THE CITY OF NEW YORK
COMMUNITY BOARD 125910 - 13 Avenue, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11219
(718) 851-0800 FAX # (718) 851-4140 email: zsender@aol.com
Marty Markowitz Alan J. Dubrow Wolf Sender
Borough President Chairperson District Manager
Moshe Wieder, First Vice Chairman
Borough President Chairperson District Manager
Moshe Wieder, First Vice Chairman
Roberta Feinstein, Secretary
Larry Jayson, Sergeant-At-Arms
July 8th, 2010
TO: COMMUNITY BOARD 12 MEMBERS/INTERESTED PARTIES
FROM: ALAN J. DUBROW, CHAIRMAN
RE: JUNE BOARD MEETING
_____________________________________________________
Please be advised that the next regularly scheduled meeting of Community Board 12 will be held on:
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14TH, 2010
7 PM
5901 - 13TH AVENUE
AMICO SENIOR CENTER AVENUE (Entrance on 59th Street - 3rd Floor)
BROOKLYN, N.Y.
AGENDA TO BE ANNOUNCED
SUMMARY OF COMMUNITY BOARD 12 MEETING HELD TUESDAY, JUNE 22nd, 2010 AT AMICO SENIOR CENTER, 5901 - 13TH AVE. BROOKLYN, N.Y. - 7 PM
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:
SANDY ABOULAFIA
TAMAR ABRAHAM
TAHIR BHUTTA
ANNA CALI
FRED CASSERA
JACOB DASKAL
ALAN J. DUBROW
JOEL EISDORFER
TZVI ENGLARD
ROBERTA FEINSTEIN
JULES FLEISCHER
RABBI FREILICH
JACQUE FRIEDMAN
SHARON FUCHS
RABBI EDGAR GLUCK
EDWARD HANDLER
JACOB HAAS, P.E.
CHAIM ISRAEL
SAMUEL ISRAEL
DOUGLAS JABLON
JOSEPH JACOBS
LARRY JAYSON
MARTIN KATZ
MORDECHAI KATZ
ABU KHALQUZZAM
RAYMOND LEE
LILY MARINELLI
ELI OIRING
DR. JOAN PASTORE
MENDEL REINER
ELLIOT ROSMAN
MORDECHAI SCHWARTZ
MORRIS SENDEROVIC
DAVID SHLOMOVICH
YERUCHIM SILBER
SAMUEL STOBER
STANLEY SUSSMAN
MARGARET TOBIN
SOL WAHBA
JOSHUA WEINSTEIN
MOSHE WIEDER
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT
YAKOV ABRAMOU
LAN CHEN
HOWARD KLAYMAN
ANDREW KOHEN
JOHN MORONI
MORTY PUPKO
PETER REBENWURZEL
AMY SICIGNANO
MENDEL ZILBERBERG
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT
AVI SIEGEL, BORO PRESIDENT'S OFFICE
YISROEL TABI, REP. ASSEMB. DOV HIKIND
YONI HIKIND, REP. ASSEMB. ABBATE
JOEL EISDORFER, REP. SENATOR ERIC ADAMS
RABBI BRAUN, REP. SENATOR MARTY GOLDEN
JULES FLEISCHER, REP. SENATOR DIANE SAVINO
COUNCILMAN BRAD LANDER
JESSICA TURNER, REP. COUNCILMAN LANDER
COUNCILMAN DAVID GREENFIELD
BARRY SPITZER, REP. COUNCILMAN GREENFIELD
LIAISON'S PRESENT
PINNY RINGEL, REP. PUB. ADVOC. OFFICE
DEP. CHIEF JAMES LEONARD
FDNY BATTALION CHIEF STEINMAN
INSPECTOR JOHN SPRAGUE, 66 PCT
LT. JAMES SELLECK, 66 PCT DET.
VINNY GALENO, 66 PCT DET.
MIKE MILICI , 66 PCT P.O.
JIMMY VAUGHN, 66 PCT
SUPT. KEITH WOODS, DSNY SUPV.
ROBERT HOFFNER, DSNY SUPV.
JOSEPH KUBAT, DSNY SUPV.
JOHN ARMENTO, DSNY SUPV.
STEPHEN CAULFORD, DSNY SUPV.
CARMINE CORDELLA, DSNY SUPV.
ANTHONY ZULLO, DSNY SUPV.
MARK FONTI, DSNY SUPV.
VINCENT BUCCHERI , DSNY SUPV.
JOHN VENDITTI, DSNY SUPV.
GLENN ADAMA DSNY SUPV.
GLENN VAN PELT DSNY
COMMUNITY PRESENT
APPROX. 13 PERSONS PRESENT
(NAMES ON FILE IN BOARD OFFICE)
STAFF PRESENT
KAROL JOSWICK, CB CONSULTANT
LUCILLE MAURO, COMM. SERVICE AIDE
ADY MATTEO, COMM. SERVICE AIDE
______________________________
PUBLIC SESSION
Natalie DeNicola, one of several concerned residents spoke about an empty lot at 2084 60th Street. She stated that the owners, Monaco Constuction, have repeatedly made aggressive motions and threats toward the neighbors, such as knocking on doors and slurs against Italians. Apparently this has been an ongoing response to residents making allegations of over 40 building violations. Ms. DeNicola, as well as neighbor Joseph Oliva, stated that 911 will not help as it is not an emergency, and that Community Board 12 is not doing anything to help either. Chairman Dubrow advised that the Community Board will look into this.
Benzion Miller and Shaul Azatchi, both of E 10th Street, Brooklyn, spoke about the recurring problem of the nightclub called "Passions," located at 1814 Coney Island Avenue, between N & O. This issue has come up before and was addressed by the police, but the club was later re-opened under a new name and is operating legally. The residents claim that the music is extremely loud at very late hours, as verified by the summonses issued by the DEP based on noise meter readings. Another concerned resident pointed out that it's so bad, he has to wear earplugs, but having a 2 month old baby makes this no option. The Board was asked to pressure the 66th Precinct to look further into the problem.
Joe Nathan addressed the Board basically to look at the "year in review." He thanked Community Board 12 for all the hard work throughout the year. He also mentioned again the problem of Maimonides Medical Center and felt that the Community Board should apply some pressure, regarding the issue of tearing down under-used buildings and replacing them with much bigger bed facilities.
Rabbi Braun stepped up to wish everyone a happy summer on behalf of Senator Martin Golden.
Board Member Abu Khaliquzzaman also took this time during the public session to inform all residents of the upcoming event on McDonald Ave. between Church Avenue & Avenue C. He wanted to invite everyone to come and participate in the Bangladeshi Street Festival on Sunday, June 27th, 2010 from 9AM to 8 PM. The event is being sponsored by the Bangladeshi Businessman's Association, and Mr. Khaliquzzaman wanted to especially thank District Manager Wolf Sender and his assistant, Lucille Mauro, as well as the 66th Precinct, for all the help they extended in making this happen.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
There were two corrections to be made: Councilman Greenfield reported that the late hours listed for his office were incorrect. The correct time for Thursday is 9AM to 9PM.
Also, Councilman Greenfield was erroneously marked "present" as a Board Member, when he is now, in fact a New York City Councilman. With all corrections being duly noted, the minutes were unanimously approved.
CHAIRMAN'S REMARKS-- ALAN J. DUBROW
Mr. Dubrow took this opportunity to welcome the new Board Members, and asked each to stand when called to allow fellow Board Members to become familiar with them. Following are names of newest Members: Yakov Abramou, Margaret Tobin, Anna Cali, Lili Marinelli, Mendel Reiner and Mendel Zilberberg.
Mr. Dubrow informed all that the office has sent out the committee preference list and information sheet; asking that all Board Members please return them to the office as soon as possible. New committees will be formed in September, so if preference sheets are not returned, members will be assigned to a committee.
Mr. Dubrow also reminded everyone that Tuesday, August 3rd is National Night Out Against Crime. The 66th Precinct, along with the 66th Precinct Community Council and Community Board 12 will host the event outside of the Precinct from 6 to 9PM. There will be all kinds of good food and activities for the kids. Flyers were left on the front table.
Finally, Mr. Dubrow extended his wishes to all for a safe and happy summer.
DISTRICT MANAGER'S REMARKS
Mr. Sender announced that awards were being given out for the outstanding work done by everyone involved in the Passover bread burning. He recognized that there were many people involved in keeping Boro Park a safe community throughout the year, there were not enough awards to be given to every single person. Mr. Sender stated that awards were being given to the leaders and coordinators of the teamwork; specifically the NYPD, FDNY, Sanitation, Parks Department, , Shomrim, Chaverim and Hatzolah and remarked on the hard work and wonderful effort made by all. Mr. Sender introduced Councilman Brad Lander and Councilman David Greenfield to join in presenting the awards.
PRESENTATION OF PLAQUES
In addition to the plaques presented by the Community Board, Councilmen Brad Lander presented City Council awards as well as Pinny Ringel on behalf of Public Advocate Bill DeBlasio. The awards were presented to the following:
FDNY- Brooklyn Borough Commander, Deputy Chief James Leonard and Battalion Chief Steinman. Chief Leonard said he was very honored on behalf of all, and remarked that the great teamwork resulted in a second year with no injuries.
NYPD - Deputy Inspector Sprague, Lt. James Selleck, Detective Vincent Galeno, Detective Michael Milici, and Police Officer James Vaughn. Inspector Sprague echoed the sentiments of Chief Leonard, and also thanked the Community Board. He stated that this was a real collaboration between the city agencies and local community organizations, such as Shomrim, Chaverim and Hatzolah, saying he had never seen such a seamless coordination with no injuries. The Inspector also remarked that our Council Members were also on hand to coordinate the operation and that this should be used as a model for other precincts and boroughs.
Department of Sanitation - Superintendant Keith Woods, Supervisor Glen Van Pelt, Supervisor Robert Hoffner, Supervisor Glen Adama, Supervisor Mark Fonti, Supervisor Anthony Zullo, Supervisor Vincent Buccheri, Supervisor John Armento, Supervisor Joseph Kubat, Supervisor Carmine Cordella, Supervisor Stephen Caulford, and Supervisor John Venditti. Superintendant Woods thanked all the other agencies and stated that this shows what can be accomplished by pulling together. He said his agency is committed and dedicated to this very important task, trying to improve it every year.
Department of Parks - Arthur De Cesario
Shomrim - Simcha Bernath, Motty Katz, Sam Follman, Dovid Kastow, Shaya Lichtenstein, and Jacob Daskal. Mr. Daskal repeated the sentiments offered by those before him and thanked all for their hard work.
Hatzolah - Award was accepted by Rabbi Edger Gluck, Bernie Gipps and Elliot Rosman on behalf of Hatzolah Rabbi Gluck, stated that everything had already been said, but thanked the Community Board and all agencies on behalf of the many Hatzolah volunteers.
Chaverim - Chaim Fleischer, coordinator, also thanked all on behalf of all the Chaverim volunteers
Dr. Jaon Pastore, Director of the AMICO Senior Center also received an award for the many years she has allowed the Community Board to use her facility for meetings. She remarked on what an unexpected surprise and pleasure it was receiving the award as well as getting to know everyone.
Chairman Dubrow called upon Councilman David Greenfield to say a few words.
Councilman Greenfield remarked that nights such as this make us realize what a unique community Boro Park is, to have everyone come together to do such a wonderful job; acknowledging each agency and volunteer group. He also welcomed the six new Board Members, being what he believes to be the largest new group in awhile. Councilman Greenfield congratulated this great group of people, recommended by Councilman Brad Lander and himself.
Councilman Greenfield also announced that it is budget season, with a deficit of 3.2 billion dollars, and that by New York City law, unlike New York State, the budget must be passed on time. He explained that Councilman Lander and he are working very hard and fighting for the issues that matter; specifically for senior centers, child care centers, and to recover the funding proposed to be eliminated for Priority 7 day care vouchers. Twelve thousand letters of support were delivered to the Mayor's office during a rally held on the afternoon of this Board Meeting, when the Deputy Mayor was asked to restore these funds. Councilman Greenfield likened this uphill battle to the work of paramedics, in that once they see a patient, regardless of how bad it may look, they do whatever needs to be done to restore the patient to health. He stated that Councilman Lander and he will keep fighting and doing whatever they can to ensure the health of this community and its agencies.
Councilman Greenfield made his final point to remind all of his office hours: Monday - Wednesday, 9AM to 6PM; Thursdays 9AM to 9PM; Friday 9AM to 3 PM Phone number: 718-853-2704 (no appointments necessary)
Chairman Dubrow called upon Councilman Brad Lander to say a few words.
Councilman Lander began by thanking everyone for being there and for the efforts made by all. He welcomed the new Board Members, and reminded all that the swearing in ceremony for all Board members was on Monday, June 28th, 2010, and is mandatory for all new members. He mentioned that with significant rezoning in the works, this would be a good training year, and that even returning members would benefit from re-training considering all the information planned for the ceremony.
Councilman Lander also hinted at the exciting plans for the Culver El project, which would be discussed later in the evening. He described the project as being long overdue, welcoming the prospect of using this under-utilized land for affordable housing and possibly parking for some community institutions. Councilman Lander advised all that the presentation would be made from a neutral standpoint, by Yeruchim Silber; Variance Committee Vice-Chairman. He recognized the hard work put into pushing this project forward and thanked the Committee, along with the Councilman's predecessor, now Public Advocate Bill de Blasio, as well as the Community Board, Pinney Ringel and former Councilman Felder, now Deputy Comptroller. Councilman Lander went on to thank David Parish of City Planning, as the layout of this strip of land has presented many complications, but they managed to come up with a good plan. Although admittedly excited about the plan, the Councilman left it for the Board to decide for themselves later, during the presentation.
Councilman Lander also wanted to update all on Kensington area issues; specifically the significant clean up of a Church Avenue lot which has been a challenge for some time. He also mentioned changes coming concerning traffic and pedestrians, such as the repaving of the intersection of Church and McDonald Avenues. He thanked the DOT and Community Board 12 for their leadership and tireless effort toward the coming changes which will make it easier for all to navigate the area, and wished all a wonderful summer.
Mr. Dubrow introduced Pinney Ringel, representing Public Advocate Bill de Blasio
Mr. Ringel advised all that the Public Advocate could not be there due to an emergency, but thanked Councilman Lander for his kind words. He went on to state that the Public Advocate is very happy about the Culver El progress, and wished all a happy summer.
Mr. Dubrow introduced Jesse Mintz-Roth of the Department of Transportation.
Mr. Mintz-Roth, of the safety issues office, gave a presentation on "Safe Streets for Seniors." He distributed flyers, describing the program as working on the issue of NYC pedestrian fatalities, which at the moment is on the decline. However, the number of seniors is growing, and Boro Park was chosen as one of 25 areas to be studied; from 5th to 15th Avenues, and 40th to 61st Streets. Through a process of safety audits, senior surveys and traffic data collection, the DOT proposes to take community feedback and make final recommendations. Specific issues are not enough time to cross streets, missing or broken pedestrian ramps, hard to see traffic markings which turning vehicles fail to yield to, and poor drainage. The program will increase crossing time at 186 intersections (62% of which has been completed), install more high-visibility crosswalks at 18 locations, and install "beeping pedestrian intervals," which make pedestrians more visible when crossing. They are also shortening the crossing distance, which will not impact parking and extending pedestrian refuge islands. There will be a median installed on Fort Hamilton Pkwy. from New Utrecht to 45th St. More improvements are slated for 2011 and 2012. Discussion followed.
VARIANCE COMMITTEE REPORT - VICE CHAIRMAN YERUCHIM SILBER
City Planning ULURP applications for Culver El properties.
C 100345 ZMK, etal - Culver El Rezoning - submitted by NY City Planning and HPD Approximate area: 36th to 39th Sts. And 12th to 14th Aves.
Cb 12 Chairman Alan Dubrow stated that he and Board Members Larry Jayson and Chaim Israel would have to recuse themselves from voting on this matter due to their involvement.
Yeruchim Silber stated that he was speaking on behalf of Variance Committee Chairman Peter Rebenwurzel, who was away. Mr. Silber said this is a very important rezoning project, being the largest seen in some time. The area is currently zoned for light manufacturing, and the surrounding areas for medium density residential districts. With this proposal, part of the area would change to allow medium residential, part would go for commercial zoning, and the bulk of the property would change to a mixed usage of current light manufacturing as well as medium density residential. The purposes for the rezoning is to bring area buildings to scale, and to develop affordable housing on the site of the old Culver Elevated subway line. The Committee voted unanimously to recommend approval of the ULURP process. A public hearing will be held by Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz on July 8th, 2010. Margaret Tobin questioned if this project includes green space. Discussion followed. A VOTE WAS TAKEN:
43 in favor
2 opposed: Anna Cali, Margaret Tobin
1 abstention: Lili Marinelli
4 recused: Chairman Alan Dubrow, Larry Jayson, Chaim Israel, Jacob Haas, P.E.
Meeting adjourned. Respectfully submitted,
ADY MATTEO
Community Service Aide