Monthly Minutes - March 2011

Public Hearing top

Responses to the FY 2012 Preliminary and Capital Expense Budget Submissions.

Mr. Guarinello inquired if anyone from the public sought recognition on this matter. Hearing none, a motion was made by Frank Segreto to close the public hearing. Seconded by Man Wai Lau. Unanimously adopted.

Public Portion top

Ray Riley, representing State Senator Martin Golden, spoke regarding the Governor's proposed budget and the effect the cuts in Title XX funding would have on local senior centers. He further stated that the Senator is opposed to cuts in Title XX funding, and is circulating petitions for those interested in opposing these cuts.

Mr. Riley announced that the Senator is hosting the Annual Special Education Forum, on Friday, March 11, 2011, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Regina Pacis Center, located at 1258 65th Street in Brooklyn. A Town Hall meeting for Bensonhurst and Gravesend residents on Thursday, April 7, 2011, at IS 228 located at 228 Avenue S at 7:00 PM.

Eunice Huang, representing the Chinese American Planning Council, announced their collaboration with Brooklyn Smoke Free Partnership to promote a smoke free environment. She hopes that the community will support their efforts.

Pauline Toole, representing We Are New York Community Project, advised that sponsored by the Mayor's Office of Adult Education and the City University of New York, they provide free English Conversation Groups to immigrant adults. Structured around We Are New York, TV program, these Conversation Groups help adult immigrants learn and practice English. With the TV show and the Conversation Groups, they are addressing the demand for English classes from the 1.8 million adult New Yorkers who want to learn English.

She further stated that they link volunteers, local organizations with meeting space, and community residents who want to practice English in weekly conversation groups. Each conversation group meets for two hours weekly over a ten-week period. Conversation group leaders work in pairs to guide between 12 and 20 adult immigrants practicing English. They train volunteer conversation group leaders and provide free class materials, including DVDs. Literature is available for anyone interested.

Maya Kremen, representing Congressman Nadler, advised that the Congressman, in conjunction with Reps. Maloney and Hinchey, wrote to the EPA requesting a review of the internal EPA decision to not call for a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing in the New York City Watershed.

She further stated that the Congressman was pleased that the City announced that they were addressing the issue of PCB contamination in New York City schools. They are moving forward with a comprehensive plan to remediate PCB contaminated light ballasts over the next 10 years. He hopes that they expedite the remediation.

Tambe John, representing Brooklyn Public Library New Utrecht Branch, requested that the public support the 60 branches of the public library system. Literature is available for those interested.

The Chairman inquired if anyone else from the public sought recognition. Hearing none, a motion was made by Tom Colasanto to close the public portion of the meeting. Seconded by Tony Troia. Unanimously adopted.

Minutes top

A motion was made by Mafalda DiMango to adopt the minutes of the February 10, 2011 meeting. Seconded by Charles Farrauto. Unanimously adopted.

Chairman's Report top

Mr. Guarinello advised that Councilman Gentile held a Town Hall meeting at the Moose Lodge, which was well attended and provided an opportunity to hear from residents their concerns and issues.

The Chairman announced a Community Appeal for Bob Howe's son Trevor. Bob is a resident and community leader in Bay Ridge. His son will be having a bone marrow transplant and will be in need of blood transfusions. A blood drive will be held. Anyone interested in donating should contact Joseph Licata at Sloan Memorial, 212-630-8177.

Mr. Guarinello announced that the Community Board will institute the Bensonhurst Spirit Award, which will presented to a person whose dedication and commitment exemplifies Bensonhurst.

Next month this award which will be presented to a Verizon worker who has gone beyond the call of duty on behalf of residents.

The Chairman advised that nominations from the community can be submitted to the Community Board office for consideration.

The Chairman thanked Msgr. Cassato for hosting the Community Board 11 meetings at the St. Athanasius School during the winter months.

Disposition Of Public Hearing top

A motion was made by Frank Segreto to accept the responses to the FY 2012 Preliminary and Capital Expense Budget. Seconded by Man Wai Lau. Unanimously adopted.

Assemblyman Abbate top

The Assemblyman spoke regarding budgetary issues and the proposal that Assembly has submitted in order to restore programs. He stated that tough decisions need to be made due to the fiscal climate and lack of funds.

He further stated that he has sent a letter to the Department of Transportation requesting that the Commissioner divert funds to street repaving and pothole repair due to the effects of the extreme winter weather had on our streets.

Councilman Gentile top

The Councilman concurred with the Assemblyman on the condition of the roadways and repairs should be a priority.

Councilman Gentile advised that as Chairman of the New York City Council Italian American Caucus, a letter was sent to the Mayor urging him to support the San Gennaro Feast in its entirety rather than a shorter version that was requested by the owners of boutiques and the Community Board. He further stated that this feast, which is in its 85th year, is an annual event that celebrates the contributions and history of Italian Americans. The Mayor has shortened the hours of the feast but maintained the length of the festival.

The Councilman reported that as a result of the Council's Blizzard hearings a package of legislation was introduced. This package includes bills that the Councilman introduced, which calls for the City to have a dedicated website that advises residents of the status of government services due to severe weather conditions or other emergency. It also calls for the city to identify snowplow routes and snow removal priority designations (primary, secondary, or tertiary) for city streets.

Planning And Zoning Committee top

Frank Segreto, Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Committee, reported that he attended a meeting with Purnima Kapur , Brooklyn Director, City Planning, Councilman Gentile, Marnee Elias-Pavia, and Peter Mugavero to discuss proposed commercial overlays. The primary areas discussed were the east side of 14th Avenue from 63rd Street to Ovington Avenue (70th Street) and 15th Avenue from 71st Street to 77th Street.

There is a significant amount of long-term retail stores already on the avenues. While they can continue to operate legally, these retail stores face considerable difficulty when attempting to renovate and/or modernize..

In the case of 14th Avenue, a commercial overlay would mirror the commercial overlay granted to the west side of 14th Avenue in CB-10 in the overall zoning overhaul of that district.

City Planning has studied the areas and feel that if a commercial overlay is granted, it would probably be C-2-4. A C-1 overlay would allow for additional parking on the site and attract larger retail operations such as Burger King. The C-2-4 designation would not allow an additional parking other than on the street, thereby keeping everything in character with the area.

They indicated that before they move forward, they would want a consensus of the affected community. The Planning and Zoning Committee will schedule a committee meeting in the near future, and invite residents from the affected area. They also indicated that should this proposal go forward it will be a zoning map change, requiring full approval. It will take approximately one (1) year to accomplish the change.

Mr. Segreto further reported that City Planning has conducted an extensive survey of Bath Beach, and it was determined that the present R4 and R5 zoning fits the character of the neighborhood. City Planning suggested that individual homes might be saved by granting them landmark status; however, as Councilmember Gentile pointed out, the LPC has not really looked at South Brooklyn.

District Manager's Report top

Marnee Elias-Pavia thanked the Brooklyn Smoke Free Partnership and the Chinese American Planning Council for attending the meeting and speaking about anti-smoking initiatives.

She stated that she has been smoke free for 10 months and quit through the help of the New York City Department of Health's free patch and gum program. She further stated that the council and administration has been at the forefront of anti-smoking legislation, and yet some of the agency rules are antiquated.

The District Manager advised the Board that the Department of Consumer Affairs offers as one of their stoopline permit categories the display of cigarettes and/or tobacco. This category should be removed to be consistent with anti-smoking initiatives.

A motion was made by Man Wai Lau to call upon the Department of Consumer Affairs to remove the tobacco/cigarette category from stoopline permits. Seconded by Frank Segreto. Unanimously adopted.

The District Manager reported that the Parks Department will be announcing their Clean and Green Brooklyn Anti-Littering campaign in the next few weeks. The agency is promoting community based organization and park users stewardship to keep the parks clean and liter free.

Marnee Elias-Pavia reported that she has met with the Department of Sanitation and the 86th Street Merchants Association regarding a trial-recycling program on 86th Street and 23rd Avenue. She advised that a merchant has agreed to adopt a set of paper and glass recycling receptacles, and on a trial basis, Sanitation has agreed to remove the litter receptacle. They will monitor the area for cleanliness and advise us of their findings.

The District Manager announced the 62nd Precinct Community Council will hold their monthly meeting on Tuesday, March 15th at 7:30 PM at the 62nd Precinct.

The Friends of Historic New Utrecht is presenting the Kings County American Legion Headquarters Band on Sunday, March 20th at 2:30 PM at the Parish House on 18th Avenue and 84th Street. Admission is free.

New Business top

Antonio Troia spoke regarding the high-density lighting on New Utrecht Avenue. He stated that it is a safety issue and the issue needs to be addressed.

The District Manager advised that the Department of Transportation has stated that there needs to be an organization in place that can accept funding to cover the costs for the increased electricity.

There was discussion regarding other locations that have high-density lighting.

Mr. Troia stated that he has surveyed residential areas and there are disparities in real estate taxes.

The Chairman requested that he submit locations for review.

A motion was made by Charless Farrauto to adjourn. Seconded by Al Milone. Meeting adjourned.

Attendance top

Present
• Leonard Beninson
• Matthew Bromme
• Al Campanelli
• Msgr. David Cassato
• Jerry Chiapetta
• Don Clark
• Thomas Colasanto
• Louis Crispiano
• Mafalda DiMango
• Sal D'Allessio
• Joseph DiSanto
• Yoketing Eng
• Charles Farrauto
• Shirley Fineman
• John Garvey
• William Guarinello
• Man Wai Lau
• Tim Law
• Vito Marinelli
• Albert Milone
• Nicholas Miraglia
• Raymond Mollica
• Vincent Nativo
• James Orlando
• Frank Segreto
• Antonio Troia
• Laurie Windsor

Absent
• Bart Allegretti
• Angel Geraldi
• Sarra Fronshtein
• Angel Geraldi
• Kevin Ly
• Anthony Mallozzi
• Corrado Manfredi
• Rosalee Manitta
• Camillo Messina
• Ella Nigro
• Angelo Russo

Excused
• Gerald Bertuna
• Ross Brady
• Maria Campanella
• Dr. Joseph Caruana
• Rosa Casella
• Paul DiSpirito
• Anthony Favale
• Eileen LaRuffa
• Vito Marangelli
• Barbara Parisi
• Stan Roher

Guests
• Eunice Huang
• Jake Oliver - Council Member Greenfield
• Mary Placanica - Assembly Member Colton
• Sylvia Maraia - Council Member Recchia
• Lily Wong - Borough President
• Kenneth Lazar - Department of Buildings
• Rachelle Rochelle - Brooklyn Smoke-Free Partnership
• Al Fazio - Assembly Member Abbate
• Tambe John - BPL New Utrecht Branch
• LaShawn Pagan - Home Reporter
• Pauline Toole - We Are New York Community Project
• Nick Curran - Rep. Grim
• Maya Kremen - Rep. Nadler