COMBINED PUBLIC HEARING
AND BOARD MEETING
OCTOBER 14, 2009
211 AINSLIE STREET
__________________________________________________________________________
PUBLIC HEARING

ROLL CALL

Chairman Christopher H. Olechowski requested District Manager Mr. Gerald A. Esposito to call the roll. He informed the Chairman that there were 23 members present, a sufficient number to call the hearing to order.

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.) BSA – SPECIAL PERMIT (Cal. # 147-07-BZY) 144 North 8th Street  - Extension of Time To Complete Construction (Block 2319 Lot 11): application under Z.R. §11-332 to provide additional time to complete construction (Applicant/Mr. Peter Geis, Cozen O’Connor Attorneys).

(2.) DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS – SIDEWALK CAFÉ PERMIT APPLICATIONS:

 (4.) LIQUOR LICENSES: The following have applied for renewals/licenses:
135 Studio N ADR Inc., dba Juliette, 135 North 5th Street (renewal)
640 Manhattan Avenue LLC, 640 Manhattan Avenue (new/restaurant/liquor license)
Alma Bar LLC, 229 Roebling Street (new/restaurant/liquor license)
Amber Restaurant LLC, dba Amber, 119 Nassau Avenue (new/restaurant/liquor license)
Billyburg Place Corp., dba Oulu, 160 North 4th Street (renewal/liquor license)
Dow Young Group Inc., 366 Metropolian Avenue (new/restaurant/liquor license)
The Inspire Company LLC, dba Chai Home Kitchen (renewal/beer/wine)
Karczma Inc., 136 Greenpoint Avenue (renewal/restaurant)
Lennie’s On Kent Inc.,  225 Kent Avenue (new/tavern-restaurant/liquor license)
Mejalona Inc., dba Sunset Café, 593 Meeker Avenue (new/restaurant/wine/beer)
M.E.T Wine & Liquor Corp., dba Dunne’s Polemost Liquor, 696-698 Manhattan Avenue (renewal/liquor/wine/liquor store)
Micado Brooklyn LLC, 57 Waterbury Street (new/tavern/bar)
Mofi Brooklyn Inc., 245 South 1st Street (new/liquor license)
Oak/Wine Bar & Café, 361 Graham Avenue (renewal/restaurant/wine)
Peanut Industries Inc., dba Velvet Lounge, 174 Broadway (renewal/liquor license)
Pig and Egg LLC, dba Egg Restaurant, 135 North 5th Street, Store A (renewal/restaurant/wine/beer)
Platinum Affairs Ltd., dba The Continental Caterers, 75 Rutledge Street (renewal)
Rainyday Café, Inc., 61 North Henry Street (new/restaurant/wine/beer)
Micado Brooklyn LLC, 57 Waterbury Street (new/bar/liquor license)
Miyako Japanese Restaurant Corp., 143 Berry Street (renewal/restaurant/wine/beer)
Nineteen Twenty Four Inc., dba Roberta’s 43 Bogart Street, aka 271 Moore Street (new/tavern/restaurant/liquor license)
Small Giants Inc., 197 Bedford Avenue (upgrade from a tavern wine license to on premis liquor license.
Snacky Inc., dba Snacky, 187 Grand Street (renewal/restaurant/wine/beer)
Southfourth Productions LLC, dba Southfourth Bistro, 229 South 4th Street (new/restaurant/wine/beer)
SPJ Graham Corp., dba Daniela’s, 336 Graham Avenue (new/restaurant/wine/beer)
Walter Foods LLC, 253 Grand Street (alteration/on premises liquor license)

BSA – SPECIAL PERMIT (Cal. # 147-07-BZY) 144 North 8th Street  - Extension of Time To Complete Construction (Block 2319 Lot 11): application under Z.R. §11-332 to provide additional time to complete construction (Applicant/Mr. Peter Geis, Cozen O’Connor Attorneys).
Chairman Olechowski introduced the item and noted that the representative, Mr. Peter Geis, was present to discuss the item.
Mr. Geis noted that he was representing Gabriel Realty, the developers of the property at 144 North 8th Street. The developer team is known as a firm called GFI. He noted that they were not the same developers who were on the project when it came before CB #1 in 2007. He wanted to note the ownership change. He related that in 2005 the Greenpoint-Williamsburg Rezoning had gone through. Prior to the zoning, the project had commenced and a foundation was put in for a 16 story building at the site. It did not conform to the rezoning regulations that are there now. In 2007, an application was made to the Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA) for an additional two years to complete construction. The BSA can only give two years at a time. The BSA did grant the two year extension in December 2007. It expires in December 2009. A new request for an extension is in place. They are waiting to hear from the BSA next week on the project.
Mr. Geis said that since 2007 over $13 million had been expended on the site in terms of hard construction costs (the site is between North 7th Street, North 8th Street and  Berry Street). He spoke about construction in place and the structural steel. Clearly the building is well underway. There were some financing issues with the previous owner. The owners have changed and the construction is underway full steam again. They expect construction to be completed in Summer 2010. Right now the permit is for a 16 story building, but there is potential plan to change the building for 14 story building. Once the plans are approved by the Buildings Department, a copy will be forwarded to CB #1. He would answer any questions. The BSA hearing is next Tuesday.
Mr. Dennis, CN #1 ULURP Committee Chair, spoke on the item. He said that this building on North 8th Street, better known to everybody as the “Finger Building”. It has a new owner. He related that neighbors in the community had been suing to try to stop the project. Those suits have all been lost and the appeals exhausted. He thinks that the landscape had changed since the CB #1 last heard the item. In most of the extension, the Board has been looking at substantial construction, and allowing them to go forward. They have been voting against skeletal buildings. He spoke about the new owners holding a meeting a few weeks ago and some of CB #1 members had attended. A Mr. Geis related, their permits allows for a 16 story building (216 ft.) building. The new owners are stopping at 14 stories. This item will be going to the BSA, but the ULURP Committee will hear it after it goes to BSA. It was noted that the BSA will not vote at the initial public hearing. They would have a vote sometime in November and they would be able to consider what CB #1 submits. Mr. Dennis said that here would be time to add something in.
Mr. Dennis noted that there were no other questions raised. The ULURP Committee will meet on October 27th, at the CapitalOne Bank (Greenpoint Bank) at 6:30PM.
Chairman Olechowski moved to the next item on the agenda.

DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS – SIDEWALK CAFÉ PERMIT APPLICATIONS:

Jemanya Corp., dba Miss Favela, 57 South 5th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211, (License # 1331625) –a  new application for an unenclosed sidewalk café with 9 tables and 18 seats. The owners were present and Ms. Wygoda, from SWA Architecture, related that they were speaking of the application for the unenclosed sidewalk café. The sidewalk café would only be on the Wythe Avenue side. Mr. Dennis said that this is an application for a sidewalk café, but they have been operating one already. The owner said that they were mislead by their landlord, because the address had been changed from 57 South 5th Street to 407 Wythe Avenue and some plans were changed. They have applied for a sidewalk café at the location. Mr. Dennis related that the item would be before the Committee this month.

Grand Endeavors Inc., dba Clems’s, 264 Grand Street, Brooklyn, NYC 11211, (License # 1145629) – renewal application for an unenclosed sidewalk café with 5 tables and 20 seats. Mr. John Clements, an owner of the establishment, was present to discuss the application. He related that they have had a sidewalk café for four years. This is a renewal. He would answer any questions. There were none raised at this time and it was noted that the ULURP Committee would review the renewal at its upcoming meeting. A resident was present and raised concern about noise. Mr. Clements said that the block on the weekends has a lot of activity. They address noise complaints immediately and that they have hired a professional bar and security crew to deal with the exterior of the bar on Thursday, Friday, Saturday nights. They keep the doors shut and shut down the café at 11PM, but could keep it open later. He said that they are attuned to noise in the neighborhood. He lives in the neighborhood for 15 years. They do not want to be bad neighbors. They work with the NYPD. They deal with any complaints immediately. They are not trying to run a rough and tumble bar. Mr. Dennis asked for anyone with concerns to come to the ULURP Committee meeting when they deliberate on the item.

New Williamsburg Café Inc., 168-170 Wythe Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11211, (License # 1290123) – revised plans for an unenclosed sidewalk café with 9 tables and 36 seats. There were no representatives on the item at this time. The applicant related that they could not make the meeting. No questions were raised at this time. The item will be reviewed by the ULURP Committee.

1 & 3 on 5th Corp., 142 North 5th Street, Brooklyn, New York 11211, (License # 1120483) – renewal application for an unenclosed sidewalk café with 13 tables and 26 seats. There were no representatives on the item at this time. The applicant related that they could not make the meeting. No questions were raised at this time. The item will be reviewed by the ULURP Committee.

600 Metropolitan Corp., 600 Metropolitan Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11211, (License # 1311871) – revised plans for an unenclosed sidewalk café with 6 tables and 18 seats. There were no representatives on the item at this time. The applicant related that they could not make the meeting. No questions were raised at this time. The item will be reviewed by the ULURP Committee.
Chairman Olechowski noted that the item was closed and moved to the next item on the agenda.
LIQUOR LICENSES
Chairman Olechowski noted this portion of the hearing. Mr. Dennis deemed the list read.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Olechowski noted that the Public Hearing was now completed. Rabbi Weber made a motion to close the hearing. Ms. Leanza seconded the motion. The motion was carried unanimously. The Public Hearing was closed and adjourned.

ROLL CALL
District Manager Mr. Esposito called the roll. He informed the Chairman that there were 33 members present. There was a quorum.

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Chairman Olechowski noted the agenda and announced a change in the agenda. He requested that the speakers regarding 644 Driggs Avenue (an application for a liquor license) on that this item alone, be moved up at this one time to ahead of committee reports. Ms. Toro made a motion to make this change. The motion was seconded by Mr. Kalita. The motion was carried unanimously. Chairman Olechowski said that there were 29 speakers on the item of 644 Driggs Avenue. He noted that anyone who wanted to speak could do so, but that time would be limited (one minute). If someone feels that their item is important to speak on but need more time, he asked that some of the folks on the item should get together and agree on consolidating as a group. They could have a representative speak on the same view. He will allow a few additional minutes. Otherwise speakers will be limited in time. This would be fair to all. He said that people should think about this before the item is called. There would be some time to do this.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
Mr. Dennis made a motion to approve the minutes of the September 9, 2009 Public Hearing and Board Meeting as written. The motion was seconded by Mr. Bondo and carried unanimously.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Chairman Olechowski related that an important issue that was being addressed over the last month was the framing of the board’s committee structure. Some things were done to consolidate the committees. He has appointed members as representatives of the committees and as chairs. He spoke about having committees be more productive. He noted that members have been appointed to primary committees, which they must attend. They are still working out the by-laws and a system of obligation and accountability. The committees have many different issues. He noted that applications were now available for consideration to be on additional committees. He wants the committees to be active and be a resource. That is the goal. He said that they are looking at an equal distribution. He spoke about membership to committees as non-board members. The committee structure was discussed at the Executive Committee meeting held a few days ago. This is the process that they are trying to finalize. He noted that a By-Laws Committee meeting would be scheduled. A report would be made at the next meeting.
Chairman Olechowski related that he had met with some students from Hunter College to discuss the Community Board and how it works. He gave them a presentation on the history and workings of the Community Board, its various committees and their work (i.e. transportation, public safety, land use, etc.). He concluded his report.

DISTRICT MANAGER’S REPORT 

A written report was submitted and distributed for review. District Manager Mr. Esposito noted they were supposed to have a guest speaker this evening, Mr. John Ippolito. He was not present but Mr. Esposito related what he was interested in speaking about. It was really a thank you to the Board, and the work of the district manager and the office. He said that 34 Maspeth Avenue is located right off of Bushwick Avenue. Mr. Ippolito’s building was really severely damaged back in December of last year, to point that he was given 10 minutes to vacate the building and grab whatever belongings he could grab and get out. District Manager Mr. Esposito said that he learned about the matter and worked on it over the summer with the staff and the Department of Buildings. He gave a thank you to Mr. Lazar from the Buildings Department for his help. The matter was really dragging on for months to get the contractor to make repairs (to 34 Maspeth). Because of the work of the Board and assistance from Mr. Lazar, they were able to get the building back on track and to get the developer to work double time. He was pleased to relate on behalf of Mr. Ippolito that they intend to be back in their building on or before Thanksgiving. He noted that it was another job well done by Community Board No. 1.

Chairman Olechowski said that he was happy to get this type of report.

PUBLIC SESSION (Reserved for the Public’s expression. Board Members will not be allowed to speak.)
Chairman Olechowski noted that speakers would be taken at this time for the item of a liquor license for 644 Driggs Avenue (American Custom Wine Bar, a new establishment). He read the list of speakers to come forward. They would have a minute each to speak.
Chairman Olechowski noted that this item was taken up at the Public Safety Committee. There was a large meeting of the committee and there was contention. The committee was deadlocked on the item. It is important that the members listen to the matter. The Public Safety Committee would give its report later on. Mr. Dennis noted that the item was heard at the last meeting and was referred back to the Public Safety Committee. Chairman Olechowski said that the committee had deliberated and it was coming back to the board.
Marisa Cardinale, resident and property owner (Grand Street) – spoke in support of the license for the restaurant and disputed claims of noise.
Stefan Mailvagaham, part owner of establishment – spoke in support of the application and spoke about the restaurant’s operations (regional American foods with wines from across the country, low key and relaxed like their establishment in the City, with background Jazz). They have withdrawn their application for sidewalk seating, and made other concessions: reducing hours, selling wine and beer only and focusing more on food.
Harry Georgeson, landlord on Grand Street, complained about noise from a bar during the summer. During the winter it is fine. There should be a distinction between bars and restaurants. He was in support of the restaurant’s license.
Frederick E. Twomey, restaurant owner – spoke about his six establishments in Manhattan, that they all have names with bar in it. The “bar” in Custom American Wine Bar is what kind of freaked everyone out. He noted that in many places “bar” is a place “café”. He supported the application.
Mathieu Reboul, area resident, spoke in support of the application.
Danny Hoch, noted that he was representing a group of persons who signed up to speak. He was trying to consolidate the speakers so that they could speak longer. Chairman Olechowski asked for those who were being represented to come forward as the group. He said that the speaker had four minutes. Mr. Hoch spoke in opposition to the license. He said that he is a long time resident of the community and grew up in the area. He said that he was representing 200 people who live within a block of the proposed establishment. They would be the ones most affected. He spoke about the erosion of the quality of life for the area and community. He raised concern about the wine bar, that the operations would impact the sleep of many families in the area. It would make life difficult for struggling people with kids who work hard. The wine bard would be located in a rent stabilized building with many tenants. It would impact the historic district in Williamsburg. He stated concern about these businesses and how they raise the rents for others. They cater to people outside the community. He said that they need other types of businesses in the area. He said that they do not need another bar and cited a list of locations. People coming from these places curse, yell and scream, urinate/defecate on property. He complained about the proliferation of bars. The community has suffered through a lot of problems in the past (drugs, crimes, etc.). He noted concern about the bars being located where residences are. He urged that the application be opposed.
Chairman Olechowski said that the Community Board doesn’t grant liquor licenses. The board is advisory and the SLA grants licenses. He wanted this to be clear for the record.
Marissa Miller, resident, spoke in support of the application.
Persis Singh, resident, spoke in support of the application.
May Liu, resident and small business owner, spoke in support of the application.
Rich Rossmassler, resident, spoke in support of the wine bar. It is a restaurant.
Chairman Olechowski called upon the next round of speakers. He noted that if they had already participated in the group, that they should have the courtesy to sit down.
Ray Martin, resident, spoke in support of the application for the restaurant because they are established operators.
Dan Lyle, resident, spoke in support of the license.
Jorge DeYarza, partner in the restaurant, spoke in support of the application. He related that they are not like any of the negative establishments that were raised earlier. During the last two months, they have been outreaching to area residents about the proposed operations.
Stephen Caison, resident, noted that he was new to the area and believes that the restaurant would be a welcomed one. He noted support for the application.
Mark Stumer, Attorney for the applicants, spoke in support of the license. It is not his clients’ first venture. They have proven themselves to be both responsible and reputable restaurateurs.

Luis Santiago, resident, lives across from the Laundromat on Metropolitan and spoke in opposition to the license. He related concern about all of these establishments being open to 4AM. He noted that there were issues about crime and gang activity in the area.
Liz Vashaun, resident, spoke in support of the application because it would be a quiet type of establishment.
Liana Lawton, resident, noted that she has two children and a husband. She lives on Metropolitan Avenue. She raised concern about the establishment being open to 4AM. The residents need to have their rest. She was opposed to the license. She wants consideration for the families.
Chairman Olechowski noted that anyone who signed up to speak, and was represented by the group speaker, that they please take a seat as they were already represented.
David Kesting, resident, spoke in support of the application. He noted the historic district was made famous by the writer Henry Miller. He quoted from him to add to his point about the benefits of the business to the community.
Dan Lanthroum, partner in the establishment, spoke in support of the endeavor. He lives in the community, three blocks away from 644 Driggs Avenue. He spoke about doing outreach to the community and offers to bring them to their sister restaurant to show them what they do. He noted that the efforts were refused. He noted that they also did invitations to an open house and forum. No one showed. He could not understand the opposition.
Carlos Isdith, resident of Grand Street, spoke in support of the license.
Danny Duffoo, resident, spoke in support of the license.
Chairman Olechowski noted that the last speaker was called on the item and the item was closed. He moved to the next item which was committee reports.

COMMITTEE REPORTS
ULURP COMMITTEE
Mr. Dennis noted that he did not have any items that needed to be voted on. He just wanted to provide a quick update. A few items would be heard at the committee’s meeting scheduled for October 27th:

He noted that another rezoning is coming up and would be certified sometime soon.
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
Mr. Kalita submitted a written report for review and consideration. He discussed the various licenses listed and recommendations. He asked for recommendation to approve the new licenses. Mr. Dennis asked about the Gibson, 108 Bedford Avenue, were neighbors present at the meeting. Mr. Kalita said that they weren’t. The owner, Mr. Weber, submitted a petition signed by residents in support of the use of the backyard.  There have been no complaints. Mr. Dennis asked if the licenses were restaurants or bars. Mr. Kalita related that they were restaurants. Ms. Roslund asked  about the use of the backyard at 108 Bedford Avenue. Mr. Kalita noted that they use the backyard, but they could not serve alcohol. This was an original condition. If they wanted to use the backyard, they would have to come back to the community board for approval. They open early for breakfast. Ms. Cianciotta spoke about problems with Triple Crown in the past and said that were problems raised. There are still issues. Mr. Kalita related that the complaint that was received was about 110 Bedford Avenue (a café). At this location was SoundFix, which was a problem. There have been no complaints about 108 Bedford Avenue. Ms. Cianciotta raised opposition. Mr. Duran asked about the location on Borinquen Place, was that the Lucky Sevens? Mr. Kalita said that it was at the same address, but that the restaurant would be using only a portion of the space. The other area has been bricked off from the restaurant. Mr. Vicente made a motion to support the recommendations. The motion was seconded by Ms. Toro. The motion was carried (Ms. Cianciotta voted no; Mr. Framovitz abstained).
Mr. Kalita noted the renewals and their approvals. Mr. Kalita made a motion to approve the recommendation. The motion was seconded by Mr. Dennis. The motion was carried unanimously.

Mr. Kalita continued to review the report, noting the changes for applications (withdrawn or postponed) and complaints.
Mr. Kalita discussed the item that was referred back to the Public Safety Committee: American Custom Wine bar, 644 Grand Street. He related that it was a big committee meeting with many persons showing up. The committee heard from the applicants and persons speaking for and against the item. Letters were received from elected officials and were included in the report. Mr. Kalita noted that the committee was deadlocked on the item. The item was being referred to the full board because there is no recommendation. The members discussed the report and testimony heard this evening on the matter. Mr. Dennis asked about the hours of operation. The application lists 5PM-4AM. There is no backyard or sidewalk café. Ms. Toro noted that some conditions have changed: no outside use. Were there any changes to the license? Mr. Kalita related that it was a full license. Mr. Dennis asked of the owners would be willing to limit their hours of operation: 11PM weeknights, 1AM weekends? It was noted by the owners that they would limit the hours to 2AM weeknights and 3AM weekends. Mr. Kalita related that according to SLA any establishment could close at 4AM and re-open 8AM. Ms. Teague thought that there was an earlier closing as a condition. Ms. Toro made a motion to approve specifying that the community board’s approval is contingent upon the voluntary changes to the hours of business (2AM weeknights/Thurs., Fri. Sat. to 2AM) and the removal of the outdoor option. Ms. Fuller seconded the motion. Mr. Gillespie noted that there was opposition from the community on the license. Mr. Olechowski said that there was no recommendation from the committee and a motion was made by Ms. Toro. Ms. Lawrence wanted to make an amendment to make earlier hours. Ms. Toro related that she wanted to go forward on the motion as stated. The vote was called: 17 “Yes”; 14 “No”; 1 “Abstention” (Carbone). The motion was carried.
Mr. Kalita noted that the next meeting of the Public Safety Committee would be on Thursday, November 5, 2009 at the Board’s Office.
BUDGET COMMITTEE
Ms. Teague submitted a written report on behalf of the Budget Committee. The report contained items for the board’s 2011 budget priorities. Ms. Teague she noted that items that would most definitely be funded by an agency were lowered to a lesser priority (C, D, E) on the PEG/Form 3. This way items that the board felt were important and not funded could be moved to a higher category (A or B). If any changes are to be made, she asked that this rationale be used.
Chairman Olechowski noted the same about the rationale. Items could be swapped. Ms. Teague asked for a vote on the package. Ms. Toro made a request to change the PEG Form by amending it as follows: swap signal engineering (to E) with traffic control enforcement (to B). The motion was seconded by Ms. Roslund. The members discussed the changes and report and the vote was called: 15 “Yes”; 13 “No”; 0“Abstentions”.
Ms. Leanza raised concern about sewers having a low priority. No other changes were made. Ms. Teague asked for a vote on the entire package. The motion was by Mr. Duran to approve the package with the changes. The motion was seconded by Mr. Perlstein and carried. The vote was: 42 “YES”; 2 “NO”; 0 “ABSTENTIONS”.
TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
Ms. Toro noted her written report and asked all to review it. She noted that the committee meeting was very interesting. She spoke about complaints with the changes to Kent Avenue. She related complaints with truck traffic. The committee will use the issue to work on. She noted that an OUTRAGE meeting was coming up and urged all to attend. There will be traffic counting and volunteers are being supported. Ms. Toro noted that she had one item to be voted on. This was a renewal for an existing car license for American United Multiplex Car Service. She noted that there were no complaints. Ms. Toro made a motion to approve the renewal. The motion was seconded by Mr. Turner. The motion was unanimously carried.
Ms. Toro noted that the next meeting of the Transportation Committee is on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at 6:30PM, held at the CB #1 office. She related the agenda for the evening.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION COMMITTEE
Ms. Lawrence provided a brief verbal report. She noted that she has agreed to chair the committee for the time being. She asked for input for her committee. She related that a meeting on storm water design for the Greenway is scheduled for October 21st and GMDC (7PM-8:30PM). She urged all to attend.
Ms. Lawrence announced that a meeting regarding the pedestrian access on the Pulaski Bridge would be held on Tuesday, October 27th, at the Smolenski Democratic Club at 7PM.
Mr. Weiser asked if there was any movement on changes for the street cleaning changes in CB#1 to allow for parking. District Manager Mr. Esposito noted that a letter was sent to the Mayor seeking changes. The Mayor had announced changes in the City. The Chairman had asked that CB #1 receive changes to reduce parking restrictions and that CB #1’s district receive priority. He noted the office waiting for a response.
EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Mr. Duran thanked Chairman Olechowski for appointing him to chair the committee. He had no report this evening but wanted to make some announcements. Last month school has just started.

Mr. Duran said that he will be getting in touch with the committee members.
PUBLIC SESSION (Reserved for the Public’s expression. Board Members will not be allowed to speak.)
Nivea Castro, resident 243 Grand Street, related that she moved back to care for her brother who was sick lived here and had a business. He had passed on. She is now taking care of the building. She related concerns about noise from an adjacent building at 245 Grand Street. She noted that they had gotten rid of the Stinger Bar on the block. However, at 245 Grand Street is Bruar’s Falls, where there is a lot of noise. She tried to speak with the owner about the noise. They have live music. The walls vibrate. The manager was disrespectful to her. People are smoking outside and using drugs.
Jim Barron, resident of 150 South 1st Street, spoke noting that he was representing families at 150 South 1st Street. He noted that at 303 Bedford Avenue, there bar called “Lucky Dog”. They have a backyard garden that stays open regularly on weekdays until 1AM and on weekends to after 1AM/2AM. There are bands in there. There are people shouting. He has a three month old baby and 20 feet away from his window there are 50-60 people regularly making noise. They have a fire in the backyard with a wood burning stove. Smoke comes in even with the window closed. He called the owner and he said that he needs to have the stove for heat in the back garden. He asked to have the hours changed for the backyard garden. He said that the bar is surrounded by young families. He feels that it is unacceptable. He needs help. He lives in the community.
Robert Neuwirth, 97 North 1st Street, spoke his building which is an 8-unit, formerly rent stabilized building. He noted that the new landlord wants to extend the building and add another floor. The landlord has asked for his apartment for his son. He is using alteration permits to change the building and not file for a new building. His eviction case is in court. He spoke about rent increases being done with the registration of apartments. He was concerned about the turnover of apartments with increased rents. He said that a study on this should be done such as with Pratt or one of the colleges.
Veronica Green, Project Envision, NYC Alliance Against Sexual Violence, spoke about the project, for the prevention of sexual violence in Williamsburg. Their focus is primary prevention – stopping sexual violence before it starts. She spoke about unwanted sexual comments and behaviors. She noted that they had conducted a needs assessment in Williamsburg. There were a few questions distributed for receiving information. They had spent over a year surveying. They were inviting people to participate and join the coalition.
OLD BUSINESS

Mr. Rami, from Council Member Yassky’s office, noted that they have made some movement on opening up street ends to the waterfront. Street fences were asked to be taken down on Java Street, Kent Street and Noble Street. Some of this has already happened. They have made some movement for these locations.

NEW BUSINESS
Ms. Leanza announced that applications for senior housing at Jennings Hall are now available. The list is reopening. People who are interested can send letters of intent. She distributed flyers with the information. Persons who are interested can send letters of intent, no later than October 21, 2009. Once the letters are received then applications will be sent. They have already sent out quite a bit. In about two to three months, applications will be opening for the other two senior housing (Metropolitan Avenue and Devoe Street). She said that once the process closes, applications may not be available for several years. Seniors need housing and she asked all to let persons in the community know.

ADJOURNMENT
Ms. Nieves made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Mr. Bondo. The motion 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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