Monthly Minutes for the year 2007
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Archived Monthly Minutes

Minutes of Community Board 11’s General Meeting and Public Hearing
Held on March 08, 2007 at the
Holy Family Home, 1740 84th Street.

Table of Content
Pledge of Allegiance
Public Portion
Minutes
Public Hearing
Moment of Silence
Captain Sprague
Assemblyman Abbate
Disposition of Hearing
Chairman's Report
District Manager's Report
Attendance

Mr. Guarinello, Chairman of Community Board 11 opened the meeting of March 9, 2007.

Pledge of Allegiance

Al Fazio, representative of Assemblyman Peter Abbate, had the honor of leading the Pledge.

Public Portion

Jo Blanda, a resident of the community spoke regarding the issue of the Health Station located on 16^th Avenue between 86^th Street and Benson Avenue.  Ms. Blanda stated that the property is not maintained and there are overgrown weeds and graffiti on the building.

The Chairman inquired if anyone else from the public sought recognition.  Hearing none, a motion was made by Frank Segreto to close the public portion of the meeting.  Seconded by Louisa Verito.  Unanimously adopted.

Minutes

A motion was made by Louisa Verito to accept the minutes of the February 8, 2007 meeting.  Seconded by Tony Troia.  Unanimously adopted.

Public Hearing

I.                  Thomas Caterers, Inc
1464 86^th Street
Consumer Affairs License # 1247383

The applicant seeks a recommendation for a revocable consent to operate a new unenclosed sidewalk café abutting its existing restaurant, which will consist of 7 tables and 20 seats.

The Chairman inquired if anyone from the public sought recognition.  Hearing none, a motion was made by Man Wai Lau to close the Public Hearing.  Seconded by Frank Segreto.  Unanimously adopted.

Moment of Silence

Mr. Guarinello requested a moment of silence in memory of Vincent Badalamenti Sr. who passed away on Tuesday.  Mr. Badalamenti was a long time Bensonhurst resident, business owner and community activist.

Captain Sprague

Captain Sprague of the 62^nd Precinct reported that the crime rates within our community are declining and he is very pleased with the work performance of the officers  in making Bensonhurst a safer place to live.

Mr. Guarinello thanked Captain Sprague for attending the meeting and congratulated our former Commanding Officer, Captain Frank Cangiarella on his promotion to Deputy Inspector.

Assemblyman Abbate

Assemblyman Abbate reported that the legislature has been working on the budget.  This year the new Governor has accelerated the process and two bills were passed that have been sitting for approximately five years.  These bills relate to workers compensation and civil commitment for pedophiles.

The Assemblyman addressed the health care portion of the budget.  The Governor’s proposal calls for one billion dollar cuts to health care.  Under this plan, facilities like Holy Family Home would face a loss of $600,000 to $700,000 in State Aid, which will affect staffing and patient care.

Disposition of Public Hearing

Frank Segreto, Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Committee, reported that the applicant Tommaso’s Restaurant is seeking permission for an unenclosed sidewalk café consisting of 7 tables and 20 seats.  The other restaurants on the block have outdoor seating. Mr. Segreto and the Committee recommend approval.

A motion was made by Tony Troia to approve the application submitted by Thomas Caterers, 1464 86 Street, for a revocable consent to operate an unenclosed sidewalk café abutting its existing restaurant consisting of 7 tables and 20 seats.  Seconded by Nick Miraglia.  Unanimously adopted.

Chairman’s Report

Mr. Guarinello advised that Bob Capano, on behalf of Congressman Fossella, would like to work with our Transportation Committee in identifying needed improvements at the subway stations within his congressional district.  He has requested a list including a brief summary of recommendations to submit to the Metropolitan Transit Authority. 

The Chairman requested that Barbara Parisi, Chair of the Transportation Committee address this issue.

Mr. Guarinello reported that he is serving as Chairman of Victory Memorial Hospital in an attempt to keep the institution viable.  The Hospital is open and the quality of care has increased. 

The Chairman advised that the hospital would not be what it once was but it is  trying to keep the emergency room open to serve our communities.

District Manager’s Report

Mr. Feuer spoke about Vinny Badalamenti who was a great man, and an important asset to this community, and he will be terribly missed.

The District Manager addressed the issue of the Child Health Station that was discussed during the public portion of the meeting.  One of the problems associated with the sale of the Health Station is that an abandoned railroad runs behind the property and the only access is through the Health Station. 

Mr. Feuer added that this is a complicated matter and 30 property owners are affected.

The District Manager reported that the Parks Department has responded to the Boards request to install a Greenstreet on 14^th Avenue between Poly Place and Cropsey Avenue, the site of the new Junior Golf Course.  We do not have a timeline as of yet.

Mr. Feuer advised that he and Marnee Elias-Pavia, attended a Community Recyclying Forum hosted by Public Advocate Betsy Gottbaum and the Uniformed Sanitationmen’s Association Local 831 IBT. There was a presentation made by Geoff Rathbone, acting general manager of Toronto’s Solid Waste Management Services, which in 2006 recycled or composted 43 percent of the waste it managed. It helps offset the cost by requiring industries whose products create the trash to share in the cost of recycling. This includes, among others, industries that make fast food, soft drinks, cat litter and newspapers.

Mr. Feuer reported that Councilman Gentile is working with Community Board 11 on a solution to the “Dirty Area” summonses that have been issued to residents by the Department of Sanitation.  The “Dirty Area” summonses can be written at anytime for as little as five pieces of paper on a property, which includes the driveway, alley, and front yard.

Mr. Feuer stated that he believes that these summonses should be issued only after complaints are filed with the 311 system.

Mr. Feuer discussed the truck traffic on 86^th Street, and advised that many produce markets are using delivery trucks in inappropriate ways.  The delivery trucks are utilizing parking meters and taking away much needed parking for shoppers.  In addition, some merchants are feeding the meters, taking away other merchants rights to have metered parking for their customers.

A motion was made by Frank Segreto to call upon the 62^nd Precinct to be more vigilant in enforcing the laws relating to delivery trucks on 86^th Street.  Seconded by Man Wai Lau.  Unanimously adopted.

The District Manager reported that the Department of Design and Construction has advised that catch basins will be installed at 66^th Street and 18^th Avenue, 66^th Street and 20^th Avenue, and 62^nd Street and 18^th Avenue. 

Mr. Feuer advised that the Health Department announced its NYC Condom, the first in the nation with an official brand.  The Health Department now distributes these condoms through health centers and community organizations and are available here this evening.  The purpose of the distribution is to reduce disease.