Brooklyn Community Board 6 Full Board Meeting Minutes February 11, 2026 Location: Hosted by the Van Alen Institute
1. Call to Order & Adoption of Minutes The meeting was called to order at 6:44 p.m. upon confirmation of quorum. The minutes were adopted unanimously on a motion by Mandi and a second by Peter.
2. Chairperson’s Report The Chair thanked the Van Alen Institute for hosting the meeting. Members were reminded that dialogue during full Board meetings is intended primarily for appointed Board members, and that members of the public are encouraged to participate in committee meetings. The Chair also noted that the application period for Community Board membership has closed. Appreciation was expressed to members whose terms will conclude in March for their service to the district.
3. District Manager’s Report The District Manager announced the dates of upcoming committee meetings, which have been shifted because of NYC mid-winter public school closures.
A map illustrating the state of BKCD6’s land use and zoning is available online at bit.ly/cb6luzmap and will continue to be updated. Also noted that Crash Count NYC has BKCD6-specific vehicle accident statistics available online.
The District Manager referenced an op-ed he wrote about the new Office of Mass Engagement and reminded residents that the deadline to change party affiliation is Friday of the current week.
A street safety reporting form is now live on the Community Board’s website. The District Manager emphasized that the Board welcomes diverse perspectives from community members and is piloting a survey format to gather feedback on district needs.
Updates were also provided regarding immigrant support resources and mutual aid networks. NYC is providing ICE-related training for business owners seeking to protect employees. Feel free to reach out to BKCB6 staff directly for any urgent needs regarding immigration.
4. Committee Reports The Landmarks, Land Use and Housing Committee report was presented by Rebecca on behalf of David Briggs. The committee met virtually and had a quorum. An application for 10 Prospect Place, located in the Park Slope Historic District Extension II, was considered. The proposal included the
addition of a rear deck and modifications to rear windows, with limited visibility from the public way. The application was approved unanimously. A similar approval at 30 Sterling Place was cited as precedent.
The Business Permits and Licenses Committee report was presented by Mandi. All five agenda items for liquor licenses were approved unanimously as a bundled vote. These included:
● 244 Flatbush Ave: Pies and Thighs, an existing Williamsburg establishment opening a new location in March without outdoor seating ● 261–263 5th Ave: Adding a liquor license at an existing restaurant without changes to hours or operations ● 305 Nevins St:, Polly’s will take over the former Ample Hills location and operate as a seated establishment with rooftop seating and a family-friendly concept ● 317 3rd Ave: Atlantic City–themed bar taking over the former Dirty Precious space, with similar operations under new ownership ● 397 5th Ave: Small Japanese steakhouse without outdoor seating, was approved
A Small Business Services presentation was rescheduled to the February 23 meeting.
5. Elected Officials & Representatives Council Member Shahana Hanif addressed the Board regarding a recent power outage that affected approximately 2,000 residents, some of whom were without heat for up to five days. She expressed disappointment with the response from New York City and Con Edison leadership. Her office conducted walkthroughs and wellness checks with tenants and volunteers. A warming center was initially established at PS 133 and later relocated to Wyckoff Community Center, with additional buses deployed. She stated that her office focused on resource awareness, reimbursement support, coordination, and public communications, and that a letter was sent to the Con Edison CEO regarding reimbursements.
Council Member Hanif also announced an oversight hearing scheduled for February 23 with DSNY and NYCDOT regarding snowstorm response and impacts on people with disabilities. She called on Senator Chuck Schumer to oppose funding for DHS and ICE and stated that she will introduce legislation condemning ICE-related shootings. A public service announcement was made regarding the environmental impacts of pet waste.
Senior Policy Director Melanie Cruveles, representing Council Member Alexa Avilés, provided updates on budget deadlines: CBO and school discretionary funding due February 18; capital funding due March 13. Committee assignments for CM Avilés include Finance, Economic Development, General Welfare, Immigration, and Landmarks Subcommittee. She referenced a recent Code Blue oversight hearing highlighting EMS workforce shortages and pay disparities. An immigration hearing related to Avilés/Hanif legislation is scheduled for February 27. The office is promoting multilingual “Know Your Rights” signage. The office is also offering free tax preparation services through Grow Brooklyn. Noted that 3K and Pre-K application deadline is February 27, and a survey is available regarding the Nelson Street rezoning in Red Hook.
Daniel Abramson, representing Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, reported that more than 50 new applicants applied to CB6 this cycle. Capital funding applications are due February
19. Free tax preparation services are available at Borough Hall through April 8. ULURP hearings are held monthly, with the next on March 11. A hard copy of the Comprehensive Plan has been delivered to CB6, and a PDF is available online.
A representative for Assembly Member Robert Carroll announced a Department of Finance assistance event on March 5 focused on property tax assistance and SCRIE/DRIE benefits. NYC Connects senior services resources are available through the district office.
A representative for State Senator Andrew Gounardes reported that the CREEP Act, addressing online harassment, passed in the Senate and that advocacy continues for the NY for All Act. Tax preparation services are available through the office.
A representative for U.S. Representative Dan Goldman reported on a recent ICE oversight hearing, updates to Stonewall National Monument legislation, and the securing of World Trade Center Health Program funding through 2040.
State Senator Zellnor Myrie announced a February 15 event at Weeksville Heritage Center, including a screening of the documentary “Everlasting.”
A representative for NYC Comptroller Mark Levine summarized findings from the annual MWBE report, noting that five percent of city contracts were awarded to minority- and women-owned businesses and that certified MWBEs receive smaller average contract values compared to non-certified firms.
A representative for Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon reported that a community discussion regarding the Court Street bike lane has concluded and that requests have been submitted to NYCDOT for traffic studies.
6. Community Session Sarah from 350 Brooklyn announced an expert panel on Battery Energy Storage Systems to be held on February 26 at Center Library.
Andrea, local business owner, expressed concerns about customer access and economic impacts associated with the Court Street bike lane. The speaker stated that multiple businesses have reduced staff and that customers have reported difficulty accessing stores due to parking and traffic conditions. The speaker also described a recent NYCDOT meeting as productive and raised concerns regarding funding sources of Transportation Alternatives.
Michelle raised safety concerns about the placement of an electric vehicle charging station in relation to the new bike lane, noting that its current location could obstruct cyclists. NYCDOT is reportedly evaluating relocation options.
Aurelia announced that applications for the Summer Youth Employment Program are open through February 27 for youth ages 14 to 24. The program includes project-based learning for younger participants and paid employment opportunities for older youth, as well as mentorship and workforce development programming.