BROOKLYN COMMUNITY BOARD 6
GENERAL BOARD MEETING
COBBLE HILL HEALTH CENTER
380 HENRY STREET
JANUARY 14, 2015
ATTENDANCE
PRESENT:
J.ARMER R. BASHNER P. BELLENBAUM
N. BERK-RAUCH P. BLAKE SR. R. CERVONE
E. FELDER P. FLEMING D. GIULIANO
R. GRAHAM V. HAGMAN J. HEYER II
F. JEAN G. KELLY A. KRASNOW
D. KUMMER R. LEVINE H. LINK
S. LONIAL R. LUFTGLASS S. MATHEWS-NOVELLI
D. MAZZUCA E. MCCLURE T. MISKEL
M. RACIOPPO G. REILLY R. RIGOLLI
M. RUIZ M. SCOTT D. SCOTTO
M. SHAMES M. SILVERMAN B. SOLOTAIRE
E. SPICER J. THOMPSON S. TURET
D. WILLIAMS
EXCUSED:
E. ANDERSON E. CAUSIL-RODRIGUEZ V. HERAMIA
A. MCKNIGHT
ABSENT:
F. BROWN H. HUGHES C. PIGOTT
L. PINN
GUESTS:
K. FEDER, BOROUGH PRESIDENT ADAMS’ REPRESENTATIVE
C. ZINNEL, COUNCIL MEMBER LANDER’S REPRESENTATIVE
P. NAPOLEON, STATE ASSMBLY MEMBER ORTIZ’S REPRESENTATIVE
O. JONAS, STATE SENATOR MONTGOMERY’S REPRESENTATIVE
R. YOUNG, STATE SENATOR SQUADRON’S REPRESENTATIVE
D. WILEY, CONGRESS MEMBER VELÁZQUEZ’ REPRESENTATIVE
G. BULL, NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE JAMES’ REPRESENTATIVE
Complete list of meeting attendees on file at District Office. 1
Chairperson Gary Reilly called the meeting to order at 6:42pm.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Board Member Eric McClure made a motion to accept the minutes of the December’s general meeting, seconded by Board Member Daniel Kummer.
VOTE: 25 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 6:43 P.M.
CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT……………………………………………………….................GARY REILLY
Chairperson Gary Reilly began his report by welcoming the board officers to the dais including Sayar Lonial our new First Vice Chair; Pauline Blake, returning as Second Vice Chair; Jerry Armer, our new Treasurer, and; Ariel Krasnow, returning as Secretary.
Chairperson Reilly reported to the Board that by virtue of being our Treasurer, Board Member Jerry Armer also now has the distinction of becoming Chair of our Finance/Personnel & Law Committee. He has asked Eric McClure to take over the Co-Chair seat for our Transportation Committee, relieving Sayar Lonial. Also, since he is no longer the Chair of the Permits & Licenses Committee, he has asked Mike Racioppo to take over the Chair for that committee. Board Members Eric McClure and Mike Racioppo will therefore be joining our Executive Committee. I’m also quite pleased that Richard Bashner has agreed to continue to serve as our delegate to the Brooklyn Bridge Park Community Advisory Committee where he will continue to represent us. And, lastly, I’d like to thank Daniel Kummer for agreeing to continue to represent us on the New York Methodist Hospital’s Design Group, which is finishing up its work on their new Center for Community Health as they prepare to transition from design to construction.
Chairperson Reilly informed the Board that one of the first things he will be doing as Chair is to meet with all of the local elected officials whose districts overlap with ours, beginning with the Borough President and our Council Members. It is important for me to get to know them all so that we can call upon them as needed to continue to provide the level of support and leadership we have always relied upon to advance the Community Board’s and our community’s goals.
Chairperson Reilly advised the Board that he has also asked our Finance/Personnel & Law Committee to begin a comprehensive by-laws review process which, he’s hoping, will culminate in a vote on any proposed revisions to the by-laws at our June board meeting. More information will be sent out to the full board shortly by our Finance/Personnel & Law Committee soliciting your ideas, explaining how you can become more involved and providing a good road map of the process between now and June.
Chairperson Reilly ended his report by congratulating our District Manager for reaching an important milestone. On January 8th he celebrated his 25th anniversary working for Brooklyn CB6. Tonight marks his 248th consecutive CB6 general meeting—he has never been absent from a single general meeting. On behalf of the members and staff, please accept our sincere thanks and congratulations on this impressive achievement.
DISTRICT MANAGER’S REPORT………………………………………….…….CRAIG HAMMERMAN
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District Manager Craig Hammerman informed the Board that the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS), the Attorney General's Office, which provided legal assistance to DOCCS, and Gowanus United, a community-based coalition of area residents and business owners, have reached a legal settlement regarding the operation of a parole facility at 15 Second Avenue. Under the agreement, the number of parolees reporting to the Gowanus facility will be reduced from 6,000 to 2,000 for a minimum of two years. To serve people on parole who will not be reporting to the Gowanus facility, DOCCS will introduce a program to decentralize reporting locations in Brooklyn. This program will establish DOCCS community reporting sites in neighborhoods throughout the borough, making it easier for parolees to meet the conditions of their parole. Further, NYS DOCCS has agreed to meet on a regular basis with representatives from Gowanus United, Brooklyn CB6, 78th Police Precinct, and the Gowanus Alliance. These meetings will provide a forum for discussing any issues pertaining to DOCCS's ongoing operation of the facility. DOCCS has also agreed to provide statistics on an ongoing basis regarding the number of parolees assigned to report to the facility.
Chairperson Reilly recognized New York City Criminal Court Judge Michael Gerstein who update the Board on the number of cases in the Kings County Criminal Court. He stated that it has been reported in the news that the NYPD has had a “Police Slow Down” in terms of arrests. He further stated that interns of the number of cases in criminal court the reports in the news are accurate. Criminal court ordinarily has one arraignment part everyday doing mostly felony arraignments and a second arraignment part doing mostly misdemeanor arraignments. We have the same thing at night between the hours of 5pm and 1am. Over the past several weeks we have been able to combine the two daytime parts as well as the two nighttime parts. Most of the decrease has been in misdemeanor arrest. Felony arrest also drop by only 20-25%. In the news this week it has been reported that arrests are back up. So today for the first time in weeks we had two arraignment parts in the daytime and I suspect we will have two in the evening. So what ever happened in the past to decrease arrests has since gone back to normal.
Chairperson Reilly also recognized State Senator Daniel Squadron who began by congratulating Chairperson Reilly and all of the new Executive Officers. Senator Squadron then stated that he has pushed for Full-Line Reviews throughout the MTA subway system. These reviews have led to newer, cleaner cars for the F, and improved service along the L and G. Recently, the MTA has agreed to perform a Full-Line Review on the A and C. He has recently joined the Riders Alliance in convening a working group to bring public input into the Full-Line Review process. He also stated that he is opposed to housing on Pier 6. He has been pushing to get Brooklyn Bridge Park completed and make sure it’s financially self-sustaining. You may have notice on Pier 1 the developer has broken the rules by building the luxury housing to high. He would like to prevent that or anything like it on Pier 6. He believes that if there is housing on Pier 6 it should be affordable housing. He ended by stating that he along with his colleagues have introduced the Community Healthcare (LICH) Act, which would establish a clear, transparent, and community-oriented process when hospitals are threatened. The LICH Act would allow the Commissioner of the State Department of Health (DOH) to only approve a hospital closure application if the needs of the community and impacted stakeholders, including access to emergency medical care, can be adequately met. And, under the proposal, the Commissioner would not be allowed to close a hospital without a significant and thorough community input process dictated by a statutorily imposed timeline. The LICH ACT would, following the application for closure of a general hospital, require the Commissioner of the State Department of Health to: 1. Explain in a report within 30 days of an application for closure: The anticipated impact of closure on the surrounding community’s access to care, including the uninsured and underserved. What measures DOH and others have taken or plan to take to lessen any negative impacts. Why the State cannot assume financial responsibility for the hospital or identify an alternate operator.
2. Hold a community forum within six weeks of application, giving community members and local elected officials the chance to raise questions, voice concerns, and offer alternatives.
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3. Respond to community input by: Answering, in summary, comments received from community members and local elected officials Explaining why significant alternatives were or were not incorporated into a final closure plan. Identifying any changes to the plan resulting from community concerns or suggestions.
4. Only approve the application if needs of the community and impacted stakeholders, including access to emergency medical care, can be adequately met.
5. Explain options for transitional medical services to impacted communities, including arrangements for continuity of care.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION/PERMITS & LICENSES COMMITTEE
………………...……MARK SHAMES, ENV. PROTECTION CHAIR
…..…………....MIKE RACIOPPO, PERMITS & LICENSES CHAIR
Permits & Licenses Chair Mike Racioppo reported that the committee reviewed a new on-premises liquor license application at 284 Van Brunt Street.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to approve a new on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of Red Hook Lobster Pound LLC at 284 Van Brunt Street (between Verona Street/Visitation Place).
VOTE: 31 YEAS, 0 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 7:14 P.M.
LANDMARKS/LAND USE COMMITTEE………….…...….ROBERT LEVINE, LANDMARKS CHAIR
…………………...….PETER FLEMING, LAND USE CHAIR
Landmarks Committee Chair Robert Levine reported that the committee reviewed a BSA application at 367 7th Avenue.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness application submitted to the Landmarks Preservation Commission for the restoration of street-level storefront, new awnings and paving at side elevation, new HVAC equipment on rooftop with new ductwork at rear elevation, and conversion of garage into restaurant at 367 7th Avenue (northeast corner 11th St/7th Ave), Park Slope Historic District with the condition that two new glass entrance doors to pizzeria are full height without transom.
Board Member Daniel Kummer asked if they would retain the existing garage doors. Landmarks Committee Chair Robert Levine stated yes.
Board Member Sayar Lonial asked if the sign was a part of the motion. Landmarks Committee Chair Robert Levine stated yes.
VOTE: 32 YEAS, 1 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED
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TIME: 7:21 P.M.
Landmarks Committee Chair Robert Levine also reported that the committee reviewed a BSA application at 869 President Street.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness application submitted to the Landmarks Preservation Commission for restoration of sidewalk vault at front areaway, reconstruction of rear extension with new railings, deck and entrance, new elevator bank and newly configured fenestration at rear elevation, and new HVAC equipment on rooftop of 869 President Street (between 7th/8th Avenues), Park Slope Historic District with the following conditions: 1. Rear work (elevation and addition) and windows. New extension and elevator brick match existing rear brick and mortar color be uniform on existing and new brick. New HVAC on roof be minimally visible from Union Street.
2. Front work New stone work/stucco match existing conditions. New gate and fence match existing
Board Member Sayar Lonial asked why the committee voted to allow this alteration if it was visible from Union Street. Landmarks Committee Chair Robert Levine stated that the committee felt that it was not a straight sightline and they are leaving it up to LPC to make the determination.
VOTE: 32 YEAS, 1 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED
TIME: 7:30 P.M.
TRANSPORTATION/PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
…………THOMAS L. MISKEL, CO-CHAIR, TRANSPORTATION
………………ERIC MCCLURE, CO-CHAIR, TRANSPORTATION
………………MATTHEW SILVERMAN, CHAIR PUBLIC SAFETY
Transportation Co-Chair Eric McClure reported to the Board that the committee heard a proposal for the Gowanus Greenway Connector on Hamilton Avenue between Smith Street and 29th Street.
Motion: by Board Member Jerry Armer, seconded by Board Member Glenn Kelly; Recommendation to approve the Department of Transportation’s proposed Gowanus Greenway Connector on Hamilton Avenue between Smith Street and 29th Street as presented and also to encourage the expedited implementation of the Gowanus part of the Brooklyn Waterway Greenway Initiative.
Board Member Roger Rigolli spoke out against the motion stating that he can’t believe that DOT would want to put a bike lane on Hamilton Avenue. He also would want DOT to fix the roadway in and around this area before installing the connector. Transportation Co-Chair Eric McClure stated that this will be a protected bike path and that DOT will be making a full analysis of the entire stretch of roadway focusing on sewer issues.
Board Member Richard Bashner stated that DOT would not eliminate any lanes and will make it safer for bicyclists.
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Board Member Benjamin Solotaire spoke in favor of the motion stating that it will be safer for bicyclists.
Board Member Daniel Kummer asked if DOT was going to narrow the roadway. Transportation Co-Chair Eric McClure stated that they will be narrowing the driving lanes from 12ft to 11ft and DOT does not believe this will have any adverse effects on traffic.
VOTE: 31 YEAS, 0 NAY, 1 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED
TIME: 7:38 P.M.
Chairperson Reilly recognized elected officials representatives
Metin Sarci, representing City Council Member Steven Levin reported to the Board that on January 21st the New York City Council’s Committee on Technology will be holding an oversight hearing on filming and community impacts and will be discussing the Councilman’s legislation that would require the Mayor’s Office of Film, Theater, and Broadcasting to release monthly and annual reports to provide more transparency about filming in New York City (Intro 0084).
Hannah Holland, representing Council Member Brad Lander, stated that the Councilman and the Parks Department would be co-hosting a "listening session" on January 22nd about Ennis Playground, mid-block between Second and Third Avenues and 11th and 12th Streets. The goal of the meeting is to get community feedback on desires for programs and features at the playground. She also stated that the applications for requesting Councilmatic Discretionary funds are due on February 20th. She ended by informing the Board of a new program coming to the Carroll Gardens Library, Senior Technology Classes. The classes will start January 21st and will be two days a week.
Peterson Napoleon, representing Assembly Member Felix Ortiz, stated that the Assemblyman plans to introduce a bill in the Assembly that would require New York City Police Department patrol cars to have bulletproof glass. The bill would require the phase-in of bulletproof glass over a five-year period. The funding would come from the new Police Protection Fund. He will be also requesting some of the state's $5 billion budget surplus be used for the program.
Jim Harvey, representing Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon, invited everyone to the Open House of her new renovated office on January 25th after her swearing in. He also stated that the Assemblywoman was co- sponsoring an Affordable Housing Crisis Forum on January 15th.
Dan Wiley, representing Congress Member Nydia Velázquez, stated that the Congresswoman has introduced two new pieces of legislation aimed at helping New York's small businesses thrive and grow. The measures would give companies impacted by Sandy another chance to apply for assistance and improve local entrepreneurial development initiatives. Superstorm Sandy Relief Act would restart the SBA's disaster loan program helping hurricane-impacted firm’s access assistance. Small Business Development Centers Improvement Act takes steps to strengthen entrepreneurial development services offered by the SBA. By streamlining the agency's Small Business Development Center initiatives, the measure would ensure more resources are available for Americans looking to start a
new business and for existing firms looking to expand.
The NYC Economic Development Corporation released an RFP for Red Hook Integrated Flood Protection System Feasibility Study. They are seeking a consultant to conduct a feasibility study for an integrated flood protection system for Red Hook. On February 3rd from 4pm-8pm at Brooklyn Borough Hall, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) will be 6
having a public hearing to discuss the Cross Harbor Freight Program Draft EIS. This DEIS will evaluate alternatives to improve the movement of goods in the region by enhancing the transportation of freight across New York Harbor. The DEIS is available to download at www.crossharborstudy.com. Anyone wishing to comment is encouraged to do so in writing either at the public hearing or by mail. The public comment period will remain open until 5:00pm on February 27, 2015.
Eric Young, representing the Department of Small Business Services stated that the City of New York and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development are providing small businesses in New York City with disaster recovery loans as part of the $42 million allocated for business recovery loan and grant program through the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Program. If you are a small business that experienced direct damage as a result of the storm, you can now access up to $100,000 in grant money. Funding is limited and distributed on a first come, first served basis. All businesses must submit a Preliminary Assessment Form by January 31, 2015 to be considered for an award through the Hurricane Sandy Business Loan and Grant Program.
Allen Bucy, representing Public Advocate Letitia James introduced himself and stated that he will be the liaison to Brooklyn CB6.
COMMUNITY SESSION
No Speakers registered
NEW/OTHER BUSINESS
Board Member Roger Rigolli stated that there was nothing said at the Board Meeting about the two NYPD officers who were assassinated. Hs is very ashamed to be a part of Brooklyn CB6 this day because there were a number of comments about Eric Garner at the last meeting, but nothing about the officers. People have no idea that when an officer puts on his uniform and goes to work he does not know if he will be returning to his family that night. NYPD officers protect us. If you have nothing to be ashamed of or did nothing wrong and an officer wants to talk to you, all he wants is to ask you a few questions, you should have nothing to fear. We have to trust the NYPD and respect their authority.
Chairperson Reilly requested a moment of silence for slain NYPD Police Officers Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu.
Motion: by Board Member Roger Rigolli, seconded by Board Member Thomas Miskel; To adjourn the meeting.
VOTE: 29 YEAS, 0 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 8:15P.M.
Minutes submitted into the District Office by Assistant District Manager Leroy Branch on January 30, 2015.
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