Full Board Meeting 2/12/25
12 February 2025/ 6:30 PM / Van Alen Institute + Zoom
ATTENDEES
In Person Karen Broughton, Angelica Ramdhari, Anna Hippee, Jules Block, Aurelia Casey, Alec Shierenbeck, Katie Bishop, Kara Gurl, Dillon Cruz, David Briggs, Arif Sunmonu, Leroy Brown, Erica Cohen, Mandi Spishak-Thomas, Daniel Kummer, Catherine Vaughan, Jacqui Painter, Brandon West, Katie Muehlenkamp On Zoom Thomas Trocco, Tiffany Reid Brown, Bob Levine, Peter Fleming, Hildegaard Link, Reema Sharma, Ed Sawyer, Mark Shames, Pauline Blake, Gaston Melo Felgueres
AGENDA
1. Adoption of Minutes 1. Motion by Alec, seconded by Katie. Unanimously approved (minus Daniel Kummer, who abstained) II. Chair Report * Raises for community board staff * Motion by Mandi, seconded by Peter * Discussion on raises would be better handled by a finance committee (Pauline and Daniel)--noted for next time * Passes unanimously (minus Pauline and Mark Shames who abstained) III. DM Report * Alternate side parking suspended for snow * Guidelines to protect against ICE * Month highlights: memorial for Sarah Schick at crash site (9th St, 2nd Ave), opening of Spring Bank CDFI in Red Hook, Flood Solutions Fair * 2/14 Deadlines: Community Board (new apps and reapplications), registering to be a member of a political party, Principles Coffee Shop token contest * Upcoming Meetings * Carroll Gardens library delayed on reopening until Summer 2026, we at CB6 have reached out to BPL about an interim space until then (like they have in Red Hook) * BMT: all materials on our website * DEP Gowanus CSO updates IV. Committee Meetings 1. Land Use, Landmarks + Housing 1. 186 8th Ave 1. Motion to approve. Daniel and Peter opposed, Alec abstained for cause, Pauline without. Otherwise all yea 2. 92 Prospect Pl 1. Motion to approve if they made change to rear railing from horizontal to vertical. Unanimous minus Alec (abstaining for cause)
2. Business Affairs and Licenses 1. 210 Flatbush Ave: Thermostat Bar Cafe. Passed unanimously minus Pauline (abstained) 2. 497 5th Ave: Commonwealth Bar, longtime institution, new owners (who worked with the previous owner who sadly died.) Brandon commented on its status as a neighborhood stalwart, Jules mentioned the owners. Passed unanimously 3. 117 Columbia St: Lumiere Bar. Small backyard space, outdoor space, going to do French vinyl nights,fancy French chef who maybe cooked for Obama? Passes unanimously 4. 524 Court St: Alani Tavern in former Buttermilk Channel space. Greek restaurant, family vibes. Daniel asked about sidewalk? We no longer review. Passes unanimously minus Pauline Blake (abstains)
V. NEW/OTHER BUSINESS
Electeds: * Talia (Joann Simons): health committee, working on budget for best practice efficacy like Housing First, ensuring more community resources for mental health. * Lead sponsor of Heat Act, cost saving for utilities * More leaf bags at office * Sean Gurl (AM Carroll) * Tomorrow 11-3 event at Windsor Terrace Library (for anyone with summonses) * 3/31 reduced fare cards for seniors * Public Advocate’s Office (Name??) * Annual Worst Landlord Watchlist just dropped end of January, see if your landlord is on it * SYEP: Youth program for work opportunities * BMT feedback * Christina (AM Aviles) * Immigration: POA forms, guides for family planning, other resources * Indirect source rule: Red Hook Last Mile Warehouses * 2/13 immigration session with nonprofits and faith-based groups on protecting immigrants * RHI office hours * Iqra (SM Hanif) * 781.449.1090 * Arrow Linen proposal approved at 10 stories with 40% affordability * Carlos (Sen Gounardes) * Black history month * Rep. Goldman, CM Hanif and AM Simon town hall * Know Your Rights training in Sunset Park * Budget season in Albany, SAFER Kids Act passed already, trying to introduce an opt-out one for adults. Financing for families, faith-based housing, NY For All to decouple local law enforcement from ICE * Thanks for CB6 for support in B-corp bank * Krista (Sen. Myrie) * Homeowner resource fair on 2/22 from 11-4 at BPL Central Branch, Deed Theft Workshop * 718.284.4700 * Myra (Rep Goldman) * Know Your Rights training on 1/31 with NY Immigration Coalition, planning to do one later specifically for AAPI community VI. Community Session Joyce from BPL: new branch of Red Hook Library will be open in the autumn. Program for NARCAN training at interim branch (3/20). All information available on BPL website Sinray: Community Engagement Specialist from Independent Budget Office (IBO). City Agency, independent, nonpartisan to provide data-driven insights on financing to provide to agencies and CBs. Submit ideas for reports. * 3 charter-mandated reports released annually. Also do year-round reports on municipal services * Presentations, including Budget 101 in April targeted to new/potential CB members * Dates and times available @NYCIBO (online/social) * Doing a housing report in Bronx CB7, trench study in BK CB14, MTA Capital Plan hole. * Failure of City to create mandated bus lanes * QR code available in flyers she left up front Kelly, local resident: wanted clarification on certain terms and processes. Aurelia Casey: Gowanus Green Team application closes 2/28