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ROLL CALL Chairman Vincent V. Abate requested District Manager Mr. Gerald A. Esposito to call the roll. He informed the Chairman that there were 20 members present, a sufficient number to call the hearing to order. AGENDA Chairman Abate read the agenda into the record. PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA NOTE TO ALL SPEAKERS: All those who wish to speak must sign and submit their speaker’s form on or before 6:15 PM.
Chairman Abate discussed the list of liquor licenses. Ms. Leanza made a motion to note the list in the record and to forego reading them. The motion was seconded by Ms. Roslund and unanimously carried.
Masullo Corp., dba Cono Pizzeria & Restaurant, 312 Graham Avenue (renewal/restaurant-wine) BSA VARIANCE REQUEST – 491 Bedford Avenue, aka 142 Clymer Street, Brooklyn New York, Block 2173, Lot 6: to permit a bulk variance to allow the construction of a yeshiva located in a residential (R6) zoning district (Applicant/Law Office of Frederick A. Becker). Ms. Lyra Altman, from the law office of Frederick A. Becker, noted that she was the representative for the application and spoke regarding the request. She was presenting on behalf of the owners, Congregation Adas Yereim of the property at 491 Bedford Avenue. It is also on the corner of Clymer Avenue. The site right now is vacant. It is immediately across from a 21 story set of buildings (Bedford Avenue). What they were looking to do is to obtain a variance, for a yeshiva on the site. The site is 74 ft. x 100 ft., zoned R6. A yeshiva is a permitted use on this site. They are not here for a use variance. What they are asking for is a bulk variance. When they looked at the site, what they actually realized is that they need a little more space then the building could accommodate. Unfortunately, they are unable to continue using the space that they are currently been using, approximately four blocks away from this site. What they are looking to do is to ask for the following waivers:
Ms. Altman said that with the as of right of the site, they are permitted a six story building right now, 60 feet in height. What they would like to do, is bring a mezzanine level on the top floor, which would have a portion of it, that would be built out, the rest would be double height space because that floor would be used as a gymnasium for the students. It would be difficult to create a gymnasium in a space that would be very shot. As a result of this, the height of the building would be increased to just shy of 74 ft., there would not be a set-back and the sky exposure plane would be intruded into. She said that this is something that should be aware of. The building would be in the character of the neighborhood (there is a series of 21 story buildings in the area). The student population that would be attending the school is attending at a school 4 blocks away. They are not bringing a new population there; they are just in need of a new space to accommodate the students. Mr. Dennis related that the item would be heard at the ULURP Committee meeting scheduled for May 27th. They would get involved with more detail there. Mr. Dennis related that he saw the application and had a question about the sidewalk vaults that were to be created. Is there an approval for this? Ms. Altman related that this was not part of the variance request but that they would need separate approvals from the City. They cellar and sub-cellar levels are as of right. What they are going to do is start construction on these levels before the variance is decided. These are as of right and permitted pursuant to valid permit. These cellar, sub-cellar areas and vaults do not count as floor area. There were not other questions raised on the item. DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS: SIDEWALK CAFÉ PERMIT APPLICATIONS Park Luncheonette Inc., 334 Driggs Avenue – renewal application for an unenclosed sidewalk café with 9 tables and 18 seats (License # 1158227) Mr. Demetrios Kachulis, the owner for Park Luncheonette, discussed the application, which was a renewal of the sidewalk café. He related that this was the third renewal for the sidewalk café. They are hopeful that they would receive it. They are a longstanding business in the Greenpoint-Williamsburg area. They have been in business for over 75 years. They are the third generation currently running this establishment. He said that everything in the area is changing and they are as well. Mr. Dennis noted that this item would be on the agenda for the ULURP Committee meeting. Mr. Anthony Gurball, representative for the application, noted that the owner was the same for both 149 Broadway and Dumont Burger. He would discuss both applications. At 149 Broadway, is Dressler Restaurant, between Bedford Avenue and Driggs Avenue. They are looking to put out 20 seats and 5 tables. Mr. Dennis noted that this restaurant is next to the parking lot for the Williamsburgh Savings bank, sort of across from Peter Lugar’s. Mr. Gurball, P.E., said that the restaurant was in existence for two years and that this was the first application for a sidewalk café. The owner, Mr. Colin Devlin related that he owns both Dressler and Dumont Burger restaurants. They have had a great sensitivity to the neighbors and surrounding area. He lives in the area. Mr. Dennis asked about the hours of operation. Mr. Devlin said that they presently served dinner at Dressler 6PM-11PM. At Dumont Burger they will have to discuss serving 6PM-11PM, but they do serve later at the restaurant. They primarily do their business in food. Mr. Gurball responded to a question about the sidewalk. He noted that on Broadway, the sidewalk is 19 ft., and that they would be using 9 feet of that. There would be 10 ft. left for pedestrian use. They have gone by the City’s guidelines. At this time they are setting up a test with tables, to see which ones they are going to use. The tables on Broadway are bigger. The ones at Dumont are smaller. Dumont Burger LLC, 314 Bedford Avenue – new application for an unenclosed sidewalk café with 18 tables and 36 seats (License #1282391) Mr. Gurball spoke about the application for the unenclosed sidewalk café. He submitted additional sets of plans. He related that the sidewalk here is 18 ft. wide. They would be using 7 ft. of it for the café. Mr. Dennis asked that they bring color photos to the meeting. It was noted that dimensions were on the plans. The two applications would be reviewed at the ULURP Committee’s meeting on May 27th. Mr. Dennis asked for the representative to come forward. The applicant was not present and he moved to the next item. He noted that it would be reviewed at the May 27th meeting. Ms. Ashley, spoke on the item, noting that she was one of the three owners of the establishment, Enid’s Restaurant, located at the corner of Manhattan Avenue and Driggs Avenue. It overlooks the park. They are applying to renew the sidewalk café. There are 9 tables with 18 seats. The outdoor seating is shut down at about 11PM. There were no additional questions and Mr. Dennis asked that she attend the upcoming ULURP Committee meeting on May 27th. Ms. Fox asked that any complaints with the establishments be checked. Mr. Dennis noted that the precincts would be contacted. PRESENTATION: Inclusionary Housing Application for 258 Grand Street (Block 2394: Lot 20) – request for a letter of support from Los Sures/Southside United Housing Development Fund Corp. – by Ms. Sandy De La Cruz, Director of Development, Los Sures/Southside United Housing Development Fund Corp. Chairman Abate introduced the item and requested that the representatives come forward to discuss the request. Mr. David Pagan, Administrators for Southside United Housing Development Fund, better known as Los Sures. They are looking for a letter of support for their project at 258 Grand Street. The project was originally under SIP, there are 129 units in a total of 6 buildings. This is one of the smaller sites. What they are trying to do are some improvements on the building, With the issue of inclusionary zoning, they would like to create a reserve fund to maintain affordability forever. This is the idea on this. He would now have Ms. De La Cruz, discuss the project details. Ms. De La Cruz described the property. The building at 258 Grand Street is actually a 23 unit building and six stories. It now houses about 50%, formerly homeless people, and that the other half of the building is local residents. She had to point out that these people who are living here are residents for 15 years and that they are a part of the community and no longer homeless. They are CB #1 residents. They are looking to do a series of capital improvements for the building, including a new roof, high efficiency boilers, new windows, entrance doors. This would save on operation costs and bring some greening elements. It is an old building. The project was initially done in the 1990’s as an HPD moderate rehab. This project would be one as well. What they are trying to do in addition to dealing with the capital improvements, is to pay off some of the old water and sewer taxes. They are hoping that that with the project, they would be saving the building as be affordable, for the low income families of the community in perpetuity. Mr. Dennis asked if there were any questions. Ms. Fox asked about the HPD process, buyer for the project rights under the inclusionary housing program. Ms. De la Cruz, related that they had Mr. Cortese from HPD present. They do have a buyer for the project, Mr. Wallace Lou, from an LLC group. They do have an agreement with him to purchase the rights. They are in the process with HPD completing the underwriting and getting written agreements. They are looking to close hopefully in June and hope that they have a written agreement by then. Mr. Cortese provided some comments on the project. Ms. Fox asked that someone from HPD come to the ULURP Committee meeting to come and speak about the inclusionary housing, Ms. Dennis said that the Board has received a number of requests for inclusionary housing program. He said that the Committee continues to have questions about the process and various policy issues related to the program. Ms. Fox spoke about the concerns that they had about new construction vs. rehab. Ms. De La Cruz related that the funds won’t come in until the project is complete. They were able to some funds for the rehab from Council Member Reyna. Ms. Lawrence asked if any of the residents would be displaced during the rehab? Ms. De La Cruz, said that there wouldn’t be any displacement. Although they do need a new roof, there are no needs to relocate the tenants at this time. Mr. Pagan said that if there were any temporary relocations that they would have some units to do this. Mr. Weiser asked about the reasons for using the funding? Ms. De la Cruz said that the funding doesn’t come into the project until HPD can certify that the preservation project is a real project, not something just on paper. HPD would come out and actually have an architect certify that the work was completed in the low income housing building to ensure that they are not just getting funds from private developers in exchange for them to build a bigger and better building. Ms. Leader had a question about the building and the number of low income units? Ms. De La Cruz related that the entire project is low income housing. There is a regulatory agreement that requires that 50% of the units to be reserved for tenants or formerly homeless persons come into the City shelter systems. The tenants that are there now have been there since the building’s rehab. They have been there for many years and are in effect now community residents. The building is 100% occupied. Mr. Dennis noted that the item would be on the upcoming committee meeting for May 27th. PUBLIC SESSION Mr. Jason Jeffries, resident of Williamsburg, representing Billburg and Northside Merchants, related that he has lived here for 10 years. He was a homeowner and has three businesses. Two of them are on Bedford Avenue (Bedford Cheese Shop and Verb Cafe). He learned this summer that as part of the City’s PlanNYC 2030 proposal to make a more livable city with the Mayor is that they were interested in finding places that want to make streets as places. He got together with a bunch of other merchants up and down Bedford Avenue. They have been meeting and planning an event to close Bedford Avenue to traffic on four Saturdays this summer, to just allow the community to come out and use the space, congregate, eat and drink, stroll and have fun. Today he was just here to announce the event. It looks likely to happen. They are going through the proper changes for permits. They are trying to do very responsible planning, making sure that they take in consideration, security, safety, sanitation and buses. They are reaching out to business owners and residents. So far, everyone that they have spoken to have been very excited about this and thinks that it is a positive thing for the community. They have reached out to NAG, Open Space Alliance, Transportation Alternatives, who are willing to lend support. He related that this evening, he is informing the Board members and persons present about plans and he invites all and their families to attend. Mr. Mike Hofmann, 127 Dupont Street, spoke about DEP’s storm water storage tank. He spoke and said that it was from his understanding from a previous Queens community board meeting that DEP wants to add an underground tank on Johnson Avenue, and in return, the community would get a parking lot. DEP also stated at that Queens CB meeting that Brooklyn CB #1 requested the parking lot. He wanted to know if this was true. Mr. Esposito noted that this was not true. Mr. Hofmann related that DEP said so, Mr. John Leonforte. He said that Barge Park Pals strongly objects to the parking lot. He spoke about another use such as parkland. The community needs parkland. He announced that there would be a meeting regarding McCarren Park issues on May 27th, 7PM at the Warsaw. Mr. Joseph Garber, Citizens Police Academy Alumni Associate, spoke to provide a number of updates. He spoke about 491 Bedford Avenue, that he used to pray at the synagogue, he was concerned about there being room for a synagogue a per various court decisions. He spoke about the Chairman’s correspondence, item #8 to offer a correction in the text, #17 should be Kent Ave., #27 check the title and grammar. On 4/30/08 NYCHA submitted presented its budget. There is a very serious problem, with a continued deficit for public housing. He spoke about the Borough President having a heritage event, and John Jay having an alumnae reunion. On 5/1/08 Mayor Bloomberg presented his expense, revenue and capital budget. The budget hearings are starting now. He spoke about a protest that NYCHA employees were having as a result of laying off of employees. He spoke about nominations at 8PM for the executive board he suggests that the members try to elect new people. On May 6th, DC37 had a lobby day in Albany and he brought back materials. He spoke about the Police Officer Memorial, that everyone should remember someone who fell in the line of duty. He spoke about Brooklyn having the highest rate of bias incidents. A week ago, he found graffiti of a swastika and “Heil Hitler” at the Hewes Street station, and he needed for District (33) police to properly process this. He spoke about being recently accosted and hit by two Hassidic youth. He was still waiting for the Detective Squad at 90th Precinct to go on this. He spoke about the lot on Bedford and Clymer that it still needs cleaning and a follow up with DOS. He spoke about improving police’s community relations at the two precincts. He raised concern about the increase of graffiti. It was out of control. He said that there were still problems with buses. Mr. Wiley Norvell, Communications Director/Transportation Alternatives, spoke, noting that he lives in Greenpoint. He has lived and worked on Bedford Avenue. He was in support of the Pedestrian Proposal for Bedford Avenue that was spoken about by Mr. Jeffries. He believes that giving pedestrians more priority on Bedford Avenue was a great thing. It is an exceptional street. The plan does it justice. He said perhaps they could do better on Bedford Avenue that just using the standard cookie cutter design - perhaps by giving more days in summer for pedestrians to try out the walking plan. It is a great walking street. He said that it also does great justice to all the businesses and gives vitality on Bedford Avenue. It says that “we could do better”. It is not just a street closing with vendors; this is something special to call attention to the vitality that is there. He reiterated his strong support. Ms. Heather Padin, resident of Whipple Street, spoke in favor of the Domino development. She related that there has been such a negative stigma with low income housing. She wanted to speak a little bit about herself. She grew up in the projects of Williamsburg. Because of an opportunity that her mother was presented, she was able to go to college and graduate from NYU and complete her master degree. This Domino project gives 660 apartments to the community. It is an opportunity for families to grow and be able to become an asset as opposed to being pushed aside and kicked out to further neighborhoods. She supports the project and hopes everyone does it as well. Mr. Rob Solano, resident of Whipple Street, spoke in favor of the Domino development. He noted that he has been coming to every meeting. He provided his support for the new Domino site. He said that the 660 units would provide an opportunity for families who live in the neighborhood that at one point, their children need to move on and grow their own families. When this opportunity happens and they search for apartments in the neighborhood, as all know, they are hard to find. The 660 new units will allow these people to be here. He spoke about other programs that have helped to do this in the community, provide affordable housing for low income families. The project at Domino would be great opportunity. Where there is a negative, there is a positive. He said that when you prioritize, you are not going to make everyone happy. But the majority could be made happy if the project (for low income families) at Domino is approved. It will help everyone. Mr. Eugenio Maldonado, Chief of Operations, El Puente, noted that he was long time resident of Williamsburg. He has been involved with many of the housing needs in Williamsburg and involved with developing affordable low income housing (i.e. Clemente Plaza, Kraus developments, etc.). People of all backgrounds have been involved in development of the waterfront. He has been there to make sure that the community gets its fair share and affordability. He has not seen any development come into this neighborhood with such as good development partners as CPC. He was here to support the 660 units of development at the Domino site. He also supports it because it was integrated into the development and it was not a gated community. Affordable housing is really needed in this community. Mr. Miguel A. Hernandez, resident/Ross Street, spoke noting that he had been a resident for all of the 48 years of his life. He sees all of the changes and brings today a message of his angst. He is very anxious awaiting the new transformation of the long awaited project for the old Domino Sugar factory. He has seen how various changes have occurred in the neighborhood. Buildings for the most part, he feels were never approved or talked about. Then there are a lot of projects that have been. He sees how they are scrutinized, a good well performed developed project and ones that are private are not. He talked about deep pocketed people who jump over all of the little people and push the community people out. This is one thing that he does not want to see. He wants to see every family in Brooklyn that are of low income means, have fair shot to getting their voices heard. He said that the project at Domino was positive. He spoke about the parking being underneath the buildings instead of on the streets so that they were not overcrowded with cars. They are going to provide nice views of the waterfront, they will have big open spaces for children to walk, ride, play and live. He noted that they would also provide more community space (for schools, etc.). He supports this project just like he supports his church. He urged to give CPC a chance because 660 units of 2200 units is a big chunk. This is what is needed. Mr. Robert Alvira, resident, Moore Street, spoke noting that he was a long time resident of Williamsburg and a strong supporter of the Domino Project. He was a third generation Williamsburg resident. His daughter will now be the fourth generation resident. He urged support of the Domino Project. It is one that will include 660 apartments for all of the community – to keep them altogether, to keep their families together. The next generation is having problems finding apartments for themselves. He said that the project should be supported 100%. Mr. Marc Alvira, resident, noted that he was a parishioner of St. Peter and Paul parish. He is a life long resident of Williamsburg and grew up on the Southside and attended Epiphany Church. He attended the local schools and continues to live in Los Sures. He is also a business owner of a pizzeria which is located Roebling Street between South 8th and South 9th Streets. He has seen the last few years of the community change greatly, especially the Southside of Williamsburg. Many of the Hispanic families have been driven from their apartments due to the increase of rents. There are so many buildings being developed on Southside, yet sad to say, none of them are being built for low income families. He said that there is a need for affordable housing. The Domino project brings this hope. The last time that the community saw a project this good was with Clemente Plaza in the early 1970’s. He urges that the Community Board No. 1 support the Domino Project. Ms. Stephanie Eisenberg, resident, spoke about the Domino Project. She said that it was very important that this community does not divide itself between those that are for the project and for affordable and those that are not for the project but who are still for affordable housing. She feels that there are better ways of getting greater affordability for the people who live here. She doesn’t understand why so many of the people here want to support who earn $75,000 a year. She is not sure what the reason is but she would like to know why because on the lower tier, which is $28,000 a year only 50 apartments are guaranteed for the community. That is what the papers say, and if she is wrong, correct her. None of this is guaranteed and nowhere is it written that it is. She said that reading one of the Brownstoner, one of the things that CPC said was that they are going to give you (the community) what you need. They were going to give the affordable housing first. No so, they filed with the Buildings Department for a hotel. Not only did they file for a hotel, which the permission was denied, in the old refinery building, with 50 parking spaces – 300 apartments – they were doing a Donald Trump number. In September, unbeknownst to a lot people here, they borrowed $101million from Lehman Brothers. They now have probably next to no money in this project. The likelihood of this getting built by them is nil. So they are not telling the whole story, where they are getting the money for all of this affordable housing, and they are no guaranteeing it. So, she thinks that they should be asked some very hard questions. She said, that while she applauds Churches United for their position on affordable housing, perhaps they should show us the way and develop the five properties that they have that they once started to do the parishioners and have not done because they want to do market housing on those sites. Perhaps, this is where the conversation should start. It is a very important conversation for both the parishioners and the community to have. The people who live on Whipple Street, part of that is affordable, part of it was not set aside as affordable. She appreciates if people start asking questions and would prefer it to be wonderful if they all could get together and have a town hall meeting and not just do it in these three minute segments. We could ask the developer to be there and have an exchange and really get to the bottom of it – what is going to be built? Is displacement going to happen? If they get 660 units, is the neighborhood going to lose 4,000 affordable ones? There is a displacement theory that says specifically that. She said that they have to look at other communities and ask the hard questions. It is not enough to say 660. Mr. Steven Baquerizo, resident, stated his support for the Domino Project and for affordable housing. He said that it would be a great opportunity. He is young and he wants to have the opportunity when he gets older to start his own life, getting out of school, have someplace to stay at. There will probably be 550 permanent jobs and temporary construction jobs. These would be opportunities for him as well. He said he wants a chance to be in the new housing complexes. Mr. Trevor Atwell, architect/associate with CPCR, noted that he has been working with CPC on the design of the new Domino. He wanted to say that in addition to all of the lofty goals that CPC has been developing, and it has been a pleasure to work with them. They have focuses on coming up with a plan that would also give a great deal of open space to the community. It opens up it directly by access points, making it as public as possible. He spoke about working with City Planning’s guidelines and placing the taller buildings towards the water. They use a system that modulates the massing of the project and it starts to meet the height of the community and then approaches Kent Avenue on the north and south ends. It is really a matter of following the City Planning’s guidelines for Greenpoint and Williamsburg and also to create a tremendous amount of public open space on the water that is accessible to the community. Ms. Barbara Baer, CPCR, spoke noting that she does the intergovernmental for Domino Sugar, CPCR. She wanted to introduce herself because she would be working with many people present this evening. She has spoken with some of the community members here as well. They are early in the public session. She spoke about the credibility of what CPCR is saying as the developer. There are a lot of things being said that CPCR is saying is not the truth. She noted that she was in government for a long time in public service and came to CPC/CPCR because she believes in their mission. There is a tremendous amount of credibility and a real belief in helping communities, building communities, deserving communities and building affordable housing. She is asking that all keep an open mind about this project as they go through it, see it and hear more about it, to really imagine what could be an extraordinary community for all. This is what they are all about, reaching out to communities, building them and helping them. She said (that with the project) the community would see and experience the water, parks; there would be a lot of houses. There is a lot to be discussed. In this public hearing, this is a way to get to know them (CPCR). She hopes that all will listen. When CPC says they are going to do something, they are going to do it. There would be 660 units, for low income people and there will be an opportunity for all of this community to enjoy the waterfront. Ms. Susan Pollock, CPCR, spoke and thanked all for their attention and continued support at these meetings and for all of those who have questions about the project, to listen to CPCR…approaching them and asking the questions. She re-iterated what Ms. Baer said earlier, about keeping an open mind. One of the things that is particularly troubling to her as a project manager for new Domino. Is all of the misinformation that has been put out there in many locations, and many venues, by many speakers. The goals of the project are quite apparent and quite obvious. She has stated them over and over again. She repeated them again: (1) Affordable Housing – It is desperately needed in the community; they would be obligated to this. When the project is completed and they get through the zoning, they will be obligated to produce the affordable housing. There will be an agreement between the developer and the City to produce that affordable housing. (2) Same thing with the open space. To nit pick about something like whether or not there is a hotel at refinery site – that was a typo on a piece of paper that was submitted to DOB and was quickly corrected – has nothing to do with goals of the project and has nothing to do with the what the community would be able to enjoy on the project. She said that they were here to talk to people. They have made themselves available. She encourages all to contact them. They would be happy to talk and to meet with anybody what they have in mind for the project. They believe, that after speaking with and listening to everybody and produced what they think is a spectacular opportunity for the residents of Greenpoint and Williamsburg and a larger City. She noted that 660 units of affordable housing will reach deep down into the lower incomes of society, people who are hard pressed to find places to live now. Some will reach slightly higher levels because those people are also hard pressed to find housing. Moderate income people can also not find housing in the City where new construction tends to sell for something a $1,000 a foot in many locations. This is not what they are offering here. The 660 units will hit people who cannot afford housing that is generally available on the market. Where are they are getting the money from? In some ways that is irrelevant. But they have tried to answer that and they would continue to answer that. The affordable housing would be subsidized by City subsidies to the extent that they are available and the rest will come from the proceeds of market rate units for building the affordable units. How much money someone borrows from a bank is irrelevant to the project. Projects don’t get built without borrowing money from banks. Nobody has the money in their pockets to build a project that will include 2200 units of parking, 4 acres of open space, parking for more than 1500 cars underground, a waterfront esplanade that travels 5 blocks of the City. No one has this in their coffers ready and able; you have to borrow money for that. It is not a crime and doesn’t say anything bad about the developer. She urges all to speak to them. Mr. Oscar Jonas, from Senator Connor’s office, spoke to make and announcement to distribute a newsletter. He wanted to let everyone know about a piece of legislation what was recently signed into law by Governor Patterson: Senate Bill 6979. It has been knick named the Granny Law. It increases penalties on physical assaults on senior citizens on anyone who is 10 years their junior. It adds a layer of protection to the elder members of the community. Senator Connor was proud to support it and very proud to be a part of the ceremony where the Governor signed it into law. He also wanted to thank all members of the community that showed up to the town hall meeting held by Senator Connor, Assemblyman Lentol, and the District Attorney, regarding predatory lending and the mortgage crisis. He also announced that the Senator would be hosting a senior services fair. It would be a small community fair where different organizations, City, State and Federal agencies are coming together to offer all their programs and projects, discounted offerings for senior citizens all in one location. It will be held at St. Francis College in Brooklyn Heights, Very accessible by many rains and many buses. Anything that has to be brought to the Senator’s attention, he would be available to listen. Contact could also be made to the office by phone or email. ADJOURNMENT Chairman Abate noted that the agenda was completed. Mr. Turner made a motion to adjourn the Public Hearing. The motion was seconded by Mr. Rosario and unanimously carried. The Public Hearing was adjourned. BOARD MEETING Chairman Abate requested District Manager Mr. Gerald A. Esposito to call the roll. He informed the Chairman that there were 34 members present, a sufficient number to call the hearing to order. AGENDA Chairman Abate noted the agenda. He related that at 8PM, nominations for the Executive Committee and the Attendance Committee would be taken. Mr. Perlstein made a motion to approve the agenda. The motion was seconded by Rabbi Weber. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES Mr. Dennis made a motion to approve the minutes of the April 8, 2008 Public Hearing. The motion was seconded by Ms. Toro. The motion was unanimously carried. Mr. Kalita made a motion to approve the minutes of the April 8, 2008 Board Meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Olechowski. The motion was unanimously carried. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT Chairman Vincent V. Abate, related that he would forego his report in order to expedite the agenda. DISTRICT MANAGER’S REPORT A written report was submitted and distributed for review. ULURP COMMITTEE Mr. Dennis presented verbal report to provide a quick update. He noted that they had no items to vote on. A few applications were received. The Certified Lumber site had applied for a re-zoning. It will come to CB #1 eventually. They have just filed the application so it is a ways off. What he has heard from CPC/CPCR is that the Domino Re-zoning would be certified sometime late summer or early fall. It will be back to us for public review. CPC/CPCR is still open to having more town hall meetings, so they may try to put something together closer to the time of certification. These are two big items. Mr. Dennis related that they have been going to meetings regarding Broadway Triangle and that there was letter in the Chairman’s report regarding Pfizer sites. Mr. Douglas Teague related that Del would be back in June. He thanked all for their thoughts and prayers with them. PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE Mr. Kalita submitted a written report on behalf of the committee. He read the report and noted the items that were reviewed (attached). He made a motion to support the recommendations contained in the report for the new licenses. The motion was seconded by Ms. Leanza. The motion was unanimously carried (37 “YES”; 0 “NO”; 0 ABSTENTIONS”). Mr. Kalita made a motion to support the renewal applications. The motion was seconded by Mr. Chirchella. The motion was unanimously carried (37 “YES”; 0 “NO”; 0 ABSTENTIONS”). Mr. Kalita finished the reading the report which contained items that were rolled over to the next meeting, supported 30-waivers and announced upcoming new applications. The next meeting of the Public Safety Committee is scheduled for May 29th, 2008 at 6:30PM at the Board’s office. TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE Ms. Toro submitted a written report and urged all to read its contents. There was one item that needed a vote. It was the proposal to co-name the street Richardson Street between Lorimer Street and Leonard Street to F.F. Daniel Francis Pujdak Place. Ms. Toro made a motion to support the request. The motion was seconded by Mr. Framowitz. The motion was unanimously carried (37 “YES”; 0 “NO”; 0 ABSTENTIONS”). NEW MEMBER SWORN IN Ms. Lisa Bamonte, new CB #1 member, was sworn in by Chairman Abate. Chairman Abate noted that the members are volunteers and do not get paid. Chairman Abate noted that nominations do not need to be seconded. He read the list of officers and positions. Chairman Abate related what his thoughts were. He announced that he would be 90 years old in July. He said that if he was elected this year, it would be for only one year. He has been doing this for 30 years and it has been a wonderful thing because he felt that he had the best Board in the City of New York. He said that the board was very professional and knowledgeable. He said that because of people like the members, he feels like he wants to go on and on. What he has to say now is one thing, that he has seen the light. All his life, since 12 years old, he has run an organization. Pity his wife and children because they never saw him. He ran many organizations. Now he thinks that he was slowing down. It has been a pleasure. He has been in the community all of his life. He was born here. He related his feelings, that with his heart, when he looks at the members, they keep him going. He looks forward to this year he knows that he would miss them. But he would still be on the Board and be in the back, looking towards the front. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN Mr. Dennis nominated Chairman Vincent V. Abate, who accepted. There were no other nominations. Rabbi Weber made a motion to close nominations. FIRST VICE CHAIR Mr. Weiser nominated Rabbi Joseph Weber, who accepted. There were no other nominations. Mr. Turner made a motion to close nominations. SECOND VICE CHAIR Mr. Turner nominated Mr. Ward Dennis, who accepted. There were no other nominations. Mr. Duran made a motion to close nominations. THIRD VICE CHAIR Mr. Rivera nominated Ms. Del Teague. There were no other nominations. Ms. Fuller made a motion to close nominations. FINANCIAL SECRETARY Mr. Dennis nominated Ms. Emma Townsend Wright. There were no other nominations. Mr. Caponegro made a motion to close nominations. RECORDING SECRETARY Mr. Olechowski nominated Mr. Israel Rosario, who accepted. There were no other nominations. Rabbi Weber made a motion to close nominations. MEMBER AT LARGE Mr. Kalita nominated Mr. Christopher Olechowski, who accepted. There were no other nominations. Ms. Leader made a motion to close nominations. ATTENDANCE COMMITTEE Mr. Weiser nominated Rabbi David Niederman. There were no other nominations. Mr. Rosario made a motion to close nominations. OLD BUSINESS There was no old business raised. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Framowitz’s motion to adjourn the Board Meeting was seconded by Mr. Rosario and unanimously carried. The Board Meeting was adjourned. Reviewed by:
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