COMBINED PUBLIC HEARING
AND BOARD MEETING
SEPTEMBER 14, 2011
211 AINSLIE STREET

____________________________________________________________________________

PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA

ROLL CALL

Chairman Christopher H. Olechowski 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 public hearing to order.

AGENDA

Chairman Olechowski read the agenda into the record. Note to all speakers: all those who wish to speak must sign and submit their speaker’s form on or before 6:15 PM.

1. DCA-UNENCLOSED SIDEWALK CAFE APPLICATION: An application was received regarding renewal of a revocable consent for:
  • 600 Metropolitan Corp., 600 Metropolitan Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11211, License # 1311871- an unenclosed sidewalk cafe with 6 tables and 18 seats.

2. COMMENTS ON THE FISCAL YEAR 2013 BUDGET PRIORITIES - comments to be received regarding expense/capital budget priorities for Fiscal Year 2013 and Service Program Priorities (PEG Form).Comments will be limited to three (3) minutes; written testimony requested.

3. LIQUOR LICENSES: The following have applied for renewals/licenses:

1 & 3 on 5th Corp dba Fabiane’s Cafe & Pastry, 142 North 5th Street (renewal, beer/wine, rest)
77 North 6th Corp. dba Zenkichi, 77 North 6th Street (renewal, beer/wine, rest)
108 North 6th Street Corp, 108 North 6th Street (renewal, liquor, bar)
134 Kingsland Avenue (new, liquor, bar)
135 Studio N ADR, Inc, 135 North 5th Street (renewal, liquor, rest)
221 North 9th Street Corp. dba Capones, 221 North 9th Street (renewal, liquor, bar)
295 Grand Inc. dba Larry Lawrence, 295 Grand Street (renewal, liquor, bar)
647 Restaurant Inc, 647 Grand Street (new, liquor, rest)
750 Grand Street Billiards LLC, 750 Grand Street (renewal, liquor, bar)
Alfonso Rodriguez dba Alfonso Grocery Store, 395 Broadway (renewal, beer, store)
Amtec International of NY Corp., 430 Morgan Avenue (renewal, beer, store)
Bar Celona Corp., 104 South 4th Street (renewal, liquor, bar)
Billyburg Place Corp. dba Oulu, 160 North 4th Street (renewal, liquor, bar)
Breukelen Bier Merchants, Inc, 182 Grand Street, Unit 2 (alteration, beer, yard)
Bromaco Inc. dba Aurora, 70 Grand Street (renewal, liquor, rest)
Brooklyn Wick LLC dba The Wick, 260 Meserole Street (new, liquor, bar)
Brooklyn Winery LLC dba Brooklyn Winery, 213 North 8th Street (new, liquor, rest)
Brooklyn Winery LLC dba Brooklyn Winery, 213 North 8th Street (new, beer/wine, rest)
Brooklynbaca LLC dba Best Pizza, 33 Havemeyer Street (renewal, beer/wine, rest)
Cafe El Puente Restaurant Corp, 231 South 4th Street (renewal, liquor, rest)
Carmine Gangone dba 161st Pizza Corp, 436 Union Avenue (renewal, beer/wine, rest)
Christina's Polish Rest Inc dba Christina’s Restaurant, 853 Manhattan Avenue (new, beer/wine, rest)
CKTP LLC, 120 Franklin Street (new, liquor, bar)
Coco 66 Inc., 68 Greenpoint Avenue (renewal, liquor, bar)
Columbus Ale House, Inc dba Columbus Ale House, 151 Meserole Street (new, liquor, bar)
Corbett Melfi dba El Loco Burrito Inc. (renewal, beer/wine, rest)
Corp to be formed dba TBD, 27 Broadway (new, liquor, bar)
Country Mile of Greenpoint, Inc dba Greenpoint Heights, 278 Nassau Avenue (new, liquor, bar)
DDT Williamsburg Corp dba Bar 33, 67 South 6th Street (new, liquor, rest)
Don Pedro Restaurant Inc., 90 Manhattan Avenue (renewal, liquor, rest)
Dumont Burger LLC, 314 Bedford Avenue (renewal, liquor, rest)
Dutch Concorde, Inc. dba St. Mazie, 345 Grand Street (new, liquor, rest)
F & T Tavern LLC, 159 Greenpoint Avenue (new, liquor, bar)
Ficlama Corp, 331 Bedford Avenue (renewal, beer/wine, rest)
Food Idea, Inc. dba Erb Thai, 681 Manhattan Avenue (new, beer/wine, rest)
Full Circle United LLC, 318 Grand Street (renewal, liquor, bar)
Gilberto Marte Jr. & Nelly Marte, 81 Siegel Street (new, liquor, rest)
Gokge Gulez, 134 Metropolitan Avenue (new, liquor, bar)
Good Shot! Inc. dba Feelings, 3 Richardson St. aka 592-594 Union Avenue (renewal, liquor, bar)
Graham United Corp., 189 Graham Avenue (renewal, beer/wine, rest)
Grand Affairs, LLC, 63-65 Grand Street (new, liquor, rest)
Grand Morelos Corp., 727 Grand Street (renewal, beer/wine, rest)
Happy Mews Corp dba Mulholland’s, 312 Grand Street (renewal, liquor, bar)
Il Gallo Cedrone Ltd dba Atlas Cafe, 116 Havemeyer Street (renewal, beer/wine, rest)
Indian Cafe of Brooklyn, Inc dba Taj Kabab & Curry, 568 Grand Street (new, beer/wine, rest)
Jesenia Venturia dba Tex Mex Pizza Grill, 702 Grand Street (new, beer/wine, rest)
JM Greenpoint LLC dba Red Star, 37 Greenpoint Avenue (renewal, liquor, rest)
JM Greenpoint LLC dba Red Star, 37 Greenpoint Avenue (renewal, liquor, rest)
Joaquin Velazquez dba El Ketzalt Corp. Haab, 202 Leonard Street A (renewal, beer/wine, rest)
John Arlen, LLC dba Mama’s Food Shop, 310 South 4th Street (new, beer/wine, rest)
Jose Adelcio Diaz dba San Francisco Bay Corp, 132 Meserole Street (new, liquor, bar)
Kasia’s Restaurant Inc, 146 Bedford Avenue (renewal, beer/wine, rest)
KCTB LLC dba Gwynnett St., 312 Graham Avenue (new, liquor, rest)
Khon Kaen Corp dba Cheers Thai Restaurant, 568 Metropolitan Avenue (new, liquor, rest)
Knitting Factory Entertainment dba Knitting Factory Brooklyn, 361 Metropolitan Ave (renewal, liquor, bar)
Koja Grill LLC dba Dokebi, 199 Grand Street (renewal, liquor, rest)
Las Tainas Bar & Restaurant LLC, 347 Broadway (renewal, liquor, rest)
Lock Inn Corp., 949 Grand Street (renewal, liquor, bar)
Lokal Restaurant Corp dba Lokal, 905 Lorimer Street (renewal, liquor, rest)
Lucia Corba, LPO Realty Inc., 139 Nassau Avenue (new, liquor, rest)
Maracuja LLC dba Maracuja Bar & Grill, 279 Grand Street (renewal, liquor, bar)
Michael Barrett dba 9th St Expresso, 97 North 3rd Street (new, liquor, bar)
Mizu Sushi Inc, 192 Bedford Avenue (renewal, beer/wine, rest)
Moto Inc. dba Moto, 394 Broadway (alteration, liquor, rest - change of class )
Mozaik Inc dba Mahzen Grill, 739 Grand Avenue (new, beer/wine, rest)
Music Hall of Williamsburg, LLC dba Music Hall of Williamsburg, 66 North 6th Street (renewal, liquor, bar)
Nineteen Twenty Four, Inc. dba Roberta’s, 43 Bogart Street (alteration, liquor, bar)
Nitehawh Brooklyn LLC dba Nitehawk Cinema, 136 Metropolitan Avenue (alteration, liquor, rest)
One Stop Beer Shop LLC, dba One Stop Beer Shop, 134 Kingsland Avenue (new, liquor, tavern/bar)
Ontario Bar LLC dba 559 Grand Street (renewal, liquor, bar)
Papacitos Brooklyn LLC, 999 Manhattan Avenue (renewal, liquor, rest)
Peck Sheb LLC dba Crif Dogs, 555 Driggs Avenue (new, liquor, rest)
PMMT Inc dba Thai Café, 923-925 Manhattan Avenue (renewal, beer/wine, rest)
Post No Bills, LLC, 253 Bushwick Avenue (new, liquor, bar)
Raul Lopez dba Tecate Restaurant, 133A Harrison Avenue (renewal, beer/wine, rest)
Red Bowl Chinese Rest Inc, 208 Bedford Avenue (renewal, liquor, rest)
Rex Juno Inc dba Acqua Santa, 556 Driggs Avenue (renewal, beer/wine, rest)
Robert Chan Corp, 808 Driggs Avenue (new, beer/wine, bar)
Samau Inc dba Miranda Restaurant, 80 Berry Street (alteration, liquor, rest)
Sampoh Thailand Restaurant Inc. dba Pagoda, 333 Graham Avenue (new, beer/wine, rest)
Schneider Boggs LLC dba Huckleberry Bar, 588 Grand Street (renewal, liquor, bar)
Seven Hills Cafe Restaurant Inc, 849 Manhattan Avenue (new, beer/wine, rest)
Shayz Lounge Inc dba Shayz Lounge, 130 Franklin Street (renewal, liquor, bar)
Shelison Restaurant Inc., 492 Broadway (renewal, beer/wine, rest)
Ski Bar Inc dba Pit Stop Bar, 152 Meserole Avenue (renewal, liquor, bar)
Spuyten Duyvil LLC, 359 Metropolitan Avenue (renewal, beer/wine, bar)
Squirrel Tail Brewing Co. LLC dba Squirrel Tail Brewing Co., 345 Grand Street (new, liquor, rest)
Supercore Inc dba Supercore, 305 Bedford Avenue (renewal, beer/wine, rest)
Ten Eleven Holdings, LLC dba Pencil Factory, 142 Franklin Street (renewal, liquor, bar)
Terere Corporation dba Tabare Restaurant, 221 South 1st Street (renewal, beer/wine, rest)
Thanks for Everything Inc, dba Blackout, 916 Manhattan Avenue (renewal, liquor, bar)
The Geezers LLC dba Harefield Road Pub, 769 Metropolitan Avenue (renewal, liquor, bar)
The Glef Ltd dba Teddy’s Bar & Grill, 96 Berry Street (renewal, liquor, bar)
Tommy’s Tavern LLC, 1041 Manhattan Avenue (renewal, liquor, bar)
Transito Melchor dba Zocalo Cafe Tex Mex Corp, 295 Broadway (renewal)
Tres De Mexico LLC dba Mesa Coyoacan, 372 Graham Avenue (renewal, liquor, rest)
Tribicha Inc dba Pies n Thighs, 166 South 4th Street (upgrade, existing license, liquor, rest)
Vanessa’s Dumpling House Inc dba Vanessa’s Dumpling House, 310 Bedford Avenue (new, beer/wine, rest)
Vinegar Hill NYC, LLC dba Lucky Dog, 303 Bedford Avenue (renewal, liquor, bar/rest)
Wild Ginger Cafe Inc, 212 Bedford Avenue (renewal, liquor, rest)
Yekaterina Telushikina, 232 North 12th Street (new, liquor, rest)
Zocalo Cafe Tex Mex Corp. dba Zocalo Cafe, 295 Broadway (renewal, liquor, rest)

DCA - UNENCLOSED SIDEWALK CAFE APPLICATION: An application was received regarding renewal of a revocable consent for: 600 Metropolitan Corp., 600 Metropolitan Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11211, License # 1311871 - an unenclosed sidewalk cafe with 6 tables and 18 seats. Chairman Olechowski introduced the item and requested that any representatives for the matter to come forward and present. Ms. Candice Murphy, noted that she was the manager of the Alligator Lounge on Metropolitan Avenue. She related that they provide the community with free pizza with every alcoholic beverage. Mr. Burrows asked about the sign that is to be posted denoting the number of tables and chairs allowed. Ms. Murphy said that the Fire Department came in last week and spoke to them about it and they actually don't need a sign with a certain amount of tables. They have 30 days to register on line. Mr. Burrows said that they have had their sidewalk cafe for years and it come and goes and gets bigger, going out on the sidewalk. Why should the license be renewed? Ms. Murphy said that they have been in the neighborhood for a while. Not having the sidewalk cafe would hurt the business. Mr. Burrows spoke about a problem with the sidewalk cafe and it moving constantly. Ms. Murphy said that she would mark it on the street so that people can see it. Mr. Burrows said that this was told to the manager before. Ms. Murphy said that she was the new manager and that she should be spoken with. Ms. Naplatarski asked about what the sign was? Mr. Burrows related that there is a sign for each sidewalk cafe that lists the a number of chairs and tables for it and where to call for a complaint. This is to be in the window so that when police come by and see what they are to have. They can make a report to the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA). There is one DCA inspector for Brooklyn. He said that he has asked many times as to where the sign was. There is a set time for when the sidewalk cafe is to be operated. Chairman Olechowski spoke on the matter and said that it has to be clear as to how many tables and chairs there are. Ms. Nieves asked about the hours? Ms. Murphy said that it was midnight on weekdays and 1AM on weekends. Ms. Nieves related that she lives across the street and the cafe was opened late and there was a lot of noise. Ms. Murphy said that she never had a noise complaint. They have never gone over the decibels allowed. She said to talk to her about any issues, so she could do her job. Chairman Olechowski said that some information and feedback was provided today. He asked that she should see how much she could correct between now and the renewal so that they will not be in a position to receive complaints. Ms. Lawrence asked about the location and cross streets. It was noted that the establishment was at 600 Metropolitan Avenue, between Lorimer Street and Leonard Street. Ms. Murphy said that she was the manager for the past six months and that they had the sidewalk cafe last summer. Chairman Olechowski asked that she take to heart what was said and see if it could be helpful in putting together the proper equilibrium for the establishment. The Public Safety Committee will meet on September 27th, at 6:30PM, at the CB #1's District Office, 435 Graham Avenue. The Liquor Licenses will be discussed at that time.

COMMENTS ON THE FISCAL YEAR 2013 BUDGET PRIORITIES - comments to be received regarding expense/capital budget priorities for Fiscal Year 2013 and Service Program Priorities (PEG Form).Comments will be limited to three (3) minutes; written testimony requested.

Chairman Olechowski asked for comments. Ms. Teague, the Budget Committee Chair, noted that it was that time of the year again, and it was a tedious form to go through, but they do go through it. She noted that some people have put in some requests. She noted that if something is being asked to be upgraded (to an A or B), then something has to be downgraded. She asked for comments that would relate both suggestions. All of the suggestions will be taken into consideration. She spoke about the need for participation at the Budget Committee meeting and not at the Board meeting because people took the time to think things out and make their suggestions at the committee level. Ms. Teague said that her goal is to have a combined effort and at the previous meeting, she felt confident that this happened. It was an effort and reflected what people wanted and needed. She feels bad when she sees other people putting in time and then others just wait until the full board meeting. It puts everything into disarray. She wants the members to remember this. What the members may want to do is talk amongst themselves and get a sense of what they may collectively feel is important. She urged all to come to the committee's meeting. The committee will meet on September 26th at the Board's office, at 6:30PM. The members discussed the budget, the process, time line and  participating. All are encouraged to attend the committee's meeting.

Mr. Leon made a motion to close this portion of the public hearing. The motion was seconded by Mr. Bondo and carried unanimously.

LIQUOR LICENSES

Chairman Olechowski noted that long list. During the summer, the board did not meet over the summer and the list added up. The folks that are here for their applications, this is the wrong day. The Public Safety Committee meeting is where they have a chance to make their presentation. This is where the review of the applicants for liquor licenses. Today, this is an announcement that they have applied for the record.

ADJOURNMENT

Mr. Florentino made a motion to close the Public Hearing. The motion was seconded by Mr. Bondo. The motion was unanimously carried.

BOARD MEETING

ROLL CALL

Chairman Christopher H. Olechowski requested District Manager Mr. Gerald A. Esposito to call the roll. He informed the Chairman that there were 33 members present, a sufficient quorum to call the Board Meeting to order.

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

Ms. Lawrence made a motion to approve the agenda as written. The motion was seconded by Ms. Cianciotta and carried unanimously.

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

Ms. Nieves made a motion to approve the minutes of the June 14, 2011 Combined Public Hearing and Board Meeting minutes as written. The motion was seconded by Ms. Teague and carried unanimously.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Chairman Olechowski said that they had one item in the early Summer. It required the Executive Committee to make a decision and vote on it. The item was that they received information regarding the application for the PSC Cafeteria, that included in their application were petitions, supposedly members of that organization, that they were in favor of the liquor license. The Community Board received documentation to the effect that the petitions, to some extent, were fraudulent. There were four affidavits signed and notarized by people on that list that claimed that they never signed it. That led us to believe that there were problems. Subsequently, the board also received from members of PSC information that they hired a forensic expert to review the petitions. After the review an opinion was made that there were three pages that were fraudulent. It appears that they were signed by one person. This was a statement that was submitted to the Board. He asked the District Manager to brief the Executive Committee on the subject and to withdraw the approval for the application for the PSC Cafeteria based on the fact that a fraudulent aspect of the application that was submitted. The Executive Committee voted to make the withdrawal of the approval. A letter was sent to Chairman Rosen, of the NYSLA, noted that CB #1 was in receipt of the additional documents regarding the application. This package was also sent to the NYSLA. In light of this, the approval with stipulations (said in a letter dated in May 2011) was being withdrawn. The letter was sent to all of the members (via email and hard copied mailed). Mr. Olechowski said that the issue is that any applicant that submits a license application, and the applicant puts together something that is false, then that application is not admissible. It is an affront to the Community Board and to the members of the community. This is why they withdrew it. What he said they are asking the members to do now is to have a motion to ratify the withdrawal of the support that was made by the Executive Committee. The members discussed the matter. Ms. Lawrence asked about what was received? Chairman Olechowski noted that it was a letter from a forensic expert who signed his statement about the fraudulent signatures. Mr. Kalita asked what would happen if another letter comes about this? Chairman Olechowski related that when the Public Safety Committee did its review, it did not have this kind of information. Subsequent to the committee's review and the Board's approval this information came to the board. After reviewing it, the Executive Committee withdrew the approval. What he is asking for is to ratify that action. Ms. Naplatarski made a motion to ratify the Executive Committee's recommendation of withdrawal of approval of the application for PSC Cafeteria. The motion was seconded by Mr. Florentino. Ms. Leanza asked if there was a window that the item had to go to the Executive Committee? It was noted yes by District Manager Mr. Esposito, and that the NYSLA held a public hearing and if the Board took any action it had to be taken prior to the meeting, which was attended by both he and the Chair. The question was called.

The vote was as follows: 38 “YES” 0 “NO”; 4 ABSTENTIONS (Ms. Leanza, Mr. Burrows; Ms. Roslund, Ms. Lawrence). The motion was carried. Chairman Olechowski spoke about false information, that it should not be tolerated. He concluded his report.


DISTRICT MANAGER’S REPORT

A written report was submitted and distributed for review.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE

Ms. Nieves submitted a written report that was distributed for review. She read the report which contained information regarding the committee's meeting held in June.

Safety measures for corner of Union Avenue and North 12th Street: to be made by NYC DOT.
The demapping of Union Avenue is being worked on with both DOT & the Parks Department.

Safe Streets for Seniors: Package of material was mailed to the members on the project for information purposes. It dealt with plans for McGuinness Boulevard (lane striping) and the corner of North 7th & Bedford Avenue (turning bay). The plans for North 7th & Bedford Avenue was requested by the Committee to be removed as it was to remove several parking spaces. The Committee recommends approving the project excluding the turning bays. It was felt that more input (from the community/merchants) was needed. A motion to approve the recommendation was made by Mr. Caponegro and seconded by Mr. Perlstein. The motion was carried unanimously.

Support for GREC's letter that was submitted to NYCDOT. This letter contains various requests for street improvements and safety measures that have been made by the community and CB #1. Some are new, many are old requests. She recommends that the Board support this letter which highlights safety measures, and that each item is responded to with an explanation (noting why it was not warranted, including the backup of the studies). Ms. Leader spoke about DOT's response to angle parking at Cooper Park Houses. Ms. Nieves noted that this item was also in the letter. A motion was made by Mr. Leon to support the letter. The motion was seconded by Ms. Cianciotta. The motion was carried. Rabbi Weber abstained.

Filming in the area for “I Just Want My Pants Back” production: The production manager provided a briefing on the filming. If there are any issues on the filming he would like to be contacted. He was willing to work with the community on problems, such as parking. Ms. Nieves noted that she hasn't heard of any. She asked if there were any problems with the production, to contact the Board's office.

Broadway Traffic Congestion Project: A walk-through was conducted with DOT and elected officials. Traffic flows and safety measures were reviewed. The findings will be brought back by DOT.

The Transportation Committee will be meeting tomorrow evening and everyone is invited to come. Ms. Roslund spoke about the Bike Sharing program, that it has been announced to be coming to NYC. Ms. Nieves related that CB #1 will be part of the pilot program. There will be over 2,000 shared bikes. The locations have not be provided as to where they will be set up. She believes that there will be a yearly membership fee ($100). DOT is to provide a briefing on the program. Ms. Nieves spoke about Kent Avenue and requests for traffic lights. She noted that requests were denied. They will be reopening the studies in the Fall. It was very frustrating. There has been an increase of pedestrians in the area that must be addressed. The 94th Precinct has been interested in the situation as better safety measures are needed. She spoke about concerns with the bicycle lanes. There are issues about safe crossing to the State Park because of no traffic lights. She had to stop traffic for families to cross to attend the Kite festival at the park.

Chairman Olechowski noted that this concludes the committee reports and moved onto the next item on the agenda which was Public Session. He asked for speakers to come in the order that he calls them.

PUBLIC SESSION
(Reserved for the Public’s expression. Board Members will not be allowed to speak.) Each scheduled participant for this session will have an allowance of two (2) minutes.

Mr. Tom Payton, organizer/Bring to Light Festival - spoke about the upcoming event scheduled for October 1st. He noted that a colleague had spoken in June on the project. They held their first event last October (India Street). He noted that they focused on American Playground. This event is modeled after one that started in early 2000 in Paris. Artwork is installed in public spaces and galleries were kept open. This was to change the context of the City. They have been working with local community organizations, as well as local officials. The event will be held Saturday, October 1st. They will be letting people know during the week before as to what will be going on. They have worked with SAPO on the location. They will be running a little longer than last year (11PM). They will be focusing on American Playground at Franklin Street between Noble Street and Milton Street. They are working with OSA and the Parks Department.

Mr. Mark Wysocki, member of PSC - noted that he was representing a group of members of the Polish & Slavic Center. He thanked the Board for its position with the license for PSC Cafeteria. He said that when they get the documents back from SLA that is when they called the members and four of them were willing to sign the affidavits. A lot were afraid. He stated that the organization was high-jacked by a few members. He said that they have filed letters with the Attorney General. He said that there are 40,000 people who are members who are fighting. He noted that they are losing because of lawsuits. It is the same people for 10 years. They have lots of money to hire high class lawyers. They have used the organization's own money to sue the group.

Ms. Jeanette Mocko, resident of Greenpoint - spoke about a rat infestation in her area of Greenpoint. She has caught 16 rats in her front gate over the last two years. She called 311 who sent DOS. They handed out tickets for the garbage cans. The residents bought new cans and the rats chewed through them in a week. She raised concern about the rats burrowing and chewing through the cans. She said that they cannot afford to buy new cans every month. She has spent over $250 already and had to remove the tree from her front gate. She cannot stop the spread alone. She has reached out to her neighbors. She circulated a petition amongst the residents calling for something to be done, immediately. She said that the “Rat Patrol” should be brought back and that the City should provide the poison, bait, traps and garbage cans.

Ms. Linda Minucci, District Leader - spoke about the concerns raised by Ms. Mocko. She said that Jeanette had reached out to Assemblyman Lentol and Council Member Levin. Assemblyman Lentol has contacted the Commissioner of the Department of Health and is in the process of setting up meetings with all of the elected officials. She invited the Community Board to attend. Chairman Olechowski asked what did the City do to respond? Ms. Minucci said that the homeowners were ticketed. The City has done nothing to stop the infestation.

Ms. Julia Murrow, OSA - noted that volunteers had planted two gardens (Lorimer Street and Bedford Avenue). The Cooper Park plan is being reviewed. She said that OSA is working on getting the lights around the Soccer field to be on. They are working with NYPD to ensure that Abate Playground is locked at night. She announced a fund raiser that will be kicking off at the Light Festival.

Ms. Llorens, resident - spoke in opposition to a liquor license at 81 Siegel Street. It is near the senior citizen housing at 70 Siegel Street. Right in front of them is 81 Siegel Street, they are opening a club there. She raised concern about the parking because they are senior citizens need the area for ambulances and ambulettes. She said that they will be double parked there. They do not need an establishment like that with a liquor license right in front of their building. They are old people. The youngest is 74. She raised concern about fights. She had a petition from the tenants. Chairman Olechowski noted that the complaint will go to the Public Safety Committee. Ms. Roslund asked about rules for the exclusions for licenses? Mr. Kalita noted that the ruling is for houses of worship and school, measured from front door to front door. District Manager Mr. Esposito said that it should be noted for the record that when this board approved the construction of Borinquen Houses, that this was a set aside building for seniors only. A resident who is a property owner on the block spoke in opposition to the license as well. Chairman Olechowski noted that the Public Safety Committee will be meeting on September 27th, to review the licenses. Ms. Roslund asked about the license, was it a restaurant? Mr. Kalita related that they will know more once the application is reviewed.

ANNOUNCEMENT

Mr. Jason Otano, Counsel for the Brooklyn Borough President - announced that there would be a book fair event Downtown. This Sunday is the Annual Book Festival. It has become the book festival for the entire Northeast. A lot of very big authors will be there this year. They are having a section for youth as well as interesting subject matter.
 
OLD BUSINESS


No old business was raised at the meeting.

NEW BUSINESS


Mr. Kalita had questions about the “Bring To Light Festival”. He was concerned about the event. He asked for the organizer to attend the Public Safety Committee's meeting for a briefing.

Ms. Nieves spoke about an unfortunate accident that recently happened on Bushwick Avenue near Powers Street, where a young woman who was riding a bicycle was killed by a vehicle. It is believed that debris from the construction site contributed to the accident. She urged that construction sites that have problems to be noted and called into the City. She also urged for people to call about potholes that need to be fixed.

Mr. Burrows raised concern about the issue of proliferation of alcohol licenses in the neighborhood. He said that a bill was introduced in April and passed in June, signed in August - to allow liquor to be served in movie theaters. He asked if the Board was contacted on this? The bill was introduced by Assemblyman Lentol. He noted that a request was made by Nitehawk Theater to extend its license in the theater.

Ms. Naplatarski spoke about funding for the ice skating rink in McCarren Park. The funds are needed to make it cost effective. Chairman Olechowki referred the matter to Parks Committee.

Ms. Cianciotta spoke about the concerts at the State Park. She said that she didn't know about the classical music concert. She did not get the information and there needs to be a way (advertising) to let the seniors know about the concerts. Chairman Olechowski asked that she speak with OSA about it. Ms. Murrow spoke about OSA looking into the matter and is working on getting the word out. Information is on their website.

Mr. Dennis spoke about an annual fundraising event being held.

Mr. Solano spoke about an annual awards dinner being held.

Mr. Metal, from Council Member Levin's Office, announced a rally at City Hall, next Wednesday at 11AM. It is regarding the homeless shelter in Greenpoint. The owner has bought three buildings in Brooklyn and has slated them for shelters. He will be sending out flyers. He also noted that they have been working on hate crimes with the NYPD.

Mr. Reynoso, from Council Member Reyna's Office, spoke about the renovation project for Cooper Park. He noted that OSA had added some money for the park (for grills). He said that they would be also redoing the courts. He spoke about the Broadway Corridor, noting problems with traffic flow by Broadway and Flushing Avenue, where Woodhull is. They are looking for the recommendations from NYCDOT. He spoke about Los Sures working on greening its affordable housing by painting them with the white roof protocol. He welcomed the new manager for the Grand Street BID. Mr. Leon welcomed the new IHOP on Flushing Avenue and thanked the Council Member for helping to anchor them there.

ADJOURNMENT

Mr. Solano made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Ms. Leanza and was unanimously carried. The Board Meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully Submitted,                                                                                    
Marie Bueno Wallin                                                                                           
Assistant District Manager                                                                          

Reviewed by:
Israel Rosario 
Recording Secretary

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