Monthly Minutes - December 2008

Public Portion top

Faye Levine, Director of Social Services of the Jewish Community House of Bensonhurst located at 7802 Bay Parkway, addressed the Board regarding the Neighborhood Naturally Occurring Retirement Community in Bensonhurst. This program serves everyone 60 years and older that resides between 77th and 86th Street and 21st and 23rd Avenues. The program offers services at clients’ homes and at the JCH. The services include Social Services: case management, help with benefits, advocacy, referrals; Registered Nurse: free visits and consultations, blood pressure checks, health education workshops; Minor Home Repairs; Social Activities: multi-ethnic community chorus, trips, friendly phone calls, volunteer opportunities, Advisory Committee. The NY State Office for the Aging and UJA-Federation of NY funds the program.

The Chairman inquired if there was anyone else from the public seeking recognition. Hearing none, a motion was made by Msgr. David Cassato to close the public portion of the meeting. Seconded by Jerry Chiapetta. Unanimously adopted.

Minutes top

Louis Crispiano made a motion to adopt the minutes of the November 13, 2008 meeting. Seconded by Man Wai Lau. Unanimously adopted.

Chairman's Report top

Mr. Guarinello advised that there is a new addition to Community Board 11’s office staff. Carol Chan will be working part time from 1PM -5PM daily, and she is fluent in Chinese, in both the Cantonese and Mandarin dialects.

The Chairman discussed the issue of emergency medical care in both Maimonides and Lutheran Hospitals. Since the closure of Victory Memorial Hospital, the emergency rooms in Maimonides and Lutheran are overcrowded.

Mr. Guarinello advised that he would like to initiate a meeting with the presidents of both hospitals, in conjunction with Community Board 10 and legislative leaders for the purpose of discussing the healthcare issues for the residents of southwest Brooklyn.

The District Manager was instructed to send a joint letter with Community Board 10 requesting a meeting with the leadership of both Lutheran and Maimonides Hospital.

There was brief discussion regarding this matter.

The Chairman acknowledged Sgt. Kevin Cottingham, former Community Affairs Officer of the 62nd Precinct, who is now special assistant to Chief Fox of Patrol Borough Brooklyn South.

Sgt. Cottingham advised that tonight was the 62nd Precinct’s Holiday Party and on behalf of Inspector Sprague he is here to wish everyone a happy and healthy holiday season.

Assemblyman Abbate top

Assembly Member Abbate advised that on December 16th the Governor would present the proposed State Budget. The Assemblyman advised that he would report at the January meeting on the proposals.

He wished everyone a happy and healthy holiday season.

Council Member Vincent Gentile top

The Councilman advised that the groundbreaking ceremony for the new 665-seat primary/elementary school addition at PS 163 took place today. Furthermore, construction is ongoing at PS 229, which will provide an additional 650 much needed seats to our community.

The Councilman reported that in the Department of Education Five Year Capital Plan, when approved this spring, District 20 will have received 4,000 new seats, which will help ease the overcrowding conditions.

Councilman Gentile reported that today, together with Comptroller William Thompson, a news conference was held calling upon the Mayor to withdraw the Department of Aging’s Request for Proposals for the modernization of the senior centers. The RFP in modernizing the senior centers will actually consolidate and close approximately 70 -80 senior centers.

The Councilman advised that he is part of a lawsuit that has taken the Mayor to court, in an effort to force the Department of Finance to issue the property tax rebate checks. The case has been adjourned until next week.

Fire Department top

Lt. John Errico of the Fire Department Fire Safety Unit made a presentation to the Board on the issue of fire safety. He stressed the importance of working smoke detectors, as well as safety tips for the winter holiday season.

Literature is available.

Mr. Guarinello thanked the Fire Department for this evening’s presentation.

District Manager's Report top

Marnee Elias-Pavia reported that at the request of Inspector Sprague and Lt. Lavelle, a training session was conducted at the Community Board office, for the 62nd Precinct conditions unit with the Department of Consumer Affairs and the Health Department. The purpose of the training was to provide an overview of the general vending and mobile food license laws.

The District Manager thanked Fred Kreizman of the Mayor’s Community Assistance Unit for coordinating and attending the training session.

Ms. Elias-Pavia advised that on January 26th, the New York City Department of Homeless Services will conduct the Homeless Population Estimate. They need thousands of volunteers to canvas parks, subways and other public spaces to count the number of people living unsheltered in the city.

The District Manager advised that she will be participating in the count and if anyone is interested in joining to please contact her.

Ms. Elias-Pavia advised that the 2008-2009 Home Energy Assistance application is available for those interested.

Planning And Zoning Committee top

Frank Segreto, Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Committee, advised that the Department of City Planning has submitted a proposed text amendment to the Zoning Resolution to require indoor and secure bicycle parking in new multi-family residential, community facility, and commercial buildings in all zoning districts. A public hearing will be scheduled for the January meeting.

Mr. Guarinello wished everyone a healthy and happy holiday season.

A motion was made by Dr. Joe Caruana to adjourn. Seconded by Jerry Chiapetta. Unanimously adopted.

Attendance top

Present
• Albert Campanelli
• Albert Milone
• Antonio Troia
• Camillo Messina
• Charles Farrauto
• Donald Clark
• Dr. Joseph Caruana
• Frank Segreto
• Jerry Chiapetta
• Joseph DiSanto
• Laurie Windsor
• Louis Crispiano
• Mafalda DiMango
• Man Wai Lau
• Maria Campanella
• Msgr. David Cassato
• Nicholas Miraglia
• Paul DiSpirito
• Rabbi Gary Pollack
• Rosa Casella
• Rosalee Manitta
• Ross Brady
• Shirley Fineman
• Thomas Colasanto
• Vincent Nativo
• William Guarinello

Absent
• Angel Geraldi
• Angelo Siciliano
• Anthony Mallozzi
• David Gordon
• Ella Nigro
• Frank Naccarato
• Gerald Bertuna
• Iris Chiu
• Kalman Talbak
• Raymond Mollica
• Richard DiNapoli
• Sarra Fronshtein
• Steve Balasiano
• William Hongach

Excused
• Barbara Parisi
• Bart Allegretti
• Eileen LaRuffa
• John Raffaele
• Leonard Beninson
• Louisa Verito
• Stanley Roher

Guests
• Andrew Santano
• Assembly Member Peter Abbate
• Brian M. Adams
• Council Member Vincent Gentile
• Faye Levine - Jewish Community House of Bensonhurst
• Franca Bove
• Irina Zaslavskaya – Jewish Community House of Bensonhurst
• Lucille Santano
• Mary Placanica – Assembly Member William Colton
• Ramona Pontine
• Ron Greenberg
• Sal D’Alessio
• Sgt. Kevin Cottingham –PBBS
• Susan Grossman