CRIME SPIKE AND COMPLAINTS ABOUT DRIVERS IN THE 72ND PRECINCT

Community Board 7 Remote Public Safety Committee Meeting

Tuesday, March 22nd, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The Community Board 7 (CB 7) Public Safety Committee will meet remotely (online and by phone) on Tuesday, March 22nd, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. All committee meetings and all board meetings are open to the public.

 

The agenda is as follows:

1. Resident concerns on the infestation of drugs on 4th Avenue between 24th and 25th Streets 
2. Spike in crime within the 72nd Precinct sectors and the plans to address the spike
3. 72nd Precinct data and response to complaints about illegal parking/traffic/driver misconduct that are submitted to 311 
4. Resident concerns on illegal parking and abandoned vehicles under the Gowanus Expressway from 18th to 36th Street, 56th Street between 2nd & 3rd Avenues, and 4th Avenue between 25th and 26th Streets. 
5. Residents concerns on quality-of-life complaints adjacent to the homeless shelters in CD7
6. Heroin use activities on 5th Avenue in the 50's
7. Sexual assault incident on February 26, 2022 stemming from the 45th Street train station
   

Deputy Inspector Ernesto Castro, Commanding Officer of the 72nd Precinct, will be in attendance.

 

Join the webinar from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone, or Android device by clicking on this link: https://bit.ly/3LV78di. You'll then be sent an e-mail with instructions on how to join.

 

Or join by audio only, using your home phone (wired or cordless). Follow the instructions shown in the e-mail under "Join by audio." Dial the phone number, then wait for the voice prompt to direct you to enter the Webinar ID and the Passcode. 

 

Learn how to use your home phone for muting, unmuting, and raising your hand to ask a question by clicking on this link: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362663-Joining-a-Zoom-meeting-by-phone#h_bed3d657-6064-4c52-8cc7-42eff6315e4f.

You can also view the meeting on CB 7's YouTube Channel. Click here to watch it: www.youtube.com/channel/UCcAZ1cECSeZI8iNyQDKuX5Q.

 

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Community Board 7

4201 4th Avenue (entrance on 43rd Street)

Sunset Park, Brooklyn

phone: (718) 854-0003

fax: (718) 436-1142

bk07 @ cb.nyc.gov

http://www1.nyc.gov/site/brooklyncb7/index.page
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Brooklyn-Community-Board-7/195263140637225
https://twitter.com/bkcb7
https://www.instagram.com/brooklyncb7

 

PARK CIRCLE SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS: ONLINE MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC (FREE)

 

 Park Circle: existing conditions (left), proposed conditions (right)

  

Park Circle Safety Improvements
Tuesday, August 17th, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Safety improvements at Park Circle will be discussed at the CB7 Transportation Committee virtual meeting on Tuesday, August 17th, at 6:00 p.m. The meeting is open to the public.

 

Register in advance for the meeting at https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ObVPDvUbRzejVtxQz8dxHA. After you register, you'll receive an e-mail that confirms your registration and contains information about joining the webinar by PC, Mac, Android, iPhone, cell phone, or landline phone.

 

The meeting can also be viewed on Community Board 7's YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/channel/UCcAZ1cECSeZI8iNyQDKuX5Q.

The meeting was called because the New York City Fire Department reported problems they were having when navigating their emergency vehicles through traffic within the circle. The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) then studied Park Circle for possible improvements to the traffic situation. 

 

The DOT is proposing changes to the road markings within the circle. They would reconfigure all of the travel lanes toward respective exits to improve traffic flow and organization.

 

Currently, the markings within the vehicular area of the circle only include lane lines. DOT would add arrow markings, in-road messaging, and additional signage for improved traffic guidance. They would also add Qwick Kurb and plastic delineators in striped areas to denote the separation of traffic movements. 

 

The improvements are designed to relocate exiting traffic queues and prevent the blocking of through traffic within the circle. That would help keep the circle operating during heavy traffic periods.

 

This proposal won't adjust traffic signal timing or alter parking capacity in or near the circle at this time, but the DOT will monitor traffic conditions after the changes are made. They'll make further adjustments, if any are needed.

The drawings at the top of this blog post show the existing conditions as well as the proposed conditions. The full proposal is presented at https://www1.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/park-circle-cb14-mar2021.pdf. Implementation would take place in August/September 2021.

AGENDA FOR COMMUNITY BOARD 7 (WINDSOR TERRACE AND SUNSET PARK) PUBLIC MEETING

Community Board 7 Public Meeting

Wednesday, February 19th, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The regular monthly Board Meeting of Community Board 7 will be held on Wednesday, February 19th, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. CB 7 includes Windsor Terrace and Sunset Park.
 

Proposed agenda

1. The Pledge of Allegiance
2. Opening of the Meeting
3. Adoption of the Agenda
4. Adoption of the Minutes of the Board Meeting of January 15, 2020
5. Public Comment
6. Committee Reports:
    A) By-Laws Committee (No Vote Required)
       January 22, 2020
         1) Continue discussion on by-law changes
         2) Review preliminary revisions
         3) Feedback strategy for larger board
        February 11, 2020
         1) Finalize by-law proposals and vote on recommendations
         2) Send recommendations to legal counsel for review
         3) Send recommendations to full board with the 2 required readings and a May vote for approval
    B) Asian Affairs Committee (No Vote Required)
         1) Discussion on community impact by Industry City rezoning
         2) Discussion on community impact by proposed mega development project at 6208 8th Avenue
         3) Discussion on 8th Avenue traffic congestion and pedestrian safety
         4) Discussion on sanitation concerns
         5) Update on Census 2020
         6) Other community issues and concerns
    C) Economic Development-Waterfront Committee (No Vote Required)
        1) Update on the Bush Terminal site improvements
        2) Update on Made in New York campus activation plan
    D) Education/Youth Committee (No Vote Required)
         1) Review applications for the Youth Recognition Award
         2) Hear from Sunset Park parents regarding their concerns around new schools in the community
    E) Land Use/Landmarks Committee (Vote Required)
         1) Application #C200092 ZMK – 312 Coney Island Avenue – Change from a C8-2 District to an R8A District bounded by Ocean Parkway, Park Circle-Machate Circle, Coney Island Avenue, Caton Place and a line 150 feet easterly of East 8th Street
         2) Establish within the proposed R8A District a C2-4 District bounded by Ocean Parkway, Park Circle-Machate Circle, Coney Island Avenue, Caton Place and a line 150 East 8th Street
    F) Parks Committee (No Vote Required)
         1) Presentation by the Waterfront Alliance to discuss kayaking infrastructure and human-powered boating opportunities at Bush Terminal Piers Park
         2) Update on capital projects in CB7 district from the Department of Parks & Recreation
    G) Personnel/Internal Budget Committee (No Vote Rquired)
         1) Personnel updates
         2) Budget updates
         3) Executive Session
    H) Public Safety Committee (Vote Required)
         1) Community concerns regarding Fire Lounge located at 593 3rd Avenue
    I) Transportation Committee (No Vote Required)
         1) Presentation by DOT to signalize 59th Street and open pedestrian crossing for the new school PS 939/IS936
7. Elected Officials/Representatives
8. District Manager’s Report
9. Chairperson’s Report
10. Old Business
11. New Business
12. Public Comment
13. Adjournment

Location
Community Board 7 Office
4201 4th Avenue (entrance on 43rd Street) (map)
Sunset Park, Brooklyn
Accessible via the B35 bus, or the B16 bus to the B11, or the F train to the R

phone: (718) 854-0003
fax: (718) 436-1142
bk07 @ cb.nyc.gov
http://www1.nyc.gov/site/brooklyncb7/index.page
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Brooklyn-Community-Board-7/195263140637225
https://twitter.com/bkcb7
https://www.instagram.com/brooklyncb7

BICYCLE RIDER INJURIES IN KENSINGTON'S PRECINCT

How safe is riding around the city, and which neighborhoods require special caution?

Brooklyn is the scene of the majority of bike collisions.

While the average number of injured cyclists per 100 collisions citywide is 1.9, the second most dangerous [precinct] was the 66th precinct, with 5.1 cyclist injuries per 100 collisions in an area that includes Boro Park (Midwood and Kensington) in Brooklyn.

--"Six cyclists dead in NYC: where are the most

dangerous spots for bikes?"

New York Business Journal, July 14, 2015

Bicyclists (as well as pedestrians) are natural allies for supporters of traffic-calming measures.

A reading list for bicyclists to promote survival and safety: 

• Bike Smart: The Official Guide to Cycling in New York City, New York City Department of Transportation 
• Safe Bicycling in New York City (New York City and New York State traffic rules), New York City Department of Transportation 
• Resources for Riders, New York City Department of Transportation
• Sharing the Road (tips for motorists about bicyclists and rules for bicyclists), New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
• Protected Bicycle Lanes in NYC (Protected Bicycle Lane Analysis, New York City Department of Transportation
• Bicycle safety tips from the U.S. National Library of Medicine

Ride defensively.

CARS BANNED ON PROSPECT PARK'S WEST DRIVE

Prospect Park will be car-free after 9 a.m. on weekdays, starting on Monday, July 6th. On weekends and holidays, it will be completely car-free.

West Drive will be completely car-free 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Currently, cars are allowed on West Drive on weekdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (except on weekday holidays). West Drive runs southbound from Grand Army Plaza to Park Circle.

Cars will continue to be allowed on East Drive on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. (except on weekday holidays). East Drive runs northbound from Park Circle to Grand Army Plaza.
 
The aim is to make the park "healthier, safer and more accessible."

Commissioner Polly Trottenberg, Department of Transportation, pointed out that

"in Prospect Park, as the mayor has said, the traffic volumes on the West Drive have become only about 200 cars an hour, which we think the local street network can absorb very easily."

She added that

"the volumes of cars that are going on the East Drive are twice as high as they are on the West Drive. And there’s also the same considerations of those cars on the local streets, a lot of bus traffic, a lot of pedestrians. So, as we now have permanently no cars on the West Drive, that will presumably start to change commuting patterns, and we’ll monitor and we’ll see." 

See the press release from the Office of the Mayor as well as a transcript of his announcement.

The mayor also announced that "on Monday, June 29th, the entire loop drive north of 72nd Street in Central Park will be car-free."

CAN RESIDENTS GET TRUCKS REROUTED?

20th Street Truck Route Network Study

Tuesday, March 3rd, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Trucks create safety hazards, congestion, noise, and air pollution on McDonald Avenue, Terrace Place, Caton Avenue, and Church Avenue. These problems are felt by pedestrians, cyclists, drivers of other vehicles, and residents.

Traffic safety comes up often in conversations among residents of Kensington and Windsor Terrace, particularly after a neighbor gets injured or killed. Construction of a new elementary/middle school on Caton Avenue has been another impetus. We talk about our concerns and push our goals at meetings of community boards, the recently-formed grassroots organizations KWT Safe Streets and Windsor Terrace Safe Streets, and in online forums.

Let's see what we can learn from another neighborhood about the process of getting trucks rerouted at Wednesday's meeting in the Windsor Terrace Library. The Department of Transportation (DOT) will present its updated study on alternatives to the 20th Street truck route at a joint meeting with the Transportation committees of Community Board 7 and Community Board 14.

Truck traffic on 20th Street, from 3rd Avenue to 7th Avenue, has been a source of trouble for its residents for years. More than 200 residents signed a petition in 2010 citing property damage and congestion that two-way truck traffic had caused on the narrow street. Then, in February 2010, CB 7 requested that DOT study the truck route to see if the street could be made one-way.

DOT agreed to conduct a traffic study to develop truck route alternatives. The department formulated a plan (20th Street Network Review) that they published in January 2012. Some residents were dissatisfied with it and posted a petition opposing it. The community board then voted against the plan and asked the department to continue studying the problem.

DOT's revised 20th Street Truck Route Study is the latest product of this years-long struggle by residents. It analyzes alternatives for the local-truck route and through-truck route network in the neighborhood, with the goal of improving traffic safety and ameliorating congestion and pollution. Let's see what DOT has come up with.

Meeting location:
Windsor Terrace Library  
160 E. 5th Street, at the corner of Fort Hamilton Parkway
Brooklyn, NY 11218   
(718) 686-9707  
http://www.bklynlibrary.org/locations/windsor-terrace

DRIVER SURRENDERS AFTER HE HIT, KILLED, AND FLED

Prezidor Porbeni, the hit-and-run driver who struck and killed Kensington resident Guler Ugur-Yaaobi on New Year's Eve, turned himself in last night. The 28-year-old Bronx resident surrendered in the Manhattan District Attorney's office, accompanied by his lawyer.

Ms. Ugur-Yaaobi had been walking east in the crosswalk as Mr. Porbeni drove north in a black 2006 Land Rover. He had a green light.

From the Daily News:

"Prezidor Porbeni, 28, surrendered at the Manhattan District Attorney’s office and was charged with leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and driving with a suspended license. He was arraigned and held on $20,000 bail."

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The driver of an SUV struck and fatally injured a Kensington resident at 6:10 p.m. last night on the Upper West Side. The victim, Guler Ugur-Yaaobi, had been crossing Amsterdam Avenue at West 113th Street, right outside of St. Luke's Hospital. Ms. Ugur was admitted to the hospital immediately, where she was pronounced dead.

The 44-year-old owner of Guler Ugur Photography lived at 515 E. 7th Street, near Cortelyou Road.

We send our condolences to her family and friends at this terrible time.

Two articles about Ms. Ugur's photography:

• A Jewish world through a camera’s eye: Guler Ugur puts her heart into her photography — to awesome results
• Guler Ugur's work featured in new exhibit

HIT-AND-RUN DRIVER KILLS KENSINGTON RESIDENT IN MANHATTAN

 
UPDATE: The driver of the 2006 Land Rover, Prezidor Porbeni, surrendered in the Manhattan District Attorney's office last night. From the Daily News:

"Prezidor Porbeni, 28, surrendered at the Manhattan District Attorney’s office and was charged with leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and driving with a suspended license. He was arraigned and held on $20,000 bail."

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The driver of an SUV struck and fatally injured a Kensington resident at 6:10 p.m. last night on the Upper West Side. The victim, Guler Ugur-Yaaobi, had been crossing Amsterdam Avenue at West 113th Street, right outside of St. Luke's Hospital. Ms. Ugur was admitted to the hospital immediately, where she was pronounced dead.

The 44-year-old owner of Guler Ugur Photography lived at 515 E. 7th Street, near Cortelyou Road.

We send our condolences to her family and friends at this terrible time.

Two articles about Ms. Ugur's photography:

• A Jewish world through a camera’s eye: Guler Ugur puts her heart into her photography — to awesome results
• Guler Ugur's work featured in new exhibit