Brooklyn Community Board 11

Monthly Minutes - January 2010

Minutes of Community Board 11's General Meeting and Public Hearing
Held on January 14th, 2010 at the:
Holy Family Home, 1740 84th Street

Table of Contents


Public Hearing top

Residential Streetscape Preservation Text Amendment
CEQR No. 10DCP013Y
ULURP No. N100129ZRY

The New York Department of City Planning filed an application for a citywide text amendment to clarify, revise, and introduce new regulations to preserve and enhance the streetscape character of residential neighborhoods. The proposed amendment aims to meet a number of goals with regard to front-yard planting, parking allowances and requirements, curb cuts, and open space in residential districts.

Mr. Guarinello inquired if anyone from the public sought recognition. Hearing none, a motion was made by Frank Segreto to close the public hearing. Seconded by Louis Crispiano. Unanimously adopted.

Pleadge Of Allegiance top

The regular meeting of Community Board 11 was opened with Monsignor David Cassato having the honor of leading the Pledge of Allegiance.

Public Portion top

Michael Sciaraffo, representing Council Member Vincent Gentile, advised that a rally was held on January 11th to protest the Metropolitan Transit Authority’s proposed service cuts of local bus service in our communities. He further advised that the Councilman has petitions, which everyone is urged to sign, and are available this evening.

Charles Glover, Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit, advised that the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York is accepting monetary donations for Haiti, which was devastated by an earthquake. Funds will be forwarded to reputable relief agencies and organizations. Those wanted to make a donation can call 311.

He further added that New York Task Force One, New York City's Federal Emergency Management Agency-sponsored Urban Search and Rescue team made up of specially trained personnel from the New York City Police and Fire Departments, has been activated and deployed to Haiti this morning to assist with relief efforts.

Monsignor Cassato advised that New York’s Catholic Parishes will take a collection this weekend and forward the money to Catholic Relief Services for aid work in Haiti.

Owen Johnson, representing State Senator Martin Golden, advised that the Senator in an effort to reduce paper waste has made online petitions available for those who wish to protest the Metropolitan Transit Authority’s proposed service cuts.

He further advised that those wishing to contribute to the Haiti Relief effort should do so through reputable organizations, such as the American Red Cross.

Maya Kremen, representing Congressman Jerrold Nadler, spoke about the resources available for those interested in donating to Haiti.

Julia Glauboch, representing the New York Fire Department Safety Unit, announced the FDNY partnered with NYC Service and New York Sports Clubs to launch FDNY CPR to Go, a program that offers free CPR classes at gym locations throughout the five boroughs. Participants in every class learn basic CPR skills from a member of the FDNY Emergency Medical Service. Anyone interested can call 311 or www.nyc.gov/service

Mike DiSanto, a resident of Gravesend, introduced himself. He discussed issues in the community and announced that he will be running for office in the State Senate.

Mary Placanica, representing Assembly Member William Colton, advised that petitions are available this evening to protest the Metropolitan Transit Authority’s proposed service reduction for local bus routes.

The Chairman inquired if anyone else from the public sought recognition. Hearing none, a motion was made by Laurie Windsor to close the public portion of the meeting. Seconded by Mafalda DiMango. Unanimously adopted.

Moment Of Silence top

Mr. Guarinello requested a moment of silence in memory of Frank Lofrano, father of board member Laurie Windsor; and for those who perished in the earthquake in Haiti.

Minutes top

John Garvey made a motion to accept the minutes of the January 14, 2010 meeting. Seconded by Man Wai Lau. Unanimously adopted.

Award Presentation top

Mr. Guarinello presented a plaque to Deputy Inspector John Sprague, on behalf of the Officers, Members, and staff of Community Board11, “In grateful appreciation for his outstanding leadership and dedication as Commanding Officer of the 62nd Precinct”.

Deputy Inspector Sprague thanked the board for the close working relationship that developed in the years that he has been a Commanding Officer. He advised that he is now the Commanding Officer of the 66th Precinct and is always available to the community.

Deputy Inspector James Rooney top

The Chairman introduced and welcomed Deputy Inspector James Rooney, the new Commanding Officer of the 62nd Precinct.

The Deputy Inspector thanked the Chairman and the community for the warm welcome. He further advised that he has worked for the Police Department for the past 26 years and has worked in several Brooklyn Precincts. For the past 4 years, he has served as Commanding Officer of a Transit Police Unit in midtown Manhattan. He looks forward to working with the Bensonhurst community.

Disposition Of Public Hearing top

Frank Segreto, Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Committee, reported that the Zoning Committee met to review the proposed Residential Streetscape Preservation Text Amendment, and concurs that the plan addresses many deficiencies in the zoning resolution that presently exist as they relate to inappropriate curb cuts and parking pads in front yards in low-density residence districts. Additionally, the proposed amendment fills in the gaps in the existing regulations by establishing curb cut rules in district where none exist and strengthens front yard planting regulations.

The goals of the text amendment are:
A) to strengthen front yard planting requirements in R1 – R5 districts;
B) apply stricter rules for curb cuts and front yard parking in R3, R4, and R5 single and two family districts;
C) reinforce original intent of the zoning resolution affecting residential parking and planting rules;
D) introduce new curb cuts rules where none exists to preserve streetscape character and on-street parking spaces;
E) and ensure adequate parking is provided for new dwelling units added to existing buildings in R3 and R4 districts, and that adequate parking is maintained in pre 1961 buildings.

Mr. Segreto advised that the committee supports the Residential Streetscape Preservation Text Amendment with the following recommendations:
A) The zoning resolution provides a clear definition of a side lot ribbon, as it relates to parking requirements;
B) That parking not be waived in the R5 zoning districts; and
C) That the City of New York, take measures to empower the Department of Transportation, or any other appropriate agency to enforce the Zoning Resolution as they relate to the Residential Streetscape Preservation Text Amendment.

Man Wai Lau made a motion to approve the Residential Streetscape Preservation Text Amendment with the recommendations of the Planning and Zoning Committee. Seconded by Bart Allegretti. Unanimously adopted.

Chairman's Report top

Mr. Guarinello reminded board members who are seeking reappointment to the Community Board to return their completed applications to the Brooklyn Borough President.

The Chairman advised that Senator Golden has supplied safety tips in regard to the 2010 Census. While it is critical that everyone participate in the census, there are safeguards to prevent residents from becoming a victim of fraud or identity theft. Never give out personal information, such as social security numbers; and always ask to see identification before answering any questions.

Assemblyman Abate top

The Assembly Member spoke regarding the serious budget deficit New York State is facing. He stated that creative solutions are needed to close the gap and numerous ideas are being looked at. Further updates will be made as they become available.

District Manager's Report top

Marnee Elias-Pavia reported that she attended a meeting with New York City Transit and their contractors where they presented the project-phasing plan for the rehabilitation of the seven stations on the West End line. It was reported that the work will be done in stages at all of the stations, with no closures except for Bay Parkway. The Bay Parkway station will receive a full station rehabilitation, which includes three elevators for handicap accessibility. There will be a few weekend closures at this station for the replacement of the token booth.

The District Manager reported that she and several board members attended a rally hosted by Councilmember Gentile, to protest the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s proposed cuts to local bus routes. The proposed service cuts within Community Board 11 are to weekend service on the B4, weekend Express Service on the X27 and X28, and overnight service on the B64.

A motion was made by Man Wai Lau to oppose the proposed service cuts to local bus routes within Community Board 11. Seconded by Frank Segreto. Unanimously adopted.


The District Manager advised that based upon the board’s recommendation the Department of Transportation has relocated the bus stop on Cropsey Avenue and Bay Parkway, in order to improve traffic flow.

Ms. Elias-Pavia advised that Community Board 11 has received notification regarding the reconstruction of seven bridges on the Belt Parkway. Although none of the bridges are within our district, impacts will be felt throughout all of our communities. There will be three lanes of traffic maintained during construction at all times during rush hours. Lane closures will be limited to off-peak and late night/early morning hours. Literature is available on the construction and lane closures. In addition, anyone interested in receiving email notifications can send a request to sevenbridgesoutreach@gmail.com

A motion was made by Tony Troia to adjourn. Seconded by Eileen LaRuffa. Unanimously adopted.

Attendance top

    Present
  • Bart Allegretti
  • Gerald Bertuna
  • Maria Campanella
  • Albert Campanelli
  • Rosa Casella
  • Msgr. David Cassato
  • Tom Colasanto
  • Louis Crispiano
  • Salvatore D’Alessio
  • Mafalda DiMango
  • Paul DiSpirito
  • Charles Farrauto
  • Shirley Fineman
  • John Garvey
  • William Guarinello
  • Eileen LaRuffa
  • Man Wai Lau
  • Kevin Ly
  • Albert Milone
  • Nicholas Miraglia
  • Raymond Mollica
  • Vincent Nativo
  • Rabbi Gary Pollack
  • Angelo Russo
  • Frank Segreto
  • Angelo Siciliano
  • Antonio Troia
  • Laurie Windsor
    Absent
  • Steve Balasiano
  • Leonard Beninson
  • Ross Brady
  • Iris Chiu
  • Donald Clark
  • Corrado Manfredi
  • Ella Nigro
  • James Orlando
  • Kalman Talbak
    Excused
  • Dr. Joseph Caruana
  • Jerry Chiapetta
  • Joseph DiSanto
  • Anthony Favale
  • Angel Geraldi
  • Anthony Mallozzi
  • Rosalee Manitta
  • Barbara Parisi
  • John Raffaele
  • Stanley Roher
    Guests
  • Michael DiSanto
  • Ramona Pontone
  • Victoria Curto
  • Owen Johnson – Senator Golden
  • Assembly Member Peter Abbate
  • Katy Rosa – Parks Department
  • Mary Placanica – Assembly Member Colton
  • Charles Glover – Mayor’s CAU
  • Hisham Morgan – Muslim American Society
  • Deputy Inspector James Rooney – 62 Precinct
  • Deputy Inspector John Sprague – 66 Precinct