NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION LIVES ON

On the day of its 45th anniversary, with the possibility of its demise hanging over its head, the Albemarle Neighborhood Association got a new lease on life when attendees at tonight's community meeting volunteered to fill the vacant board positions.

ANA's next meeting will be the traditional June outdoor meeting. It'll be on Thursday, June  28th, at 7:00 p.m., on Albemarle Road, between E. 4th and E. 5th streets. The street will be blocked off from traffic.

If weather conditions don't permit an outdoor meeting, it'll be held at Flatbush Jewish Center, 327 E. 5th Street.

The board will meet during the summer to discuss how frequently to hold community meetings and a possible change in format.

Past guest speakers include

• Denise Lalande-Phipps, Director of The Kensington Family Shelter, Claire Harding-Keefe, Senior Vice President for Family Support, Housing at CAMBA, which operates The Kensington Family Shelter, and Dante Thomas, CAMBA's Director of Security and Operations,

• Thomas Kukla, Crime Prevention Officer at the 66th Police Precinct,

• New York State Senator Kevin Parker,

• Bert S. Matthew, Kensington Branch Manager, Vice President, Astoria Bank,

• Teresa Cunningham, Community Affairs Liaison and a sanitation worker for the New York City Department of Sanitation, and Julian Sepulveda, Division of Customer Service and Government Relations, New York City Department of Sanitation,

• Brad Lander, our New York City Councilmember,

• Barry Spitzer, District Manager of Community Board 12,

• James F. Brennan, our New York State Assemblymember,

• Nolan Levenson, Project Manager of the Pedestrian Projects Group at the New York City Department of Transportation,

• Tom Bauer, Director of Operations for the Ocean Parkway Community Development Corp., and

• Heather Jane McCormick, Community Representative to the Brooklyn Postal Service Customer Advisory Council.

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The Albemarle Neighborhood Association (ANA) is the oldest neighborhood association in Brooklyn. Since its founding in 1973, it has worked to advance Kensington's quality of life.

ANA's meetings are free. They are open to the public.

Meetings provide a place for Kensington's residents to address safety, security, and quality of life issues. ANA helps create a safe and stable neighborhood by working closely with its members, other neighborhood residents, city agencies, and elected officials to address key issues.

EVENTS AT AVENUE C PLAZA DURING JUNE

Press Release

Contacts:
Esther Robinson, co-executive director
ArtBuilt/ ArtBuilt Mobile Studios
robinson.esther@gmail.com

Hasiba Haq, Program Manager
Arts & Democracy
haq.hasiba@gmail.com

ArtBuilt Mobile Studios and Arts & Democracy Opens Avenue C Plaza’s Third Season of Cultural and Arts Programming; Brooklyn Historical Society partnership added to annual Community Iftar

Beginning Saturday June 2nd, ArtBuilt Mobile studio will kick off its third year of free cultural and arts programming at the Avenue C Plaza in Kensington, Brooklyn. In partnership with The Kensington Stewards, Arts & Democracy, and the Bangladesh Institute of Performing Arts (BIPA), ArtBuilt will help facilitate various workshops, performances, and arts programming for Immigrant Culture month at the plaza.

Programming will begin with two popular workshops the first weekend of June. The first event is cultural planting by co-founder of The GreenWorks Team Sue Braverman, where participants will learn about local plants and take home two plant cuttings. The second will be Painting at the Plaza with Pinot’s Palette, a local art studio that teaches attendees to paint a picture that they can then take home.

ArtBuilt and Arts & Democracy have consistently integrated arts and culture to the already diverse fabric of Kensington these past two years and intend to continue their work in collaboration with community members. "Kensington's dynamic and diverse community is always inspiring to us and our work," says ArtBuilt Co-Executive Director Esther Robinson. "Both of our organizations are dedicated to cultivating arts and cultural programming with and for various communities and we look forward to continuing our work in Kensington," adds Arts & Democracy Program Manager Hasiba Haq. “Arts & Democracy is committed to supporting artists and cultural work within the Bangladeshi community and using it as a means to advance social justice causes and participatory democracy.”

Other events for this month include the ever popular kite-making workshop with Jill Reinier of The Singing Winds, vibrant paper mache alebrijes and Aztec/Mayan Print making with Kensington local Cynthia Fortoza, community quilt making, an exuberant cultural showcase with performances from local talent, star gazing with astronomers, rhythmic Bangla singing with Annie Ferdous of BIPA and more!

A special co-sponsorship with Brooklyn Historical Society will take place during the annual community iftar on Mon June 4th. Muslim and non-Muslim neighbors are invited to break fast together and sample Ramadan foods from around the world while learning more about Ramadan and Brooklyn Historical Society’s Muslims in Brooklyn Project – a multi-year public arts and oral history project designed to amplify the stories of various Muslim communities in Brooklyn, including the Bangladeshi-Muslim community of Kensington.

“We are honored that Muslim communities all over the Borough, like those in Kensington, are willing to share their powerful stories with Brooklyn Historical Society as part of the Muslims in Brooklyn Project,” comments Deborah Schwartz, President of Brooklyn Historical Society. “The Community Iftar is just one of the many programs that we look forward to hosting as part of the project’s effort to aid in understanding and honoring the history and culture of the many Muslim communities who now call Brooklyn home.”

Arts and culture programming at the Avenue C Plaza is made possible with the ardent and enthusiastic support of local government and community members.“I’m thrilled for Avenue C Plaza’s exciting summer lineup of events and programming that reflect the diverse and special community it serves,” said Council Member Brad Lander. “I’m proud every year to help fund the Plaza, and I look forward to attending many events this summer.”

"We have been lucky to have such strong support from the NYC City Council, Council member Brad Lander, NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, The Kensington Stewards, Department of Transportation, Bangladesh Institute of Performing Arts, neighborhood schools and all the amazing members of the local community," says ArtBuilt Co-Executive Director Guy Buckles, "these essential partnerships help make June in Kensington one of the high points of our yearly calendar!"

Location + programming info:

Avenue C Plaza is located at the intersection of McDonald Ave and Ave C in Kensington and is accessible via the F/G trains at Church Ave and the B67 bus. Weekly program listings can be found on the Ave C Plaza Facebook page.

Twitter: #AveCPlaza Facebook: https://facebook.com/avecplaza Or @avecplaza.

About ArtBuilt:

ArtBuilt is a Brooklyn-based non-profit that supports the creative sector in NYC and nationally through three programming initiatives: ArtBuilt Mobile Studios deliver needed programs and services to underserved communities by providing innovative mobile workspaces to artists and, social-service providers, and micro-businesses; ArtBuilt Brooklyn provides long-term, affordable workspace for artists and arts-based businesses; and ArtHome provides asset-building strategies and financial literacy training for individual artists and creative business-people. Current ArtBuilt Mobile Studios programming includes community-engaged on-site artist residencies and public events in city parks and street plazas across NYC and beyond, with support from the National Endowment for the Arts, NYC’s City Council, NYC Parks, NYC DOT, and others.

Twitter: @ArtbuiltNyc Instagram: @ArtbuiltNyc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtBuiltMobileStudios

About Arts & Democracy

Arts & Democracy cross pollinates culture, participatory democracy, and social justice. We support cultural organizing and cross-sector collaborations; raise the visibility of transformative work; connect cultural practitioners with activists, organizers, and policymakers; and create spaces for reflection. Arts & Democracy has provided programming for the Bangladeshi community in Kensington for the past three years and continues to work with Bangladeshi youth and women in the neighborhood.
Twitter: @artanddemocracy Instagram: @artsanddemocracy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtsandDemocracy

REBUILDING THE CHURCH - MCDONALD INTERSECTION

The current reconstruction of the intersection of Church and McDonald avenues is intended to make the crossroads safer for pedestrians, drivers, and bicyclists.

Improvements being made include curb extensions at the northwest and southeast corners, pedestrian ramps, bus stop pads, catch basins, replacement of the water main, and a complete pavement restoration.

Curb extensions, also known as "neckdowns" and "bulb-outs," widen the sidewalks and reduce the crossing distances. They increase pedestrian visibility, increase the space where pedestrians stand while waiting for the walk signal, provide additional space for street furniture, plants, and other amenities, reduce illegal parking at corners and crosswalks, and provide space for two curb ramps per corner.

Construction at the intersection began in July 2017. At that time, the estimated completion date was fall 2017. The project was delayed, however, in order to first complete work on a nearby water main and bus stop pads. The latest estimate is that work will be finished by fall 2018.

Residents of City Council District 39 voted to fund the improvements in 2013 as part of City Councilmember Brad Lander's Participatory Budgeting project.

POSSIBLY THE FINAL MEETING OF THE ALBEMARLE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION AFTER FORTY-FIVE YEARS

Albemarle Neighborhood Association Community Meeting

Thursday, May 31st, 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 

The next -- and possibly final -- community meeting of the Albemarle Neighborhood Association will be held on Thursday, May 31st, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Members and non-members alike are invited to attend the free meeting.

Foodtown and the ANA will provide refreshments for the meeting.

The main topic will be "Is there a future for the ANA?"

The ANA board has several vacancies. Volunteers are needed at the meeting who will fill two Vice President positions and the positions of Recording Secretary and Treasurer. If those positions don't get filled, the ANA won't be able to continue.

Meeting location 
Flatbush Jewish Center 
Hanid Room
327 E. 5th Street 
at the corner of Church Avenue 
Kensington, Brooklyn 

Enter the synagogue via the ramp on E. 5th Street. Use the stairs or the wheelchair-accessible elevator to go downstairs to the Hanid Room.

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About Albemarle Neighborhood Association

Albemarle Neighborhood Association (ANA) is the oldest neighborhood association in Brooklyn. Since its founding in 1973, it has worked to advance Kensington's quality of life.

ANA's meetings are free. They are open to the public.

Meetings provide a place for Kensington's residents to address safety, security, and quality of life issues. ANA helps create a safe and stable neighborhood by working closely with its members, other neighborhood residents, city agencies, and elected officials to address key issues.

MUSLIMS AND NON-MUSLIMS INVITED TO CELEBRATE BREAKING THE RAMADAN FAST

Kensington Community Iftar

Monday, June 4th, 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Kensington's Muslim and non-Muslim residents are invited to celebrate together as Muslims break that day's fast. The fast is observed daily during the entire holy month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, a time of prayer and atonement. 

Taste food from Indonesia, Nigeria, Uzbekistan, and other countries as Muslim writers and artists share their work. See the special appearance by Brooklyn Historical Society and its "Muslims in Brooklyn" project. 

Arts and Democracy is hosting a special Kensington Community Iftar for Muslim and non-Muslim neighbors on Monday, June 4th, from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., to celebrate Ramadan. Iftar is the breaking of the fast every evening after sunset during Ramadan.

Brooklyn Historical society, the co-sponsor, will share information and work from its new multi-year public arts and oral history project, "Muslims in Brooklyn." The project documents the oral histories of various Muslims across the borough, including Kensington residents.

The evening will end with Muslim American writers sharing their work. 

The outdoor event is free and open to all. It will be held at Avenue C Plaza in Kensington, located at the intersection of McDonald Avenue and Avenue C.

RSVP by Friday, June 1st, to rsvp @ artsanddemocracy.org.

PROSPECT PARK LAKE IS TOXIC

The current status of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in a large, localized area of Prospect Park Lake is "Confirmed with High Toxins." A lab sample confirmed this on May 21, 2018.

When a body of water has been confirmed with high toxins, sampling showed that toxins are present in large enough quantities to potentially cause health problems for people and animals who come in contact with the water through swimming or drinking.

People and pets should avoid contact with water that is discolored or has algae scums on the surface. Colors can include shades of green, blue-green, yellow, brown, or red.

If a person or pet does come in contact with the water, rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove algae.

On the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website, see Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) Notifications Page and Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) FAQs for additional information and advice.

ADDITIONAL F TRAINS WILL RUN ON WEEKDAYS

More F trains will run weekdays during off-peak hours, starting in November, to "accommodate changes in ridership and demand" before and after rush hour.

The additions will be

• one additional northbound F train on weekdays between approximately 10:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.,
• two additional southbound F trains on weekdays between approximately 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.,
• one additional southbound F train on weekdays between approximately 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., and
• two additional southbound F trains on weekdays between approximately 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.

Read more, including information about additions on the A, D, and E lines, here in New York City Patch.

PARKING REGULATIONS SUSPENDED ON MEMORIAL DAY

Alternate side of the street parking regulations and parking meter regulations will be suspended on Monday, May 28th, for Memorial Day.

Parking meter regulations are only suspended on these major legal holidays: New Years Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

SCREENING OF "IN OUR BACKYARD: SEX TRAFFICKING IN BROOKLYN"

      In Our Backyard: A Documentary on Sex Trafficking in Brooklyn
                      Sunday, June 3rd, 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

In Our Backyard: A Documentary on Sex Trafficking in Brooklyn, will be shown in Windsor Terrace.

"In Our Backyard is an investigative look into the widely unknown and unspoken world of sex trafficking in Brooklyn, documenting the emotional stories of three recent survivors while also presenting the work of determined aid organizations, law enforcement agencies and politicians. The film aims to raise awareness and fight this serious epidemic."

A Q&A and discussion will follow with a survivor-advocate; filmmaker and native Brooklynite Danielle Rose; and Mother Adrian Dannhauser, Chair of the Episcopal Diocese of New York's Task Force Against Human Trafficking.

This event is open to the public. It is not suitable for children.

Holy Apostles Church will host the screening on Sunday, June 3rd, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Admission is free, but donations of $5-$10 are welcome to defray expenses.

Register on Eventbrite here.

Location
Holy Apostles Episcopal Church
612 Greenwood Avenue
between Prospect Avenue and E. 7th Street
Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn
 

AGENDA FOR TUESDAY'S COMMUNITY BOARD 12 MEETING, MAY 22, 2018

Community Board 12 Board Meeting

Tuesday, May 22nd, 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Community Board 12 (representing Kensington, Borough Park, and Midwood) will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, May 22nd, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The board's monthly meetings are open to the public.

If you have any concerns, questions, solutions, needs, or problems that you'd like the community board to address, arrive at the meeting before 7:00 p.m. and sign up to speak during the public comment period at the beginning of the meeting (agenda item 2). You'll have three minutes to present your topic.

Some issues you may be concerned about are

•     pedestrian safety,
•     traffic congestion,
•     housing,
•     land use and zoning,
•     construction sites,
•     outdoor lighting,
•     potholes,
•     sanitation,
•     libraries,
•     crime,
•     police presence,
•     graffiti,
•     social services,
•     rodents,
•     trash collection,
•     public litter baskets, and
•     street and sidewalk conditions.

Agenda for the May 22nd meeting:

1. Pledge of Allegiance
2. Public Session
3. Chairman's Remarks - Yidel Perlstein
4. District Manager's Remarks - Barry Spitzer
5. Adoption of April Minutes
6. Old Business
7. New Business
8. Attendance
9. Adjourn

General meetings of Community Board 12 are held on the fourth Tuesday of the month, from September through June, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m..

Every neighborhood in New York City is represented by an all-volunteer community board, which serves as the neighborhood's liaison to city agencies. Board members are appointed by the neighborhood's city councilperson and the borough president.

Community Board 12's committees are

•         Planning, Zoning Variances and City Map
•         Education, Library, Cultural Affairs
•         Sanitation & Environmental Protection
•         Fire, Safety & Police
•         Health & Social Services
•         Housing & Buildings
•         Legislation
•         Parks, Capital Projects & Site Selection
•         Transportation & Franchises
•         Youth & Community Development

Meeting location
Amico Senior Center
5901 13th Avenue, 3rd Floor
corner of 59th Street
Borough Park, Brooklyn

Enter the building on 59th Street. 

SHELTER RESIDENTS' CURRENT NEEDS

The babies, children, and adults currently living in Kensington's family shelter would appreciate donations of several types of items. The two neighborhood residents who keep in touch with the shelter's director sent this request for donations today.

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Hello neighbors,

Now that the season has changed, we checked with The Kensington family shelter on current needs. We are listing them here.

We ask that you donate ONLY these items as the shelter has limited storage space and will not be able to keep anything that is not on the list. In the case of used items, please donate items that are in very good condition (no stains, no tears).

All items can be dropped off at the shelter, 385 McDonald Ave., attention Uniquia Parker, between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday, through May 31.

• Diapers size 3, 4, 5, 6 and pull-ups in all sizes
• Baby wipes
• Unstained or new burp cloths
• NEW underwear sizes 2T to 6x for boys and girls
• New or lightly used spring and summer clothing for boys and girls ages 2T-5
• New and lightly used spring and summer clothing for men and women
• Net or plastic stroller covers

In addition, families continue to transition out of the shelter to permanent housing. The city provides some basic furnishings but we have created two online wish lists for those who would like to purchase something for housewarming packages for each departing family.

Feel free to purchase off either list and have item(s) shipped directly to the shelter. Or you can buy a new item locally (does not have to be the brand on the list) and drop off. Please tell the security desk it goes to Uniquia and label it HOUSEWARMING. And please drop us a line if you buy local so we can remove an equivalent item from the online wish list.

Here are the links (which you can share freely):
Amazon   
Target   

Thank you in advance for your generosity toward these neighbors. We will be working with the shelter to plan future events and volunteer opportunities and will keep everyone updated.

Happy spring to everyone!

Catherine and Tracy

ALTERNATE SIDE PARKING SUSPENSION NEXT MONDAY

Alternate side of the street parking regulations will be suspended on Monday, May 21st, for Shavuot.

All other regulations, including parking meter regulations, will be in effect. Those are only suspended on these major legal holidays: New Years Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

REPORT CRIMES TO THE 66TH PRECINCT AT THIS WEEK'S MEETING

66th Precinct Community Council Monthly Meeting
Thursday, May 17th, 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Report crimes and other policing matters in Kensington, Borough Park, and Midwood at this week's 66th Precinct Community Council meeting. 

The 66th Precinct's commanding officer, Captain David Wall, will update residents on recent crimes in those neighborhoods, but the input of people who live within the boundaries of the precinct is essential. 

Matters to bring to Captain Wall's attention include

• men exposing themselves to women in public,
• men following women in the street,
• adults who aren't accompanied by a child entering playgrounds where that is forbidden,
• responsiveness by the precinct to phone calls reporting crimes,
• pedestrian safety when crossing Church Avenue at Ocean Parkway and the Prospect Expressway and other intersections,
• bicyclists on e-bikes and manual bikes riding on sidewalks,
• the need for traffic control during this Saturday's half-marathon on Ocean Parkway, and
• package theft.

At the meeting, the public can also learn about the various programs available to the community through the precinct.

The meeting will be held on Thursday, May 17th, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. It's free, and it's open to the public.

Boundaries of the 66th Precinct:

The purpose of the 66th Precinct Community Council is to provide the critical interface between citizens and police through regular monthly meetings. Meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month, from September through June. The Community Council does not meet in July or August.

Meeting location
Community Board 12 Office
5910 13th Avenue
between 59th and 60th streets
Borough Park, Brooklyn
(map)

To get to the meeting, take the B16 bus to 13th Avenue at 56th Street and walk three blocks along 13th Avenue to 59th Street. To return home, take the B16 on 14th Avenue (schedule).

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Contact information for the 66th Precinct:
phone: (718) 851-5611
5822 16th Avenue
between 58th and 59th streets
Borough Park, Brooklyn
e-mail: 66precinctcc @ gmail.com
website: http://www1.nyc.gov/site/nypd/bureaus/patrol/precincts/66th-precinct.page
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NYPD66Pct or @66precinctcc

SUMNER'S LUNCHEONETTE DAYTIME AND EVENING SCHEDULE

The hours of operation for Sumner's Luncheonette, the "old school Southern luncheonette with that Pennsylvania Dutch twist," are

• Monday through Friday:
• open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm.
• coffee and pastries from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
• lunch from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Saturday and Sunday:
• brunch from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Friday, Saturday, and Sunday:
• open bar and casual dining area, serving a limited Butterfunk Kitchen menu from 5:30 p.m. until around 9:30 p.m.

Owners Eugenie Woo and Chef Chris Scott are looking forward to bringing back many of the community activities they hosted when they opened Brooklyn Commune, including classes, block parties, friendly food competitions, supper clubs, etc.

Location 
Sumner's Luncheonette
601 Greenwood Avenue, corner of Prospect Avenue, Windsor Terrace
(718) 686-1044
https://www.facebook.com/SumnersLuncheonette
@SumnersLuncheonette

CONCERT OF JEWISH MUSIC: A NEW SONG IN THE NEW WORLD: JEWISH MUSIC BY AMERICAN COMPOSERS

A New Song in the New World: Jewish Music by American Composers

Sunday, June 3rd, 7:00 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.

A New Song in the New World: Jewish Music by American Composers, a concert of choral music, features Shir Chadash: The Brooklyn Jewish Community Chorus (a four-part chorus) and special guests HaZamir: The International Jewish Teen Choir and soloist Cantor Rachel Brook, the Cantorial Fellow at Park Avenue Synagogue.

The music of Aaron Copland, Steve Cohen, Nick Page, David Burger, and others will be presented.

Scott Stein, Artistic Director of Shir Chadash, will host the program.

Ticket prices are $15 in advance and $20 at the door for adults, $5 in advance and $10 at the door for children under age 13.

The concert, presented in partnership with Church Avenue Sessions, will take place on Sunday, June 3rd, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.

Location
Flatbush Jewish Center
327 E. 5th Street
corner of Church Avenue
Kensington, Brooklyn, New York
phone: (718) 871-5200
fax: (718) 871-5204
office @ flatbushjewishcenter.org
http://www.flatbushjewishcenter.org
https://www.facebook.com/FlatbushJewishCenter  

OCEAN PARKWAY AND OTHER STREETS WILL BE CLOSED DURING NEXT WEEKEND'S HALF MARATHON

                               Popular Brooklyn Half Marathon
                      Saturday, May 19th, 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

New York Road Runners Popular Brooklyn Half marathon entrants will run from the Brooklyn Museum to the Coney Island boardwalk on Saturday, May 19th. The race will last for three hours, from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

The 13.1-mile half marathon will start near the Brooklyn Museum. Runners will run past the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and around Grand Army Plaza and then enter Prospect Park.

After running a loop around Prospect Park, they'll exit at the southwest corner (Park Circle/Machate Circle) and run onto Ocean Parkway toward Coney Island, where they'll finish on the boardwalk.

General entry to the Popular Brooklyn Half is sold out, but people can still get a spot in the race by signing up to run with NYRR's Team for Kids. 

This is the largest half marathon in the United States; about 30,000 people have registered to run. Last year, the race was called the Airbnb Brooklyn Half Marathon.
 
Parking won't be permitted during certain hours and streets will be closed: 

• Ocean Avenue southbound, from Flatbush Avenue to Parkside Avenue
• No parking: Friday, May 18th, at 4:00 p.m. through Saturday, May 19th, at 11:00 a.m.
• Street closure: Saturday, May 19th, from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

• Parkside Avenue westbound, from Ocean Avenue to Park Circle
• No parking: Friday, May 18th, at 4:00 p.m. through Saturday, May 19th, at 11:00 a.m.
• Street closure: Saturday, May 19th, from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

• Ocean Parkway, from Park Circle to Surf Avenue
• No parking: Friday, May 18th, at 4:00 p.m. through Saturday, May 19th, at noon
• Rolling street closure: Saturday, May 19th, from 6:00 a.m. through noon

NO F TRAIN FROM CHURCH TO STILLWELL THIS WEEKEND

F trains will not run in either direction between Church Avenue and Stillwell Avenue on weekends from Friday, May 11th, at 9:45 p.m. until Monday, May 14th, at 5:00 a.m.

Free shuttle buses will provide alternate service. Transfer between F trains and buses at Church Avenue.

F service will operate as usual between 179th Street and Church Avenue.

Shuttle buses operating between Church Avenue and Stillwell Avenue will stop at Ditmas Avenue, 18th Avenue, Avenue I, Bay Parkway, Avenue N, Avenue P, Kings Highway, Avenue U, Avenue X, Neptune Avenue, and W. 8th Street.

For direct service between Coney Island and Manhattan/Downtown Brooklyn, take the D, N, or Q instead. Transfer between D, N, and Q trains and buses at Stillwell Avenue. Transfer between Q trains and buses at West 8th Street.

The service suspension will accommodate structural improvements and signal interlocking modernization.

AGENDA FOR COMMUNITY BOARD 7 MEETING, INCLUDING A VOTE ON THE 57 CATON PLACE HIGH-RISE REQUEST

Public Meeting of Community Board 7

Wednesday, May 16th, 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

A vote on allowing two high-rise residential buildings and a retail business to be built at 57 Caton Place is on the agenda for the next public meeting of Community Board 7.

The public is invited to comment on this and any other issue during the Public Comment period (item 7 on the agenda below).

The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 16th, at 6:30 p.m., in the board's office at 4201 4th Avenue, in Sunset Park. The entrance to the building is on 43rd Street.

The anonymous developer who purchased the small warehouse at 57 Caton Place (right next to Kensington Stables) wants city agencies to rezone the land so that the two high-rises and retail business can be built.

Two towers, each ten stories tall and containing 107 residential units, plus 13,000 square feet of commercial retail space on the ground floor, plus a parking garage for 74 vehicles would be constructed. 

For comparison's sake, Foodtown at 382 McDonald Avenue and Walgreens at 114 Beverley Road are each 12,000 square feet. 

The possible side effects include 

• an increase in class size in the nearby schools,
• more passengers waiting on the narrow platforms at the Fort Hamilton Parkway subway station,
• additional car traffic (residents and shoppers),
• large, heavy trucks making deliveries to the retail space,
• reduction in street safety,
• traffic noise,
• air pollution from vehicles,
• further competition for existing parking spaces, and
• extra strain on the sewer system. 

The proposed agenda for the board meeting:

1. The Pledge of Allegiance
2. Opening of the meeting
3. Adoption of the agenda
4. Adoption of the minutes of the March 21, 2018 (rescheduled & held on April 18) board meeting
5. Adoption of the minutes of the April 18, 2018 board meeting
6. Adoption of the minutes of the public hearing on May 9, 2018
7. Public Comment
8. Committee Reports:
    A. Executive Committee
       1. Laying out Chairperson’s agenda for the remainder of the year
       2. Upcoming projects/events
    B. Land Use/Landmarks Committee
       1. Application #C170213 ZMK – 57 Caton Place – Seeking a zoning change from C8-2 and C2-4 (commercial) to R7A (residential)
    C. Ability and Access Committee
       1. Presentation from the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities
    D. Membership and Attendance Committee
       1. Discussion on the attendance of Ray Acevedo
9. Elected Officials and Representatives
10. District Manager’s Report
11. Chairperson’s Report
12. OId Business
13. New Business
14. Public Comment
15. Adjournment