May 13, 2015

BROOKLYN COMMUNITY BOARD 6

GENERAL BOARD MEETING

BROOKLYN BOROUGH HALL

209 JORALEMON STREET

MAY 13, 2015

ATTENDANCE

PRESENT:

E. ANDERSON J.ARMER N. BERK-RAUCH

P. BLAKE F. BROWN E. CAUSIL-RODRIGUEZ

SR. R. CERVONE P. FLEMING V. HAGMAN

V. HERAMIA J. HEYER II F. JEAN

G. KELLY A. KRASNOW D. KUMMER

H. LINK S. LONIAL R. LUFTGLASS

S. MATHEWS-NOVELLI D. MAZZUCA E. MCCLURE

T. MISKEL L. PINN M. RACIOPPO

G. REILLY R. RIGOLLI M. RUIZ

D. SCOTTO M. SHAMES M. SILVERMAN

B. SOLOTAIRE E. SPICER J. THOMPSON

S. TURET D. WILLIAMS

EXCUSED:

R. BASHNER P. BELLENBAUM E. FELDER

R. LEVINE M. SCOTT

ABSENT:

D. GIULIANO R. GRAHAM H. HUGHES

C. PIGOTT

GUESTS:

J. LOWELL, BOROUGH PRESIDENT ADAMS’ REPRESENTATIVE

J.MORALES, COUNCIL MEMBER MENCHACA’S REPRESENTATIVE

B. ALONSO, COUNCIL MEMBER LANDER’S REPRESENTATIVE

M. HIRSCH, STATE ASSMBLY MEMBER BRENNAN’S REPRESENTATIVE

J. HARVEY, STATE ASSMBLY MEMBER SIMON’S REPRESENTATIVE

O. JONAS, STATE SENATOR MONTGOMERY’S REPRESENTATIVE

R. ROTHBLATT, STATE SENATOR HAMILTON’S 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 Gary Reilly called the meeting to order at 6:44pm.

CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT……………………………………………………….................GARY REILLY

Chairperson Gary Reilly began his report by congratulating Council Member Steve Levin and Ann Carroll on the occasion of their recent marriage.

Chairperson Reilly reported to the Board that while we had hoped to have our proposed by-laws revisions ready to share with you tonight, we’ve been a bit overwhelmed by a convergence of time-sensitive matters that has forced us to adjust our timeline. Since we don’t revise our by-laws very often, it’s more important that we take the time to get it right, than to try to stick to a self-imposed deadline. We’re going to use the summer to finish putting the Finance/Personnel & Law Committee’s report together and expect to take this up again in the fall.

Chairperson Reilly also reported to the Board that during the by-laws discussions the FPL committee did clarify a minor distinction of definitions which is worth noting. When our committees meet and vote on an item, assuming a quorum is present, the item gets listed on our monthly meeting agenda as a motion coming out of committee. But when our committees meet and vote on an item in the absence of a quorum our agenda typically reads something like “motion needed from the floor” or some similar language. So for purposes of clarity and consistency, moving forward we will list such items coming out of committees in the absence of a quorum as a “recommendation” instead of a “motion”. Henceforth, any item that appears on our agenda as a motion can be voted on directly by the board, and any item that appears as a recommendation will require a motion from the floor in order to be considered and acted on.

Chairperson Reilly thanked Board Member Eric McClure for agreeing to Chair the construction task force that will be convening regularly throughout the construction of New York Methodist Hospital’s Center for Community Health facility. The group had an initial meeting last month, which the hospital chaired, and has another meeting scheduled for the end of this month at which time Board Member McClure will formally take the reins. We have high hopes that the task force will be a resource to the hospital and a venue for the community to actively reduce the construction impacts while the new facility is built. Incidentally, the hospital’s design task force, which was regularly attended by Board Member Daniel Kummer and District Manager Craig Hammerman, with cameo appearances by Board Members Bob Levine and Peter Fleming, held its final meeting on April 29th. We were always amply and ably represented at those meetings as well and I did not want to let their final meeting go by without acknowledging and thanking our representatives.

Chairperson Reilly highlighted the next Landmarks/Land Use Committee meeting on May 28th, where we have a commitment from the Department of City Planning to come out to brief us on the department’s Zoning for Quality and Affordability text amendment. The department has not certified the proposed text so if we want to potentially influence what they will ultimately issue as a ULURP action we still, at least theoretically, will have an opportunity to do so. Meeting details are still being finalized, but the committee meets at 6:00pm, on Thursday, May 28th, location to be determined, and I’ve asked District Manager Hammerman to send a reminder to the full board with a link to the background information on the department’s website when it’s ready to go out.

Chairperson Reilly informed the board that on April 28th, our Transportation Co-Chairs Tom Miskel and Eric McClure, with District Manager Hammerman all were invited to a briefing by the Department of Transportation on the expansion of the City’s bike share program, or CitiBike. At the briefing we learned that the City is moving forward with the planning of the phase two expansion which will include our district. Originally we were told that our district would be included without Red Hook but the City has since reconsidered and decided to include our whole district in the next phase. Our district will be phased in in two parts, first the area west of 4th Avenue, then the area east of 4th Avenue. DOT will abide by their prior commitment to engage us in a discussion about the actual location of docking stations so we can weigh in with our ideas and suggestions for 2

where the stations should and should not be located. And while we are included in the next phase of expansion, they won’t be actually getting to our district until sometime in 2017 (the latest).

Chairperson Reilly thanked our District Manager Hammerman for representing us on April 30th at the City Council’s Government Operations Committee where he carried forward our position against term limits for Community Board members, or as our former chair so aptly put it, “a solution in search of a problem.” At the hearing, Government Operations Chair Ben Kallos told District Manager Hammerman that he would like to keep the lines of communication open and continue the dialogue on this and other Community Board reform ideas.

Chairperson Reilly ended his report by also thanking Board Members Mark Shames, Glenn Kelly, and any other board members who attended New York State Department of Environmental Conversation’s public meeting on the Fulton Manufactured Gas Plant’s Potential Remedial Action Plan on April 16th. I know it was a well- attended meeting and that the State had a lot of good information to share regarding the proposed remedy. I also understand that the State decided to push out the deadline to submit comments in deference to the requests they received, since the City is expected to put forward their Long Term Control Plan for Gowanus Combined Sewer Overflows this June and many people felt that it was necessary to have a better understanding of what the City was proposing prior to commenting on the State’s remedy for the site. When it comes to most Gowanus issues, there’s a significant degree of overlap between what the Federal, State and City government agencies are doing out there and it is critical that all of these efforts remain coordinated, a position that Council Member Lander espoused awhile back which we, as a Community Board, supported and continue to support.

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

District Manager Craig Hammerman began his report by informing the board that he attended the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision’s Community Advisory Group meeting held on May 1st. We had followed up with the Department of Transportation on a number of items from the prior meeting and reported that they would be installing bike racks at the front entrance of the new parole facility at 15 2nd Avenue this fall. They also reported that they would be replacing all missing signs on 2nd Avenue between 9th Street and the canal. Lastly DOT is considering a request to install a wayfinding sign at the intersection of 2nd Avenue and 9th Street for motorists driving to the facility who are still having trouble finding the building.

District Manager Hammerman advised the Board that on May 21st we will be sponsoring a public meeting on the possibility of a Gowanus Industrial BID. Right now we are in the feasibility study phase which is being funded by Councilman Brad Lander. We will be presenting our preliminary data that we received from the survey we did with Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Development Corporation (SBIDC). The major issues from the survey were flooding, reliable internet connection and parking. We will have Kris Goddard, Executive Director for BID Program and Development for the Department of Small Business Services who will explain what the next steps are should the property owners choose to move forward with the BID.

District Manager Hammerman reported to the board that this morning along with Board Member Victoria Hagman he attended SBIDC’s Red Hook BOA Meeting. We are starting to see some really good feedback and useful data, especially in the area of real estate. SBIDC is moving ahead with identifying some strategic sites, which will be difficult to do as we learned when we put together the Gowanus BOA. Most property owners do not want to be guided on how they can best use their property. One good thing that came from the data was that on paper it may look like there is an ample amount of manufacturing land in Red Hook. However the reality is that a good portion of that property is either already programmed or it’s not on the market. So if you look at the total amount of land on paper that could be available for manufacturing it really does not match what the actual availability is. The supply is inflated if you would only look at the data alone. People are now realizing that

3

there really isn’t an abundance of manufacturing land that is available for businesses that want to locate and grow in Red Hook.

District Manager Hammerman informed the board that we sponsored our kick-off event yesterday for Solarize Brooklyn CB6 at Whole Foods on 3rd Street. Solarize Brooklyn CB6 is a group purchasing program that uses a tiered pricing structure, community educational events and outreach, and a competitively selected installer to reduce the installed cost of solar. As more residents and small businesses sign on to go solar through Solarize Brooklyn CB6, the installed cost for all participants goes down. He thanked Board Members Lance Pinn and Mark Shames for attending. We also had our first workshop in the auditorium of the district office that was well attended. He further thanked Board Members Glenn Kelly and Eric McClure for participating. At the workshop business and home owners can learn more about solar and schedule a no obligation site visit. Solarize Brooklyn CB6 is made possible through a partnership between the City University of New York’s NYSolar Smart Program and Brooklyn Community Board 6 as part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Rooftop Solar Challenge II. For more information please visit http://solarizebrooklyncb6.org/.

District Manager Hammerman updated the board on the progress of what we are calling “Diverter Park”, the interim passive space on Columbia Street between Kane and Degraw Streets. Eventually the property will be built out for park land once capital money could be secured. In the interim we brought together the community, elected officials with city agencies to create a passive use of the area. Over the last few months the Brooklyn Greenway Initiative began doing some initial plantings and continue to maintain the area. All the materials used were donated by the Department of Sanitation. We then got the DEP contractor who occupied the adjacent lot to move the fence along this strip back 20 feet. DOT has recently gone out to pour concrete pads that will be able to support benches and bike racks that they will now come back and install. Effectively, what we have done is create a passive interim park for free. It did not cost the City anything out of its capital budget. When a group of creative and resourceful people get together, wonderful things can happen.

District Manager Hammerman ended his report by advising the Board that the DEP Gowanus facility upgrade work that has been going on for the last 1.5 years to upgrade the pumping station and work on the Flushing tunnel will be moving their construction offices from the Bond and Douglass Streets where their lease has expired to the site at the corner of Columbia and Degraw Streets. Shortly we will begin to see DEP trailers, equipment and materials stored on the site.

 ADOPTION OF MINUTES 

Board Member Eric McClure made a motion to accept the minutes of the April’s general meeting, seconded by Board Member Thomas Miskel.

VOTE: 31 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS

MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

TIME: 7:01 P.M.

 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 428 Bergen Street.

4

Motion: by Committee;

Recommendation to approve a new on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of YNWA Corp. at 428 Bergen Street (between 4th/5th Avenues).

Board Member Peter Fleming stated that the business is quiet and benign presence on the block.

VOTE: 32 YEAS, 0 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS

MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

TIME: 7:03P.M.

Permits & Licenses Chair Mike Racioppo also reported that the committee reviewed a new on-premises liquor license application at 161 7th Avenue.

Motion: by Committee;

Recommendation to approve a new on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of Papi's LLC at 161 7th Avenue (between Garfield Place/1st Street).

VOTE: 32 YEAS, 0 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS

MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

TIME: 7:04P.M.

Permits & Licenses Chair Mike Racioppo further reported that the committee reviewed a new on-premises liquor license application at 426A 7th Avenue.

Motion: by Committee;

Recommendation to approve a new on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of Windsor Roast House Inc. at 426A 7th Avenue (between 14th/15th Streets).

VOTE: 30 YEAS, 2 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS

MOTION PASSED

TIME: 7:06P.M.

Permits & Licenses Chair Mike Racioppo additionally reported that the committee reviewed a new on-premises liquor license application at 191 Smith Street.

Motion: Committee;

Recommendation to approve a new on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of Smith Street Farm, LLC at 191 Smith Street (between Warren/Baltic Streets).

Board Member Judith Thompson asked what the outdoor closing hours were. Permits & Licenses Chair Mike Racioppo stated 10pm on week nights and 11pm on weekends.

VOTE: 30 YEAS, 2 NAY, 1 ABSTENTION

MOTION PASSED

TIME: 7:08P.M.

5

Permits & Licenses Chair Mike Racioppo moreover reported that the committee reviewed a new seasonal on- premises liquor license application at 452 Union Street.

Motion: by Board Member Mark Shames, seconded by Board Member Victoria Hagman; Recommendation to approve a new seasonal on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of Green Building Waterfront LLC at 452 Union Street (corner of Bond Street) as modified by the applicant’s stipulations notarized on May 12, 2015 with the following conditions:  That the evening hours of operations be limited to facility closing at 11pm Sunday- Thursday and 12am Friday & Saturday.  There will be no amplified music.  The applicant will engage a sound acoustics professional to reduce noise.  The applicant will have daily trash pick-ups and use enclosed garbage receptacles.  The applicant will engage a professional extermination service and do daily cleaning.  The applicant will provide cell numbers to the community board and their neighbors for emergencies and complaints.  Recommend the fencing along the canal be increased in height for enhance safety.

Board Member Mark Shames further stated that the Board wishes to express our dissatisfaction with the timing of the applicant’s submission and adequacy of its compliance with the board’s notification process. We remain skeptical as to whether an outdoor space that accommodates 157 people can be successfully integrated into the community but our concerns are tempered by an understanding that this is a seasonal license that will remain in effect for only a single season.

Board Member David Mazzuca asked if there would be any live music. Permits & Licenses Chair Mike Racioppo stated maybe.

Board Member Mark Shames stated that any music that is heard beyond the property line without a permit would likely constitute a violation.

Board Member Jerry Armer spoke out against the motion stating that he has some serious problems with this applicant. When he first came through it was listed as live and amplified music. Then, two weeks after the first hearing, which was poorly attended, the application changed. It is now more of a family venue. He has some misgivings about an applicant that changes their business plan in 2 weeks. Before he can vote for a liquor license, he needs to know that their plan is viable.

Board Member Pauline Blake spoke out against the motion stating that she attended both the Committee and community meetings and heard all the concerns. Even though the owner has already agreed to certain stipulations, she does not believe that they will adhere to them. In addition, the height of the fence is inadequate and the applicant was not willing to do anything with it to safeguard the public. In good conscience, she cannot vote for a business that fluctuates in its presentation. Also, at the Committee meeting they were adamant that it would not operate unless they were approved to 2:00 a.m. and is now willing to acquiesce and say they are willing to take the terms of this Committee.

Board Member Glen Kelly spoke out against the motion stating that he also went to both meetings and knows the applicant who was a neighbor of his until recently. He is already operating several businesses at the location which has an effect on the local neighbors. This application is so much bigger and will have a much larger effect than any of his other businesses. This is so much bigger than anything we have come across before. There will be a place of assembly permit for 157 people, but we have been there and it can accommodate 200 to 300 people. We all know that there is not much enforcement in our City for this type of venue. How much is enough? Do we need another place like this? We are taking a huge risk here by recommending approval. He

6

believes the applicant should go back to the community and create a better plan and then bring it back to the Community Board.

Board Member Hildegaard Link asked what the closing hours would be. Permits & Licenses Chair Mike Racioppo stated: 11 pm, Sunday - Thurs.; 12:00 am, Friday & Saturday.

Board Member Mark Shames stated that he shares the concerns of his colleagues. As the Community Board part of our function is to bring about an interface between businesses and the community. We tried to do that and it was not easy in this case. I think the applicant got off on the wrong foot but he runs nice, decent businesses that sometimes there are problems but for the most part are generally compliant and well-liked in the neighborhood. I believe he should have reached out further than the 500 ft. that is required since there aren’t many residents within that footage. Nonetheless, we got him to reduce his hours. Will this be a successful business plan? I don’t know, but if they are not they probably will close. If they are successful and cause problems, since this is a seasonal license, they will have to come before us next year and we can recommend not to approve.

Board Member Lance Pinn spoke in favor of the motion stating that the applicant could have done more in terms of outreach but he operates good businesses that are compliant and responsible. We have to support our local businesses especially the ones that work with us as far as the stipulations are concerned.

Board Member Sayar Lonial spoke in favor of the motion stating that 2:00 am for an outdoor location is too late. When he saw the stipulation he thought they were great because this is what the Board is here to do; have hearings where the community and all others have a place where their voices can be heard and the businesses can hear concerns and come back to us with a plan incorporating the community’s concerns. We definitely want to encourage businesses and people to come to the Gowanus area and recommending approval will do just that.

Board Member Debra Scotto spoke in favor of the motion stating that they are zoned for this use and if we do not recommend approval, he may sell and we get someone who does not work with the community but against the community. At least with them, we know what we are getting.

Board Member Jerry Armer stated that he had heard the motion but he had not heard if the applicant had agreed to all of the points. Also, he’s aware that the applicant has other businesses but they are all enclosed which means to some extent the noise is controlled. We have supported most of the SLA applications that came before us but this one seems to be too large. He realizes that this is only for the summer season and part of the fall. He feels that because of the Place of Assembly permit, the fact that one can’t contain any music that will be played there, he has some serious doubts that this is a viable application.

Board Member Mark Shames stated that the only thing the applicant did not agree to was raising the height of the fence. That is why it is only recommended in the motion.

Board Member Judith Thompson stated that if you are going to open an outdoor space and you want to get it done 2 weeks is a reasonable turnaround time because you have to make concessions, you have to make your changes and it is good that he wants to work with the community. It should not be held against him that he made changes to his plan. He should be commended for it.

Board Member Eric Anderson spoke in favor of the motion stating that at the community meeting there was clearly a change in tone by the applicant as well as the community in regards to the compromises that most agreed upon. In regards to the fence, the reason that applicant did not agree with raising it, is because it is in compliance with DOB rules and regulations.

7

VOTE: 26 YEAS, 7 NAY, 1 ABSTENTIONS

MOTION PASSED

TIME: 7:41P.M.

Permits & Licenses Chair Mike Racioppo likewise reported that the committee reviewed a new unenclosed sidewalk café permit application at 446 Dean Street.

Motion: by Committee;

Recommendation to approve a new unenclosed sidewalk café permit application submitted to the Department of Consumer Affairs on behalf of SUPERPIZZA01 Corp. at 446 Dean Street (between 5th/Flatbush Avenues) to permit 4 tables and 8 seats.

Board Member Mark Shames asked what concerns were raised at the meeting in terms of the block. Permits & Licenses Chair Mike Racioppo stated that some thought the block was already crowded with too many sidewalk cafes.

Board Member Pauline Blake stated that she raised the issue of too many cafes on the block because there are two other cafes; one next door which the applicant also owns and the crowds that come from the area that go to these businesses are too much for the block and the quality of life for the residents who live on the block is greatly diminished.

Board Member Hildegaard Link asked if there was any way that we could ask the owners to mitigate the size of the crowds by minimizing the size of the sidewalk cafes. Chairperson Reilly stated that that conversation does take place in committee and on certain occasions we have asked them to change the size of their cafes. Board Member Jerry Armer stated that sidewalk cafes do make the street more crowded, however, we cannot penalize a business that happens to be on a block that gets crowded especially when the patrons leave the Barclay Center.

VOTE: 32 YEAS, 2 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS

MOTION PASSED

TIME: 7:45P.M.

Permits & Licenses Chair Mike Racioppo similarly reported that the committee reviewed a new unenclosed sidewalk café permit application at 259 5th Avenue.

Motion: by Committee;

Recommendation to approve a new unenclosed sidewalk café permit application submitted to the Department of Consumer Affairs on behalf of Jordyn Corp. at 259 5th Avenue (between Garfield Place/1st Street) to permit 11 tables and 23 seats.

Board Member Peter Fleming stated that a neighbor advised him that the previous owner of this location was a very good neighbor. She also stated to him that it was a very busy and noisy corner and that this café would add to the noise to the point that they would not be able to keep their windows open in the summer. Board Member Suzanne Turet also stated that it is a busy corner but there are no other sidewalk cafes on any of the other 3 corners at this intersection. Board Member Jerry Armer asked if they had a full liquor license and if they would have outdoor service. Permits & Licenses Chair Mike Racioppo stated that they do have a full liquor license and will be doing outdoor service.

8

VOTE: 33 YEAS, 0 NAY, 1 ABSTENTIONS

MOTION PASSED

TIME: 7:48P.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 to install a bike corral in front of 248 5th Avenue.

Motion: by Board Member Jerry Armer, seconded by Board Member Hildegaard Link; Recommendation to approve a proposal by the Department of Transportation to install a bicycle parking facility (bike corral) in front of 248 5th Avenue (northwest corner 5th Avenue/Carroll Street).

Board Member Suzanne Turet asked if DOT is required to post notices for the proposed bike corral in the neighborhood. Transportation Co-Chair Eric McClure stated no.

Board Member Daniel Kummer asked if we knew about the adequacy of bike parking on the block. Transportation Co-Chair Eric McClure stated that all of the bike racks on the block are fully occupied.

Board Member Pauline Blake stated that losing a parking space will be detrimental to the block.

Board Member Sayar Lonial asked if the other bike corral in the neighborhood is well used. Transportation Co- Chair Eric McClure stated yes.

Board Member Suzanne Turet spoke out against the motion stating that it is very difficult to find parking on Carroll and President Streets.

Board Member Elly Spicer spoke out against the motion stating that she is opposed to eliminating a parking space for the corral.

VOTE: 27 YEAS, 5 NAY, 1 ABSTENTIONS

MOTION PASSED

TIME: 7:58 P.M.

Transportation Co-Chair Eric McClure also reported to the Board that the committee heard a proposal for the 4th Avenue Median Reconstruction project.

Motion: by Board Member Jerry Armer, seconded by Board Member Glen Kelly;

Recommendation to approve the preliminary design concepts proposed by the Department of Transportation for the 4th Avenue Median Reconstruction project (between 8th-15th Streets). .

Board Member Judith Thompson asked how/why DOT chose those streets and no other ones in the district. Transportation Co-Chair Eric McClure stated that he believed that it was based on crash incidents. District Manager Hammerman stated that DOT wanted to include the 9th Street intersection in it and so had to start on 8th Street. There is a possibility of them extending the reconstruction project along 4 th Avenue in the second phase of funding. 9

VOTE: 31 YEAS, 0 NAY, 2 ABSTENTIONS

MOTION PASSED

TIME: 8:00 P.M.

Transportation Co-Chair Eric McClure further reported to the Board that the committee heard a proposal to relocate the electrical equipment for the Van Brunt Street Pumping Station.

Motion: by Board Member Jerry Armer, seconded by Board Member Glen Kelly; Recommendation to approve a proposal by the Department of Environmental Protection to relocate the electrical equipment for the Van Brunt Street Pumping Station at Van Brunt and Reed Streets with the condition that they consider public art integration.

VOTE: 33 YEAS, 0 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS

MOTION PASSED

TIME: 8:02 P.M.

YOUTH/HUMAN SERVICES AND EDUCATION…...PAIGE BELLENBAUM, HUM SVC CO-CHAIR

…………...BENJAMIN SOLOTAIRE, HUM SVC CO-CHAIR

…………….………SUZANNE TURET, EDUCATION CHAIR

Human Services Co-Chair Benjamin Solotaire reported that the committee reviewed the New York State Senate Bill S61-2015.

Motion: by Committee;

Recommendation to support New York State Senate Bill S61-2015, an act to amend the executive law, the civil rights law and the education law, in relation to prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity or expression; and to amend the penal law and the criminal procedure law, in relation to including offenses regarding gender identity or expression within the list of offenses subject to treatment as hate crimes.

Board Member Judith Thompson asked if there was anything in the bill regarding incarcerated transgender people. Human Services Co-Chair Benjamin Solotaire stated, “No.”

Board Member Roger Rigolli asked if this law was on the books already. Human Services Co-Chair Benjamin Solotaire stated that it is in New York City, but not in New York State.

Board Member Peter Fleming stated that this is a population that is subject to tremendous amounts of bias and attacks and needs protection under the law not only in New York City, but in New York State as a whole.

Board Member Judith Thompson spoke in favor of the bill stating that we should add incarcerated transgender people to it. Chairperson Reilly stated that we will add it to our letter.

VOTE: 32 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 1 ABSTENTION

MOTION PASSED

TIME: 8:08 P.M.

Chairperson Reilly recognized elected officials representatives:

10

Jeff Lowell, representing Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, thanked Community Board 6 for sponsoring Solarize Brooklyn CB6.

Julian Morales, representing Council Member Carlos Manchaca, presented the winners of the Participatory Budget in his councilmatic district. The projects that won in our district were bathroom renovations at PS15 in Red Hook and to provide equipment for a multimedia room in the Red Hook Library. He invited everyone to participate in a meeting on May 27th at the Miccio Center in which the Council Member and the Parks Department will give an update on capital parks projects in Red Hook.

Basilisa Alonzo, representing Council Member Brad Lander, also presented the winners of the Participatory Budget in his councilmatic district. The projects that won in our district were: AC for PS 124 cafeteria in Park Slope; gym renovations for PS 146/MS 448 in Carroll Gardens; Make Union Street and 9 th Street between Bond and 4th Avenue greener in Gowanus; Four Safer Intersections on Hicks Street – Kane, Sackett, Union and Summit – in Cobble Hill and Carroll Gardens; Technology for Local Arts Non-profits in Gowanus; New drainage path in Prospect Park; Creation of a Park Slope Library Storytelling Garden in Park Slope. She stated that the Council Member is against the closure of the Pavilion movie theater in Park Slope for luxury housing. He will do everything in his power to explore all options to save the theater.

Melanie Hirsch, representing Assembly Member James Brennan, invited everyone to the Assemblyperson’s annual Brooklyn Volunteer Fair on June 4th from 5:30 to 8:00 pm at the Park Slope Armory YMCA.

Jim Harvey, representing Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon, invited everyone to the Assemblywoman’s annual Senior Resource Fair on June 19th from 11:00 to 2:00 pm at St. Francis College.

Oscar Jonas, representing State Senator Velmanette Montgomery, reported on the Senator’s legislative initiatives.

Raul Rothblatt, representing State Senator Jesse Hamilton, stated that if anyone has any housing issues, they should go to his office and see a constituent liaison.

Robert Young, representing State Senator Daniel Squadron, stated that the Senator was very thankful to Community Board 6 for supporting his Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) which extends basic protections in housing, employment and public accommodations to transgender New Yorkers; as well as the LICH Act which establishes a clear, transparent and community-oriented process when hospital closures are threatened.

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.

Dan Wiley, representing Congress Member Nydia Velázquez, invited everyone to a Public Community Meeting sponsored by the Congresswoman where you can come, meet and discuss changes to the National Flood Insurance Program on May 28th at 7:00 pm at Mary Star of the Sea Senior Apartments Community Room located at 41 First Street.

 COMMUNITY SESSION 

Kathleen Crosby, representing GrowNYC invited everyone to participate in Stop ’N Swap, a free community reuse event. Bring clean, reusable, portable items such as clothing, housewares, games and books to swap on May 16th from 12:00 to 3:00 pm at the Old Stone House.

11

 NEW/OTHER BUSINESS 

Board Member Eric McClure asked everybody to participate on May 18th in Bike to Work Day rather than drive or take mass transportation.

Board Member Roger Rigolli asked everyone to take a few moments on Memorial Day to honor those who are currently or have died in service to our country. He also invited people to participate on June 2 nd in a golf outing fundraiser for veterans.

Board Member Sayar Lonial stated that the NY Polytechnic School of Engineering is now offering a veteran entrepreneurial training program for veterans who are targeting a transition into the technology industry.

Motion: by Board Member Roger Rigolli, seconded by Board Member Eric McClure; To adjourn the meeting.

VOTE: 33 YEAS, 0 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS

MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

TIME: 8:40P.M.

Minutes submitted into the District Office by Assistant District Manager Leroy Branch on May 21, 2015.

12