BROOKLYN COMMUNITY BOARD 6
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
May 8, 2017
Attendance:
J. Armer P R. Levine A M. Shames P R. Bashner E S. Lonial P M. Silverman P P. Bellenbaum P R. Luftglass P S. Turet P P. Blake P E. McClure P R. Underwood P P. Fleming A T. Miskel P G. Kelly P M. Racioppo P A. Krasnow P P = present, E = excused, A = absent
Guests:
E. Stoltz M. Torrence K. Gurl
*** M I N U T E S ***
Street Co-Naming
Erica Stoltz, Bette Stoltz’s daughter: Request to co-name Union Street from 3rd Avenue to Court Street in honor of her mother. Bette Stoltz is a reminder that a private citizen can have great impact in their community. Bette passed away in 2015, and a fitting tribute for woman who was entrenched in the fabric of her community, from Flatbush Ave to Carroll Gardens and Red Hook would be “Bette Stoltz Way”.
Discussion: CB6 made new rules that require 3 years to have passed, but this request was prior to when the new rules was put in place (plus, it has almost been 3 years) 5 blocks is a long street section. Would less length be acceptable? o As long as the Gowanus is bridged by her name, that would be acceptable. Bette traveled between neighborhoods, so bridging the communities would be preferred.
J.Armer: Proposal to make a motion to name Union Street from 3rd Avenue to Court Street “Bette Stoltz Way”. oThis is a very long portion of street. Usually just a corner or block is named. oCould set a precedent or make it harder for others to be named over that stretch. oShe did so much for the community: Smith Street, the Canal, Flatbush; she crossed all boundaries and deserves the tribute Motion: To Co-Name Union Street between 3rd Avenue to Court Street “Bette Stoltz Way”
VOTE: 14…..YAY 0…..NAYS 1….ABSTENTION
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MOTION APPROVED
Department of Parks NYC Dept of Parks & Recreation has issued a proposal to amend its rules and reconsider and reduce some of the many Parks offenses. A copy of the rules have been sent out to CB6 listserve, with the expectation that Committees would comment. (But the Proposal was sent out too late.) There will be a Hearing on May 22, and Comment Period is open until then G Kelly is concerned that some of the loosened restrictions, such as feeding squirrels (never good thing where there are rats) and letting dogs off leashes (areas become dog runs). Overall, the Proposed Rules are an improvement, but it would be good for CB6 committees to review the Proposal and add or strengthen where needed. PBlake: Proposed rules are generally good. They do not impact on community use. M Shames: Motion “CB 6 is generally supportive of the effort to decriminalize minor offenses as proposed by Department of Parks.” o GKelly Friendly Amendment: “CB6 will make additional comments that we ask to be taken under consideration”
VOTE: Unanimous Approval
Committee Structure
What is working, what is not? GKelly: Permits &Licenses has only 7 people (now that it has split from Environmental). MRacioppo: But it is easier to reach quorum. S.Lonial: Will recruit members for P&L committee. STuret: HHS & Education attendance has been very low this past year. PBlake: CB Members need to understand that their committee membership is important. SLonial: Need to remind people and be more vigilant about committee attendance review.
Member Attendance Review
Cara Gurl: (Present at meeting) It was difficult to attend meetings this year, but she is moving back to the neighborhood and would like to stay on the Board. Has been an active Committee member. oNo Action Max Neuman: Resigned Debbie Buscarello: Would like to stay. oNo Action Elsie Felder: Has missed a lot this year, but has always been a dedicated member. Will reach out to her and find out if she would like to remain on the board: No Action.
Other Business:
Homeless Shelters in Park Slope
Mayor’s Plan includes locating shelters in neighborhoods near where people who are becoming homeless reside. Also, as part of the Fair Share requirement, Park Slope will be required to locate some shelters in the district.
DHS has indicated that they would like to work with BKCB6 and local elected officials to determine Best practices for citing shelters. 2
We are working with all parties to determine when it is best to bring to the YHSE committee.
Gowanus Planning AKrasnow: Should CB6 prepare a position on Dept City Planning’s Gowanus Rezoning effort? The ULURP rezoning process is scheduled to begin in 2018, so any if CB6 wants to have an impact the outcome, we need to mobilize soon. DCP is using its standard tools, so if we want to see progressive regulations that will help continue Gowanus’s unique development (Live/Work, Anti- Harassment rules, Mixed-Use, Mandatory Commercial/Industrial, etc) that effort would have to start now.
JArmer: Look at other examples from other cities as models. RUnderwood: Make sure everyone is heard. Some business owners do not feel welcome at the planning process. STuret: All of the CB6 members who have been attending DCP’s Working Groups should meet to review what has been going on in the various groups.
78th Precinct
The 78th wants to renew its waterfront Evidence Vehicle Facility (Warehouse and Parking) in Red Hook, on the hook. 20-yr lease is coming up and they will need a ULURP action to remain.
CB6 opposed it 20 years ago, since we felt there is better use of the waterfront than auto warehousing. (DCP did require the walkway that was build and is well used) $50,000/year was supposed to be paid in rent, but no one has tracked the funds. (should be going to Valentino Pier/ Park)
February 6 Minutes: Unanimously Approved.
There being no further business to come before the committee, the meeting was adjourned.
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