Monthly Minutes - October 2010

Presentation top

To ensure that voters have an opportunity to learn how to use the paper ballot that will be implemented in the November 2010 election, the Board of Elections made a presentation, "Vote the New Way NY”. The public had an opportunity to use the new voting system, which uses an optical scanner to read marked paper ballots.

Public Hearings top

I. Mezcals 86 Rest Corp.
1474 86th Street
Brooklyn, New York 11228
Consumer Affairs License # 122126

The applicant seeks a recommendation for the renewal of a revocable consent to operate an unenclosed sidewalk cafe consisting of 7 tables and 17 seats abutting the existing restaurant.

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

II. Draft of Community Board 11's Capital and Expense Budget recommendations for Fiscal Year 2012.

The Chairman inquired if anyone from the public sought recognition. Hearing none, a motion was made by Lou Crispiano to close the public hearing. Seconded by Barbara Parisi. . Unanimously adopted.

Pledge Of Allegiance top

The meeting of Community Board 11 was opened with Paul DiSpirito having the honor of leading the Pledge.

Public Portion top

Mike DiSanto announced that there would be a rally on October 30th, located at 95th Street and 3rd Avenue on the dangers of hydrofracking. All were invited to attend.

A resident, who resides in the vicinity of West 12th Street and Avenue U, spoke regarding issues they are having with the students from Lafayette High School. She stated that as many as 50 students congregate on the corner, and are causing property damage. She requested additional police presence.

Louise Martini, representing Senator Golden, announced that there would be a rally to protest the MTA service cuts and fare hikes, on October 19th, at 5:30 PM on the corner of Bay Ridge Avenue and 3rd Avenue.

She further added that the Senator is sponsoring free flu shots on November 4, at the Bay Ridge Manor, 476 76th Street, from 10 AM to 1 PM. Flyers are available on the table.

Alice Wong, representing Borough President Marty Markowitz, announced that on November 4th, free flu shots will be available at Borough Hall from 11AM - 2PM.

Adewole Oduye, representing NYC Service and the Citizens Committee for NYC, invited volunteer-led neighborhood groups to apply for "Love Your Block" grants. Block transformation grants range from $500 to $1,000 and include support from city agencies including the Department of Transportation, Sanitation, and Parks and Recreation to help revitalize your block. Flyers are available for those interested.

Rocco Buonpane, representing Councilman Gentile, advised that with flu season approaching, the Councilman is sponsoring free flu shots on November 29th, at the Moose Lodge, 7711 18th Avenue.

Mr. Buonpane further advised that the Councilman would be holding a Town Hall Meeting with various city agencies, on November 9th at the Moose Lodge, 7711 18th Avenue at 7:30 PM.

Crystal Feng, representing Comptroller John Liu, introduced herself and advised that the Comptroller will be celebrating Polish American and Italian American Heritage month. Flyers are available.

Maya Kremen, representing Congressman Nadler, advised that the 9/11 Health Bill passed the House. This legislation will provide health care for those exposed to toxins released by the collapse of the World Trade Center towers. The bill will also reopen the federal Victim Compensation Fund to provide economic relief to those harmed by the attacks.

She further added that the Congressman, in conjunction with New York Elected Officials, is calling for an immediate action to ride New York City schools of dangerous PCBs.

Mr. Wen, a resident in the vicinity of Bay Ridge Parkway and 20th Avenue, spoke regarding the sound level of the amplified speakers that St. Dominic's Church uses. He once again requested assistance.

Melissa Batha, representing Congressman McMahon, announced the passage of the 9/11 Health Care legislation. She further advised that she is available to discuss any issues that the public may have.

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

Minutes top

Sal D'Alessio made a motion to adopt the minutes of the September 15, 2010 meeting. Seconded by John Garvey. Unanimously adopted.

Chairman's Report top

Mr. Guarinello thanked Shirley Fineman for the many years that she has represented Community Board 11 on the Coney Island Hospital Advisory Board.

James Orlando volunteered to represent Community Board 11 on the Coney Island Hospital Advisory Board.

The Chairman advised that there will be a change of date for next month's meeting due to the Veteran's Day Holiday.

Mr. Guarinello discussed the issue of trucks on side streets. He stated there are many instances in which large trucks go up narrower side streets to get to the avenues, and he would be working with the 62nd Precinct to address this issue.

The Chairman reported that Holy Family Home has been sold and the new owners are renaming the facility the Bay Ridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He stated that this community is proud of their neighborhood and he is very discouraged and disappointed in the new name. The Chairman stated he will be relocating the monthly meetings of Community Board 11.

Mr. Guarinello thanked the past administration and the staff for their hospitality in hosting the monthly meetings of Community Board 11.

The Chairman addressed the issues brought before the Board at the public portion of the meeting. He stated that he is referring the complaint regarding the amplified sound at St Dominic's to both DEP and the Precinct to make sure it is in compliance with the New York City noise code.

Mr. Guarinello referred the issue of the students of Lafayette to committee to address with the precinct.

Disposition Of Public Hearings top

I. Mezcals 86 Restaurant Corp.

Marnee Elias-Pavia, District Manager presented on behalf of Frank Segreto, Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Committee.

The applicant is requesting renewal of the license to maintain an unenclosed sidewalk cafe at 1474 86th Street. The outside cafe comprises approximately 160 sf and contains (7) tables and seating for 17 patrons. The structure extends ten (10) feet onto the sidewalk and is exactly one-half the width of the sidewalk in front of the restaurant. Accordingly, it complies with city regulations and the fact this is a revocable consent will effectively force the applicant to continue to comply with all rules and regulations.

Since there were no negative comments or complaints from the public, approval is recommended.

A motion was made by Bart Allegretti to approve the application for the renewal of revocable consent to operate an unenclosed sidewalk cafe consisting of 7 tables and 17 seats abutting Mezcals Restaurant. Seconded by Tom Colasanto. Unanimously adopted.

II. Draft of Community Board 11's Capital and Expense Budget recommendations for FY 2012.

The District Manager requested the addition to capital funding for citywide and/or borough wide support: Improvements and upgrades for the Department of Buildings computer system.

A motion was made by Bart Allegretti to approve the draft of Community Board 11's Capital and Expense budget recommendations for fiscal year 2012 as amended. Seconded by Barbara Parisi. Unanimously adopted.

Assemblyman Abbate top

The Assemblyman reported that since the last meeting of the board he has been spending his time here in the district. He stated that he has received 8 complaints today regarding the overflowing wastebaskets on 18th Avenue and general cleanliness issues.

District Manager's Report top

Marnee Elias-Pavia, District Manager reported the Department of Sanitation, will begin its annual night plow operation that enables the Department to respond to snow and ice conditions around the clock. When the department is not handling snow and ice events, night shift workers will collect household refuse and recycling. As a result, on November 8th the following areas will be collected at night: 78th Street - 86th Street between 14th Avenue and Bay Parkway.

The District Manager reported that during the borough consultations with the Department of Transportation she had an opportunity to question the siting of bicycle lanes. She was advised that there is no siting of the bicycle lanes, that they are installed based upon a master plan that the city put forth many years ago.

Ms Elias-Pavia suggested that the Transportation Committee meet and discuss recommendations in regard to the siting of bicycle lanes.

The District Manager reported that over the summer, at the request of residents in the vicinity of Highlawn Avenue between West 5th and 6th Street, a request was sent to the Department of Environmental Protection to survey the area due to street flooding conditions.

DEP has responded and is initiating a capital project for the installation of new catch basins on Kings Highway between West 5th and West 6th Street, to address the flooding condition.

The District Manager advised that the Fire Department Education and Safety Unit are here this evening distributing smoke detectors.

In closing, the District Manager reported that the Office of Emergency Management has issued a notification that a flood watch is in effect this evening through Friday morning. Relevant NYC agencies will be working closely to monitor conditions.

On motion the meeting was adjourned.

Attendance top

Present
• Bart Allegretti
• Gerald Bertuna
• Ross Brady
• Matthew Bromme
• Albert Campanelli
• Dr. Joseph Caruana
• Rosa Casella
• Thomas Colasanto
• Louis Crispiano
• Sal D'Alessio
• Paul DiSpirito
• Charles Farrauto
• Shirley Fineman
• John Garvey
• William Guarinello
• Tim Law
• Vito Marinelli
• Rosalee Manitta
• Raymond Mollica
• Vincent Nativo
• James Orlando
• Barbara Parisi
• Rabbi Gary Pollack
• Stan Roher
• Angelo Russo
• Antonio Troia
• Laurie Windsor

Absent
• Donald Clark
• Yoketing Eng
• Sarra Fronshtein
• Kevin Ly
• Anthony Mallozzi
• Vito Marangelli
• Corrado Manfredi
• Camillo Messina
• Ella Nigro

Excused
• Leonard Beninson
• Maria Campanella
• Msgr. David Cassato
• Jerry Chiapetta
• Joseph DiSanto
• Anthony Favale
• Man Wai Lau
• Albert Milone
• Nicholas Miraglia
• Frank Segreto

Guests
• Marie Ferraro
• Louise Martini - Senator Golden
• Cesar R. Bustamante Jr.
• Katy Rosa - Parks Department
• Adewole Oduye - NYC Service/Citizens Committee for NYC
• Val Henry - Downstate Medical Center of Brooklyn
• Al Fazio - Assemblyman Abbate
• Jeannette Stangarone
• Luke Stangarone
• Alice Wong - Borough President Markowitz
• Ms. Feng - Comptroller Liu
• Jake Oliver - Councilman Greenfield
• Hisham Morgan - Muslim American Society
• Rocco Buonpane - Councilman Gentile