

Chairperson Kummer recognized elected officials and their representatives

Assembly Member James Brennan began by thanking all of the Board Members for their tireless service and professionalism. He invited everyone to this year’s Brooklyn Volunteer Fair which will host nearly 100 Brooklyn-based organizations and cater to anyone who is ready and willing—from high school students looking to earn community service credit to retired individuals looking to contribute to their community. The fair will be held at the Park Slope Armory on May 29th. More information is available at https://www.facebook.com/BrooklynVolunteerFair. The Assemblyman then updated us on a few items regarding the State budget:  He supports the Legislature placing a $2 billion Smart School Bond Act on the ballot in November. If the voters support it, the State will borrow $2 billion for schools and New York City would get $783 million for technology and infrastructure for the schools. The State would pay the interest on the bonds.  SCRIE eligibility was increased from $29,000 to $50,000. This means that many more seniors will be eligible for these benefits which help to hold down the cost of their rent. The City Council must adopt the proposal before it can go into effect on July 1.  The New York City public school system got a 5.5% increase in State Aid for education. New York City also got $33 million to help pay debt service on the bonds the City government issues for school construction and renovation.

Kai Feder, representing Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams stated that Borough Hall is available for use by non-profits. The Borough President convened his Renewable and Sustainable Energy Taskforce (ReSET), a collaboration between Borough Hall, city and state agencies, higher education and green policy think tanks that is focused on advancing a sustainable future for Brooklyn. The initial discussion gave an opportunity for Borough President Adams and his staff to exchange ideas in breaking down the barriers to using renewable energy in Brooklyn, including combating bureaucratic red tape and greater information sharing. Some preliminary ideas discussed included the greening of Brooklyn Borough Hall, offering residents energy literacy opportunities and developing incentives to engage community-based organizations with renewable energy programs. The Borough President proposed Brooklyn Borough Hall as a processing center site for the municipal ID program sponsored by Councilman Menchaca, and supported by the Mayor and Speaker, for Municipal ID Cards for all New Yorkers including “undocumented” persons in the country without legal status and meant to help elderly, low-income, and transgendered persons who would find it difficult or inconvenient to get an ID from the DMV. He ended by stating that the Borough President is working with the City Council for the restoration of the Industrial Business Zone funding which Mayor de Blasio’s budget would eliminate.

Matt Ojala, representing Council Member Steven Levin invited everyone to attend a conference on Postpartum Depression on May 29th at Congregation Beth Elohim. For more information please visit http://ppdnyc.eventbrite.com.

Lee Wellington, representing Council Member Carlos Menchaca, stated that the Councilman has co-sponsored a bill to create a New York City municipal ID card that would help immigrants in the country illegally, the homeless and others who struggle to get government-issued identification. She stated that the Red Hook Coalition will be adding more community meetings to discuss the Long Term Community Recovery Plan - a documented plan written by the community, specifically speaking to the community’s needs around recovery from a disaster; and preparedness for future disasters. The next meetings will be at the Miccio Center located at 110 West 9th Street from 6:00pm-7:30pm on May 29th, June 12th, and June 23rd. For more information please visit http://redhooksummit.com/community-recovery/. She stated that the Councilman gave a tour of the Red Hook Community to Amy Peterson head of the City’s Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts. The Councilman engaged her in a discussion about “Build-it Back” and how the residents and business owners can receive some

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of the much needed funds. The councilmember supports the use of speed cameras, especially in school zones and the restoration of the Industrial Business Zone funding.

Basilisa Alonzo, representing Council Member Brad Lander, informed the board that the annual Brooklyn PTA 5k Fun Run will take place on May 10th in Prospect Park. For more information please visit http://brooklynpta.org. The councilman will be hosting a “Vision Zero” Town Hall on April 21st. Following the Town Hall meeting, participants will be invited to attend two interactive workshops, where you can join in small discussion groups and map conditions in the neighborhoods where you live, work, and visit, April 24th and April 29th. For more information please visit http://bradlander.com/. He further stated that the Legal Aid Society has filed a lawsuit against Haysha Deitsch (the landlord of the Prospect Park Residence), and the New York State Department of Health (which accepted his proposal to close the facility). The suit hopes to prevent – or at least delay – the closure of the residence, and allow these seniors to remain in their homes. The lawsuit also seeks to compel the NYS Department of Health and the owner to live up to their legal obligation to maintain vital services at the site. He ended by inviting all interested parties to go online at http://bridginggowanus.org/signup/ and sign up to receive email announcements about upcoming Bridging Gowanus meetings and events. The next meeting will be sometime after Memorial Day.

Tamar Smith, representing Assembly Member Joan Millman, also invited everyone to the Brooklyn Volunteer Fair on May 29th. She stated that State University of New York was unable to execute a satisfactory contract agreement with Brooklyn Health Partners to save Long Island College Hospital. SUNY said it will be moving ahead with the second-highest bid proposal for operating the hospital which is Maimonides Medical Center and North Shore-LIJ Medical Center. It would include out-patient services at Long Island College Hospital and a new clinic in Red Hook. The hospital is currently set to close on May 22nd if an agreement is not made. The Assemblywoman in support of Vision Zero wrote a letter to the United States Department of Transportation supporting a $25 million grant for safety improvements at priority locations including Fourth Avenue. These would include traffic calming, pedestrian and bike connections to employment centers, public spaces, and safety improvements for school children. She is also in support of lowering the speed limit to 20 miles per hour.

Oscar Jonas, representing State Senator Velmanette Montgomery, stated that the Brooklyn Navy Yard Industrial Park is excited to once again offer a summer internship opportunity to young adults attending or entering college. The goal of the program is to provide worthwhile work experiences for college students living in the communities surrounding the Brooklyn Navy Yard. The deadline is May 16th. For more information visit http://brooklynnavyyard.org. The Senator has proposed a bill that would allow the use of an anti heroin drug. This would require paramedics and some medical facilities to have access to this life saving drug.

Robbie Young, representing State Senator Daniel Squadron, stated that Mayor Bill de Blasio, has announced that he met with executives of Macy’s and urged them to move the store’s annual fireworks show back to the East River and they will do so. Senator Squadron has sponsored the Fair Wage Act, which would require large employers and chain stores to pay employees $15 an hour.

Dan Wiley, representing Congress Member Nydia Velázquez, stated that the Congresswoman on May 3rd went to the Realty Collective in Red Hook to participate in the Red Hook NY Rising Community Reconstruction Program to improve and strengthen the Red Hook community following the devastation that Superstorm Sandy. She was really impressed by the 9 post-Sandy storm preparedness/climate resiliency projects that were choosing to possibly receive $3 million in state funding. Tomorrow the Congresswoman will be hosting a round table discussion with HUD Regional Executive Holly Leicht and various City and State agencies to discuss business resiliency, loan grant programs and how to improve them. The congresswoman and other local elected officials have signed a letter asking SUNY to provide a continuation of services at LICH until a provider is found.

Latoya Benjamin, representing Kings County District Attorney Kenneth P. Thompson stated that the District Attorney’s Action Center is available to assist the people of Brooklyn with criminal justice matters such as domestic violence, child abuse, school violence, immigration fraud, gun and illegal drug activity in their 5

community and other crime-related as well as quality of life issues. The center is open Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm. For more information please call 718-250-2340 or visit http://www.brooklynda.org/daac/daac.html. The Kings County District Attorney’s Office is committed to rooting out government corruption in Brooklyn. The Public Integrity Bureau is dedicated exclusively to this mission and proactively investigates corruption at all levels of government. If you have any information about government corruption, call the Public Corruption Hotline at 718-250-2747 or use the Public Corruption Complaint Form by visiting http://www.brooklynda.org/pib/public- integrity-form-2014.pdf. All complaints are confidential and you may submit complaints anonymously.

 COMMITTEE REPORTS 

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION/PERMITS & LICENSES COMMITTEE

…………………....GARY REILLY, PERMITS & LICENSES CHAIR

………………...……MARK SHAMES, ENV. PROTECTION CHAIR

Permits & Licenses Chair Gary Reilly reported that the committee reviewed unenclosed sidewalk café permit renewal applications located at 283 Smith Street, 119 5th Avenue, 442 Court Street, 669 Union Street, and 345 Court Street .

Motion: by Committee (coupled);

Recommendation to approve the renewal of an unenclosed sidewalk café permit application submitted to the Department of Consumer Affairs on behalf of 283 Smith Street Food Corp. dba Zaytoons at 283 Smith Street (between Degraw/Sackett Streets) to permit 5 tables and 18 seats. Recommendation to approve the renewal of an unenclosed sidewalk café permit application submitted to the Department of Consumer Affairs on behalf of El Pollito at 119 5th Avenue (between Sterling/St. John's Places) to permit 12 tables and 24 seats. Recommendation to approve the renewal of an unenclosed sidewalk café permit application submitted to the Department of Consumer Affairs on behalf of Abilene at 442 Court Street (between 1st/2nd Places) to permit 8 tables and 32 seats. Recommendation to approve the renewal of an unenclosed sidewalk café permit application submitted to the Department of Consumer Affairs on behalf of Taco Santo at 669 Union Street (between 4th/5th Avenues) to permit 5 tables and 30 seats. Recommendation to approve the renewal of an unenclosed sidewalk café permit application submitted to the Department of Consumer Affairs on behalf of 345 Court St. Corp. dba Marco Polo Ristorante at 345 Court Street (southeast corner Court/Union Streets) to permit 15 tables and 30 seats.

VOTE: 37 YEAS, 0 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS

MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

TIME: 7:50 P.M.

Permits & Licenses Chair Gary Reilly also reported that the committee reviewed a new on-premises liquor license application at 121 Columbia Street.

Motion: by Committee;

Recommendation to approve a new on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of Brew Crew Inc. at 121 Columbia Street (between Kane/Degraw Streets.

VOTE: 37 YEAS, 0 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS

MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

TIME: 7:52 P.M.

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Permits & Licenses Chair Gary Reilly additionally reported that the committee reviewed a new on-premises liquor license application at 191 7th Street.

Motion: by Committee;

Recommendation to approve a new on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of The Bahche Inc. at 191 7th Street (between 2nd/3rd Avenues).

VOTE: 37 YEAS, 0 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS

MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

TIME: 7:53 P.M.

Permits & Licenses Chair Gary Reilly further reported that the committee reviewed a new on-premises liquor license application at 39 Fifth Avenue.

Motion: by Committee;

Recommendation to approve a new on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of McMahon's Public House at 39 Fifth Avenue (between Bergen & Dean Streets) with the condition that outdoor spaces be closed at 10pm.

Board Member Peter Fleming stated that no one would be kept awake at night because the business has agreed to close their outdoor space at 10pm.

VOTE: 36 YEAS, 1 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS

MOTION PASSED

TIME: 7:56 P.M.

Permits & Licenses Chair Gary Reilly moreover reported that the committee reviewed a new on-premises liquor license application at 644 Sackett Street.

Motion: by Committee;

Recommendation to approve a new on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of Lucky 13 Saloon at 644 Sackett Street (between 3rd/4th Avenues).

VOTE: 37 YEAS, 0 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS

MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

TIME: 7:57 P.M.

Permits & Licenses Chair Gary Reilly also reported that the committee reviewed a new on-premises liquor license application at 440 Bergen Street.

Motion: by Committee;

Recommendation to approve a new on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of Bruklay Inc. at 440 Bergen Street (between 5th/Flatbush Avenues).

VOTE: 37 YEAS, 0 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS

MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

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TIME: 7:59 P.M.

Chairperson Kummer recognized Council Member Brad Lander

Councilman Lander stated that today the City Council passed a rules reform bill that would make the council more transparent in its work and responsive to New Yorkers. The reforms will be:  Take the politics out of Member Items by allocating discretionary funding for Council Districts on a fair and objective basis.  Ensure fair consideration of legislation.  Further empower chairs in the running of their committees, giving them greater control over committee hearings and staffing.  Dedicate a greater share of Council resources to enabling Members to provide effective services to the public.  Establish a formal procedure by which Members can file a grievance with the Rules Committee if they believe the City Council rules are not being followed.

The Councilman ended by praising the Legal Aid Society for its law suit on behalf of the Prospect Park Residence against Haysha Deitsch and the New York State Department of Health. He also invited everyone to the next Bridging Gowanus meeting on June 12th.

LANDMARKS/LAND USE COMMITTEE………….…...….ROBERT LEVINE, LANDMARKS CHAIR

…………………...….PETER FLEMING, LAND USE CHAIR

Landmarks Committee Chair Robert Levine reported that the committee reviewed an application for an amendment to the City Map at 158 Dikeman Street.

Motion: by Committee;

Recommendation to approve an application (ULURP No. C 120093 MMK) submitted to the Department of City Planning on behalf of Dikeman Realty Corporation for an amendment to the City Map involving: (i) the elimination, discontinuance and closing of a portion of Dikeman Street between Ferris Street and Conover Street; and (ii) the adjustment of grades necessitated thereby; including authorization for any acquisition or disposition of real property related thereto, at 158 Dikeman Street (Block 574, Lot 34), between Ferris and Conover Streets.

Board Member Lou Sones spoke in favor of the motion.

VOTE: 34 YEAS, 0 NAY, 3 ABSTENTIONS

MOTION PASSED

TIME: 8:10 P.M.

Landmarks Committee Chair Robert Levine also reported that the committee reviewed a Certificate of Appropriateness application at 321 Clinton Street.

Motion: by Committee;

Recommendation to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness application submitted to the Landmarks Preservation Commission for changing partitions, replace windows, door and new stairs at first story rear yard addition at 321 Clinton Street (between Kane/Degraw Streets), Cobble Hill Historic District with the condition that all railings be vertical, metal and black.

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VOTE: 37 YEAS, 0 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS

MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

TIME: 8:15 P.M.

Landmarks Committee Chair Robert Levine additionally reported that the committee reviewed a Certificate of Appropriateness application at 132 Kane Street.

Motion: by Committee;

Recommendation to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness application submitted to the Landmarks Preservation Commission for addition of rooftop bulkhead and railing, side elevation removal of doors, replacement and reopening windows, replacement of rear deck with balcony and removal of door and restoration of storefront fenestration at front elevation at 132 Kane Street (corner Kane St/Cheever Pl), Cobble Hill Historic District with the following conditions:  The committee believes that the opening of the ghost windows, restoration of the door and storefront, and the removal of the awning in the back of the building are all in keeping with the historical character of the neighborhood; but  The committee disapproves of the size, shape, and height of the rooftop bulkhead since there is no legal requirement that it is of such size, and that it does not conform to neighboring characteristics: and any/all railings on the roof not be visible from the street.

Board Member Sayar Lonial asked if we would have a say on this application once it goes to LPC to see if they included our suggestions, if not can we be more specific in the letter to our objections. Landmarks Committee Chair Robert Levine stated that it will not come back to us but we can be more specific in the letter.

Board Member Rick Luftglass asked what the owners rational was for wanting the bulk head. Landmarks Committee Chair Robert Levine stated that they had none; they just wanted to build it.

Board Member Judith Thompson stated that she did not like the L-shape nature of the bulk head and a community member stated that it would look bad.

Board Member Elizabeth Shipley asked if the committee felt the bulkhead was too big or should not be there.

Landmarks Committee Chair Robert Levine stated that the committee felt it was too large for the building.

Board Member Ariel Krasnow stated that the architect stated that he could make the bulkhead smaller.

VOTE: 36 YEAS, 0 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS

MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

TIME: 7:55 P.M.

Landmarks Committee Chair Robert Levine further reported that the committee reviewed a Certificate of Appropriateness application at 531 11th Street.

Motion: by Committee;

Recommendation to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness application submitted to the Landmarks Preservation Commission for the addition of a fourth story, and the enlargement of a two-story rear extension with deck, porch and stairs at 531 11th Street (between 7th/8th Avenues), Park Slope Historic District with the following conditions:  That the rooftop addition be set back (as presented) from the front so as not be seen, and that all railings be vertical; and, 9

 Since the backyard area of the major portion of the block is “pristine”, or free of extensions, the placement of the proposed extension should not be allowed as currently planned.

Board Member Roger Rigolli stated that it is poor judgment not to approve something by stating that we do not want to set a precedent because there are some extensions in the backyards.

Board Member Sayar Lonial recommended that we use the words “it goes against the overwhelming general nature of the block’s character.”

Board Member Richard Bashner asked how many feet deep is the extension. Landmarks Committee Chair Robert Levine stated 11 feet.

Board Member Elizabeth Shipley stated that since she has been on the committee the issue of rules and standards that can be applied across the board has come up frequently. She is not sure if it is possible. We have to look at each case individually and weigh it on its own merit “We know it when we see it”.

Board Member Ariel Krasnow asked if we had pictures to actually see what’s in the donut. Landmarks Committee Chair Robert Levine stated no.

VOTE: 27 YEAS, 6 NAY, 4 ABSTENTIONS

MOTION PASSED

TIME: 8:42 P.M.

Landmarks Committee Chair Robert Levine moreover reported that the committee reviewed a Certificate of Appropriateness application at 409 13th Street.

Motion: by Committee;

Recommendation to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness application submitted to the Landmarks Preservation Commission for a new downspout and the enlargement of door/window openings at the second story rear elevation of 409 13th Street (between 7th/8th Avenues), Park Slope Historic District.

Board Member Sayar Lonial spoke out against the motion.

VOTE: 36 YEAS, 1 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS

MOTION PASSED

TIME: 8:50 P.M.

 COMMUNITY SESSION 

Matt Farrell, resident from the Columbia Street district of Community Board 6 complained to the Board about the level of vibration on his home from the trucks that drive over the potholes on the BQE at Hicks street. Chairperson Kummer asked him to contact Assistant District Manager Leroy Branch at the district office.

Richard Kessler, resident from Park Slope spoke to the board in-depth about preserving the Mirador viewplane from Prospect Park (Lincoln Statue) to the Empire State Building.

Anthony Rosario, representing Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC spoke about their program in Red Hook that is designed to meet the needs of youth affected by Superstorm Sandy. For more information or to refer a child please call 212-686-2042 ext. 258 or email him at arosario@bigsnyc.org. 10

Samuel Sporn, resident of Park Slope asked the Board to request DOT for daylighting at the northeast corner of Prospect Park West and 3rd Street. He also asked stated that the 3rd Street Block association has petition for a speed hump on 3rd Street. Chairperson Kummer asked him to follow up with the district office.

Jill Maxwell, representing NYC Department of Consumer Affairs gave the Board a brief presentation on the new Employee Paid Sick Leave Act. (For more information please visit http://www.nyc.gov/html/dca/html/law/PaidSickLeave.shtml.)

Dagmar Kostova, representing the Famers Market in Park Slope on 4th Street stated that they will also be there on Wednesdays from 3 – 7 as well as Sundays, 10:00AM – 5:00PM from 05/11 – 12/28.

 NEW/OTHER BUSINESS 

Board Member Roger Rigolli asked everyone to remember the men and women of the Armed Forces this Memorial Day. If you see a veteran please extend a hand thanking them for their service to us and our country. Each of us should write to our Congress Members asking them to continue to take care of our veteran in the manner that honors their service to our country.

Motion: by Board Member Roger Rigolli, seconded by Board Member Glenn Kelly; To adjourn the meeting.

VOTE: 37 YEAS, 0 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS

MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

TIME: 9:17 P.M.

Minutes submitted into the District Office by Assistant District Manager Leroy Branch on May 30, 2014.

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