BROOKLYN COMMUNITY BOARD 6
GENERAL BOARD MEETING
PUBLIC SCHOOL 58 AUDITORIUM
330 SMITH STREET
NOVEMBER 10, 2015
ATTENDANCE
PRESENT:
J.ARMER P. BELLENBAUM P. BLAKE
F. BROWN D. BUSCARELLO E. CAUSIL-RODRIGUEZ
E. FELDER P. FLEMING A. FREEMAN
K. GURL V. HAGMAN V. HERAMIA
J. HEYER F. JEAN G. KELLY
A. KRASNOW D. KUMMER S. LONIAL
R. LUFTGLASS E. MCCLURE A. MEHTA
M. NEUMAN L. PINN M. RACIOPPO
G. REILLY D. SCOTTO M. SHAMES
M. SILVERMAN J. OLTMAN-SMITH J. THOMPSON
S. TURET R. UNDERWOOD D. WILLIAMS
EXCUSED:
R. BASHNER J. BROWN M. CABALLERO
SR. R. CERVONE H. HUGHES R. LEVINE
T. MISKEL C. PIGOTT R. RIGOLLI
ABSENT:
D. ESQUERRA K. JAMES H. LINK
L. PINN M. RUIZ M. SCOTT
GUESTS:
HON. JO ANNE SIMON, STATE ASSEMBLY MEMBER
J. LEVIN, BOROUGH PRESIDENT ADAMS’ REPRESENTATIVE
J. MORALES, CITY COUNCIL MEMBER MENCHACA’S REPRESENTATIVE
S. CHARLOP, CITY COUNCIL MEMBER LANDER’S REPRESENTATIVE
O. JONAS, STATE SENATOR MONTGOMERY’S REPRESENTATIVE
J. HARVEY, STATE ASSEMBLY MEMBER SIMON’S REPRESENTATIVE
R. YOUNG, STATE SENATOR SQUADRON’S REPRESENTATIVE
P. RHEAUME, CONGRESSMEMBER CLARKE’S REPRESENTATIVE
D. ABRAMSON, MAYOR DE BLASIO’S REPRESENTATIVE
Complete list of meeting attendees on file at District Office.
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Chairperson Gary Reilly called the meeting to order at 6:45pm.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Board Member Jerry Armer made a motion to accept the minutes of the September’s general meeting, seconded by Board Member Peter Fleming.
VOTE: 26 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 6:46 P.M.
CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT……………………………………………………….................GARY REILLY
Chairperson Reilly opened the meeting by offering a reminder of the upcoming CB6 Holiday Party, scheduled for Monday, December 14 beginning at 6:30pm. The party will be held at Lobo, 218 Court Street. The Chair stated that the district office is still on the lookout for additional sponsors for the party and thanked Board Member Sayar Lonial for securing the first sponsor, NYU Tandon School of Engineering. Chairperson Reilly continued that the district office is still collecting donated prizes for the raffle to be held at the holiday party. He reiterated that volunteers to help with planning and preparation for the party would be greatly appreciated, and anyone interested in doing so should contact the district office.
Chairperson Reilly acknowledged and thanked Human Services Committee Chair Paige Bellenbaum for putting together a successful event on School Overcrowding in the Carroll Gardens/Cobble Hill portion of the district. The Chair commented that the event was well attended, and underscored the on-going overcrowding concerns in the area, which will be a major factor in the discussions regarding Fortis Property Group’s development of the Long Island College Hospital site in Cobble Hill, as well as the proposed Pre-K school in Gowanus.
Mr. Reilly announced a December 1st Public Hearing at the Prospect Park YMCA. The meeting is co-sponsored by CB6’s Youth/Human Services/Education Committee and Community Education Council 15, and is relevant to the School Constructions Authority’s proposed 180-seat Pre-K Facility for District 15 at 201 9th Street in Gowanus. The meeting will take place Tuesday, December 1st at 357 9th Street, beginning at 6:30pm.
The Chair noted that the board expects the City Planning Commission to certify the ULURP application for Oxford Nursing Home on Conover Street in Red Hook on November 30th. In anticipation, a Landmarks/Land Use Committee public hearing is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, December 3rd. The committee’s regularly scheduled meeting night has been moved because of the Thanksgiving holiday conflict. When CPC certifies the application the district office will put out the public hearing notice.
Chairperson Reilly reported that several members of the Executive Committee recently had a productive meeting with Shola Olatoye, the Chair of the New York City Housing Authority, to begin a conversation about NYCHA’s concepts for the development of a portion of their property at Wyckoff Gardens Houses. Mr. Reilly anticipated that a ULURP for the project can be expected sometime in 2016.
The Chair closed his report by wishing Board Member Roger Rigolli a Happy Marine Corps Birthday, and by offering general thanks to veterans before tomorrow’s observance of Veterans Day.
Chairperson Reilly recognized State Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon, who offered a few remarks.
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Assemblymember Simon noted that the new Assembly Session beings in January and stated that she won’t be able to attend many community meetings once the session begins. Ms. Simon offered pleasantries to the Veterans in attendance in advance of the Veterans Day holiday. The Assemblymember also noted her pleasure with the School Overcrowding program she attended, and remarked that the program was well planned and run, thanking Board Member Paige Bellenbaum for her work.
DISTRICT MANAGER’S REPORT………………………………………….…….CRAIG HAMMERMAN
District Manager Craig Hammerman began his report by outlining a meeting he and Assistant District Manager Ty Beatty had with the Department of Transportation’s Bridges Division. Mr. Hammerman stated that the Bridges Division representatives outlined their existing work in the wake of Superstorm Sandy: The 3rd Street Bridge has existing electrical problems that are being worked on to this day; Carroll Street and 9 th Street will receive federal funds for bringing the bridges back into service; Sackett Street will have bearings replaced between 2017 and 2020; and Union Street is currently being assessed, with the possibility of a comprehensive rehabilitation or a complete replacement, with work scheduled for fiscal year 2019 and an estimated full bridge replacement cost of $40 million. The Bridges Division anticipated coming to the community board sometime in the spring of 2016 with a preliminary design concept for Union Street.
Mr. Hammerman announced that Brooklyn District Managers are meeting with Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Emily Lloyd on Friday, November 13th to discuss agency service items, including the frequency and quality of public notices from DEP and how they compare to legal requirements.
The District Manager closed his remarks by discussing the Under-the-Tracks Playground meeting held on Monday, November 9th. Mr. Hammerman noted that the meeting was very well attended, and that Councilmember Brad Lander was in attendance and offered his perspective and support.
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 669 Union Street.
Motion: Recommendation to approve a new on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of 669 Union Corp. at 669 Union Street (between 4th/5th Avenues).
VOTE: 30 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 232 3rd Street.
Motion: Recommendation to approve a new on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of Oh Really Now LLC at 232 3rd Avenue (between 3rd/4th Avenues).
VOTE: 30 YEAS, 0 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS
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MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 7:05P.M.
Permits & Licenses Chair Mike Racioppo further reported that the committee reviewed a new on-premises liquor license at 264 Clinton Street.
Motion: Recommendation to approve a new on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of 264 Clinton Street (between Verandah Place/Warren Street).
VOTE: 29 YEAS, 1 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED
TIME: 7:08P.M.
ELECTION COMMITTEE……………………..PETER FLEMING, ELECTION COMMITTEE CHAIR
Election Committee Chair Peter Fleming called for nominations from the floor to oppose existing office holder on the board, all whom are eligible for another term in their respective postions. There were no floor nominations. With no nominations during the nominating period and none from the floor, all existing board officers will remain in their positions for another term.
ECONOMICS/WATERFRONT/COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & HOUSING COMMITTEE
………………...……RICK LUFTGLASS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CHAIR
…………....RICHARD BASHNER, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT/WATERFRONT CHAIR
……….ARIEL KRASNOW, HOUSING CHAIR
Economic Development Chair Rick Luftglass reported that the committee reviewed a resolution regarding street vending and related legislation under consideration by the New York City Council. The legislation under consideration would potentially lift the cap on street vendor licenses. Mr. Luftglass stated that the committee plans to have follow-up conversations with Councilmembers Lander and Levin on this matter, and will likely draft a resolution after doing more follow-up and research.
LANDMARKS/LAND USE COMMITTEE…………………ROBERT LEVINE, CHAIR, LANDMARKS
………………...……PETER FLEMING, CHAIR, LAND USE
Land Use Chair Peter Fleming reported that the committee reviewed a waiver of the Rules and Practice and Procedure for a property at 383 3rd Avenue.
Motion: Recommendation to conditionally approve an application submitted to the Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA Cal. No. 159-00-BZ) on behalf of Al-Iman Center, Inc. for a waiver of the Rules and Practice and Procedure, an extension and elimination of term of the variance, and an amendment to the originally granted variance to reflect the zoning change and minor plumbing and partition alterations for the property at 383 3rd Avenue (Block 980, Lot 1), pursuant to Sections 72-01 and 72-21 of the Zoning Resolution.
VOTE: 29 YEAS, 1 NAY, 2 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED
TIME: 7:20P.M.
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Land Use Chair Peter Fleming also reported that the Landmarks Committee reviewed a Certificate of Appropriateness application at 249 Clinton Street.
Motion: Recommendation to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness application submitted to the Landmarks Preservation Commission for the renovation of an existing 2-story rear yard extension at 249 Clinton Street (between Verandah Pl/Warren St), Cobble Hill Historic District.
VOTE: 30 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTION
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 7:21P.M.
Land Use Chair Peter Fleming also reported that the Land Use Committee reviewed the Department of City Planning’s Zoning for Quality and Affordability text amendment proposal.
Conversation ensued relevant to the details of the proposal and their likelihood of being subject to loophole exploitation. Further discussion among board members underscored that all other community boards in the city have thus far rejected the Zoning for Quality and Affordability plan, while other board members mentioned the benefits of the plan, and how it will simplify code for developers.
Motion: Recommendation to conditionally approve a proposal by the Department of City Planning on the department's Zoning for Quality and Affordability text amendment proposal (ULURP No. N 160049 ZRY), targeted changes to zoning regulations that would address the needs of affordable housing, aid efficient use of housing subsidies, and encourage higher-quality residential buildings in the city's medium- and high-density neighborhoods.
VOTE: 21 YEAS, 8 NAYS, 2 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED
TIME: 7:46P.M.
Land Use Chair Peter Fleming also reported that the Land Use Committee reviewed the Department of City Planning’s Mandatory Inclusionary Housing text amendment proposal.
Conversation ensued with strong opposition to off-site development of affordable housing, with multiple board members citing housing and school segregation as a problem they would like to improve upon.
Motion: Recommendation to conditionally approve a proposal by the Department of City Planning on the department's Mandatory Inclusionary Housing text amendment proposal (ULURP No. N 160051 ZRY), to promote neighborhood economic diversity in locations where land use actions create substantial new housing.
Opposition to off-site development prompted a motion to amend the existing motion.
Amendment: by Board Member Daniel Kummer, seconded by Board Member Jerry Armer; To amend the existing motion, a conditional approval, to include mandatory on-site affordable housing rather than allowing off-site development.
VOTE: 31 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
AMENDMENT PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
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TIME: 8:03P.M.
Chairperson Reilly then called the question on the newly amended motion.
Motion: Recommendation to conditionally approve a proposal by the Department of City Planning on the department's Mandatory Inclusionary Housing text amendment proposal (ULURP No. N 160051 ZRY), to promote neighborhood economic diversity in locations where land use actions create substantial new housing, with approval subject to affordable housing being on-site only.
VOTE: 24 YEAS, 5 NAYS, 2 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED
TIME: 8:09P.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 that the committee reviewed a proposal for preliminary designs for Valentino Pier.
Motion: Recommendation anticipated on the preliminary designs for Valentino Pier approaches (Capital Project #HWK1048J), a project is to improve the public realm, enhancing pedestrian and bicycle safety, and have sustainable elements to capture stormwater along the street segments of Ferris Street (between King/Van Dyke Streets) and Beard Street (between Otsego/Conover Streets) in Red Hook.
Conversation of this motion led to a motion to amend.
Amendment: by Board Member Jerry Armer, seconded by Board Member Pauline Blake; To amend the existing to motion to include a statement of general support for the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway and its need to provide protected bike routes while also stating that support of the draft plan is conditional based on (1) cobblestones remaining in the roadway; (2) a full community outreach by DDC and DOT to present the plan and welcome feedback; (3) and that DDC and DOT come back to the community board once the plan has been more completely vetted by the community at-large and funding has been secured.
VOTE: 25 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 8:32P.M.
Chairperson Reilly then called the question on the motion as amended.
Motion: As amended, recommendation anticipated on the preliminary designs for Valentino Pier approaches (Capital Project #HWK1048J), a project is to improve the public realm, enhancing pedestrian and bicycle safety, and have sustainable elements to capture stormwater along the street segments of Ferris Street (between King/Van Dyke Streets) and Beard Street (between Otsego/Conover Streets) in Red Hook.
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VOTE: 25 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 8:33P.M.
Transportation Co-Chair Eric McClure reported that the committee reviewed a proposal outlining the draft plan for expansion of the CitiBike program.
Motion: Recommendation anticipated on the Department of Transportation's proposed CitiBike bike share docking stations deployment plan for the CB6 district.
VOTE: 24 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 1 ABSTENTION
MOTION PASSED
TIME: 8:37P.M.
Chairperson Reilly recognized elected officials representatives:
Josh Levin, representing Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, announced the Borough President’s co- sponsored forum on the rollout of Verizon FiOS within the borough. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, November 17th at 7pm in the Community Room at Borough Hall.
Daniel Abramson, representing Mayor de Blasio, introduced himself as the Mayor’s new Brooklyn Borough Director of Community Affairs.
Julian Morales, representing Councilmember Menchaca, announced that the Councilmember is still looking for feedback regarding participatory budgeting. Anyone interested in offering feedback or suggestions can contact Councilmember Menchaca’s office at any time.
Susie Charlop, representing Councilmember Brad Lander, offered a brief update on the Councilmember’s role in the LICH development and stated that the office is collecting feedback, which can be provided via the Councilmember’s website before Friday, November 13th.
COMMUNITY SESSION
Harrison Silver, of the Brooklyn Road Runners, invited anyone in attendance to join the group in their new Thursday Run Nights, meeting at 7pm each Thursday at Pier 6.
NEW/OTHER BUSINESS
Motion: by Board Member Eric McClure, seconded by Board Member Jerry Armer; To adjourn the meeting.
VOTE: 25 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 November 25, 2015.
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