Monthly Minutes - September 2010

Public Portion top

Martin Cohen, an area resident, spoke regarding bicycle lanes. He stated the Department of Transportation needs to, on certain streets, make improvements in order make it safer for bicyclists. He made suggestions to convert some avenues to one-way, and to install bike lanes on narrower streets to connect to existing bicycle lanes. Mr. Cohen urged the Board to support protected bicycle lanes on Bay Parkway.

David Ng, representing Asian American for Equality, announced the opening of their office in Brooklyn. He invited everyone to the ribbon cutting ceremony, which will be held this Friday at noon.

Mr. Wen, who resides on Bay Ridge Parkway, spoke regarding the decibel of the amplified speakers that St. Dominic RCC uses instead of bells. He stated that from 8AM-9PM, on the hour, the speakers blare the recording of bells. He requested the Board's assistance in having the volume turned down.

Maya Kremen, representing Congressman Nadler, advised that the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, which would provide medical care to those whose health is affected by the collapse of the Twin Towers, did not receive a 2/3 majority required for passage. The bill is expected to be brought to the House floor within the next month under regular order, which requires only a simple majority to pass.

Ms. Kremen reported that the Congressman testified before the New York City Council regarding the dangers of hydrofracking.

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

Pledge Of Allegiance top

The meeting of Community Board 11 was opened with Barbara Parisi having the honor of leading the pledge.

Minutes top

Man Wai Lau made a motion to adopt the minutes of the June 10, 2010 meeting. Seconded by Barbara Parisi. Unanimously adopted.

Moment Of Silence top

Mr. Guarinello requested a moment of silence for John Raffaele and Milton Kramer. Both gentleman were long time members of Community Board 11 and will be terribly missed.

Chairman's Report top

The Chairman advised that the committee assignments for the 2010/2011 term have been made, and were mailed to all the members.

Mr. Guarinello advised that the Borough Consultations, which signifies the beginning of the next budget cycle, will be taking place at the end of the month. At the October meeting, we will hold a public hearing on Community Board 11's capital and expense priorities. If anyone has recommendations for submission, please contact the District Manager before October 1st.

The Chairman announced that the United States Census Bureau has recognized Community Board 11 as a valued partner and appreciated the Board's support in raising awareness in the 2010 census.

Assemblyman Abbate top

The Assemblyman advised that over the summer he has focused on local issues in the community. He added that the State was fortunate to receive federal funds for education and health care, which will now have to be appropriated wisely.

Councilman Vincent Gentile top

The Councilman welcomed the Board back from the summer recess. He reported that the tough decisions were made while working on this year's city budget and next year's budget looks no different. He stated the importance of volunteerism, and to assist those looking for volunteer opportunities he has published a booklet with listings available within the councilman's district.

Councilmember Gentile announced that free mammograms will be provided by the American Italian Cancer Foundation for women 40 years of age and older. The mobile mammography van will be in front of the councilman's district office on Thursday, September 30 from 11 AM to 4 PM.

He further stated that he will host a free seminar to let one know how one can use Small Claims Court and Housing Court as resources in one's tenant/landlord disputes and private claims. The seminar will be held at the Bay Ridge Library on Tuesday, October 5 at 7 PM.

In closing, he advised that he has been elected President of the Italian Caucus in the New York City Council for a one-year term.

Councilman Domenic M. Recchia Jr. top

The Councilman welcomed everyone back from the summer recess. He introduced Sylvia Maraia, who will be representing him in his absence at the board meetings.

Councilman Recchia, who also serves as the Chairman of the Finance Committee, reported that tax revenues are below what was anticipated for this time of year. He further advised that although these are difficult economic times, the council is committed to not raising property taxes and supporting non-profits.

The Councilman further discussed the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage funding, which is used for Medicaid, and the effect on the city's budget. He stated that the Senate has approved funding and the City's delegation in the House is working hard to get this legislation passed.

District Manager's Report top

Marnee Elias-Pavia, District Manager reported that over the summer recess she spent a considerable amount of time addressing issues associated with the rehabilitation of the West End D line, particularly the column work on 86th Street. She reported that in early July, the contractor by permit installed jersey barriers on 86th Street between 20th Avenue and New Utrecht Avenue to facilitate the work on the columns. By doing so, they eliminated parking spaces on this busy commercial corridor with no time frame on the steel delivery to make the necessary repairs and restore the roadway.

Working together with Council Members Gentile, Recchia, and Assemblyman Abbate, plans were amended so that the jersey barriers were removed and parking was restored to 86th Street while no column work is being performed.

The District Manager reported that Community Board 11 received notice from the Department of Parks and Recreation that they are soliciting Requests for Bids for the sale of food from mobile food carts at Bensonhurst Park. She further advised that she contacted the Parks Department to inquire how many current permits are awarded at this location since there are numerous ice cream trucks parked on Bay Parkway and the entrance to the promenade.

The agency has advised that there are no permits issued for Bensonhurst Park. The District Manager advised the agency that if they are going to solicit concessions then they need to enforce the rules and regulations.

The District Manager reported that Community Board 11 received from the Department of City Planning, a Notice of receipt, for informational purposes only, that applications have been filed for land use actions for the proposed Brooklyn Bay Center at 1752 Shore Parkway. The applicant is seeking a zoning map change from an M3-1 to a M1-1 designation, and special permits to develop a two-story commercial building, 3-story parking garage, and publicly accessible open space. She added that once the Board receives a Notice of Certification from the Department of City Planning, public review of this application would begin.

Ms. Elias-Pavia reported that the Department of Sanitation responded to the Board's resolution to remove corner litter baskets within Community Board 11 until the agency's budget can accommodate dedicated litter basket service. The agency denied the request, and reported that they have modified basket service schedules to facilitate the servicing of litter baskets in our community.

The District Manager requested that the public contact her with locations where baskets are misused and overflowing.

She closed her report by advising that the Board received a request for recommendation for the renewal of an unenclosed sidewalk cafe at Mezcals Restaurant, at 1474 86th Street. There are no changes to the application and a public hearing will be scheduled for next month's meeting.

A motion was made by Bart Allegretti to adjourn. Seconded by Tony Troia. Unanimously adopted.

Meeting adjourned.

Attendance top

Present
• Bart Allegretti
• Gerald Bertuna
• Ross Brady
• Matt Bromme
• Maria Campanella
• Rosa Casella
• Dr. Joseph Caruana
• Jerry Chiapetta
• Tom Colasanto
• Louis Crispiano
• Salvatore D'Alessio
• Paul DiSpirito
• Shirley Fineman
• William Guarinello
• Eileen LaRuffa
• Man Wai Lau
• Rosalee Manitta
• Vito Marangelli
• Vito Marinelli
• Albert Milone
• Nicholas Miraglia
• Barbara Parisi
• Rabbi Gary Pollack
• Stan Roher
• Antonio Troia

Absent
• Leonard Beninson
• Donald Clark
• Anthony Favale
• Sarra Fronshtein
• Angel Geraldi
• Kevin Ly
• Anthony Mallozzi
• Corrado Manfredi
• Camillo Messina
• Vincent Nativo
• Ella Nigro
• James Orlando
• Angelo Russo

Excused
• Al Campanelli
• Msgr. David Cassato
• Mafalda DiMango
• Joseph DiSanto
• Yoketing Eng
• Charles Farrauto
• John Garvey
• Tim Law
• Raymond Mollica
• Frank Segreto
• Laurie Windsor

Guests
• Assemblyman Peter Abbate
• Councilmember Domenic M Recchia Jr.
• Rakhi Bhattacharya - Brooklyn Public Library
• Highlawn Branch
• Melissa Batha - Congressman Michael McMahon
• Maya Kremen - Congressman Nadler
• David Ng - Asian Americans for Equality
• Police Officer Stephen Agosta - 62nd Precinct
• Alice Wong - Brooklyn Borough President's Office
• Anthony Berardi
• Ray Vita
• Alfie Davis
• Sylvia Marcia - Councilmember Recchia
• Rocco Buonpane - Councilmember Gentile
• Marya Kanimje