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PUBLIC HEARING ROLL CALL Chairman Vincent V. Abate requested District Manager Mr. Gerald A. Esposito to call the roll. He informed the Chairman that there were 19 members present, a sufficient number to call the hearing to order. AGENDA Chairman Abate 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.
b) an Urban Development Action Area Project for such area; and (2.) pursuant to Section 197-c of the New York City Charter for the disposition of such property to a developer to be selected by HPD; to facilitate the development of a five-story mixed-use building, tentatively known as 640 Broadway, with approximately 9 residential units and commercial space to be developed under the Department of Housing Preservation and Development’s Participation Loan Program.
600 Metropolitan Corp., 600 Metropolitan Avenue (renewal) Chairman Abate noted that nominations for the Executive Committee and the Attendance Committee will take place promptly at 8PM. NYC DEPARTMENT OF CITY PLANNING: (Cal. # C090379HAK) IN THE MATTER OF an application submitted by the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD): b) an Urban Development Action Area Project for such area; and (2.) pursuant to Section 197-c of the New York City Charter for the disposition of such property to a developer to be selected by HPD; to facilitate the development of a five-story mixed-use building, tentatively known as 640 Broadway, with approximately 9 residential units and commercial space to be developed under the Department of Housing Preservation and Development’s Participation Loan Program. Ms. Elizabeth Seward, from the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development spoke to introduce the item and noted that Mr. Danny Perlstein would begin the presentation. Mr. Danny Perlstein, noted that he was from the United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg (UJO) and that they were working with HPD to rehabilitate 640 Broadway. He said that the building was a partially demolished building that the City owns. It was taken a few decades ago. It is at the corner of Gerry Street, opposite a large supermarket and Lindsay Park. It has been sitting for the last three years, partially demolished by HPD. There were some structural issues. The building was being squatted in. HPD staff had told him that they pulled about a “million” bicycles out of it when they did the demolition work. It is unfortunate because it was a beautiful building and they are going to do their best to set things right and to make a place where several dozen people will be able to live. It will have nine apartments: five two-bedroom; four four-bedroom apartments. It is low income housing, the AMI is 60% of area median income. He said that this means for example, for a family of four, living in a two-bedroom apartment, the income would be about $36,000 a year. For a family of between five and eight, living in a four bedroom apartment, the required income would be about $49,000 a year. The rents may change a little, these figures are from 2008 and may be different when rented in 2011: For a two-bedroom $1,016 (a month); for a four bedroom $1,263 (a month). They also anticipate being able to use two project based section 8 vouchers for two of the four bedroom apartments. It would enable them to rent to families earning 30% of the area of the median income or $24,000 a year. The project will be city, state and federally funded and there would be a small private bank loans (this funding will help make the rents affordable). There will be two commercial units on the ground floor. Mr. Perlstein displayed graphics/plans for the project. He noted that the lower two stories look different than the other three. This is because they are existing stories that they are keeping and building on the original structure and use the original façade. They are in excellent shape. The building was built as a commercial structure. It built to bears loads heavier than it will bear as a residential building. Mr. Dennis asked questions on the project. He asked Mr. Perlstein to explain to the Board the Urban Renewal Actions, as the disposition actions were clear. Mr. Perlstein said that the official use of the building in the Urban Renewal Plan is commercial, because the plan was commercial. This disposition action is to amend the Urban Renewal Plan to amend the use to allow residential use. At the time the plan was created, there were no residential uses on this block. The block now is almost entirely residential. He believes that the area was rezoned to R6 about 20 years ago. Mr. Dennis said that in terms of zoning it is as of right, but it doesn’t conform to the Urban Renewal Plan dictated. Mr. Dennis asked for questions on the item. Mr. Duran asked about the project and how it was related to the Broadway Triangle Rezoning and that particular area? Mr. Perlstein said that it was a block away from the rezoning area, but it is outside of the rezoning area itself. The area was rezoned about two decades ago. It is a separate action, it is not related. There is a separate application for ULURP and they are moving on different timetables. It is an unrelated project that happens to be nearby. Mr. Duran wanted to know why HPD was moving forward with this project when the community has already expressed how the Broadway Triangle Rezoning has lacked clear transparency and accountability. He wanted to know where the linkage is at, and how come this UDAAP was snuck in here? He said was announced at the very last minute, while they are raising awareness about the bigger Broadway Triangle plan. Mr. Dennis said that the item would be before the ULURP Committee at its next meeting so that these issues can be discussed more then. The meeting will be May 26th at the Board’s office. Ms. Seward, from HPD, reiterated what Mr. Perlstein said, that these are two separate applications and she understands that the site is within the Broadway Triangle, and that it does fall just outside of the Broadway Triangle Rezoning area. She said that she would take the public comments and any information/concerns back with her. Mr. Duran said that they should wait and put the brakes on the project so that there is an entire rezoning altogether for the entire area. Mr. Weiser asked about the commercial space. Mr. Perlstein discussed that space could be divided into two space and would be relatively small. They hoped to rent them to local independent businesses. There would be storage space in the basement. Mr. Gomez asked about the marketing of the building. Mr. Perlstein related that they would market the building widely around the City. They will place an ad probably in the Daily News and they would also place them in local papers. There would be a lottery. They lottery works with a 50% community preference, at least. There may be a high number of applications from the district and HPD may allow them to go higher than that. That is something that would be decided in 2011. Chairman Abate noted that there were no other speakers on the item. The item was closed and he announced the next item on the agenda. NYC DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS: UNENCLOSED SIDEWALK CAFÉ REQUEST: The following applications were submitted:
Mr. Dennis asked the presenter to explain what they were applying for and to discuss the plans. Mr. Joel Culp, owner of the Richardson, a bar/restaurant located on the corner of Graham Avenue and Richardson Street. They are about eight month old. They opened in the middle of August last year and they are applying for a new sidewalk café permit. There would be 16 tables, 32 seats, about 350 square feet. It is a really large sidewalk. The sidewalks were replaced before they had moved in. Mr. Dennis asked for any questions on the item. Ms. Cianciotta noted that the sidewalk on that corner was very huge and goes out into the street, where are the tables located? Mr. Culp said that the tables would not go out that far. On a typical sidewalk, you need to stay eight feet from the curbstone, but because this sidewalk is so wide (over 25 feet), you can’t go more than half. Their sidewalk café would actually be a triangular shape. At the largest part it would be 12 feet from the building. Ms. Cianciotta raised concern about extending out on the sidewalk, because it might not be safe. Mr. Culp said that they have already put planters there and that they would move them to designate the area. The only way that someone would get into or out of the café would be to enter the restaurant through the front door. They have a side entrance. Ms. Cianciotta asked about the hours? Mr. Culp said that the hours are designated by the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs (Noon-Midnight on weekdays and Noon-1AM on Fridays and Saturdays). Ms. Cianciotta asked if the residents know about the sidewalk café plans, were they notified? Mr. Culp said that they were, and that he lives in the area. There are no complaints. Mr. Dennis noted that the item would be taken up at the ULURP Committee meeting on May 26, 2009. He asked that the applicant attend and bring a full set of plans and photos.
Mr. Dennis related that there were no speakers for the other sidewalk café, Urban Rustic. He noted that the item for Urban Rustic was a renewal and that it would be taken up at the committee meeting. LIQUOR LICENSES Chairman Abate asked if there were any comments regarding the list of licenses. There were none at this time.
Chairman Abate asked the applicant to come forward and speak on the matter. Mr. Charlie Ryan, noted that he was one of the partners in Brooklyn Bowl, which has been long delayed but they are getting ready to open. Their liquor license was approved. What they are doing with Brooklyn Bowl is that at the center of, it is a bowling alley. When they first started out it wasn’t so much of a restaurant, but expanded their plan with their partners. They built a big restaurant. They will have a stage and will have live performers sometimes. Many nights they won’t have any live performers at all. But in terms of cabaret, they certainly do want people to be able to dance. There is an area designated as a dance area. Mr. Ryan related that when they did appear before the Community Board, they had indicated that they would be going for a cabaret license. Chairman Abate asked for questions. Ms. Roslund asked about a clarification. The numbers of 594, the cabaret portion of it…is this the capacity of the entire building or just the capacity of the performance space? Mr. Ryan related that this was the total capacity if the place. There are different areas that are broken up. There is a fixed dining area. There is a kitchen that they built is one for a 150 seat restaurant and they do have these number of seats. Most of the time, what is considered to be the cabaret area, is going to be a place where people can eat and drink. They can move the tables. The stage is designed so that they could put things under it. They wanted to build a space where they could do community events, where they could do any kind of a celebration and present music as well. Chairman Abate called for any more questions. There were none raised at this time. He noted that the item would be taken up by the Public Safety Committee at its meeting on May 21, 2009, held at the Board’s office. Ms. Cianciotta asked about the licenses on Metropolitan Avenue, that they were so close apart. Chairman Abate related that the State Liquor Authority approves the locations. There is a regulation about the footage. Ms. Cianciotta was concerned about the close proximity. ADJOURNMENT Chairman Abate noted that the agenda was completed. Rabbi Weber made a motion to close the hearing. The motion was seconded by Ms. Cianciotta. The motion was carried unanimously. The hearing was adjourned.
BOARD MEETING ROLL CALL Chairman Vincent V. Abate requested District Manager Mr. Gerald A. Esposito to call the roll. He informed the Chairman that there were 35 members present, a sufficient quorum. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA Ms. Leanza made a motion to approve the agenda. The motion was seconded by Mr. Caponegro and carried unanimously. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES Mr. Dennis made a motion to approve the minutes of the April 13, 2009 Public Hearing. The motion was seconded by Rabbi Weber. The motion was unanimously carried. Mr. Turner made a motion to approve the minutes of the April 13, 2009 Board Meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Dennis. The motion was unanimously carried. Chairman Abate related that he had nothing to report right now. He had nothing to say, but will give his last report soon. The time is growing near. Chairman Abate said he wanted to recognize Mr. Paul Pullo and congratulated him on his wedding. Mr. Caponegro asked to be recognized. Chairman Abate asked him to continue speaking. Mr. Caponegro said that he would like to put a proposal before the Board for everyone to consider. Like year, he would like to postpone the July and August meetings and to put a caveat in that if there was any important business that comes up, that the Board can recall the members back. The motion was seconded by Ms. Leanza. The motion was under question. Mr. Dennis commented that it was a great idea, but he felt that it was too early to do that. They do not know what would be coming up on for actions that the Board would have to take action on. Mr. Caponegro said that he was going to wait until next month, but thought it was good to bring it up now. Rabbi Weber said that the by-laws would have to be changed. Ms. Leanza noted that there was a caveat in the motion. The motion was carried. (The vote was as follows: 28 “YES”; 5 “NO”; 2 “ABSTENTIONS”.) DISTRICT MANAGER’S REPORT A written report was submitted and distributed for review. COMMITTEE REPORTS ULURP COMMITTEE Mr. Dennis, Chair of the ULURP Committee submitted a written report for review. He noted that there was one item on the agenda last month. It was a sidewalk café application at 600 Metropolitan Avenue. They were looking at 6 tables and 18 seats. He said that the committee reviewed the request and informed the applicant that the set-up did not accommodate the number of seats that they wanted. Also their operations were later than they would like. The applicant said that they would revise the application and submit it. However, as of this afternoon, they did not receive anything. Therefore, the resolution is to deny the application for a sidewalk café noting the numbers of tables and chairs, and the hours of operation are all excessive. They are requesting that DCA not take any action to approve the application unless the applicant resubmits a new application. Mr. Dennis made a motion to support the recommendation. The motion was seconded by Ms. Roslund. The motion was carried unanimously. (The vote was as follows: 35 “YES”; 0 “NO”; 0 “ABSTENTIONS”.) BUDGET COMMITTEE Ms. Teague related that it was the time again for preparing the District Needs Statement, which would be for 2011. She has scheduled a meeting of the committee for June 30th, 6:30PM at the Board’s Office. Written comments are needed by May 29th. She noted that in the memo, she has asked for written specific comments, not just statements saying update. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION/SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT Mr. Dennis noted that Mr. Thies could not be present this evening because he was at a candidates forum. He wanted to make an announcement: On May 20th, at 6:30PM at the CapitalOne Bank, at 807 Manhattan Avenue (& Calyer Street), there will be a presentation by NationalGrid, formerly KeySpan, on their investigation of manufactured gas plant sites for possible remediation in the neighborhood. This includes a side at Kent Avenue and North 11th Street, as well as other former storage facilities in the district, including one on Rutledge Street between Kent Avenue and Wythe Avenue. Mr. Dennis said that this was a pretty important thing. The Manufactured Gas Plants were erected in the 19th century and were incredibly toxic sites, so basically anything under them requires a huge amount of remediation. These sites are similar to what is at the center of the Gowanus Superfund discussion that is going on now. He urged all to come out to attend the session at the former Greenpoint Savings Bank. PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE Mr. Kalita submitted a written report on behalf of the Public Safety Committee. He noted that the economic climate seems to be doing well in the neighborhood because of the new restaurants opening. He referred all to read the report. There were nine new licenses. He read the report and noted the various license requests. He noted that all of the applicants had put surprisingly large amounts of money into their establishments. They are redoing everything inside. All of them have people in the kitchen who have completed (cooking/chef) schools and have diplomas to prove it and have a lot of experience. Those people are not for bars, music places, or discos or whatever, but for restaurants with a lot of stuff in the kitchen. They have invested tremendous amounts of money into the buildings for renovations. He read the details of report, which included specifics on the menus and plans for the establishments that were reviewed. He made a motion to support the recommendation to approve the new licenses. Ms. Lawrence asked about the backyard for the Rock ‘n Raw Restaurant. Mr. Kalita said that they have one and have the right to use it. However, it is not opened yet. They have signed a lease with the building owners to use the backyard, but have not fixed it yet. They will see how the business is going and then decide whether or not to use it. They will include it in their license. Mr. Rosario made a motion to accept the report. The motion was carried. Mr. Kalita noted the renewal applications, that there were no complaints from the public or the precincts. He made a motion to approve the renewals. The motion was seconded by Ms. Toro. The motion was carried. Mr. Kalita noted that the next meeting of the Public Safety Committee will be on Thursday, May 21st; at the Board’s Office, at 6:30PM. Ms. Lawrence asked about a number of letters in the Chairman’s correspondence about an establishment called Supreme Trading. Mr. Kalita said that the matter came up after the meeting. They were complaints about noise and rowdy behavior of the customers leaving the establishment. These complaints have been forwarded to the precinct. TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE Ms. Toro provided a brief oral report. At the last Transportation Committee meeting she had wanted to get more feedback from the community, especially from the OUTRAGE group about DOT’s presentation at the previous Transportation Committee meeting. There was some general consensus at the meeting that without enforcement, any well intention truck management efforts are going to fall flat. She was working on a letter that she would submit to the Board next month for approval. Essentially it will try to lay out the case that since our district seems to be the number one district in the City with truck traffic volumes, that we should be the number one community board in the city with truck enforcement officers. DOT is supposed to make a presentation about Kent Avenue’s redesign at the last meeting, but had pulled out at the last minute. They have made it up by being committed to coming to the next Transportation Committee meeting which is on May 27th. On the agenda are the Kent Avenue item and the Safe Routes for Seniors program which is coming into Greenpoint to Northside this year. She wanted to get a heads up from them. Ms. Toro responded to a question about the new markings for bike lanes on Grand Street. She noted that there was no feedback yet about them. She had spoken to Mr. Xavier of the BID and it wasn’t brought up. She’ll check with him. MEMBER AT LARGE Mr. Olechowski presented a written report. He noted that there were two meetings that he had attended. One was on April 23rd. It was at the Board’s Office and was attended by him and Chairman Abate, and the Chairman of CB #2 in Queens, Mr. Joe Conley. At the meeting, Mr. Conley spoke about the growing out build at LIC, the work being done at the foot of the Pulaski Bridge - to construct pedestrian walks. This construction should be completed shortly and will allow two lanes of Queens bound vehicle traffic to 11th Street; the inner bound lane will be able to only make right turns. This DOT plan is almost completed. The design is to maximize traffic and growing pedestrian use along the foot of the bridge. As for the bicycle path on the Pulaski Bridge, according to Mr. Conley, under no circumstances are there any plans to eliminate a vehicle lane for the purpose of expanding the pedestrian path. Instead, consideration is underway to make appropriate markings. A letter was submitted by Community Board #2 regarding this matter and is attached in the report. At the meeting of May 6th, it was a follow up to the April 23rd meeting and was attended by CB #2, CB #1(Mr. Olechowski, Mr. Esposito), the Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs, also Transportation Alternatives was represented at the meeting. Again, there was a discussion about the need for improvement of the pedestrian walkway on the Pulaski Bridge. Again it was reiterated by the CB #2 Chair that there is no support for eliminating a vehicle lane. There is a need for appropriate signage and striping that would allow pedestrians and bicyclists to maneuver and negotiate the lane back and forth in a more practical way. They (DOT) did take a sampling (from 7AM to 7PM) and they estimated about 1,077 pedestrians and 436 bicyclists cross the bridge. The build out is there and they are accepting more bicyclists. Traffic is expanding because of the build out at both sides of the bridge. They are maximizing the pedestrian walkway at the foot of the bridge. It is a very tight fit but he believes that they are doing a pretty good job of allowing the traffic to flow through. It allows pedestrians from the City trains and LI railroad to be able to cross over in the mornings and evenings. There was a discussion about the pathways. The next meeting would be to have DOT meet with representatives of Greenpoint here and members of the Transportation Committee. They want to move fast to put up some decent signs to make sense of the pathway for both bicyclists and pedestrians. There was a discussion about the old Penny Bridge at the foot of Vernon Blvd. that was destroyed in the 1940’s. That could be an alternative in the future if there was funding. There is no funding for major construction at the Pulaski Bridge at this time. They just don’t see it. The last reconstruction of 1994 cost $40million. They do not have any minimal construction at this time (i.e. for a railing). In the future there may be something in terms of that small bridge which is a stone’s throw across the Newtown Creek. It might be an alternative when funds are available. It was just a discussion for thought now for folks to think about. This was the full extent of these meetings. The next meeting is to be scheduled with the Transportation Committee in the near future. Mr. Olechowski responded to a question about the bridge. He noted that it would be up to DOT to come forward with plans but they do not have the funds now to do the study. It is not the Community Boards that could make the decision, it is DOT. Mr. Weiser asked about the walkway. Mr. Olechowski said that there was only one on the side of the bridge and that it was eight feet wide. Mr. Gillespie spoke about the letter from CB #2 which noted a broad support for a pedestrian and bikeway on the bridge. It could be interpreted in many different ways than the constraint one provided. Mr. Olechowski said that the Chair of CB #2 clarified it. Mr. Gillespie said that the Chair is one board member’s perspective on it. Mr. Olechowski said that this is something that has to be asked of CB #2, he did not want to speak on Mr. Conley’s behalf. The Chair had made statements at the meetings and this is what he has related in his report. His report doesn’t interpret CB #2’s letter, all it does is state the facts from the meetings held, where the Chair was present. Mr. Olechowski said that anyone who has a question with what Mr. Conley said, should ask him about it. Mr. Olechowski spoke further on the matter to answer questions raised. He noted that there was a discussion with the people present at the meeting about how to make the signage better and perhaps a striping could be considered on the walkway to create a separation. There were ideas that were thrown out at the meeting. There was a discussion about how to make it clear about where the pedestrians and bicyclists should be on the pathway. There will be a meeting with CB #1. FINANCIAL SECRETARY REPORT Ms. Leader related that in the memorandum were letters that were sent to Mayor Bloomberg, Council Member Reyna and Council Member Yassky seeking their assistance to secure additional funds for Community Board No. 1. Copies of the letters were distributed to the members. PUBLIC SESSION Stephanie Eisenberg, business owner, spoke regarding an article that appeared in the newspapers. It stated that DOT had decided to make Kent Avenue a one-way. In the article, it did not say where this traffic is going to go. She thought that because of the lack of transparency of informing people who lives are directly effected by this, she is asking that the venue of the Transportation Committee meeting be changed to a much larger space. Once before, on a very contentious issue, the meeting was held at the CB #1 and it was a disaster. There are 75-150 people crammed into the door. She is asking that since this is going to effect a lot of people, and a lot of people are interested in this, especially all of the residents that live on Wythe Avenue and all of the residents who live on North 11th Street who are being notified now that this is now one possibility for trucks to make this into a truck lane, that this is what a current rumor has. She related concern about trucks making turns on North 11th Street. She said that they would like to be kept informed and have a bigger venue. Stephanie Thayer, Parks Administrator, spoke about park matters. She said that “It’s My Park Day” was held on Saturday. In celebration of that they are this month, looking to have the piers open 7 days a week. This is a pier on North 5th Street and the waterfront. They are also looking to break ground on Bushwick Inlet for the first phase, for the soccer field. It will be a major groundbreaking for what will be their almost 30 acre park. She was also delighted to say that the Manhattan Avenue Street End greening is opening this Saturday. She wanted share this with the Board and ask that anyone interested can come and celebrate on Thursday evening at the Northside pier. On Sunday, there will be some music and video at Newtown Barge Park. Mr. Michael Friedman Schnapp, was joined with other representatives from NAG and the L Magazine, to speak about Williamsburg Walks. It will be on Saturdays, June and July, this year. He said that they were happy to bring it back. This year they will be having more programming. They will be having the Greenpoint Y and the Greenpoint-Williamsburg Horticulture Groups, the Gallery Association, and other groups who want to program a block of activities, from Noon to about Sunset. He asked that interested groups to contact them. Flyers were distributed about the project. He said that it helped to calm down traffic for pedestrian walks. Mr. Aron Short, addressed the members to announce that there would be two City Council debates. The first would be on May 19th, at 7PM at Harry Van Arsdale School (North 6th Street and Roebling Street). This is the first time that the school would host a major community event since the 2005 rezoning. They have an auditorium will 400 empty seats and they would love to have all of the members and the community to come. All seven candidates will be there. Also, on May 26th, the Greenpoint Gazette is sponsoring another debate from 7PM-9PM at John Ericsson School 126. All candidates are expected. Questions would be taken from the audience as well. They would love to have the members come to both debates. The debates will be for the candidates for the 33rd CD. Mr. Rami Metal, from Council Member Yassky’s Office, spoke to announce a rally that will be held on Thursday, at 1:30PM. It is for 65 Commercial Street to become a park. Four years ago it was promised to be a park with the rezoning. The MTA has been there for four years. The City was to provide another space for them. Half of this was done by the City. However, the MTA put the Access-A-Ride vehicles there instead. He said that the park was in the “Points of Agreement”. He hoped that people could come out to the rally which will be held at the steps of City Hall. Mr. Alex Delisi, from State Senator Daniel Squadron’s Office, spoke to discuss the MTA’s bailout and that the doomsday scenario was avoided. Senator Squadron said that this wan important first step. The larger issue is the capital funding, looking down two years. The other thing that they have going on for Senator Squadron up in Albany is that he is working red light cameras. He said that if there are any particularly dangerous intersections, call his office and they will work with DOT on it. Chairman Abate noted that the speakers for the Public Session were completed. Elections would be at 8PM. It was now 7:40PM. Rabbi Weber proposed to move the time earlier for the elections. It was noted that this could not be done because it was in the by-laws. District Manager Mr. Esposito wanted to revisit his report for a couple of seconds to highlight some of the issues. He noted item # 11, where he talked about working with the State Liquor Authority. What had happened is that all of the sudden the Board received a letter in the mail, return receipt, from an alleged applicant. When the envelope was opened, there were coupons in the envelope. There was no application. It happened for a second time. Mr. Esposito said that what you could do is ignore it or go to the fraud unit in the SLA because someone is alleging that CB #1 received an application, which it never received. They could have used that little green card to say that they have notified CB #1. Perhaps someday we would stumble across it later down the road. He had contacted the fraud unit if the SLA and they were very interested in it. He said that he also notified the NY State Attorney General’s Office. Both agencies responded and came out. They took the documents with them. He believes that they will be able to research it because the fraudulent person used the return receipt authorization. They might be able to track it back. This is the first time that this has happened. District Manager Mr. Esposito said that item #12, was pretty self explanatory. He didn’t want to make a big deal out of it, but he did want to report back that the event did in fact happen. He traveled for 2 ½ hours to go to this event. This cold that he has is part of it and it was still lingering. He had received an invitation to April 20, 2009 kick off for the Mayor’s NYC Service Program. He has been very involved with his colleagues, other district managers City-wide, to try and get Community Board budget restored. They have been in constant contact. When he received the invitation to the Mayor’s event, he sent an email saying “Perhaps we should attend and let our voices be heard about the cuts. What do people think?” -- this is the mail he sent to the other 58 district managers in City. When he showed up to the event, soaking wet…it was a real nasty day, he was approached by Ms. Carolyn Sanders-James, who said hello to him. She introduced him to Mr. George Torres, her counterpart in the Bronx. He came over to him when he went to sign in. Mr. Torres told him to not bother signing in; and told him that he was dis-invited. What did he do, send an email to his colleagues to show up for the event and let their voices be heard? With that he was approached by two police officers who kindly asked him to leave. He said that he immediately spoke to the Chairman and discussed different things but mutually decided that it might be better left alone. If this is something that they could do when you attend a meeting in good faith, than god knows what the administration is capable of doing. He wanted all to be aware of this. Mr. Duran asked about any protocol? He related that it was upsetting that the District Manager, being a representative for CB #1, was not there. Has he done any follow up? Mr. Esposito said that he has not done anything but chose to report back to the Board. It was the Board’s prerogative to introduce some sort of a resolution if they feel it is necessary to send a letter to the Mayor and however necessary. This is what he was really counting on. Mr. Duran made a motion to send a letter to the Mayor to relate to him how grievous that action was, to dis-invite you unceremoniously. The motion was seconded by Ms. Cianciotta and carried unanimously. Chairman Abate said that you here the word transparency from them, evidently they don’t know what they are talking about. You hear it time and time again, in the meantime they have the audacity to tell you – you are dis-invited. Mr. Gillespie said that Board has agreed that the funding should be restored. This should be included in the letter. He said that we believe that our District Manager has the right to be able to communicate with other DMs on issues that concern the Board. He shouldn’t be punished because of that. Mr. Dennis said that it is communicating the Board’s position which the members have voted on previously. Ms. Lawrence said that she believes that other DMs would be sending letters. Mr. Esposito said he didn’t know what other DMs were there because he couldn’t get it to see if they were even there. District Manager Mr. Esposito said that he wanted to just update the Board on the budget consensus. He said that they have been campaigning City-wide. Today he got a phone call that the Bronx Council delegation that they supported restoring the board budgets. If they get the other boroughs they would have enough votes to pull it off. Rabbi Weber said that the Board should take action and vote on restoring the budget. It was noted that this was done already. Mr. Harfenes said that it should be noted that the Board members are volunteers, helping the community. Chairman Abate said that this was what the meeting was all about – volunteerism. The members further discussed the matter. Chairman Abate said that the letter should be directed to the Mayor. They all work for the Mayor. Ms. Fuller asked if anything was heard from the other Boards? District Manager Mr. Esposito related that he received a call from a Queens Board and that the DM was upset because there was no mention of Community Boards. It was a meeting about volunteerism throughout the City and there was no mention about the boards. Mr. Dennis said the Board was sending a letter and that individual members should send a letter. OLD BUSINESS Ms. Toro spoke about a new health initiative being carried out for the area around the Newtown Creek. It is a study and people can participate to help conduct the study. There are workshops. People can sign up to be interviewed. There is a meeting tomorrow evening at the Green Oaks Club at 6:30PM. NEW BUSINESS Mr. Dennis made a motion to change the by-laws for the election time to either 8PM or at the end of the meeting, which ever should come first. It may not help now but next time around. It was noted that this could not be voted on. District Manager Mr. Esposito said that there was a whole protocol on this. Mr. Dennis asked that it be referred to the By-Laws Committee. Ms. Cianciotta spoke about Ms. Terri Polonski passing away. She also spoke about the hearing about the contextual rezoning at the Borough President’s Office. She wants to send a letter. Mr. Dennis said that the Board’s recommendation was submitted. Mr. Gillespie asked about the candidates speaking at the meeting. District Manager Mr. Esposito related that this evening was for nominations. Nominations do not need to be seconded. The By-Laws has a section that if a member wishes to address the Board, at the next Board Meeting, it allows for that. He read the section that contained the protocol. The requests to speak should be sent to the Elections Committee in writing at the Board’s Office. The Elections Committee consists of Ms. Fuller, Ms. Leanza and Mr. Duran. NOMINATIONS Chairman Abate read the list of offices to receive nominations: Executive Committee
Attendance Committee:
Nominations for Chairman Ms. Cianciotta nominated Mr. Olechowski, who accepted. There were no other nominations. Rabbi Weber made a motion to close nominations. The motion was seconded by Mr. Dennis. The motion was carried. Nominations for First Vice Chair Mr. Turner nominated Rabbi Weber, who accepted. There were no other nominations. Rabbi Weber made a motion to close nominations. The motion was seconded by Mr. Dennis. The motion was carried. Nominations for Second Vice Chair Ms. Roslund nominated Mr. Dennis, who accepted. There were no other nominations. Rabbi Weber made a motion to close nominations. Seconded by Ms. Toro. The motion was carried. Nominations for Third Vice Chairperson Mr. Olechowski nominated Ms. Teague, who accepted. There were no other nominations. Mr. Rosario made a motion to close nominations. Seconded by Mr. Olechowski. The motion was carried. Nominations for Financial Secretary Mr. Dennis nominated Ms. Leader, who accepted. There were no other nominations. Rabbi Weber made a motion to close nominations. The motion was seconded by Mr. Dennis. The motion was carried. Nominations for Recording Secretary Mr. Duran nominated Mr. Rosario, who accepted. There were no other nominations. Mr. Turner made a motion to close nominations. The motion was seconded by Mr. Harfenes. The motion was carried. Nominations for Member At Large Ms. Lawrence nominated Mr. Leon, who accepted. There were no other nominations. Mr. Dennis made a motion to close nominations. The motion was seconded by Rabbi Weber. The motion was carried. Nominations for Attendance Committee Mr. Dennis nominated Rabbi Niederman. There were no other nominations. Rabbi Weber made a motion to close nominations. The motion was seconded by Ms. Toro. The motion was carried. Chairman Abate thanked all for making it easy to conduct an election. ADJOURNMENT Rabbi Weber made a motion to adjourn the Board Meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Dennis and carried unanimously. The Board Meeting was adjourned. Respectfully Submitted, Reviewed by:
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