Full Board Meeting 12/11/24
11 December 2024/ 6:30 PM / Van Alen Institute + Zoom
ATTENDEES
In Person David Briggs, Doug Gordon, Tony Melone, Katie Bishop, Laura Osorio, Marc Torrence, Jules Block, Mandi Shipshak-Thomas, Kathleen __, Scott Middleton, Aurelia Casey, Arif On Zoom Thomas Trocco, Alec Shierenbeck, Bob Levine, Ed Sawyer, Anna Hippee, Nick Molinari, Peter Fleming, Leroy Branch, Tiffany Reid-Brown, Catherine Vaughn, Karyn Broughton, Reema Sharma, Dillon Cruz, Mark Shames, Jacqui Painter, Van Krishnamoory, Hildegaard Link, Pauline Blake
AGENDA
1. Adoption of Minutes 1. Motion to approve Peter, seconded by Tony II. Chair Report Mike filling in for Eric (out for family emergency) * Today is the three year anniversary of the Gowanus rezoning passing * Only thing that may come close is the BMT * Last full board of the year * Zoom public info session with DOT on BQE Central * Connect + Protect Carroll Garden/Cobble Hill: bike lane connective network, CM Hanif and our member Tony Melone on board * CM Alexa Aviles: * COY, “City of everyone” funding $5billion * BMT Task Force, Dec 16 is next public meeting at 125 Summit St– commitment to modern working waterfront * Chair of immigration committee at City Council, calls for mass deportation from Trump and Adams threatening to withdraw sanctuary city status; 40% of NYC is immigrants of various statuses, hearing on Jan 16 10am on the question of mutual aid/protection. School communities have been strong in * Red Hook office hours at Red Hook Initiative IV. Committee Meetings 1. Land Use, Landmarks + Housing 1. 43 Sterling Bluestone exception 1. Motion to approve by Peter, seconded by Katie 2. DEP Gowanus Red Hook CSO 1. Complaints from people nearby about odors, DEP came to discuss odor mitigation measures. They’re building walls down 20 stories deep to bedrock, so that’s releasing some odors, 8million gallon to capture overflow, trucks will need to come to occasionally remove sediment 2. Timeline to complete next spring, recommendation is to support to accelerated timeline 3. Question from Mandi about people reporting headaches 1. Aurelia (who also works for GCC) explained the toxins shouldn’t harm us or pets 2. Hildegaard claims that toxins don’t address quality of life concerns, and asked about why this was at the land use community, is also questioning of DEP’s ability to stick to timelines (“late and over budget”), claims they are failing to manage odors here which they do successfully at wastewater facilities elsewhere in the city 1. State DEC has been doing similar work with tents with success, and thinks the idea of tenting as unfeasible is not accurate. How long will people be physically uncomfortable until we ask the DEP to make good on their promise to revise and revisit? 4. Question from Tony about the purpose of the work? If it’s preventative for sewage overflow, isnt’ this worthwhile? Aurelia thinks yes, the shortened timeline is manageable, that she works in the area and isn’t sick 3. Motion by Peter seconded by Jules 1. 2 opposed, 1 abstention, all else yea 2. Business Affairs and Licenses 1. 285 Nevins 1. Owners of Bad Luck Bar, wood fired pizza and drinks 1. All yea, 1 abstention (Pauline) 2. 358 Van Brunt 1. Red Hook Tavern owners, all day cafe/Cambodian restaurant 1. All yea, 1 abstention (Pauline) 3. 241 Smith St 1. Formerly Ruthies, now Osteria Regina 1. All yea, 1 abstention (Pauline)
3. Human Services and Environmental Sustainability 1. CARE domestic workers, recommendation to support the work of the domestic workers union to be paid fairly 1. NYS was the first state (2010) to pass a worker’s bill of rights. Biden then released a federal program to help domestic employers and workers 2. Focus on Carroll Gardens/Cobble Hill, have helped 500+ families so far. Plan to have a board of standards to stay up to date with the needs of domestic workers and updating policies 3. Motion to support by Peter, seconded by Doug. Passes unanimously
V. NEW/OTHER BUSINESS
Electeds Talia (AM Simon): * Leaf bags at the office, helpful for drought * Toy drive (collection 9-5) * Hospital closures bill requiring community notice. Has received union support, but governor may veto Alicia (BBP Reynoso) * CM board applications open * Thanksgiving distribution, 60k lbs of food distributed going to over 120 houses of worship and CBOS Carlos (Sen Gounardes) * Red Hook CDFI bank opened! Only need $25 to open an account, ribbon cutting in January * Childhood tax credit bill to reduce child poverty * Red Hook tree lighting 12/13 6-8 at Coffey Park, arts and crafts and more Krista (Sen Myrie) * 1077 Nostrand Ave office VI. Community Session No one signed up!