Brooklyn Community Board 11

Monthly Minutes - June 2012

Minutes of Community Board 11's General Meeting and Public Hearing
Held on Thursday, June 14, 2012, at the:
St. Finbar's Confraternity Center, 1825 Bath Avenue

Table of Contents



The meeting was opened with Father Gelfand having the honor of the Pledge.

Public Portion top

Jane Carey, representing Councilman Greenfield, advised that the proposed city budget
includes drastic cuts to childcare and afterschool programs that most families depend
upon. Councilman Greenfield is fighting on the community's behalf to restore the
funding to these important programs.

Brooke Haley, representing JP Morgan Chase, specifically the branch located at 8523
20th Avenue, spoke regarding an application that has been filed with the Department
of Consumer Affairs for the establishment of a newsstand on the northeast corner of
20th Avenue and 86th Street. She stated that JP Morgan Chase is opposed to the
establishment of a newsstand at the proposed location due to sidewalk congestion and
safety concerns.

John Petito, a resident of 66th Street, spoke regarding litter that is blowing down his
block from 18th Avenue. He further stated that the vacant store on the corner has
become a trash magnet with people dumping black bags and food garbage. He
requested that the Board reconsider the replacement of the corner litter receptacles or
have the Department of Sanitation conduct more enforcement.

Charles Michaels, representing Assemblyman Colton, advised that the Assemblyman
is holding a rally on Saturday, June 16th at the Ulmer Park Depot at 11 AM, to demand
that the MTA restore the B64 bus route.

Kristian Krober, representing Councilman Gentile, advised that the Department of
Transportation is in the community conducting sidewalk repairs. He further explained
the program and advised those with any questions to contact the Councilman's office.

Mitchell Bass, representing New York City Office of Emergency Management, spoke
regarding the Ready New York Program. He focused on Hurricane preparedness and
discussed coastal evacuation zones. In closing, he urged residents to take and read
the literature that he provided.

Robert McCooz, representing Neighbors Helping Neighbors, provided an overview of
what his non-profit organization provides to home buyers, tenants and landlords. He
further advised that they will be hosting a greening seminar, which will be held at the
office of Community Board 7, on June 27th at 6:30 PM.

Ligia Guallpa and Victor Orellenas, representing the Worker's Justice Project, which is
a community based organization located at Bay Parkway at the water's edge, organizes
Latino day laborers. Part of their mission is educational programs, improve working
conditions and job training. They will be holding a fundraiser to ensure continuance of
their programs.

The Chairman inquired if anyone else from the public sought recognition. Hearing
none, a motion was made by Man Wai Lau to close the public portion of the meeting.
Seconded by Bart Allegretti. Unanimously adopted.

Minutes top

Mr. Guarinello advised that there are two amendments to the minutes. The first is to
Congressman Grimm's report. It should read, "new federal commuter tax benefits are
unfair, in that mass transit received a lesser amount". The second is to reflect that Stan
Roher was present.

A motion was made by Al Campanelli to adopt the minutes of the May 10, 2012 meeting
as amended. Seconded by Lou Crispiano. Unanimously adopted.

Perfect Attendance Awards top

On behalf of Borough President Marty Markowitz, the Chairman distributed perfect
attendance awards for the 2011/2012 term.

Chairman's Report top

Mr. Guarinello introduced and welcomed newly appointed board members: Vincent
Chirico, Yonah Glatzer, Michael Marks and Victor Wong.

The Chairman thanked Father Gelfand and Eileen LaRuffa of St. Finbar's for the
hospitality afforded to Community Board 11.

Mr. Guarinello congratulated Inspector Rooney and the men and women of the 62nd
Precinct for their Unit Citation, which was presented at the Annual NYPD Medal Day
Ceremony. The recognition was awarded for outstanding performance to the City of
New York in 2011.

The Chairman discussed the DOT sidewalk program and urged residents who have
tree damage to their sidewalk to contact 311. He further advised that the Department
of Transportation must violate a property owner for a defective sidewalk before they can
make repairs.

Mr. Guarinello addressed the comments made at the public portion of the meeting
regarding sanitation issues on 18th Avenue. He instructed the District Manager to
arrange a meeting with the Sanitation Superintendent.

Election Of Officers top

At the May 10, 2012 meeting, the Nominating Committee presented the following slate
of officers for the 2012/2013 term:

Chairman - William R. Guarinello
1st Vice Chair - Laurie Windsor
2nd Vice Chair - Shirley Fineman
Secretary - Man Wai Lau
Treasurer - Nicholas Miraglia

The Chairman inquired if there were any nominations from the floor. Hearing none, a
motion was made by Tom Colasanto to accept the slate of officers presented by the
Nominating Committee. Seconded by Louis Crispiano. Unanimously adopted.

Assemblyman Peter Abbate top

The Assemblyman advised the Board on the legislative issues being addressed
in Albany. One which is waiting the Governor's signature addresses prescription
drug abuse. The law calls for the creation of a prescription monitoring program and
mandating that controlled substances be electronically prescribed to prevent the abuse
of illegally-obtained prescription drugs.

John Garvey spoke regarding doctor shopping for prescription drugs and the effect it is
having on our children.

The Assemblyman advised that the database tracking system would alert authorities.

Assemblyman Abbate commended the Office of Emergency Management on the work
they perform. He stated that last year he toured the shelters that were opened in
preparation for Tropical Storm Irene and there were only 25 people. The Assemblyman
advised that he sent a letter to the City advising that the resources should be better
managed to prevent waste. He has not received a reply.

In closing he wished everyone a safe and enjoyable summer.

District Manager's Report top

Marnee Elias-Pavia, District Manager, addressed the statement made at the public
portion of the meeting regarding the proposed newsstand at the northeast corner of
86th Street and 20th Avenue. She advised that the Department of Consumer Affairs
has sent notification that they are seeking comments on an application for a proposed
newsstand at said location. The proposed location is within a C4 zoning district, which
title 19 -136 of the Administrative code prohibits sidewalk obstructions. In addition, title

20 of the Administrative Code states that no general vendor shall vend on any street
which is in a C4, C5, or C6 zoning district. These streets are restricted based upon the
determination that such streets are regularly too congested to permit the operation of
such business.

A motion was made by Lou Crispiano to oppose the proposed newsstand on the
northeast corner of 20th Avenue and 86th Street within the C4 zoning district. Seconded
by Man Wai Lau. Unanimously adopted.

The District Manager advised that the NYPD and DA Charles Hynes will be holding
the NYPD Fireworks Amnesty Day at the 62nd Precinct on June 30th from 9AM - 5PM
at the precinct located at 1925 Bath Avenue. This is an opportunity for residents to
anonymously turn in fireworks.

She further advised that she attended the JCH NORC Community Advisory Board
Meeting where a very informative presentation was made by the Department of Aging
on Medicare fraud and identity theft. Literature is available on how to safeguard
personal information.

Ms. Elias-Pavia advised that the Department of Transportation has notified the Board
that repairs have begun on the 15th Avenue Bridge over the Sea Beach line. Work to
be performed includes line stripping, and concrete work. While work is being done one
parking lane and sidewalk will be closed. Access to transit facilities and driveways will
be maintained. Work is expected to be completed by July 30th.

The District Manger announced that the Department of Transportation has approved the
installation of a new traffic signal at the intersection of 16th Avenue and 82nd Street.

A motion was made by Eileen LaRuffa to Adjourn. Seconded by Charles Farrauto.
Unanimously adopted.

Attendance top

    Present
  • Bart Allegretti
  • Matthew Bromme
  • Maria Campanella
  • Al Campanelli
  • Dr. Joseph Caruana
  • Msgr. David Cassato
  • Vincent Chirico
  • Thomas Colasanto
  • Louis Crispiano
  • Sal D'Alessio
  • Claudio DeMeo
  • Mafalda DiMango
  • Paul DiSpirito
  • Yoketing Eng
  • Charles Farrauto
  • Shirley Fineman
  • John Garvey
  • Yonah Glatzer
  • William Guarinello
  • Eileen LaRuffa
  • Man Wai Lau
  • Tim Law
  • Vito Marangelli
  • Vito Marinelli
  • Al Milone
  • Nicholas Miraglia
  • Raymond Mollica
  • Vincent Nativo
  • Rabbi Gary Pollack
  • Salvatore Rao
  • Stanley Roher
  • Sonia Valentin
  • Laurie Windsor
  • Victor Wong
    Absent
  • Warren Chan
  • Steve Chung
  • Don Clark
  • Yoketing Eng
  • Anthony Favale
  • Anthony Mallozzi
  • Michael Marks
  • Robert Yee
    Excused
  • Gerald Bertuna
  • Ross Brady
  • Jerry Chiapetta
  • Eric DiNapoli
  • March D'Ottavio
  • Antonio Troia
    Guests
  • Charles Michaels - Assemblyman Colton
  • Mitchell Bass - NYC OEM
  • Brooke Haley - Emmet
  • Marvin & Martin (JP Morgan Chase)
  • Lily Wong - Brooklyn Borough President
  • Robert McCooz - Neighbors Helping Neighbors
  • John Petito
  • Jane Carey - Councilman Greenfield
  • Ruben Colon
  • Sylvia Maraia - Councilman Recchia
  • Dennis Longo - 68th Street resident
  • Mike Bove - NIA
  • Al Fazio - Assemblyman Abbate
  • Lucille & Andrew Santano