Larry
Jayson presided over the zoom meeting with 10
participants.
Peter
Gomori, Treasurer
Jannette
Katz Gomori, Secretary
1. New York
State Assemblyman Robert Carroll was introduced.
Councilman Carroll is in Albany awaiting the state
budget approval proceedings. It is hoped that the
budget will be passed by the beginning of April.
Some sticking points are issues of affordable
housing, bail reform, and casinos.
There has
been additional funding given to SUNY and CUNY as
well as to the public schools, MTA funding, and
renewable energy projects. The Federal Stimulus
package has added funding to the State budget.
Robust tax receipts from state and city have added
as well.
The uptick
in crime was discussed. Councilman Carroll spoke
about preserving the Presumption of Innocence
structure.
Also spoken about was that most crimes
have nothing to do with bail reform. Reasons for
uptick in crime include the lockdown during the
pandemic, folks staying at home, and unemployment.
Bail is only used to compel people to return back to
court.
Rollout in
congestion pricing was discussed. The timetable
would suggest March or April 2023. Traffic is equal
to or above pre-pandemic levels. Limited exemptions
might include individuals with disabilities or under
medical treatment.
2. Pete
Gomori spoke about the East 5 Street block party
scheduled for May 14, pending permit approval. The
block would include the street between Albemarle Road and
Caton Avenue. A letter is being sent to everyone on the
block to inform people of the event. Activities
include tree management, street cleaning,
petitioning to restart composting, arts /crafts, and music. Bob Elstein of the Beautify Brooklyn movement is invited to
attend.
The purpose of the block party is for
neighbors to meet neighbors and to improve quality
of life. A $1000 grant was awarded to sponsor a
music event in Kensington that might be used for
this event.
3. Church
Avenue cleanliness was discussed.
The issue of 419
Church Avenue being vacant as well as the deli next
door contributing garbage on the streets adds to the
unsightliness and uncleanliness of the area. People
can call 311 to report this, as each store is
responsible for cleaning the front area of their
store.
Foodtown
was discussed regarding quality of freshness and
accurate advertising of sales. Larry Jayson will
speak to the manager regarding these issues.
Parkway
Pharmacy has a torn awning outside the building.
Larry Jayson will speak to the owners to see if the
awning can be replaced.
Trash
outside Dunkin Donuts is placed in black bags
outside the store. Is it possible to have bins used
instead of black garbage bags?
Pete Gomori suggested
having another volunteer cleanup on Church Ave
sometime this spring.
4. A
gathering of Uber drivers on Albermarle Ave near
Ocean Parkway has been observed daily around 4 p.m.
Larry Jayson will look into this to see if there is
any questionable activity.
Also mentioned was the
concern regarding a menacing person standing in the
middle of Ocean Parkway on an island leading to the
Prospect Expressway. 311 should be called as well
as the Neighborhood Coordination Officers, Karol
Smiarowsky at 917 826 6569 and Vivianne
Perrone at 917 863 5169. The 66th
Precinct can be called as well at 718 851 5611.
5. Participatory
Budgeting week is starting this week.
6. The next
ANA meeting will take place on Zoom in June, with the
date to be determined.
Respectfully
submitted
Jannette
Katz Gomori, Secretary
