BROOKLYN COMMUNITY BOARD 6
GENERAL BOARD MEETING
NEW YORK METHODIST HOSPITAL
506 6TH STREET
APRIL 8, 2015
ATTENDANCE
PRESENT:
J.ARMER P. BELLENBAUM N. BERK-RAUCH
P. BLAKE E. CAUSIL-RODRIGUEZ P. FLEMING
V. HAGMAN V. HERAMIA G. KELLY
D. KUMMER R. LEVINE H. LINK
S. LONIAL R. LUFTGLASS S. MATHEWS-NOVELLI
D. MAZZUCA E. MCCLURE T. MISKEL
C. PIGOTT L. PINN M. RACIOPPO
G. REILLY R. RIGOLLI D. SCOTTO
M. SHAMES M. SILVERMAN B. SOLOTAIRE
E. SPICER J. THOMPSON S. TURET
EXCUSED:
R. BASHNER F. BROWN SR. R. CERVONE
E. FELDER F. JEAN A. KRASNOW
D. WILLIAMS
ABSENT:
E. ANDERSON D. GIULIANO R. GRAHAM
J. HEYER II H. HUGHES M. RUIZ
M. SCOTT
GUESTS:
J. LOWELL, BOROUGH PRESIDENT ADAMS’ REPRESENTATIVE
K. CHU, COUNCIL MEMBER MENCHACA’S REPRESENTATIVE
C. ZINNEL, COUNCIL MEMBER LANDER’S REPRESENTATIVE
P. NAPOLEON, STATE ASSMBLY MEMBER ORTIZ’S REPRESENTATIVE
J. HARVEY, STATE ASSMBLY MEMBER SIMON’S REPRESENTATIVE
O. JONAS, STATE SENATOR MONTGOMERY’S REPRESENTATIVE
Z. OTT, STATE SENATOR SQUADRON’S REPRESENTATIVE
P. RHEAUME CONGRESS MEMBER CLARKE’S REPRESENTATIVE
D. WILEY, CONGRESS MEMBER VELÁZQUEZ’ REPRESENTATIVE
A. BUCY, NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE JAMES’ REPRESENTATIVE
L. BENJAMIN, KINGS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY THOMPSON’S REPRESENTATIVE
Complete list of meeting attendees on file at District Office. 1
Chairperson Gary Reilly called the meeting to order at 6:38pm.
!!! ADOPTION OF MINUTES !!!
Board Member Peter Fleming made a motion to accept the minutes of the March’s general meeting, seconded by Board Member Roger Rigolli.
VOTE: 25 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 6:40 P.M.
CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT……………………………………………………….................GARY REILLY
Chairperson Gary Reilly began his report by congratulating Mark Shames, who recently received an Honorary Mention award by the New York State Press Association for Best Column in the Red Hook Star-Revue, one of our local newspapers which generally covers our waterfront communities of Red Hook, Columbia Waterfront District and Gowanus. Board Member Shames writes their political column, which is always peppered with just the right amount of information and wit. I’d also like to congratulate the Red Hook Star-Revue itself for receiving two awards this year—one for Board Member Shames’ column, and also a First Place award for Best Picture Story.
Chairperson Reilly also congratulated our Council Member Steve Levin who announced via his Twitter account yesterday that he is now engaged to his longtime girlfriend Ann Carroll. On behalf of the board I’d like to wish a lifetime of blessings to the happy couple.
Chairperson Reilly thanked Board Member Glenn Kelly for representing the board at a meeting two weeks ago with Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver. The Commissioner was interested in meeting with representatives from the Brooklyn Community Boards to talk more about Parks equity issues and how the department can do a better job of responding to our communities’ needs.
Chairperson Reilly informed the board that our Finance/Personnel & Law Committee had their second meeting to review our by-laws and that the revisions that were discussed are in the process of being drafted for circulation to the board. The process, as currently outlined in the by-laws, requires that revisions be sponsored by at least twenty-five percent of the board in order to be acted upon. They must also appear on the agenda of two successive regular meetings, and voted on at the second meeting. So the process moving forward will be as follows. The FPL Committee will have a draft document that will be circulated to the full board very soon. It will be reviewed and discussed at our next Executive Committee meeting on May 11th where all board members will be invited to comment and/or attend the meeting to participate in the discussion. We will be prepared to make any final adjustments to the draft document then solicit sponsors at the Executive Committee meeting—twenty-five percent means 11 board members need to agree to sponsor the revisions to put it before the board. The final document will be transmitted to all board members and the item will appear on our May general meeting agenda. Finally, the item will appear for a second time on our June general meeting agenda at which time we’ll vote on them. We will not be able to make changes to the document after it appears on the May agenda, so the May Executive Committee meeting will be the last time and place we’ll be able to incorporate any revisions. I’m hopeful that you will all take the time to read over the document when you first receive it and if you see anything that concerns you that you will speak up right away. It’s my goal to have this 2
done before our summer hiatus. Meanwhile, I’d like to thank the members of the FPL Committee who have really put some tremendous, thoughtful effort into this exercise, specifically, it’s Chair Jerry Armer, Board Members Daniel Kummer, Richard Bashner, Mark Shames, Rick Luftglass and, while he’s not on the committee, he thanked, Board Member Glenn Kelly for going to both meetings and being a part of the ongoing discussions.
Chairperson Reilly advised the board that on April 3rd the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation issued a Potential Remedial Action Plan (or PRAP) for the Fulton Manufactured Gas Plant which generally shares a footprint with the Thomas J. Greene Playground and Douglass-Degraw Pool, and surrounding blocks generally in the vicinity of the canal to 3rd Avenue and Douglass to Sackett Streets. Since the site extends to the bulkhead of the Gowanus Canal, it is imperative that NYSDEC have an approved action plan in place in order for the EPA to move forward with its Superfund clean-up activities at the north end of the canal, which is the first phase they intend to address. Friends of Brooklyn CB6 had received a Technical Assistance Grant from NYSDEC years ago and has been working closely with the State’s project manager as we’ve moved from milestone to milestone in this process. This latest step in the critical path to remedial involves the public review and comment on the PRAP which was issued on April 3rd and is open for comment through May 3rd. NYSDEC has committed to hosting a public meeting to present the PRAP and answer questions from the public on April 16th, 7-9pm at the Wyckoff Gardens Community Center, 280 Wyckoff Street. I would encourage anyone interested in the park and/or the clean-up of the canal to consider attending, and submitting comment to the State. We intend to resubmit the relevant parts of our prior comments on the EPA’s Superfund PRAP to NYSDEC so they would be aware of the previous positions our board has taken on this matter. Meanwhile, I’ve asked District Manager Craig Hammerman to send out links to the PRAP and other pertinent documents, together with the public meeting information—which was briefly referenced in our April newsletter—to help get word out and encourage broader participation by the community.
Chairperson Reilly reminded the board that last year the Brooklyn Public Library had presented a plan to us for the redesign of the Red Hook branch library that would have repurposed a portion of the interior space for more programming by local cultural organizations. The plan was for the non-profit group called SpaceWorks to come in and manage the space in partnership with the library. After hearing a resounding message from the Red Hook community that there were concerns about this plan, most notably the fact that few people in the community had been consulted as it was developed, the Brooklyn Public Library backed off and agreed to re-engage the community in a discussion about how best to use this vital but chronically underutilized public facility. In fulfillment of that commitment, the Brooklyn Public Library has hired an outside facilitator called NY public to run an all-day visioning session next Saturday, April 18th for Red Hook stakeholders. It is hoped that the Brooklyn Public Library and Red Hook community will both emerge with a better, clearer idea of what people want from this library so that ultimately it can be better used by the community. The library does have some Capital money set aside from the prior project which it intends to use down the line, once the community and library have a better idea of what it would like to see there.
Chairperson Reilly reported to the board that in response to one of the conditions we stipulated as part of our conditional approval for the New York Methodist Hospital’s Center for Community Health facility, the hospital is beginning to form a construction task force with us and other local stakeholders to help coordinate and monitor the impact of the construction activities during the construction of the facility. The hospital does intend to start demolition and excavation in the coming months, and the task force is expected to have its first meeting this month. The hospital will produce newsletters and periodic reports to keep the community informed, which we of course will also help promote and distribute on a broader scale.
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Chairperson Reilly encouraged all of our board members, their family, friends and neighbors to all participate by voting in the Participatory Budgeting process. Democracy works best when people participate. Please come out and vote.
Chairperson Reilly ended his report by congratulating Board Member Lance Pinn on opening a new location for Brooklyn Boulders in Queensbridge.
DISTRICT MANAGER’S REPORT………………………………………….…….CRAIG HAMMERMAN
District Manager Craig Hammerman began his report by informing the board that a few weeks ago, we had a meeting with the Department of Transportation, CB7 and the offices of Council Member Brad Lander and Carlos Manchaca to begin the discussion of the 4th Avenue Median Redesign Project. The good news is that there is money in the budget for the project and they are planning on installing raised planted medians with irrigation systems. This project will begin at 8th Street and proceed southward. North of 8th Street will not be included in the project. We will have to continue to request these medians for north of 8th Street until it is included.
District Manager Hammerman advised the Board that we had our first quarterly BID management meeting with 5th Avenue, Atlantic Avenue and Flatbush Avenue to discuss projects, programs and policies. We came to realize that all 3 of the BIDs converge at the Barclays Center. One of the shared concerns of all the BIDs was the need for more “wayfinding” signage which help pedestrians navigate to points of interest and other attractions in the area. Unfortunately, at $20,000.00 per sign, it would be very difficult for the BIDs to pay for them. We will be putting our heads together with the BIDs to see if we can find creative ways to raise funds and obtain resources to pay for the signs.
District Manager Hammerman reported to the board that this past month we had the second meeting of the Community Advisory Group that was formed around the NYS Department of Corrections at Second Avenue and 6th Street. Overall, the residential and business neighbors have developed a healthy dialogue with the facility managers. The center is seeing 100-200 parolees a day. Some of the parolees are having trouble finding the center because of its location at the end of Second Avenue. One of the businessmen at the meeting offered to design and manufacture a sign to help people find the center faster and more efficiently. At the request of the community, the center manager requested that Lowes provide them with parking. Lowes has provided them with 27 parking spaces for staff vehicles. Also, the 78th Police Precinct has reported that since the center has opened, overall crime is down in the area.
District Manager Hammerman ended his report by updating the board on the Solarize Brooklyn CB6 Campaign where we’re working with EDC and Sustainable CUNY to enlist solar installers who could effectively sign up interested property owners, both business and residential, to convert their rooftops to solar systems. Within the last few months, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) had issued an RFP to make available up to $40 Million Dollars to support the development of community micro-grids. The objective is to promote the design and build of community grids that improve local, electrical distribution system performance and resiliency in both a normal operating configuration as well as during times of electrical grid outages. We have been approached by two different groups; one looking at Park Slope/Gowanus and one looking exclusively at Red Hook. We have provided both with non-exclusive letters of support to accompany their application. We have since been approached by the Red Hook group who would like to engage the Community Board further in the planning process. They have asked The Friends of Community Board Six, our
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non-profit group, to sponsor the application as a fiscal conduit. The first stage of the grid competition would award winning groups $100,000.00 to conduct feasibility studies. The second step, NYSERDA will give $1 Million Dollars for further engineering studies. The third step would award winners with $7 Million Dollars for construction. The RFP calls for applications to be submitted by May 15th and we should be notified by the summer if any of the applications from our district have been chosen.
!!! 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 at 253 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 Verona Wine Bar Inc. at 253 Van Brunt Street (between Verona Street/Visitation Place).
VOTE: 29 YEAS, 0 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 7:00P.M.
Permits & Licenses Chair Mike Racioppo also reported that the committee reviewed a new on-premises liquor license application at 228 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 The Falconer at 228 Van Brunt Street (between Commerce/Delavan Streets) with the following conditions 1. That the owner discuss any issues that may come up with the community 2. Reduce the closing hours from midnight to 11pm on week nights.
VOTE: 29 YEAS, 0 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 7:02P.M.
Permits & Licenses Chair Mike Racioppo further reported that the committee reviewed a new on-premises liquor license application at 278 Smith Street.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to conditionally approve a new on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of Siri Thai Inc. at 278 Smith Street (between Degraw/Sackett Streets).
VOTE: 29 YEAS, 0 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 7:03P.M.
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Permits & Licenses Chair Mike Racioppo additionally reported that the committee reviewed a new on-premises liquor license application at 259 5th Avenue.
Motion: Committee;
Recommendation to conditionally approve a new on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of Jordyn Corp. at 259 5th Avenue (between Garfield Place/1st Street).
Board Member Vilma Heramia asked the reason for one committee member abstaining. Board Member Pauline Blake stated that she abstained because the applicant did not provide any information on the outdoor café.
VOTE: 28 YEAS, 0 NAY, 1 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED
TIME: 7:05P.M.
Permits & Licenses Chair Mike Racioppo moreover reported that the committee reviewed a new on-premises liquor license application at 382 7th Avenue.
Motion: Committee;
Recommendation to approve a new on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of Ten Ichi Noodle at 382 7th Avenue (between 11th/12th Streets).
VOTE: 29 YEAS, 0 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 7:07P.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 Certificate of Appropriateness application at 31 Prospect Park West.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to disapprove a Certificate of Appropriateness application submitted to the Landmarks Preservation Commission for alterations to window openings at rear elevation, extension of existing third floor, new landscaping elements at roof deck and addition of a bay window on garage building at 31 Prospect Park West (between Montgomery/Garfield Places). Park Slope Historic District.
Board Member Matthew Silverman asked what the applicant’s reason why this design was appropriate and did they agree to make any changes. Landmarks Committee Chair Robert Levine stated that the applicant was not there but the architect that was there did not agree to any changes.
Board Member Peter Fleming stated that the reason for the design was a personal preference.
VOTE: 28 YEAS, 0 NAY, 1 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED
TIME: 7:16P.M.
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Landmarks Committee Chair Robert Levine also reported that the committee reviewed a Certificate of Appropriateness application at 442 Henry Street.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness application submitted to the Landmarks Preservation Commission for the construction of a two-story rear yard extension with deck at 442 Henry Street (between Kane/Degraw Streets), Cobble Hill Historic District with the following conditions: • Western wall material is more in keeping with historic character in rear of materials of other buildings. • Large windows on deck to be more in keeping with the historic district. • The sliding doors have smaller glass panels.
VOTE: 28 YEAS, 0 NAY, 1 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED
TIME: 7:20P.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 Fair Tolling and Transportation Reinvestment Plan.
Motion: by Committee;
Recommendation to support the Fair Tolling and Transportation Reinvestment Plan, as proposed by Move NY.
Board Member Bob Levine asked how they came up with 90% of Brooklyn drivers will pay the same or lower tolls. Transportation Co-Chair Eric McClure explained that the plan states that 94% of Brooklyn automotive trips would be paying the same toll or lower because most of the trips would not be going over the East River bridges.
Board Member Judith Thompson spoke out against the motion stating it is unfair to people who live in the outer boroughs who drive their cars because they are underserved by mass transportation, as well as anyone who has a doctor in Manhattan. We’re one city and we should not have to pay a tax to go over a bridge. It’s a boondoggle for a bloated agency and she does not think that it is going to end up helping people in Brooklyn because we are going to be paying taxes and it prevents people from moving freely throughout the boroughs.
Board Member Hildegaard Link spoke out against the motion stating that it is not a positive thing for Brooklyn drivers. This will isolate Brooklyn and create little countries as well as make it a struggle to go to Manhattan like the residents of Staten Island.
Board Member Ellie Spicer spoke out against the motion. She takes offense at the plan claiming that it will save Brooklynites money. Also, we are a city of 5 boroughs and to charge residents to travel from one borough to the next is outrageous. This plan is a revenue enhancer, nothing more. Furthermore, how are they going to increase the number of trains during rush hour, when they are already operating at the max? In terms of 4th
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Avenue, we have created more traffic congestion and now we want to charge ourselves money to move that traffic.
Board Member Roger Rigolli spoke out against the motion stating that it would move manufacturing companies out of New York.
Chairperson Gary Riley stated that it is very expensive to move people and things around New York City. We have a system in place today that is not perfect; we have tolls in places that are very high as well as tolls to get to and from some boroughs, but not all, i.e., the Rockaways, which do not make a lot of sense. The reason why he supports the motion is because it rationalizes our toll system and spreads the burden to all boroughs, not just a few. Right now, there is a $15 Billion Dollar hole in the MTA Budget which we need to somehow fill. This plan would raise the funds and prevent an increase in gas, sales and payroll mobility taxes which would be crippling to our residents. We already have tolls to travel from the boroughs into Manhattan, this plan would not upset the order of things.
Board Member Victoria Hagman spoke out against the motion stating that if they go through with the plan, there should be an option for people to get around the City without paying a toll.
Board Member Benjamin Solitaire spoke in favor of the motion stating that it will decrease noise and air pollution by lowering the number of vehicles travelling to Manhattan.
Board Member Glen Kelly spoke in favor of the motion.
Board Member Matthew Silverman spoke in favor of the motion stating that the concept that they had of “wiping the slate clean” and looking at what should cost what and spreading it out as broadly as possible to support our infrastructure and mass transit is something that he agrees with.
Board Member Paige Bellenbaum spoke in favor of the motion stating that she believes it is fair to charge people driving into Manhattan since she has to pay when using mass transit.
Board Member Daniel Kummer spoke in favor of the motion but feels that we need to ask the question of what impact this plan will have on our district in terms of traffic and bottle necking as well as by putting tolls on the bridges, how will it impact the district vis-à-vis “park and ride” (parking in Brooklyn and taking the train into Manhattan).
Board Member David Mazzuca spoke in favor of the motion but felt that the plan does not go far enough in regard to “park and ride”.
Board Member Rick Luftglass stated that what this district suffers the most from is the traffic going to the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges as does Williamsburg with the Williamsburg Bridge. Due to the traffic, this district has safety and pollution issues. By putting tolls on the bridges it will level the playing field.
Board Member Suzanne Turet stated that by putting tolls on the bridges we are creating a ‘Them v. Us’ mentality in regards to preventing cars from going to Manhattan. Creative ways need to be developed to raise revenue other than charging residents from traveling from Brooklyn to Manhattan.
Board Member Pauline Blake spoke out against the motion stating that with this plan we are creating a pool of money to an agency that we don’t know how, where and why they spend. We’re just giving a dysfunctional transit system more money to squander. It’s almost the same as when the Lottery system was created to fund education which has generated millions and millions of dollars, but we still have a problem with funding education. How are we going to make sure that the billions that these tolls generate will go towards rebuilding our infrastructures and providing better transit service? 8
Board Member Bob Levine spoke out against the motion stating that this plan is really supporting Metro North and LIRR as much as it is supporting NY transit. These tolls should not be supporting transit systems outside of the 5 boroughs.
Board Member Judith Thompson stated that in this plan they have not really thought out what happens when all the traffic goes through the Hugh Carey Tunnel and winds up in downtown Manhattan causing traffic issues there.
Board Member Hildegaard Link stated that the reason why the MTA is in a hole is because the State takes the money therefore there’s no reason why we shouldn’t think that the funds raised by these tolls would not be taken away as well. Also by implementing this plan, we are de facto making Manhattan a “gated community”.
Board Member Ellie Spicer stated that if this plan goes through, than anyone who lives in the outer boroughs traveling into Manhattan should get a reduced fare just like Staten Islanders pay a reduced toll on the Verrazano. Also, in order to prevent drivers from going to the Brooklyn Bridge instead of the Hugh Carey Tunnel, the toll has to be the same.
Board Member Roger Rigolli asked if there was any discussion in regards to subsidizing the water taxis. Transportation Co-Chair Eric McClure stated that this plan will help fund additional ferry service.
Board Member Noel Berk-Rauch spoke out against the plan stating that we should remove all tolls in all the boroughs.
Chairman Reilly recognized Councilman Brad Lander to speak on Move NY. Councilman Lander stated that he does not know where we are going to get the $15 Billion Dollars to address the MTA downfall. Bottom line, we need more resources to be directed to the MTA. He believes this plan is a fair way to address the problem. In the long run, this will be a smarter, more efficient, more rational way in moving people around the City.
VOTE: 17 YEAS, 10 NAY, 2 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED
TIME: 8:14 P.M.
Board Member Benjamin Solitaire stated to Chairman Reilly that it was inappropriate to allow Councilman Lander to speak before the vote. Chairman Reilly stated that he would take it under advisement.
YOUTH/HUMAN SERVICES AND EDUCATION…...PAIGE BELLENBAUM, HUM SVC CO-CHAIR
…………...BENJAMIN SOLOTAIRE, HUM SVC CO-CHAIR
…………….………SUZANNE TURET, EDUCATION CHAIR
Education Chair Suzanne Turet reported that the committee reviewed a resolution on Governor Cuomo’s Education Plan, as proposed by CEC District 13.
Motion: by Board Member Judith Thompson, seconded by Board Member Benjamin Solotaire; Recommendation to support the Resolution on Governor Cuomo’s Education Plan, as proposed by CEC District 13.
Board Member Jerry Armer stated that he has a problem voting on a resolution that someone else created and the Committee has not had sufficient time to thoroughly review and dissect. 9
Board Member Mark Shames spoke out against the motion stating that a lot of the words are belligerent and that he would like to tell the Governor that he is against him on all the points but would like to say it in a more respectful way.
Board Member Matthew Silverman agrees with his colleague that the wording is a little over the top and we should just say what we want to say and leave out the political rhetoric.
Motion: by Board Member Jerry Armer, seconded by Board Member Noel Berk-Rauch; To recommit.
VOTE: 26 YEAS, 13 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED
TIME: 8:26P.M.
Chairman Reilly recognized Councilman Brad Lander who stated that he has withdrawn his sponsorship of the legislation regarding Community Board Members term limits on the advisement of CB6. He invited everyone to get out and vote in this year’s Participatory Budgeting process. To find out where and when to vote please visit http://bradlander.com/ or call 718-499-1090. The Councilman stated that School crossing guards are some of NYC’s most essential workers, but we don’t have enough to keep all our kids safe, so many dangerous intersections are uncovered. That is partly because we pay crossing guards poverty wages, for only 4 hours per day (but on a split-shift, so they can’t easily get another job), and lay them off without health benefits every summer. He is advocating for more money for crossing guards in our city budget, and better working conditions for the men and women keeping our kids safe as they travel to and from school. He ended by inviting all to participate in the Brooklyn PTA’s 5K run for schools on Saturday, May 9, 2015, 10 a.m. in Prospect Park. For more information please visit http://brooklynpta.org/.
Chairperson Reilly recognized elected officials representatives
Jeff Lowell, representing Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams stated that the new appointments and reappointments letters will be sent out by the end of next week. He ended by inviting everyone to upcoming events sponsored by the Borough President:
• Tax Lien Forum – April 15th
• Early Childhood Development Forum – April 15th
• Earth Week Celebrations – April 20th - 24th
• Town Hall on improving Community-Police Relations – April 23rd
• Brooklyn Financial Education Empowerment Day – April 29th
• Securing Brooklyn’s Seniors – May 14th – 15th
For more information on these events please visit http://brooklyn-usa.org/. 10
Peterson Napoleon, representing State Assembly Member Felix Ortiz, stated that the Assemblyman has sponsored a bill (A04279) that would fund bulletproof glass for police cars in New York City. The bill would phase in installation of the glass over five years from a new police protection fund. He ended by inviting everyone to a Community Health Fair sponsored by the Assemblyman on April 18th. For more information please call 718-492-6334.
Jim Harvey, representing Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon, stated that the Assemblywoman is co-sponsoring a School-to-School Dialogue on High Stakes Testing on April 15th. For more information please call 718-284- 4700. In regards to the passed budget there was $1.6 billion for public education as well as decoupling the cap on charter schools. He ended by asking everyone to read an article from a blog called The Topsy-Turvy Budget: Why the Governor Controls the NYS Budget Process and the Role of a Mobilized Citizenry. To view the article please visit https://mets2006.wordpress.com/2015/04/04/the-topsy-turvy-budget-why-the-governor- controls-the-nys-budget-process-and-the-role-of-a-mobilized-citizenry/.
Oscar Jonas, representing State Senator Velmanette Montgomery asked everyone to read the Democratic Conferences analysis of the State Budget. To view the press release please visit http://www.nysenate.gov/press- release/press-release-senate-democratic-conference-outlines-budget-requests.
Zeeshan Ott, representing State Senator Daniel Squadron, invited everyone to the Senator’s Seventh Annual 26th Senate District Community Convention on April 12th. Come out and make your voice heard on all of the legislative and community priorities that shape our district and our state.
Patrick Rheaume, representing Congress Member Yvette Clarke, invited everyone to participate on May 18th at the Grand Army Plaza Library in a Cyber Security workshop sponsored by the congresswoman. For more information please call (718) 287-1142.
Dan Wiley, representing Congress Member Nydia Velázquez, stated that the Congresswoman released a report detailing how House Republicans’ budget would impact New York City. To view the report please visit http://velazquez.house.gov/newsroom/2015/pr-03-23-15GOPBudget.shtml. The Congresswoman also co- sponsored with FEMA and the New York City Mayor's Office of Recovery and Resiliency and Housing Recovery Office a FEMA flood insurance public meeting on March 31st at the Miccio Center in Red Hook. A public comment and appeal period began on March 31st and will continue until June 28th, 2015. During this period, homeowners can challenge FEMA's new maps by sending technical and/or scientific data regarding their individual property. After FEMA evaluates all challenges and appeals, the new maps will be incorporated and "flood insurance purchase requirements will go into effect." For background and information on how to object to the proposed flood maps please visit https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2015/03/16/2015- 05852/proposed-flood-hazard-determinations#h-4.
Allen Bucy, representing NYC Public Advocate Letitia James announced that the Public Advocate would immediately appeal Judge Garnett’s decision not to unseal the grand jury minutes in the Eric Garner case. To view her remarks please visit http://pubadvocate.nyc.gov/news/articles/pa-james-announces-appeal-garner- decision.
LaToya Benjamin, representing Kings County District Attorney Kenneth P. Thompson stated that the DA is sponsoring a basketball program in Red Hook for kids ages 7-14 at the Miccio Center. The DA will be hosting a Public Safety meeting in Park Slope in June, stay tuned for more information. The DA will also be hosting an Entrepreneur and re-entry information session on May 6th in Park Slope for individuals who were formally
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incarcerated and who are interested in starting their own business. For more information please call (718) 250- 2138.
Kenneth Chu, representing City Council Member Carlos Menchaca stated that the Participatory Budgeting voting process will take place April 11-19. Anyone over 14 years old who lives in the district is eligible to participate. Voting dates and locations are as follows in CB6:
• 4/13 - 4/17, 3-8pm Miccio Community Center, 110 West 9th St Red Hook Initiative, 767 Hicks St
• 4/14 - 4/15 & 4/18, 3-6pm Red Hook Library, 7 Wolcott St
!!! COMMUNITY SESSION !!!
Kristen Euretig, representing Brooklyn Plans a collaborative, educational, objective financial planning organization. They will be coming to Red Hook this May. For more information please contact kristen@BROOKLYNPLANS.ORG OR CALL 917-975-7956.
Amanda Berman new Project Director and Viviana Gordon new Deputy Director, representing the Red Hook Justice Center, the nation's first multi-jurisdictional community court, introduced themselves. If anyone would like more information on the Center and there program please call 718-923-8280 or 82.
!!! NEW/OTHER BUSINESS !!!
Board Member Vilma Heramia invited everyone to a Free Legal Clinic for small businesses and non-profits on April 16th at the Carroll Gardens Association Offices sponsored by the Brooklyn Law School Center for Urban Business Entrepreneurship. For more information please call 718-243-9301.
Board Member Benjamin Solotaire invited all youth to come to a Youth Forum sponsored by the Youth/Human Services/Education Committee on May 16th at John Jay High School in Park Slope.
Motion: by Board Member Roger Rigolli, seconded by Board Member Noel Berk-Rauch; To adjourn the meeting.
VOTE: 35 YEAS, 0 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 8:45P.M.
Minutes submitted into the District Office by Assistant District Manager Leroy Branch on April 30, 2015.
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