BROOKLYN COMMUNITY BOARD 6
JOHN JAY EDUCATIONAL CAMPUS
237 7th AVENUE
OCTOBER 13, 2016
ATTENDANCE
PRESENT:
J. ARMER P. BASILE P. BELLENBAUM
P. BLAKE F. BROWN J. BROWN
D. BUSCARELLO E. CAUSIL-RODRIGUEZ SR. R. CERVONE
S. CIALEK E. FELDER P. FLEMING
A. FREEMAN V. HAGMAN V. HERAMIA
J. HEYER F. JEAN G. KELLY
R. LEVINE P. LI H. LINK
S. LONIAL E. MCCLURE T. MISKEL
M. NEUMAN C. PIGOTT L. PINN
M. RACIOPPO R. RIGOLLI E. SANTOGADE
D. SCOTTO M. SHAMES M. SILVERMAN
J. SKALLER J. SMITH S. TARPIN
S. TURET D. WILLIAMS
EXCUSED:
R. BASHNER A. KRASNOW D. KUMMER
R. LUFTGLASS R. UNDERWOOD
ABSENT:
K. GURL J. THOMPSON
GUESTS:
HON. BRAD LANDER, CITY COUNCIL MEMBER
HON. JO ANNE SIMON, STATE ASSEMBLY MEMBER
J. LOWELL, BOROUGH PRESIDENT ADAMS’ REPRESENTATIVE
J. HARVEY, ASSEMBLYWOMAN SIMON’S REPRESENTATIVE
O. JONAS, STATE SENATOR MONTGOMERY’S REPRESENTATIVE
E. GALLAGHER, STATE SENATOR SQUADRON’S REPRESENTATIVE
M. ABDULLAH, CONGRESSWOMAN CLARK’S REPRESENTATIVE
G. LEWENSTEIN, PUBLIC ADVOCATE JAMES’ REPRESENTATIVE
A. GOMEZ, COMPTROLLER STRINGER’S REPRESENTATIVE
Complete list of meeting attendees on file at District Office. 1
First Vice Chair Mike Racioppo called the meeting to order at 6:40pm.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Board Member Mark Shames made a motion to accept the minutes of the September general meeting, seconded by Board Member Tom Miskel
VOTE: 25 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 1 ABSTENTION
MOTION PASSED
TIME: 6:44 P.M.
With Chairperson Sayar Lonial delayed due to subway delays, 1st Vice Chair Mike Racioppo proceeded with the meeting, first recognizing State Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon.
Assembly Member Simon opened her remarks by outlining the importance of voting, as she reminded attendees that Election Day falls before the next general board meeting. Ms. Simon stated that she recently attended a voting reform summit at Mayor de Blasio’s office and outlined her support for early voting, which many other states have been doing successfully and without issue for quite some time. She also stated that she supports various versions of automatic registration measures, as well as same-day registration and no-excuse absentee voting.
The Assembly Member closed her remarks by announcing her office’s annual free flu shot days on October 26th and 27th from 10am to 2pm at 341 Smith Street. Ms. Simon directed anyone interested to contact her community representative Jim Harvey, who was in attendance at the meeting.
DISTRICT MANAGER’S REPORT………………………………………….…….CRAIG HAMMERMAN
District Manager Craig Hammerman introduced Sarah Yehuda, a Pratt Institute student who is working with the District Office through May as part of the Fund for the City of New York’s Planning Fellows program. Ms. Yehuda will be reviewing the district’s sanitation services, focusing on the implementation of the organics collection program.
Mr. Hammerman reminded attendees and board members of the planned tour of the SIMS Recycling Center on October 20th, and directed anyone interested in attending to contact Special Projects Manager Sarah Phillips.
Mr. Hammerman stated that sponsors are still being accepted for this year’s Friends of CB6 Holiday Party, which will be held Monday, December 19th at the Loki Lounge at 341 2nd Street in Park Slope. Tickets for the Holiday Party are $40, which covers beer, wine, and a meal. Mr. Hammerman also called for additional contributions to the raffle prize pool, and directed anyone interested in contributing a prize to Board Member Glenn Kelly or Special Projects Manager Sarah Phillips.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE………………………………………...MIKE RACIOPPO, 1ST VICE CHAIR
1ST Vice Chair Mike Racioppo reported that the Executive Committee conditionally supported the retention of a pop-up pool in Brooklyn Bridge Park while a plan is being developed for a permanent pool.
Motion: To conditionally support the retention of a pop-up pool in Brooklyn Bridge Park while a plan is being developed for a permanent pool.
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VOTE: 30 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 6:55 P.M.
FINANCE/PERSONNEL & LAW COMMITTEE…………………..JERRY ARMER, FINANCE CHAIR
Finance/Personnel & Law committee chair Jerry Armer reported on the committee’s comments in response to new rules promulgated by the Mayor’s Street Activity Permit Office on street festivals.
Motion: By Board Member Mark Shames; seconded by Board Member Glenn Kelly To approve the Finance/Personnel & Law committee’s comments in response to new rules promulgated by the Mayor’s Street Activity Permit Office on Street Festivals.
VOTE: 31 YEAS, 1 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED
TIME: 7:11 P.M.
ELECTION COMMITTEE………………………………………….………………CRAIG HAMMERMAN
District Manager Hammerman, giving the report on behalf of Election Committee Chair Peter Fleming who could not attend the meeting, offered the parameters of the election process. The District Manager directed board members to an email sent out by the Election Committee which solicited written nominations for the board’s five officer positions.
Mr. Hammerman noted that all of the current officers were nominated and that all are eligible to run for another one-year term. No additional written nominations were received.
Mr. Hammerman outlined the remaining process for nomination and election. He stated that the floor will be opened for nominations at the November general board meeting. The full slate of candidates will be named by the end of the Election Committee report at the November general board meeting. An election, if necessary, will be held at the December general board meeting.
The District Manager closed the election committee report by offering a reminder that all board officer positions are one-year terms with a maximum of four consecutive terms served in any one office.
CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT………………………………………….………………….....SAYAR LONIAL
Chairperson Sayar Lonial apologized for his tardiness and thanked the 1st Vice Chair and the District Manager for starting the meeting in his absence.
The Chair opened his report by thanking District Manager Hammerman and Board Members Mike Racioppo and Eric McClure for attending a meeting organized by numerous elected officials to consider the MTA’s proposal to cut F train service in the district. The proposal, which would convert some F trains to express during rush hour, would effectively half the district’s F train service during rush hour, as every other F train would bypass every station within CB6, except for 7th Avenue. CB6 has invited the MTA to brief the board on their plans, but a date has not yet been set. Mr. Lonial thanked Council Member Lander, Senator Squadron, and Assembly Member Simon for attending the meeting, as well.
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Mr. Lonial then highlighted a few October calendar events. First, the Economic/Waterfront/Community Development & Housing Committee will be hosting the Carroll Gardens Association, headed by Board Member Vilma Heramia. CGA will be reporting on a new organizing effort they’ve undertaken called the Southwest Brooklyn Tenants Union. Second, the Parks/Recreation & Environmental Protection Committee will be receiving an update from the Department of Environmental Protection on how the City intends to proceed with the construction of the Gowanus Canal outfall retention tanks now that the city and Federal Government have entered into a consent decree on their construction. Third, the upcoming Youth/Human Services/Education Committee meeting will hear from a new service provider who intends to take over the remaining space at the Parole Center on 2nd Avenue and 6th Street and offer specific services for treatment for substance abuse, mental health, and medical care to substance abusers. Lastly, the Transportation/Public Safety Committee is hosting a Public Hearing regarding CitiBike station deployment within the district. The goal of the hearing is to gather feedback on how the board can help improve the program; DOT has declined to attend to hear direct feedback or field questions.
Mr. Lonial offered a moment of silence in remembrance of the departed Kings County District Attorney Ken Thompson, who passed away from cancer suddenly this week.
The Chair closed his report by stating that he would now enter into the Budget Committee report on behalf of Budget Chair Rick Luftglass, who could not attend this evening’s meeting.
BUDGET COMMITTEE………………………………………………..SAYAR LONIAL, BOARD CHAIR
Board Chair Sayar Lonial reported that at the last Executive/Budget Committee meeting, Fiscal Year 2018 Capital and Expense budget priorities were reviewed and prioritized relative to some prior priorities being funded in the previous Fiscal Year.
Mr. Lonial reported on some changes from last year’s Capital Budget priorities, highlighting that last year’s number one request, “Area Wide Repairs to Gowanus Watershed Flooding Problems”, was funded and included in a budget for the City’s Fiscal Year 2017 budget. The new proposed number one request is “Recommission FDNY Engine Company 204”, due to the accelerated buildout of downtown Brooklyn, anticipated population growth resulting from the Fortis Development Group’s redevelopment of LICH properties, and the rapid expansion of population density within our district. After a few brief comments, the chair called the question on the Capital Budget Priorities.
Motion: To adopt the Fiscal Year 2018 Capital Budget Priorities.
VOTE: 34 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 7:25 P.M.
Board Chair Sayar Lonial then reported on the Fiscal Year 2018 Expense Budget Priorities, remarking that this year’s item number seven, “Creation of a Quality of Life Detail for the NYPD’s 78th Precinct”, is new. Mr. Lonial remarked that this request is relevant to the rapid increase in density of bars in the North Park Slope area, particularly relative to the area immediately south of the Barclays Center near Flatbush Avenue.
After fielding a few questions relevant to the importance of ranking items, the Chair called the question on the Expense Budget Priorities.
Motion: To adopt the Fiscal Year 2018 Expense Budget Priorities.
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VOTE: 32 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 2 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED
TIME: 7:34 P.M.
Chairperson Sayar Lonial recognized Council Member Brad Lander.
Council Member Lander opened his remarks by echoing Mr. Lonial’s thoughts on the late Kings County District Attorney Ken Thompson and praising the work Mr. Thompson did while in office.
Council Member Lander remarked that he is pleased that there is so much overlap between the Board’s Capital and Expense budget priorities and his own office’s work, particularly commenting on his hope for additional NYPD resources for neighborhood police presence.
Mr. Lander stated his displeasure with the Department of Transportation’s decision to decline attending the upcoming Public Hearing on CitiBike. The Council Member stated that he would be in attendance, and directed anyone interested to read his official comment on CitiBike on his webpage.
The Council Member closed his remarks by announcing that October 27th would be the kick-off meeting for Gowanus PLACES neighborhood study with the Department of City Planning.
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 for 566 10th Street.
Motion: Conditional Approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness application submitted to the Landmarks Preservation Commission for the enlargement of an existing two-story rear yard addition, a new partial one (1) floor rooftop addition and new HVAC equipment on roof at 566 10th Street (between 7th/8th Avenues), Park Slope Historic District.
VOTE: 33 YEAS, 1 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED
TIME: 7:51 P.M.
Landmarks Committee Chair Robert Levine reported that the committee reviewed a Certificate of Appropriateness for 118 Amity Street.
Motion: Disapproval of a Certificate of Appropriateness application submitted to the Landmarks Preservation Commission for the installation of a curb cut and alterations to a side yard to accommodate off-street parking at 118 Amity Street (between Henry/Clinton Streets), Cobble Hill Historic District.
VOTE: 34 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 7:55 P.M.
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Landmarks Committee Chair Robert Levine reported that the committee reviewed a Certificate of Appropriateness for 130 8th Avenue.
Motion: Conditional Approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness application submitted to the Landmarks Preservation Commission for alterations to the front entrance including installation of a ramp with handrails and increasing the width of the front entrance door at 130 8th Avenue (between Carroll Street/Garfield Place), Park Slope Historic District.
VOTE: 34 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 8:00 P.M.
PERMITS & LICENSES COMMITTEE…………MIKE RACIOPPO, PERMITS & LICENSES CHAIR
Permits & Licenses Committee Chair Mike Racioppo reported that the committee reviewed a new on-premises liquor license for 384 Court Street.
Motion: Conditional Approval of a new on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of TRW Coffee LLC at 384 Court Street (between President/Carroll Streets).
VOTE: 34 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 8:02 P.M.
Permits & Licenses Committee Chair Mike Racioppo reported that the committee reviewed a new on-premises liquor license for 136 Atlantic Avenue.
Motion: Approval of a new on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of Pekar Handwerker LLC at 136 Atlantic Avenue (between Henry/Clinton Streets).
VOTE: 32 YEAS, 2 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED
TIME: 8:03 P.M.
Permits & Licenses Committee Chair Mike Racioppo reported that the committee reviewed a new on-premises liquor license at 254-258 5th Avenue.
Motion: Approval of a new on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of Cooks & Captains LLC at 254-258 5th Avenue (between Garfield Pl/Carroll St).
VOTE: 33 YEAS, 1 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED
TIME: 8:04 P.M.
Permits & Licenses Committee Chair Mike Racioppo reported that the committee reviewed an alteration to an 6
existing liquor license at 620 Atlantic Avenue.
Motion: Approval of an alteration to a current on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of Barclay Center at 620 Atlantic Avenue (between Ft. Greene Pl/6th Ave).
VOTE: 24 YEAS, 10 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED
TIME: 8:08 P.M.
TRANSPORTATION/PUBLIC SAFETY……………TOM MISKEL, CO-CHAIR, TRANSPORTATION
……….ERIC McCLURE, CO-CHAIR, TRANSPORTATION
………MATTHEW SILVERMAN, CHAIR, PUBLIC SAFETY
Transportation Committee Co-Chair Eric McClure reported on a proposal by the Department of Transportation for a new bike corral at 341 5th Avenue. Mr. McClure outlined the committee’s recommendation to approve the proposal on the condition that letters of support from local businesses be provided to the district office in advance of the October General Board Meeting.
A motion was made by Board Member Joanna Oltman Smith to accept the committee’s recommendation as presented and to request that DOT come back in a year to report on the use of the bike corral. Board Member Tom Miskel seconded the motion. Board Chair Sayar Lonial opened the floor for discussion on the motion.
During the process of discussion of the previous motion, the fact that no letters have yet been provided to the board prompted Board Member Jerry Armer to make a motion to table this vote at this time. Mr. Armer’s motion was seconded by Board Member Mark Shames. This being a procedural motion, it took precedent over the earlier motion, and it does not allow for discussion or abstentions.
Motion: By Board Member Jerry Armer; seconded by Board Member Mark Shames. To table the Department of Transportation’s proposal for a new bike corral at 341 5th Avenue due to their not adhering to the committee’s request for letters of approval from surrounding businesses.
VOTE: 29 YEAS, 3 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION TO TABLE RESOLUTION PASSES
TIME: 8:20 P.M.
Chairperson Lonial recognized representatives of elected officials who were in attendance.
Jeff Lowell, representing Borough President Adams, reported that the Borough President’s task force on renewable energy recently focused on new green building codes and received a presentation on how problem landlords who shut off heat to their tenants can be monitored more closely. Mr. Lowell also announced a number of events that the Borough President’s office held in September and would be hosting in October.
Eamon Gallagher, representing State Senator Squadron, reported on his office’s continued efforts to work toward funding for a permanent pool in Brooklyn Bridge Park and thanked the board for its support of that work.
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Mohamed Abdullah, representing Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, announced that Ms. Clarke has opened up her office for nominations she might offer on behalf of students who wish to attend any of the United States Military Academies.
Anayelli Gomez, representing City Comptroller Stringer, introduced herself to the board.
COMMUNITY SESSION
No attendees wished to comment during community session.
NEW/OTHER BUSINESS
Motion: by Board Member Tom Miskel; seconded by Board Member Glenn Kelly;
To adjourn the meeting.
VOTE: 34 YEAS, 0 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 8:35P.M.
Minutes submitted into the District Office by Assistant District Manager Ty Beatty on November 1, 2016.
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