Larry Jayson, Sergeant-at-Arms
November 10, 2010
TO: COMMUNITY BOARD 12 MEMBERS/ELECTED OFFICIALS/INTERESTED PARTIES
FROM: ALAN DUBROW, CHAIRMAN
RE: NOVEMBER BOARD MEETING
The next regularly scheduled meeting of Community Board 12 will be held on:
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2010
7 PM
AMICO SENIOR CENTER
5901 – 13TH AVENUE (Third Floor)
(Entrance on 59th Street)
Brooklyn, N.Y.
A G E N D A
1. PUBLIC SESSION
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
4. CHAIRMAN’S REMARKS -- ALAN J. DUBROW
5. DISTRICT MANAGER’S REPORT -- WOLF SENDER
6. TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE REPORT
FT. HAMILTON ISLANDS FROM 45TH STREET TO 49TH STREET
7. OLD BUSINESS
8. NEW BUSINESS
9. ADJOURN
SUMMARY OF COMMUNITY BOARD 12 MEETING HELD TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2010 AT THE AMICO SENIOR CENTER, 5901 – 13TH AVENUE, BROOKLYN, NY – 7PM
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
SANDY ABOULAFIA
TAMAR ABRAHAM
TAHIR BHUTTA
ANNA CALI
FRED CASSERA
JACOB DASKAL
ALAN J. DUBROW
JOEL EISDORFER
RABBI TZVI ENGLARD
ROBERTA FEINSTEIN
JULES FLEISCHER
JACQUE FRIEDMAN
RABBI EDGAR GLUCK
EDWARD HANDLER
CHAIM ISRAEL ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT
SAMUEL ISRAEL COUNCILMAN DAVID GREENFIELD
JOSEPH JACOBS BARRY SPITZER, REP. COUNCILMAN GREENFIELD
LARRY JAYSON GABRIELLA FRIEDLANDER, REP.
MARTIN KATZ COUNCILMAN BRAD LANDER
MORDECHAI KATZ ANN SCHAETZEL, REP. ASSEMBLYMAN BRENNAN
ABU KHALIQUZZAMAN YISROEL TABI, REP. ASSEMBLYMAN HIKIND
ANDREW KOHEN JOEL EISDORFER, REP. SEN. ERIC ADAMS
LILY MARINELLI JULES FLEISCHER, REP. SEN. DIANE SAVINO
JOHN MORONI RABBI SHLOMO BRAUN, REP. SEN. GOLDEN
ELI OIRING ELI SLAVIN, REP. CONG. YVETTE CLARKE
DR. JOAN PASTORE AVI SEIGEL, REP. BORO PRES. MARKOWITZ
MORTY PUPKO
PETER REBENWURZEL
ELLIOT ROSMAN
DAVID SHLOMOVICH COMMUNITY PRESENT
AMY SICIGNANO APPROXIMATELY 26 RESIDENTS PRESENT
YERUCHIM SILBER (NAMES ON FILE IN CB OFFICE)
SAMUEL STOBER
STANLEY SUSSMAN
MARGARET TOBIN
JOSHUA WEINSTEIN STAFF PRESENT
MOSHE WIEDER WOLF SENDER, DISTRICT MANAGER
ROCHELLE ZAMI LUCILLE MAURO, COMMUNITY ASSISTANT
MENDEL ZIBERBERG ADY MATTEO, COMMUNITY ASSISTANT
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT
YAKOV ABRAMOV
LAN CHEN
RABBI BERNARD FREILICH
SHARON FUCHS
JACOB HAAS, P.E
DOUGLAS JABLON
RAYMOND LEE
MENDEL REINER
MORDECHAI SCHWARTZ
MORRIS SENDEROVIC
SOL WAHBA
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PUBLIC SESSION
Elizabeth Ridler; Neighborhood Library Supervisor, announced the reorganization of the Ryder Branch at 59 St & 23 Ave. It will now have Sunday hours, as well as evening hours Tuesday & Thursday, and Saturdays from 1 – 5 PM in an effort to better serve our children, seniors & adults. She left flyers with the hours and programs.
Saribeh Mustafa, of the Brooklyn Hospital, announced expanded services to the Community Health Center. The clinic will now offer pediatric, ob/gyn, family health, dental and more, to better serve the community. Brochures will come at a later date.
Morty Pupko, CB 12 Board member, advised of an invasion to his home of “critters”, such as squirrels and opossum. He notified 311, who called police, although some construction workers had coaxed the critters out. He found out his neighbor also found a colony of squirrels in her home. Mr. Pupko suggests the Health Department should be charged with doing something about the ongoing problem.
Eli Oiring, CB 12 Board member, spoke on behalf of resident Joe Nathan, an outspoken member of the community. Mr. Oiring expressed outrage at the harassment Mr. Nathan was subjected to when an unnamed Board member entered his place of employment specifically to complain to his employer that Mr. Nathan “talks too much” in terms of community matters. Mr. Dubrow agreed this was unacceptable behavior.
Joseph Nathan reported the need for traffic lights on 21st Ave as there are none from 51st to 59th Streets. He reports this area has become a car racing strip, with several recent accidents occurring. Mr. Dubrow suggested he send an official request to the Board office.
Joseph Nathan stated last year there was a terrible accident in which a child was killed on 49th Street because of the traffic hazard caused when school buses stop sideways across oncoming traffic to pick up children. He asked why we have not done anything about this. Mr. Dubrow replied that it is not within the scope of the Community Board’s mission. Mr. Nathan suggested that the police enforce existing laws pertaining to the problem.
Referring to the previous report of a Board member harassing Mr. Nathan at his job, he stated that if it ever happens again, he will expose the party and make a motion to have them dismissed from the Board.
Natalie DeNicola spoke about the continuing need for CB 12 to maintain a current website, as most other Community Boards already have beautiful and informational ones. She also brought to our attention that the Daily News listed the October Board meeting for all Boards except CB 12. Board member Elliot Rosman reminded all that we have had several volunteers offer to help establish our website. It is currently in the works.
Jole Carliner discussed the recently widened sidewalks near Church & Beverly. She voiced the opinion that area residents would appreciate trees, benches and planting in this plaza, but lack the organization. She worked with a landscape designer and architect to produce a sketch and proposal outlining two possible plans of what could be. Some probable issues might be merchants not wishing to have trees block their view. Alan Dubrow suggested we hold a meeting to find out who would be responsible for pushing the idea through.
Peter Russo stated that while the Board regularly praises the work of the Police Department & Sanitation; he feels they are not doing their job. He, as well as others, gets passed over for pick-up whenever there is a holiday. He was advised by Sanitation they do not have the manpower for a pick-up the day following a holiday.
Mr. Russo also pointed out the need for a “No Parking” sign and a beat cop on 59 St & 20 Ave, as there are 2 schools there with a constant flow of traffic when the light changes. There are also double parked cars ignoring existing signs, and he feels this is a problem waiting to happen.
Bridget Elder reiterated the need for benches in the area that Ms. Carliner discussed before . Mr. Dubrow reminded all that 15-20 years ago, there were benches in the area, but they were soon constantly occupied by sleeping homeless people. Ms. Elder suggested the type of benches with dividers.
Maggie Tobin thanked Wolf Sender and everyone who attended the Kensington World’s Fair last Sunday. It was a wonderful event.
She also mentioned the request for a “Stop” sign at Chester & Louisa, which has been ignored since 2006. Ms. Tobin has a folder filled with accident reports from that corner, including a recent 3 car pile-up, as well the danger of children playing and cars racing. So far the Police Department has been looking into it but nothing has been done.
Ms. Tobin also pointed out that the Police station at Coney Island Ave & Caton Place has a stock pile of iron benches with dividers on their property that we could make use of. Mr. Dubrow stated that it would be up to Parks to donate the benches and merchants to accept them.
Lastly, Ms. Tobin mentioned the new bike lane at Fort Hamilton near McDonald Ave, is extremely dangerous. Mr. Dubrow advised that while he agrees, we were never asked or notified about this.
Abu Khaliquzzaman, Board member, also acknowledged the Kensington World’s Fair. He commended Councilman Brad Lander, community director Miss Jessica Turner, Maggie Tobin and all who contributed to make it such a success. He also brought 2 cakes and smachas for meeting attendees as a symbol of unity and friendship. The extra food was left at the Center for the seniors to enjoy.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mr. Dubrow introduced Councilman David Greenfield, who stated that it was encouraging to see so many concerned residents attend the meeting. Councilman Greenfield gave a few updates on things happening. Firstly, he stated that in the matter of street renaming, the process includes voting and adoption by the Community Board, followed by the City Council, which has its own criteria for approving these matters.
Councilman Greenfield thanked those who attended the event of September 27th with the Police Commissioner, welcoming the new Executive Officer Russo to the 66 Precinct.
Councilman Greenfield work with Councilman Brad Lander and Assemblyman Dov Hikind to spruce up 13th Ave. and Bay Parkway. He suggested creating some sort of Merchants Association to deal with issues such as trash.
Councilman Greenfield remarked on the experimental pilot project of private van service along the former B23 line. Some of the expected problems in the system are due to the fact that the vendors are not yet familiar with area holidays and that there have been no riders because of this. They will adjust their calendars accordingly with the help of the TLC and keep trying, as there are approximately 1600 riders every day.
Councilman Greenfield reminded all about the upcoming vote regarding the Culver El, intended to improve desperately needed housing. He thanked Councilman Brad Lander and former Councilman Simcha Felder for their work on this project.
Finally, Councilman Greenfield gave some voting tips for the election November 2nd, reminding all that many have never used the new machines. Ask for a privacy sleeve, which is a folder meant to keep others from seeing your votes. You also have the right to insert your ballot into the scanner with the sleeve covering it for added privacy, although the inspectors don’t particularly like this, as it can jam the machine. He pointed out that there are two questions on the back of the ballot you shouldn’t miss Also it is possible to over vote now, which was not possible before. In case of mistakes you are entitled to up to 2 replacement ballots. He also announced the firing of the Executive Director of the Board of Elections.
Once again, Councilman Greenfield stated his office phone number; 718 853 2704, and wished all a great Election Day.
CHAIRMAN’S REMARKS -- ALAN DUBROW
Mr. Dubrow extended deepest heartfelt sympathy on behalf of the entire Board, to Dr. Joan Pastore on the recent passing of her mother.
Mr. Dubrow introduced the newest member of Community Board 12; Rochelle Zami.
Mr. Dubrow mentioned that last week, District Manager Wolf Sender and Karol Joswick met with City agencies regarding budget priorities. This year we added a request for a green area for Kensington. Parks said they are working on it and that if any residents are aware of a suitable site, to please advise the Board office. Regarding requests for benches on the enlarged sidewalks on Beverly Road, the requests must come from merchants who will be responsible for maintenance. A request was also submitted to HPD for a Community Center; again, residents must do their part to help find suitable property. Finally, Councilman Greenfield has committed funding to Gravesend Park, Col. Marcus Park, and to finish the Ocean Parkway malls up to Ave. P; and Councilman Lander has committed funds to Dome Park, and renovations to Brizzi Park.
TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE REPORT – DAVID SHLOMOVICH
On 19th, the Transportation Committee met to discuss three street renaming requests. Since there were not many people in attendance for or against, and since there weren’t many guidelines to use in consideration of such requests, the Committee discussed possible criteria for future requests. However, the current requests need not adhere to new criteria.
A) EAST 10TH STREET AND AVENUE K –‘LORRAINE EPAMINONDA PLACE”
VOTE TAKEN: MAJORITY APPROVED
B) 18TH AVENUE AND 56TH STREET – ‘RABBI ZVI FLORENCE WAY’
VOTE TAKEN: MAJORITY APPROVED
C) AVENUE O AND EAST 2ND STREET – ‘SAL FISCHETTI WAY’
VOTE TAKEN: MAJORITY APPROVED
New criteria were set forth to be voted on, consisting of four parts:
1) Individual must have made an outstanding contribution to the community
2) Requested name must consist of legal name and professional title only
3) Individual must have lived and/or worked in the community
4) A majority of merchants and residents must sign a petition supporting renaming
VOTE TAKEN: UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED
New street renaming criteria adopted.
During the voting, Roberta Feinstein; Board Secretary, pointed out that too many members have been signing in to get credit for meeting attendance and then leaving, as was evident when votes were being counted. It was suggested that perhaps the old rule of taking roll call at the end might help put a stop to this practice.
VARIANCE COMMITTEE REPORT – PETER REBENWURZEL
Mr. Rebenwurzel reported that while 100 residents attended the Committee meeting, only 9 of the 20 Committee members showed up. He called this a disgrace, as the meeting had to be delayed until a quorum could be reached, with people having to be called to come in.
Mr. Dubrow pointed out that Committee members need to fulfill their duties, as there are many requests from others wishing to join the Variance Committee.
A) BSA CAL. NO. 230-98-BZ -- 5810-5824 BAY PARKWAY
This variance concerns J C Enterprises auto repair, requesting extension of terms of variance to use premises for sales & repair. They requested a 20 year extension. Normally a variance is given for life, but since this is a non-conforming use in an R-5 district, they must renew every 10 years. The city wants to ensure that the community has no problems. While there were issues in the past, there seem to be no complaints currently. Discussion followed.
The Variance Committee voted unanimously to approve the request.
VOTE TAKEN: IN FAVOR: 37 OPPOSED: 1 ABSTENTIONS: 0
B) CAL. NO. 104-10-BZ – 5002 – 19TH AVENUE
This variance concerns the extension and conversion of an existing structure to a synagogue. The zoning, as it is, would prevent the synagogue from being built to the specifications needed. Discussion followed.
The Variance Committee voted unanimously to approve the request.
VOTE TAKEN: IN FAVOR: 35 OPPOSED: 0 ABSTENTIONS; 3
C) CAL. NO. 156 TO 172-10-BZ -- 37TH STREET, BLOCK 5295, LOT 4 – BLOCK 5300 LOT 9
This variance concerns the Culver El property being converted into affordable housing. Current zoning does not allow for a ten foot yard. Discussion followed.
The Variance Committee voted unanimously to approve the request.
VOTE TAKEN: IN FAVOR: 33 OPPOSED: 0 ABSTENTIONS: 3
Chaim Israel and Alan Dubrow recused themselves from the above vote.
Jacques Friedman, Chairman of the Consumer Affairs Committee, made a recommendation regarding a gaming café, which was tabled until it can go to Committee.
Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
ADY MATTEO
Community Service Aide
Some of the proceedings at the October 26th public meeting of Community Board 12 (CB 12) weren't included in the official minutes, and one error was made. Please click here to read the additional information.
