BROOKLYN COMMUNITY BOARD 6
P.S. 32 AUDITORIUM
317 HOYT STREET
NOVEMBER 9, 2016
ATTENDANCE
PRESENT:
J. ARMER R. BASHNER P. BLAKE
F. BROWN J. BROWN D. BUSCARELLO
E. CAUSIL-RODRIGUEZ SR. R. CERVONE P. FLEMING
K. GURL V. HAGMAN J. HEYER
A. KRASNOW R. LEVINE P. LI
H. LINK S. LONIAL R. LUFTGLASS
E. MCCLURE T. MISKEL 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:
P. BASILE P. BELLENBAUM J. BROWN
S. CIALEK E. FELDER F. JEAN
G. KELLY D. KUMMER R. UNDERWOOD
ABSENT:
A. FREEMAN V. HERAMIA M. NEUMAN
J. THOMPSON
GUESTS:
HON. BRAD LANDER, CITY COUNCIL MEMBER
J. LOWELL, BOROUGH PRESIDENT ADAMS’ REPRESENTATIVE
J. HARVEY, ASSEMBLY MEMBER SIMON’S REPRESENTATIVE
D. WILEY, CONGRESSWOMAN VELAZQUEZ’S REPRENTATIVE
L. BENJAMIN, KINGS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S REPRESENTATIVE
Complete list of meeting attendees on file at District Office. Chairperson Sayar Lonial called the meeting to order at 6:35pm. 1
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Board Member Mark Shames made a motion to accept the minutes of the September general meeting, seconded by Board Member Peter Fleming
VOTE: 25 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTION
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 6:40 P.M.
CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT………………………………………….………………….....SAYAR LONIAL
Chairperson Sayar Lonial opened his report by commenting on the results from the previous night’s general election, congratulating a number of elected officials who won the right to represent the constituents within Community Board 6. Mr. Lonial specifically congratulated United States Senator Chuck Schumer; Congress Members Nydia Velazquez, Yvette Clarke, and Jerrold Nadler; State Senators Jesse Hamilton, Kevin Parker, Velmanette Montgomery, and Daniel Squadron; Assembly Members Felix Ortiz and Jo Anne Simon; and newly elected Assembly Member Bobby Carroll, who is taking over the seat held by Assembly Member Jim Brennen. Mr. Lonial closed his remarks about the election by thanking Assembly Member Brennen for his years of service to the district, the city, and the country, and thanked him further for the generous parting donation he made to the Friends of CB6 non-profit.
Mr. Lonial reminded attendees that the Community Board 6 Holiday Party would be held Monday, December 19th beginning at 6:30 pm at the Loki Lounge on 2nd Street off 5th Avenue in Park Slope. The chair also reminded attendees that sponsorships and raffle prize donations are still being accepted, and he directed anyone interested in contributing to contact Special Projects Manager Sarah Phillips at the board office.
The Chairperson thanked Board Members Eric McClure, Matt Silverman, Tom Miskel, and Jerry Armer for leading the October 20th CitiBike hearing. Mr. Lonial noted that he was proud of the board’s initiative to hold the meeting, proud of the meeting’s execution, and felt more clarity than ever about the district’s true feelings regarding the program.
Mr. Lonial thanked Special Projects Manager Sarah Phillips for setting up the SIMS recycling center tour in October and stated his pleasure for the turnout of this tour. He also thanked Permits and Licenses Chair Mike Racioppo for meeting with Assistant District Manager Ty Beatty to discuss changes to the questionnaire and public notification process for the Permits & Licenses committee. The Chair also thanked District Manager Craig Hammerman for attending a roundtable held by City Comptroller Scott Stringer.
Chairperson Lonial closed his remarks by announcing that a ceremony to honor veterans would be held at Carroll Park at 11 am on Friday, November 11th in honor of Veterans Day.
Chairperson Lonial recognized Councilmember Brad Lander, who offered a few updates to the attendees.
Councilmember Lander offered brief updates to attendees. He first offered his comments on the previous night’s general election, and remarked that as long as Community Boards like Brooklyn CB6 continue to do the work that they do the federal elections will have a limited impact on the shaping on communities.
The Councilmember then remarked on two meetings. First, he thanked CB6 for organizing and facilitating the CitiBike feedback meeting, specifically recognizing the effort and performance of Transportation Committee Chair Eric McClure in his role as chair of the meeting. Mr. Lander then offered a brief overview of the first
2
Gowanus planning process meeting and remarked that he intends to involve CB6 to fullest extent possible moving forward.
Mr. Lander closed his remarks by stating that he would be attending the Veterans Day Service at Carroll Park and was looked forward to seeing many in attendance.
DISTRICT MANAGER’S REPORT………………………………………….…….CRAIG HAMMERMAN
District Manager Craig Hammerman opened his report by announcing that the Department of Transportation has approved a new city bench for 370 4th Avenue. The aluminum bench will be installed sometime this upcoming winter.
Mr. Hammerman announced that he attended a ribbon cutting for the Sponge Park opening, along with Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon and Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez. Located at the street end of 2nd Street between Bond Street and the Gowanus Canal, Sponge Park was review and approved several years ago by CB6. The goal of Sponge Park is to use native plantings to help manage storm water runoff naturally.
The District Manager announced that he was recently briefed on a planned Formula E race proposed to take place in Red Hook in the next year. Mr. Hammerman explained that Formula E is an electric car racing circuit similar to Formula 1. Thus far there is no scheduled date or time, but Mr. Hammerman stated the he and the 76th Precinct do find their logistical ideas amenable as they have been presented to date.
Mr. Hammerman closed his remarks by stating that he recently attended an early planning meeting for the now funded PS 32 expansion. The District Manager stated that the meeting was between Councilmember Lander, CEC 15, and the School Construction Authority to discuss logistics and timing for the expansion. Mr. Hammerman noted that all four entities involved would be holding public hearings on the matter in the coming months, and that he would provide information about those meetings when it is available.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
ELECTION COMMITTEE……………………………………….PETER FLEMING, ELECTION CHAIR
Election Committee Chair Peter Fleming reported that the existing officers of the board would all be seeking re- election, as they are all eligible. Mr. Fleming then opened the floor for other nominations. No other nominations were made from the floor. As such, the election process was deemed closed and the existing board officers had been re-elected by way of being the only nominees for their respective positions. Therefore, no election would be held at the December general board meeting.
LANDMARKS/LAND USE COMMITTEE………….………ROBERT LEVINE, LANDMARKS CHAIR
………………………..PETER FLEMING, LAND USE CHAIR
Land Use Committee Chair Peter Fleming reported that the committee reviewed a special permit pursuant to the Zoning Resolution for 767 Hicks Street.
Motion: By Board Member Jerry Armer; seconded by Board Member Roger Rigolli Conditionally approve an application submitted by the Red Hook Initiative, Inc. (No. ULURP C170057ZSK) for the grant of a special permit pursuant to Section 74-921 of the Zoning Resolution to allow Use Group 4A uses (non-profit institution without sleeping accommodations) within an existing 1-story and mezzanine building on property located at 763 and 767 Hicks Street (Block 535, Lots 1 and 3), in an M1-1 zoning district.
3
VOTE: 31 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 7:09 P.M.
Landmarks Committee Chair Robert Levine reported that the committee reviewed a Certificate of Appropriateness for 127 St. John’s Place.
Motion: Approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness application submitted to the Landmarks Preservation Commission to allow the construction of an open porch at the parlor level of the rear elevation of 127 St. Johns Place (between 6th/7th Avenues), Park Slope Historic District.
VOTE: 30 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 1 ABSTENTION
MOTION PASSED
TIME: 7:16 P.M.
PARKS/RECREATION/ENVIROMENTAL PROTECTION…............GLENN KELLY, PARKS CHAIR
……………MARK SHAMES, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION CHAIR
Environmental Protection Committee Chair Mark Shames, reporting on behalf of Parks & Recreation Committee Chair Glenn Kelly, reported that the committee reviewed an amendment to the New York City administrative code relative to tree removal.
Motion: By Board Member Hildegaard Link; seconded by Board Member Jerry Armer To conditionally approve City Council Intro 349, a local law to amend the administrative code of the City of New York in relation to notice for the removal of trees.
VOTE: 31 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 7:19 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 188 Prospect Park West.
Motion: Approval of a new on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of Nitehawk Cinema at 188 Prospect Park West (between 14th/15th Streets).
VOTE: 29 YEAS, 2 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED
TIME: 7:40 P.M.
Permits & Licenses Committee Chair Mike Racioppo reported that the committee reviewed a new on-premises liquor license for 492 5th Avenue.
Motion: Approval of a new on-premises liquor license application submitted to the State Liquor Authority on behalf of La Royale Beer Burger House at 492 5th Avenue (between Henry/Clinton Streets).
VOTE: 30 YEAS, 1 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS
4
MOTION PASSED
TIME: 7:42 P.M.
YOUTH/HUMAN SERVICES/EDUCATION………………...SUZANNE TURET, EDUCATION CHAIR
………………PAIGE BELLENBAUM, HUMAN SERVICES CHAIR
………...ROB UNDERWOOD, YOUTH CHAIR
Education Committee Chair Suzanne Turet reported that the committee reviewed a proposal for an OASAS- licensed health center at 15 2nd Avenue.
Motion: By Board Member Hildegaard Link; seconded by Board Member Peter Fleming Conditionally approval of a proposal by RevCore to operate an OASAS-licensed health center at 15 2nd Avenue (between 6th Street/Gowanus Canal) which would initially offer treatment for substance abuse, mental health and medical care to substance abusers, predominantly the population already visiting the existing NYS DOCCS Parole facility.
VOTE: 29 YEAS, 2 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED
TIME: 7:50 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 “Code Brooklyn” campaign was once again a success. Mr. Lowell expanded on “Code Brooklyn”, saying that coding in the classroom, and other STEM related education items, were capital budget priorities for the Borough President.
Jim Harvey, representing Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon, offered the Assembly Member’s thanks to those in attendance for voting in the previous day’s election. He also announced a forum on dyslexia on November 28th at Borough Hall.
Dan Wiley, representing Congresswoman Nydia Velzaquez, also offered the Congresswoman’s thanks to those who voted in the previous night’s election. Mr. Wiley relayed a message, saying that the Congresswoman said she would continue to fight for working families in the district. Mr. Wiley also offered a few remarks on the Landlord Accountability Act, which the Congresswoman supports.
Latoya Benjamin, representing the Kings County District Attorney’s office, offered updates on the office since the passing of the late DA. Ms. Benjamin stated that Acting District Attorney Eric Gonzalez would continue the previous initiatives of the office. Ms. Benjamin also announced that she was moving on from her position, and thanked the board for working with her.
COMMUNITY SESSION
Jonathan Hessney of the Park Slope Food Co-op offered an update on the Food Co-op’s pension fund.
NEW/OTHER BUSINESS
Board Member Roger Rigolli, a Marine Corps veteran, offered thoughts on Veterans Day and remarked on the work he and other veterans do in support of those currently enlisted in the armed forces. Mr. Rigolli wished everyone a safe and happy Veterans Day, and asked that anyone who could attend would attend any of the numerous memorial services throughout the city on Friday, November 11th. 5
Motion: by Board Member Roger Rigolli; seconded by Board Member Tom Miskel To adjourn the meeting.
VOTE: 29 YEAS, 0 NAY, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 8:15P.M.
Minutes submitted into the District Office by Assistant District Manager Ty Beatty on December 1, 2016.
6