BROOKLYN COMMUNITY BOARD 6
GENERAL BOARD MEETING
PUBLIC SCHOOL 32
317 HOYT STREET
OCTOBER 14, 2015
ATTENDANCE
PRESENT:
J.ARMER P. BELLENBAUM P. BLAKE
F. BROWN J. BROWN D. BUSCARELLO
SR. R. CERVONE P. FLEMING K. GURL
V. HAGMAN V. HERAMIA J. HEYER
F. JEAN G. KELLY A. KRASNOW
R. LEVINE H. LINK S. LONIAL
E. MCCLURE A. MEHTA M. NEUMAN
C. PIGOTT L. PINN M. RACIOPPO
G. REILLY R. RIGOLLI M. RUIZ
D. SCOTTO M. SHAMES M. SILVERMAN
J. OLTMAN-SMITH B. SOLOTAIRE J. THOMPSON
S. TURET R. UNDERWOOD D. WILLIAMS
EXCUSED:
R. BASHNER A. FREEMAN D. KUMMER
R. LUFTGLASS T. MISKEL
ABSENT:
M. CABALLERO E. CAUSIL-RODRIGUEZ D. ESQUERRA
E. FELDER H. HUGHES K. JAMES
M. SCOTT D. WILLIAMS
GUESTS:
HON. BRAD LANDER, CITY COUNCIL MEMBER
HON. KEVIN PARKER, STATE SENATOR
J. LOWELL, BOROUGH PRESIDENT ADAMS’ REPRESENTATIVE
S. CHARLOP, CITY COUNCIL MEMBER LANDER’S REPRESENTATIVE
O. JONAS, STATE SENATOR MONTGOMERY’S REPRESENTATIVE
R. ROTHBLATT, STATE SENATOR HAMILTON’S REPRESENTATIVE
A. CHIRENO, NEW YORK CITY COMPTROLLER STRINGER’S REPRESENTATIVE
L. BENJAMIN, KINGS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY THOMPSON’S REPRESENTATIVE
A. BUCY, PUBLIC ADOVCATE JAMES’ REPRESENTATIVE
J. MORALES, CITY COUNCIL MEMBER MENCHACA’S REPRESENTATIVE
R. YOUNG, STATE SENATOR SQUADRON’S REPRESENTATIVE
Complete list of meeting attendees on file at District Office. 1
Chairperson Gary Reilly called the meeting to order at 6:45pm.
CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT……………………………………………………….................GARY REILLY
Chairperson Gary Reilly began his report by announcing that Human Services Co-Chair Benjamin Solotaire has resigned from the Community Board, effective October 15th, due to a Conflict of Interest Board ruling relevant to Mr. Solotaire’s new position as Participatory Budget Coordinator for Council Member Steve Levin. Mr. Reilly indicated that Mr. Solotaire would like to remain on the Youth/Human Services/Education Committee as a non-board member, and expressed the Board’s support of this, stating that Mr. Solotaire’s passion and energy is a positive for the committee. Mr. Reilly continued that Board Member Rob Underwood would now serve as the new Youth Services Committee Chair. As a result, Mr. Underwood will now serve on the Board’s Executive Committee.
Chairperson Reilly also announced that Board Member Elly Spicer has also formally resigned from the Board due to a new teaching position which includes time commitments that conflict with general meetings. The Chairperson thanked both Ms. Spicer and Mr. Solotaire for their years of selfless service to the Board and the community, and underscored that the Board roster now sits at 47 members.
Chairperson Reilly congratulated Board Member Victoria Hagman on the upcoming 10th Anniversary of her real estate business, Realty Collective.
Chairperson Reilly announced a Save the Date request for this year’s CB6 Holiday Party. The Holiday Party is Monday, December 14th at Lobo, 218 Court Street from 6:30-9pm. The Chairperson requested that Board Members be on the lookout for sponsors, and thanked Sayar Lonial for securing NYU Tandon School of Engineering as the first sponsor. The Chair also asked that members consider volunteering to help with the planning of the party, and stated that anyone willing to do so should contact the Board Office.
The Chairperson announced that the District Office is requesting a meeting with NYCHA officials regarding the recent announcement that NYCHA is considering a plan to develop a portion of their property at Wyckoff Gardens Houses in the district. The goal of the meeting is to gain clarity on the details of any plans NYCHA might be considering, and what the Community Board’s role in the process will be.
Chairperson Reilly reminded Board Members and attendees that the next general meeting will be Tuesday, November 10th, as the typical Wednesday schedule conflicts with Veterans Day.
Chairperson Reilly recognized State Senator Kevin Parker, of the 21st Senate District in Brooklyn.
Senator Parker stated that the State Budget process is about to kick off and asked for ideas to be sent to his office, be they revenue generating or expenditures.
The Senator announced that his office is temporarily located at 55 Hanson Place, Suite 650. He noted that he holds extensive office hours on Thursdays and welcomed constituents to stop by.
Senator Parker noted that his office has recently been a part of two public health initiatives: offering free flu shots and helping to promote breast cancer screenings.
!!! ADOPTION OF MINUTES !!!
2
Board Member Eric McClure made a motion to accept the minutes of the September’s general meeting, seconded by Board Member Peter Fleming.
VOTE: 30 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 6:54 P.M.
DISTRICT MANAGER’S REPORT………………………………………….…….CRAIG HAMMERMAN
District Manager Craig Hammerman began his report by outlining a September meeting with the Economic Development Corporation and the Port Authority relevant to the on-going Red Hook Community MicroGrid Project. Mr. Hammerman stated that the main purpose of the meeting to discuss the possibility of placing solar panels on and around the Red Hook Cruise Ship Terminal. Both the EDC and the Port Authority showed initial interest in the concept, and a follow-up meeting is being planned, which would include the technical engineers to discuss the process in greater detail.
Mr. Hammerman stated that this meeting clarified the progress of a long-standing request for shore power at the cruise ship terminal. Shore power would allow cruise ships to plug-in to a land-based power source when docked, rather than burning bunker fuel, which is a particularly harmful pollutant. The Port Authority stated that construction of the shore power set-up is complete and the cruise terminal is in the commissioning phase of implementation. The full system should be on-line by the end of December 2015.
Mr. Hammerman stated that the Red Hook Community MicroGrid team also met with NYCHA to discuss their Red Hook Houses microgrid concept. A series of conference calls and meetings will continue. The District Manager stated his overall pleasure with the process and pace regarding the Red Hook Community MicroGrid, and expressed hopefulness that the next phases in the project will go as smoothly.
The District Manager outlined the process by which the Economic Development Corporation will award one contract to operate both the Manhattan and Brooklyn cruise ship terminals, which should help streamline the cruise ship traffic and bring some cruise ship business back to Brooklyn’s terminal by eliminating the competitive incentive.
Mr. Hammerman stated that he and Board Member Glenn Kelly recently met with a group of businesses, residents, and other interested parties who would like to recapture the space on 10th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues, formerly known as the Fran Brady Under-the-Tracks Playground. This space has been closed for many years, and the meeting offered a number of concepts and renderings that the community would like to have considered. The district office will be offering technical assistance to the interested parties as they shop the concepts around the community and approach elected officials for funding.
!!! COMMITTEE REPORTS !!!
BUDGET COMMITTEE………….…………...…RICK LUFTGLASS, CHAIR, BUDGET COMMITTEE
Chairperson Reilly reported on behalf of Budget Committee Chair Rick Luftglass, who was excused from the meeting.
Chairperson Reilly stated that most of the Capital and Expense requests are the same as the previous year, the requests that were dropped from the previous year were dropped because they’ve been fully funded, 3
implemented, or completed. Mr. Reilly stated that the Department of Transportation has heeded the previous year’s request for expansion of the bike share program. DOT is in process of planning an expansion within the district, and has moved the expansion date from 2017 to 2016. The Chair also stated that Mr. Hammerman’s previous report on the shore power initiative for the Red Hook cruise ship terminal explains why the previous request for shore power infrastructure has been removed. The Budget committee also dropped a previous request for Comprehensive School-based Traffic Calming planning, as DOT is in the process of evaluating every individual school.
A request to the Department of Environmental Protection for a Storm Surge Barrier for the Gowanus Canal was dropped, as DEP indicated that it would not initiate such a project, which would cost hundreds-of-millions of dollars. DEP suggested the Community Board contact the Army Corps of Engineers to take the lead on such a project.
The Budget committee added a request for the installation of a Solar Collection Array at Piers 6-12, and some requests received from the 78th Precinct Community Council including a refurbishment of the 78th Precinct Court Room, Radar Speed Signage, and mobile Variable Message Boards so the precinct can better communicate messages to the general public about street events, closures, etc.
Mr. Reilly outlined that on the expanse side, the Budget committee dropped a request for the City to restore funding to their Rental Assistance Program since they have put new resources and energy into building a brand new fully-funded program. The Committee has instead submitted a request for more NYCHA Maintenance personnel to help improve response times for maintenance requests submitted by tenants.
The Chairperson stated that all of the proposed items were reviewed, discussed, and adopted by the Budget Committee at their meeting on October 13th and asked for comments or questions relevant to the Capital Items.
Motion: by Board Member Jerry Armer, seconded by Board Member Pauline Blake; Adoption of Fiscal Year 2017 Capital Budget Priorities.
VOTE: 34 YEAS, 0 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 7:04P.M.
The Chairperson then asked for comments or questions relevant to the Expense Items.
Motion: by Board Member Jerry Armer, seconded by Board Member Pauline Blake; Adoption of Fiscal Year 2017 Expense Priorities.
VOTE: 34 YEAS, 0 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 7:05P.M.
Chairperson Reilly recognized Council Member Brad Lander, who opened his comments by expressing his excitement for the CitiBike committee meeting on October 15th The Council Member stated that his office is working with DOT to expand access to the digital mapping for the purpose of feedback.
Council Member Lander expressed his excitement for the grassroots effort to bring back the B71 bus route, stating that his office hears plenty of public feedback on this front.
4
The Council Member made another call for participatory budget feedback, which can be delivered to his website.
Council Member Lander offered an update on the on-going Pavilion Theatre Landmark review, stating that he called the Landmarks Preservation Commission chair after the LPC meeting. Mr. Lander asked that LPC take the Community Board’s position seriously, going forward.
The Council Member remarked that the physical culture application previously approved by CB6 for the third floor of the Pathmark in Hamilton Plaza must now come before the City Council for review. He plans to keep the Board updated on the process going forward.
Council Member Lander then took questions.
Board Member Eric McClure asked for clarity around the participatory budget feedback deadline. Mr. Lander’s liaison, Susie Charlop, responded that the deadline is, in fact, October 16th.
Board Member Judith Thompson asked if a text amendment might be a possible avenue to prevent large supermarkets from being converted to other uses. Council Member Lander stated that this did not seem like a likely solution.
Board Member Joe Ann Brown asked if the Pathmark location would be turned into residential development. The Council Member stated that the location is not zoned for residential.
!!! COMMITTEE REPORTS (CONTINUED)!!!
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE……………………………………………..GARY REILLY, BOARD CHAIR
Chairperson Reilly announced that the executive committee took the initiative to support a motion in favor of landmark status for Saint Augustine Church at 166th 6th Avenue, as the calendared Landmarks hearing was scheduled prior to the next CB6 Landmarks Committee meeting.
Landmarks Chair Robert Levine offered the landmark-specific details relevant to the church and apologized to the Landmarks committee for the item needing to be voted on at the executive committee, stating that the schedule conflict made the vote unavoidable.
Motion: Recommendation that the Landmarks Preservation Commission not de-register St. Augustine’s Church, 116 6th Avenue, from landmark consideration and instead that LPC grant Landmark Status to the building, out-right.
VOTE: 33 YEARS, 1 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED
TIME: 7:22P.M.
ELECTION COMMITTEE……………………..PETER FLEMING, ELECTION COMMITTEE CHAIR
Election Committee Chair Peter Fleming updated the Board on the nomination phase of the annual election cycle, stating that no new nominations were made before the initial nomination phase ended. Mr. Fleming outlined the process by which a Board Member can make a nomination from the floor of the November General Board meeting. Any nominees would need to approve their nomination. As it stands, all existing board officers are eligible for another term in their position. 5
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 447 Bergen Street.
Motion: Recommendation to conditionally approve a new on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of Prema Sati Inc. at 447 Bergen Street (between 5th/Flatbush Avenues).
VOTE: 32 YEAS, 2 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED
TIME: 7:25P.M.
Permits & Licenses Chair Mike Racioppo also reported that the committee reviewed a new on-premises liquor license application at 530 3rd Avenue.
Motion: Recommendation to approve a new on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of Surfish Bistro II, Inc. at 550 3rd Avenue (between 13th/14th Streets).
VOTE: 34 YEAS, 0 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 7:26P.M.
Permits & Licenses Chair Mike Racioppo further reported that the committee reviewed a new on-premises liquor license at 115 Columbia Street.
Motion: Recommendation to approve a new on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of CHSK NYC Inc. at 115 Columbia Street (between Kane/Baltic Streets).
VOTE: 34 YEAS, 0 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 7:27P.M.
Permits & Licenses Chair Mike Racioppo additionally reported that the committee reviewed a new on-premises liquor license at 440 Bergen Street.
Motion: Recommendation to approve a new on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of Leone Inc. at 440 Bergen Street (southeast corner 5th Avenue/Bergen Street).
VOTE: 34 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTION
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 7:29P.M.
6
Permits & Licenses Chair Mike Racioppo additionally reported that the committee reviewed a new on-premises liquor license at 136 Atlantic Avenue.
Motion: Recommendation to approve a new on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of Pekar Handwercker LLC at 136 Atlantic Avenue (between Henry/Clinton Streets).
VOTE: 33 YEAS, 1 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTION
MOTION PASSED
TIME: 7:31P.M
Permits & Licenses Chair Mike Racioppo additionally reported that the committee reviewed a new on-premises liquor license at 315 5th Avenue.
Motion: Recommendation to approve a new on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of NBG One Corp. at 315 5th Avenue (between 2nd/3rd Streets).
VOTE: 34 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTION
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 7:32P.M
Permits & Licenses Chair Mike Racioppo additionally reported that the committee reviewed a new on-premises liquor license at 273 13th Street.
Motion: Recommendation to approve a new on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of Paddy’s of Park Slope at 273 13th (between 5th/6th Avenue).
Board Member Jerry Armer asked if the 2AM restriction was the best the committee could do, and Committee Chair Racioppo noted that the lack of outdoor space limited the committee’s capacity to negotiate hours of operation. Mr. Armer also asked if the bar planned to have music, to which Mr. Racioppo responded they did.
Board Member Glenn Kelly commented that he voted against the motion at committee because of the growing concern of establishments that wrap around from a commercial street to a residential street. Board Member Sayar Lonial agreed with Mr. Kelly’s assessment, which is why he also voted no at the committee level.
VOTE: 21 YEAS, 12 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTION
MOTION PASSED
TIME: 7:42P.M
Permits & Licenses Chair Mike Racioppo additionally reported that the committee reviewed a new on-premises liquor license at 620 Atlantic Avenue.
Motion: Recommendation to approve a new on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of The Barclays Center at 620 Atlantic Avenue (between Fort Greene Place/South Portland Avenue).
VOTE: 33 YEAS, 1 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTION
MOTION PASSED
TIME: 7:46P.M
7
Permits & Licenses Chair Mike Racioppo additionally reported that the committee reviewed a new on-premises liquor license at 247 Smith Street.
Motion: Recommendation to approve a new on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of Nunez LLC at 247 Smith Street (between Douglass Street/Degraw Street).
VOTE: 33 YEAS, 1 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTION
MOTION PASSED
TIME: 7:47P.M
LANDMARKS/LAND USE COMMITTEE…………………ROBERT LEVINE, CHAIR, LANDMARKS
………………...……PETER FLEMING, CHAIR, LAND USE
Landmarks Chair Robert Levine reported that the committee reviewed a Certificate of Appropriateness application at 343 Clinton Street.
Motion: Recommendation to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness application submitted to the Landmarks Preservation Commission for the restoration of cornice, lintels and sills, enlarged parlor level window openings and sunken areaway at front elevation, two-story rear yard extension with deck, and the removal of a dormer and creation of partial roof deck at 343 Clinton Street (between Kane/Degraw Streets), Cobble Hill Historic District.
VOTE: 33 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 7:51P.M.
Landmarks Chair Robert Levine reported that the committee reviewed a Certificate of Appropriateness application at 554 10th Street.
Motion: Recommendation to conditionally approve a Certificate of Appropriateness application submitted to the Landmarks Preservation Commission for the restoration of lintels and addition of window bars at the front elevation of 554 10th Street (between 7th/8th Avenues), Park Slope Historic District.
VOTE: 33 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTION
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 7:59P.M.
Landmarks Chair Robert Levine also reported that the committee reviewed a Certificate of Appropriateness application at 516-518 9th Street.
Motion: Recommendation to disapprove a Certificate of Appropriateness application submitted to the Landmarks Preservation Commission for the rooftop addition of a bulkhead, deck and railing at 516-518 9th Street (southeast corner 8th Avenue/9th Street), Park Slope Historic District.
VOTE: 33 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 8:02P.M.
8
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 that the committee reviewed a proposal to co-name Degraw Street between 4th and 5th Avenues.
Motion: Recommendation to approve a proposal to co-name Degraw Street between 4th and 5th Avenues as “Robert “PH” Diaz Way”.
VOTE: 33 YEAS, 1 NAY, 1 ABSTENTION
MOTION PASSED
TIME: 8:05P.M.
Transportation Co-Chair Eric McClure reported that the committee reviewed a proposal to co-name the intersection of Union and Columbia Streets.
Motion: Recommendation to approve a proposal to co-name the intersection of Union and Columbia Streets as “Jose “Tuffy” Sanchez Corner”.
VOTE: 33 YEAS, 1 NAY, 1 ABSTENTION
MOTION PASSED
TIME: 8:06P.M.
Transportation Co-Chair Eric McClure reported that the committee reviewed a proposal by the Department of Transportation to convert Commerce Street from Van Brunt Street to Imlay Street to a one-way operation from two-way operation, and a proposal to reverse the direction of Verona Street from Imlay Street to Van Brunt Street.
Motion: Recommendation to approve a proposal by the Department of Transportation to convert Commerce Street from Van Brunt Street to Imlay Street to a one-way operation from two-way operation, and a proposal to reverse the direction of Verona Street from Imlay Street to Van Brunt Street.
VOTE: 32 YEAS, 1 NAY, 0 ABSTENTION
MOTION PASSED
TIME: 8:10P.M.
Transportation Co-Chair Eric McClure reported that the committee reviewed a proposal by NYC Transit for station access changes at the 7th Avenue F/G subway station in Park Slope.
Motion: Recommendation to conditionally approve a proposal by NYC Transit for station access changes at the 7th Avenue F/G subway station in Park Slope.
VOTE: 32 YEAS, 0 NAY, 0 ABSTENTION
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 8:19P.M.
9
Transportation Co-Chair Eric McClure reported that the committee requested that NYC Transit provide the Community Board with handicapped-accessible plans for the 7th Avenue, Smith-9th Street, Grand Army Plaza and 4th Avenue subway stations within one year.
Motion: Recommendation to request that NYC Transit provide the Community Board with handicapped- accessible plans for the 7th Avenue, Smith-9th Street, Grand Army Plaza and 4th Avenue subway stations within one year.
VOTE: 32 YEAS, 0 NAY, 0 ABSTENTION
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 8:20P.M.
YOUTH/HUMAN SERVICES/EDUCATION COMMITTEE
……ROB UNDERWOOD, CHAIR, YOUTH SERVICES COMMITTEE
…………..SUZANNE TURET, CHAIR, EDUCATION COMMITTEE
…….BENJAMIN SOLOTAIRE, CO-CHAIR, HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
………PAIGE BELLENBAUM, CO-CHAIR, HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Human Services Co-Chair Benjamin Solotaire reported that the committee reviewed a proposal to establish a New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) certified substance abuse treatment program at 236 Hoyt Street.
Motion: Recommendation to approve a proposal by Redemption Point, Inc. to establish a New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) certified substance abuse treatment program at 236 Hoyt Street (between Butler/Douglass Streets).
VOTE: 30 YEAS, 0 NAY, 2 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED
TIME: 8:26P.M.
Chairperson Reilly recognized elected officials representatives:
Jeff Lowell, representing Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, announced the Borough President’s solar policy training on Wednesday, October 21st at Borough Hall for 1-2:30PM.
LaToya Benjamin, representing Kings County District Attorney Ken Thompson, offered updates relevant to the Begin Again Program, which has been successful. Over 1800 residents have had low-level offenses closed.
Ana Chireno, representing New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer, introduced herself as the Comptroller’s new liaison to Brooklyn CB6 and gave an update on the Comptroller’s on-going consumer banking initiative and his holistic report on housing over-crowding.
Julian Morales, representing Council Member Carlos Menchaca, announced that the Council Member has been urging EDC to respond to Red Hook residents’ requests for expanded ferry service.
Rob Young, representing State Senator Squadron, announced the Senator’s MTA investigation and press release regarding the state of many subway stops within CB6. The report can be found on the Senator’s website
10
!!! COMMUNITY SESSION !!!
There were no public comments.
!!! NEW/OTHER BUSINESS !!!
Board Member Paige Bellenbaum announced the October 21st meeting regarding school over-crowding at PS’s 58, 29, and 22. The meeting is at PS 58 beginning at 7pm.
Motion: by Board Member Roger Rigolli, seconded by Board Member Jerry Armer; To adjourn the meeting.
VOTE: 33 YEAS, 0 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 8:48P.M.
Minutes submitted into the District Office by Assistant District Manager Ty Beatty on October 29, 2015.
11