Meetings - Minutes

November 6th 2008
Community Board 2 Monthly Meeting and Public Hearing

Attendance

Andrew Anzalone	Kate Brennan
Jean Carubia	Thomas Casey
Bessie Cassaro	Barbara Coleman
Joseph Conley	Stephen Cooper
Lisa Deller	Mary English
Richard Gundlach	Anne Hart
Rev. Joseph Jerome	Mohamed Choudhury Jewel
Tom Kalamaras	Marie Konecko
Sheila Lewandowski	Dominic Lippolis
Rita Manton	Gregory Matos
Michael McSweeney	Gertrude McDonald
Patrick Murray	Patrick O’Brien
Goksel Secilmis	Regina Shanley
David Shin	Carol Terrano
James Van Bramer	Al Volpe

Absentees

Alyson Baker	Diane Ballek
Aida Bartolome	Marvin Jeffcoat
Ellen Kang	Dorothy Morehead
Robert Wilkanowski

Guests

Richard Elliot, La Guardia Comm. Coll.	Holly Brown, LICDOG
Sam Goldman, Time	Fanny Huiracocha, Queens College
Newsweekly/Ridgewood Times	Dorothy Kominsky
Dave Snyder, Snyder & Snyder	Tony Guerrero, PS 1 Art Center
Yun Kang, PS 1 Art Center	J. Walsh, Times Ledger
Bernard Callegari, Local 79	D. Arnold, Councilperson Gioia’s ofc.
M. Antoinette Vader, DDC	Vicki Polito, Sal & Vic

Agenda

Pledge of Allegiance

Comments by Public Officials/Guest Speakers
Mr. Conley introduced Ms. Mary Wilson Hall. He explained that in response to the allegations about mistreatment of residents during a search by the Dept. of Homeless Services on September 3rd, he and Mr. Jeffcoat, Chair of the Veteran’s Committee had met with Ms. Hall. She was in attendance at the November to discuss the events that occurred at the Shelter on September 3rd 2008 and respond to any question that Board Members had regarding the Shelter.

Presentation by Mary Wilson Hall, Department of Homeless Services

Ms. Wilson Hall discussed the remodeling of the Borden Avenue Shelter through the summer months. The modifications include private rooms. During the ongoing renovations, the residents were relocated to other temporary facilities. The Department of Homeless Services continued to work with the Veterans.

While this transition took place, an RFP to obtain bids for a new Shelter Manager was put out to bid. According to Ms. Hall, the contract with the Salvation Army had expired and there was no ability to renew it any longer. The contract was won by ICL, a provider that specializes in mental health and residential care. Ms. Hall stated that the Department of Homeless Services is “really pleased” to have ICL as the provider. She stated that ICL and the Department of Homeless Services have made tremendous efforts at Borden Avenue to change the culture and make it one of dignity and respect.
Ms. Hall said that often times, in shelters, “we find ourselves experiencing some concerns with drugs. Obviously drugs are illegal and they are not allowed in any of the facilities”. ICL has received reports from residents of the facility that there was quite a bit of drugs coming into that facility. In response to that, ICL and the Department of Homeless Services began to work with the Deputy Commissioner of Security, Michael Gagliardi. A locker search was conducted. Ms. Hall stated that she was aware that the word, “raid” was used, however, the DHS and ICL do not have the same authority as the NYPD or the FBI. Ms. Hall stated that the Department of Homeless Services prefers to conduct locker searches when the resident is present. Ms. Hall and Deputy Commissioner Gagliardi were both present on the evening of September 3rd. The search was scheduled during evening hours anticipating that the residents would be present.

During a scheduled locker search, every room is explored for contraband. Contraband was discovered in the locker search on the evening of September 3rd 2008; some arrests were made as a result of those findings.

Ms. Hall discussed two other complaints made by residents that evening. The first complaint was filed regarding a computer. She said that the computer was found on the floor and was tested and found to be in working condition. There was also a complaint regarding a damaged hat. The resident received an apology.

Ms. Wilson Hall stated that locker searches are, in fact, done throughout the shelter system. Ms. Wilson Hall stated that The Department of Homeless Services is committed to providing a safe atmosphere for Veteran’s as well as the staff. It is not unusual for searches to be conducted and the organization will continue to conduct searches in the future should the presence of drugs be suspected.

Ms. Wilson Hall stated that no resident was ever physically abused.

In regard to the incident of a man that committed a murder in Long Island City on the evening of September 3rd, Mr. Hall said that the man had not been a resident of the Borden Avenue Shelter for months.

Mr. Conley said that he had also met with the NYPD with regard to the evening of September 3rd. Many of the statements made at the Community Board Meeting in September by the residents of the shelter were inaccurate. Some of those residents had not been present during the locker search.

Ms. Hall entertained questions from Board Members.

Presentation by Richard Elliot, Vice President of La Guardia Community College regarding Signage on Thompson Avenue

Mr. Elliot provided two photographs for the Attendees to view. The college has been at its location since 1971. There have been approximately 15,000 students at college level studies registered at La Guardia Community College while approximately 35,000 a year registered in continuing education programs. This is a very large institution. This institution has four large buildings. One of those buildings is larger than Macy’s at Herald Square.

Mr. Elliot explained that LaGuardia Community College has obtained funding to install new signage on their buildings. The funding has come from the Borough President’s office and EDC. Three corners of two primary buildings would have new signage added. Mr. Elliot referred to the photographs he provided for the Attendees. Mr. Elliot spoke of adding a sign on the building on Van Dam and Thompson Avenue as well as the locations on Van Dam and 47th Avenue and Thompson Avenue and 31st Street. The signs for these building would be similar to the first building, however; not as large.

The signage would be designed to withstand hurricane-force winds (category 2; 110 miles per hour).

LaGuardia Community College plans to illuminate these signs to provide visibility at night.

Presentation by Yun Joo Kan, Chief Administrative Officer, PS 1 regarding New Programs and Capital Projects

Mr. Tony Guerrero represented PS 1. Mr. Guerrero presented information about the new entry kiosk and the light art installation that will illuminate the wall in front of PS 1.

Public Comment

Holly Brown, LICDOG
Ms. Brown is a resident a new development at 44-27 Purves Street, Long Island City. Ms. Brown said that she is representing residents of her building as well as LICDOG, a new organization formed by dog owners from the area.

Ms. Brown spoke of a strip land that is being utilized as an illegal dumping site and a parking lot. The site under discussion runs parallel to Dutch Kills Street, which is a dead end street; begins at Jackson Avenue; runs perpendicular from Jackson Avenue and ends at the LIRR/Amtrak train yards. The site is located at the exit and entrance near the elevated portion of the Queensboro Bridge near Thompson Avenue and Jackson Avenue. The property is owned by the Department of Transportation.

The site appears abandoned. Ms. Brown and her neighbors have proposed to convert the site into a much-needed green space. The site should be landscaped and fenced in to prevent further dumping. The proposal also discussed adequate lighting and the removal of an abandoned truck that is currently occupying one corner. Ms. Brown spoke of dedicating a small portion of this site for a dog run.

Ms. Brown stated that residents have contacted 311 on several occasions to report the illegal dumping. Ms. Brown also provided photographs.

Ms. Brown provided a list of signatures from residents of the area supporting the proposal for the development of a dog run at this site.

Ms. Brown discussed the improvement of the quality of life in the neighborhood.
She is seeking the support of the Community Board with regard to this proposal. Ms. Brown spoke of many volunteers willing to help clean the site as well as donate private funds for the clean up and development of a green space.

Mr. Conley suggested that Ms. Brown encourage her neighbors to report dumping while providing a license plate and the time of the violation. Residents who submit this information are entitled to receive half of the fine should those dumping get caught.

Ms. Brown entertained question.

There was discussion regarding illegal parking in the immediate area and surrounding blocks, as well.

Ms. Dorothy Kominsky

Site Formerly Occupied by Decorama, Queens Boulevard and 63rd Street
Ms. Kominsky discussed how this construction site has had no construction activity for approximately one year. As a result, she said that the location has been overridden with rodents, insects, etc. Ms. Kominsky expressed concern for the quality of the living conditions in the building once the construction is completed due to the current neglect.

Crosswalks at 60th Street and Queens Boulevard
Ms. Kominsky continues to report the trash that accumulates in this area.

Elimination of Bus Stops in the Area
Ms. Kominsky stated that this is a hazard to the handicapped. This also presents inconvenience to those who are forced to walk further from the bus stops to their homes. Ms. Kominsky expressed concern for safety.

Mr. Conley responded that the Community Board had learned of the bus stop eliminations on November 6th. There has been no announcement by the MTA to the community or the Community Board regarding the modifications and eliminations of bus service in the area. Mr. Conley stated that this is unacceptable. The Community Board would contact the MTA.

Public Hearing

To Receive Public Comment on Community Board 2’s Capital and Expense Budget Priorities for Fiscal Year 2010.
Mr. Conley asked if there were any Attendees present prepared to speak in favor of the Community Board 2’s Capital and Expense Budget Priorities. Mr. Conley asked if there were any Attendees present prepared to add to the Community Board 2’s Capital and Expense Budget Priorities. There were no speakers for this item.
And

In the Matter of BSA Special Permit Application Presented by Snyder & Snyder, LLP, to Represent Omnipoint Communications, Inc., on BSA Special Permit Application, 47-10 Laurel Hill Boulevard, Woodside. This Special Permit Application is for Leading Wireless Telecommunications Services in the City of New York, seeking Mount Nine Panel Antennas for Public Utility Wireless Communications and Related Equipment on an Existing Rooftop on a Portion of the Property, 47-10 Laurel Hill Boulevard, Woodside. The Site is in an R-4 District.
Mr. David Snyder, the attorney for Omnipoint Communications, Inc. (T Mobile), explained that T Mobile has applied for a Special Permit to install 9 small panel antennas on the roof of existing structure located at 47-10 Laurel Hill Boulevard.

Mr. Snyder said that Omnipoint Communications is licensed by the Federal Communications Commission to provide wireless mobile telephone services through the vicinity of New York City. In the immediate vicinity of the site in question, there is a gap in service, which prevents Omnipoint from providing reliable wireless service to its customers.

The Application submitted by Omnipoint would allow the installation of antennas that would close the gap and provide reliable wireless service.

Several factors merit favorable consideration for this Application:

No new towers and will use existing structures.

Antennas will comply with FCC standards.

No large structures.

Requested to come back and present design of a shield behind a wall which is called a stelf enclosure.

This site would provide an essential public utility service to the community. Virtually everyone relies on a cellular telephone for communications.

Last month (October 2008), the Applicant came before the Land Use Committee to present this proposal. The Committee made recommendations to the Applicant with regard to modifying the design of this project. The recommendation was to create a shield that the antennas would stand behind.

Drawings were distributed to the Board Members for review. The drawings were to reflect the recommendations from the Land Use Committee. The Applicant stated that if the modifications presented at this Meeting were acceptable to the Board Members, the Applicant welcomes the support from the Board Members to be presented to the BSA.

Mr. Conley stated that this item would be discussed and voted on at the December 2008 Community Board 2 Monthly Meeting and Public Hearing. He asked that the Board Members address Mr. Snyder with questions only. The Community Board tried to schedule a Public Hearing for this item but was unable to reserve a venue. Mr. Conley said that he also wanted to present this item to the United 40’s.

Mr. Conley outlined the discussions between the Applicant and the Land Use Committee in October. He stated that the Land Use Committee expressed concern for the aesthetics of the building once the antennas were added to the rooftop. The Land Use Committee recommended a wall that would essential “camouflage” the antennas. The wall should be created in a way to “blend” into the background. The existing antennas cannot be enclosed since they were installed before the law was changed.

Board Members and Mr. Snyder reviewed and discussed the photographs.

Board Members expressed concern for the health and safety of the community. The FCC has stated that the antennas are safe and do not pose any health threats to the community. There is no data to prove otherwise.

There was discussion with regard to the current billboard on that building. Mr. Conley said that he has asked the Department of Buildings to survey the current display on the building, which is illegal. Mr. Conley stated that the owner of the building is making money for the display of the illegal billboard and the addition of the antennas under discussion. Mr. Conley told the Attendees that he is hopeful that the landlord is putting those earnings back into the maintenance of the building.

Consumer Affairs Applications

In the Matter of an Application for Consumer Affairs License for an Unenclosed Sidewalk Café with 17 Tables and 36 Seats at Sal & Vik Corp., 47-46 Vernon Boulevard, Long Island City.
Ms. Vicki Polito told Board Members that this Application is the second renewal for (Bella Via Restaurant) 47-46 Vernon Boulevard, Long Island City to obtain a Consumer Affairs License for an unenclosed sidewalk café.

Ms. Polito stated the community enjoys the café at this location, especially during the summer months. The establishment does not typically set up all 17 tables, (usually 10 tables are sufficient), unless PS 1 events are hosted on a Saturday evening. The restaurant would then draw a larger crowd. Ms. Polito stated that more than 10 tables may also be set up on July 4th.

The Community Board staff has noted that this location has not had any issues or problems. Ms. Polito said that the community is happy with this restaurant.

There were no questions or comments from Board Members to Ms. Polito.

And

In the Matter of an Application for a Consumer Affairs License for an Unenclosed Sidewalk Café with 3 Tables and 8 Seats at Polaris Productions d/b/a Star Berry, 42-11 Queens Boulevard, Sunnyside.
A representative for the Applicant, Mrs. Kim, spoke on behalf of this Application. There were photographs offered for review by the Board Members.

It was stated in this presentation that the Applicant was willing to reduce the size of the table width in their application to 2 feet and 3 inches.

The representative of this Application entertained questions.

Board Member Attendance

Present: 30 Absent: 7

Approval of Minutes
There was a typographical error discovered on the October Minutes. The correction was noted.

A Motion was made to Approve the Minutes for October, with the noted correction. The Motion was Seconded. The Minutes for October 2008 were unanimously Approved.

Mr. Conley announced that the Board Minutes would not be posted on the Community Board 2 website until the Minutes have been voted on and approved by Board Members. The October Minutes would now be posted, with modifications, on the website.

Chairperson’s Report

October 8th Meeting with the Commissioner of the Department of Transportation
Mr. Conley reported that he requested that the DOT follow-up on a number of items. Mr. Conley listed those items:

Bicycle Lanes Added on Queens Boulevard in the CB2 District
Mr. Conley spoke about the possible plan to add a bicycle lane on Queens Boulevard. The Commissioner told Mr. Conley that that plan is not going into affect in 2009. This continues to be a great concern for the community.

Fencing on Queens Boulevard near 39th Street, 33rd Street and 32nd Street
Mr. Conley spoke about this item with the Commissioner. Fencing has been added by the DOT at these locations for the purpose of storing Department of Transportation equipment. This has eliminated parking in the area. Pedestrians are also walking along the outside of the fencing into Queens Boulevard. This has created a safety issue. Mr. Conley asked the Commissioner to survey these locations again.

39th Street
The location was initially utilized by the DOT to park trucks; it will now be utilized by the MTA.

Parking Meters under the No. 7 Train Viaduct
Currently the parking meters allow for maximum parking of four hours. Mr. Conley stated that merchants have requested that the maximum allowable time for parking to be reduced to two hours.

The merchants have requested this modification from the DOT in the past, and, Mr. Conley explained that “amazingly enough” the Department of Transportation has declined this request.

Mr. Conley spoke about the Board’s continuous challenge of the DOT’s responses to specific requests from the community.

Interrupted Service on the No. 7 Line
Mr. Conley announced that service would be interrupted from Flushing to Woodside on both sides of the subway line on Saturday, November 8th and Sunday, November 9th.

BID’s Holiday Lighting and Ribbon Cutting
This event has been scheduled for November 20th, 6pm at Queens Boulevard and 46th Street.

Elite Palace, Garfield Avenue and 69th Street, Maspeth
This location continues to be a source of complaints from the community. Mr. Conley and Board Member, Chairperson of the City Services and Public Safety Committee, Patrick O’Brien met with the owners of the location. The discussions included parking problems, late night noise, etc.

Mr. Conley spoke about the parking garage located on the top of the building. Mr. Conley and Mr. O’Brien encouraged the owners to utilize the lot on top of the building. There was also discussion about a parking lot across the street from the Elite Palace. The owner of that lot was approached by the venue in search of additional off-street parking. The owners of Elite Palace and the owner of the lot are currently renegotiating terms of the lease. There was discussion of negotiations with St. Mary’s Winfield. However, parking with St. Mary’s would not be a possibility.

Mr. Conley stated that the owners of Elite Palace claim to continue to search for solutions. Mr. Conley and Mr. O’Brien explained to the owners that the situation must improve before the renewal of their Liquor License.

The owners would be coming before the City Services and Public Safety Committee in November.

The Deputy Borough President had a follow-up meeting with Elite Palace to discuss these issues, as well.

Annual Toy Drive
This annual event has begun. Please remember the children! Donations can be brought to the Community Board 2 offices.

City Council Hearing for Hunters Point South
Mr. Conley announced that this Hearing was very well attended for the Queens Coalition for Affordable Housing. He said that he had testified at the Hearing. Mr. Conley offered his encouragement and suggestions with regard to adding jobs, parks, schools, health care facilities, etc.

Vote for Community Board 2 Officers
Mr. Conley asked the Board Members to refer to the Voting Ballots provided in their monthly packets.

Ms. Deller stated that nominations could be accepted at this Meeting. Ms. Deller announced the names of those nominated at the October 2008 Meeting.

Joseph Conley: Chairperson
Stephen Cooper: First Vice Chairperson
Patrick O’Brien: Second Vice Chairperson
Lisa Ann Deller: Secretary
Diane Ballek: Treasurer

Ms. Deller asked for any other nominations from the floor. Since there were no additional nominations offered from the floor, a Board Member made a Motion to accept the slate as presented. The Motion was Seconded.

A Roll Call Vote was taken;

In Favor 28 Opposed 0 Abstention 0

Chairperson present but not voting

Vote on Fiscal Year 2010 Capital & Expenses Budget Priorities for Community Board 2, Queens

Mr. Conley asked Board Members to refer to their Budget Portfolios provided in their monthly packets.

The Board Members discussed 35 items listed within the Capital Budget Priorities.

Mr. Conley referred to a prior meeting discussing the items for the current budget. Mr. Conley listed the proposed changes recommended for the first 10 items.

Redesign and construct sewers and catch basins to eliminate and prevent flooding. Locations include 58th Street to 69th Street from Tyler Avenue to Laurel Hill Boulevard.

Reconstruct industrial streets from Laurel Hill Boulevard from 51st Avenue to 47th Avenue, 69th Street to 72nd Drive, Queens Boulevard to Maurice Avenue.

Reconstruct Hunters Point Sewers to provide adequate service for hunters Point Waterfront Development and existing home and Manufacturing Companies in Hunters Point residential area. DEP should study the entire Hunters Point sewer system to determine areas that require new sewers and catch basins to provide adequate infrastructure to a community slated for major development.

Reconstruct Hunters Point streets. All side streets including 11th Street, 21st Street and 23rd Street. DEP should study the entire Hunters Point sewer system to determine areas that require new sewers and catch basins to provide adequate infrastructure4 to a community slated for major development.

Requesting funding for IS 125 for Design and Construction project money for expansion, currently there are 4 trailers on site with no shelter for children to enter or exit the schoolyard. This school is not handicapped accessible and is overcrowded. This school is over utilized and there is no playground space.

Provide funds to design and construct new Police station House to accommodate the 108th Precinct.

Reconstruct 61st Street from 39th Avenue to 37th Avenue including sewers and catch basins.

Reconstruct/replace sewers and additional catch basins on Calamus Avenue, 69th Street to 74th Street.

Provide funds to New York City Parks Department for reconstruction of John F. Murray Playground – Phase II.

Reconstruct Barnett Avenue between 48th Street and 52nd Street to include catch basins, sidewalks on both side of the street and retaining walls.

Board Members discussed the funding and proposed modifications for John F. Murray Playground.

A Motion was made to Approve the top ten items on the Capital Budget Priorities for Fiscal Year 2010; Community Board 2, Queens. The Motion was Seconded.

In Favor 28 Opposed 0 Abstention 0

Chairperson present but not voting

Request funds to construct a library on Parcel # 8 within the Queens West Project.

Request funds to reconstruct Big Bush Park located at 61st Street N/S Brooklyn Queens Expressway.

Request funds for design and reconstruction of 48th Avenue between 65th Place and 72nd Street in the Winfield area of Woodside.

Request EDC funds to develop open accessible space on EDC property in area north of 44th Drive, west of the Education Department Building and the east end of the East River.

Request fund to improve street lighting under LIRR overpasses as well as under the Long Island Expressway and Brooklyn Queens Expressway overpasses within Community Board. Additional lighting survey for specific location near 61st Street.

Provide funding to create/install barriers, signage and birth control to curtail pigeon population and droppings and provide funding to prevent roosting and nesting along the No. 7 subway line within Community Board 2, Queens.

Provide LIRR funds to create/install barriers to curtail pigeon droppings and nesting under overpasses in the Community Board 2, Queens District.

Construct and additional system to increase capacity of the Laurel Hill Pumping Station, which will alleviate flooding onto local streets and into dwellings in the area of Winfield Gardens.

Reconstruct sewers and catch basins on Woodside Avenue between 56th Street and 58th Street.

Construct Greenstreet Properties at the locations of 32nd Place and Queens Boulevard and other locations within Community Board 2, Queens.

Allocate NYCDOT funds to create/install barriers to curtail pigeon dropping and nesting under arterial roadway overpasses.

Continue to support funding for tree planting in Community Board 2, Queens.

Provide funds to replace sidewalks on city-owned property on 70th Street at 48th Avenue under the LIRR overpass.

Support funds to reconstruct streets, replace sewers/catch basins, etc. as recommended by the W. Maspeth Task Force and the Maspeth Industrial Commercial Owners Local Development Corporation.

Support funding for the purchase of a back-up attenuator light for parks Department employees, servicing malls in the Community Board 2, Queens District.

Provide funding to reconstruct the Woodside Avenue Bridge over the LIRR to include sidewalks and replacement fencing.

Provide fund to reconstruct the Borden Avenue Bridge over Dutch Kills.

Support funding for reconstruction of 51st Avenue Pedestrian Bridge over the LIRR main line.

Provide Parks Department funds to repair and restore “Victorious American Triangle Statue” base and refurbish base and statue locate4d on the northeast corner of 65th Place and Laurel Hill Boulevard over the Brooklyn Queens Expressway.

Request Parks Department funds to refurbish Veterans Memorial Square, the Civil War Monument, (Parks Department property), in Old Calvary Cemetery.

Reconstruct Borden Avenue between Van Dam Street and 30th Street; and 30th Place; and 31st Street; and 31st Place between Borden Avenue and 48th Avenue which includes new catch basins and improve drainage to release chronic flooding conditions.

Support funding for Wingo Wagon/Show Mobile Unit for the Parks Department to be used in Queens.

Construct environmental barriers as part of the LIRR East Side Access Project. The community complains of the extreme noise.

Install and replace sidewalks at 69th Place between Garfield and 51st Avenue.

Reconstruct a street on Greenpoint Avenue between Starr Avenue and Review Avenue.

A Motion was made to Approve the above 25 items, with modifications to move item No. 35 to read as item No. 19 and therefore, the remainder of the item numbers would read to increase by one. The Motion was Seconded.

In Favor 28 Opposed 0 Abstention 0

Chairperson present but not voting

Board Members discussed the 26 items listed within the Expense Budget Priorities for Fiscal Year 2010 for Community Board 2, Queens

Request Air Quality Testing Equipment in Community Board 2 District, Queens.

Provide funding to the Department of Youth and Community Development to establish a Beacon School within the Community Board 2 District, Queens.

Provide funds to New York City Parks Department for tree pruning contracts for Community Board 2 District, Queens and for the Borough of Queens.

Increase Department of Buildings Personnel Services Budget to allow for hiring of additional personnel Borough-wide.

Increase Police Officers at the 108th Precinct.

Request funding to FDNY to maintain manpower levels at a minimum of five at each engine company and five at each ladder company servicing the Community Board 2 District, Queens and the Borough of Queens.

Establish a senior center in Hunters Point due to the increase in senior population.

Increase funds to DFTA to meet growing demands for Home Care Service.

Increase funds to DFTA to provide Meals-on-Wheels to residents of the Community Board 2 District, Queens.

10 Increase fund to DFTA to meet growing demands for Day Care Programs for seniors, including Alzheimer’s Programs.

A Motion was made to Approve the top ten items on the Expense Budget Priorities for Fiscal Year 2010; Community Board 2, Queens. The Motion was Seconded.

In Favor 28 Opposed 0 Abstention 0

Chairperson present but not voting

Provide funds for weekly truck traffic enforcement within the Community Board 2 District, Queens from Northern Boulevard to Queens Boulevard at 48th Street; and Queens Boulevard South to 54th Avenue. Many complaints have been documented; target zone.

Request new lockers for IS 125; currently there are not enough to meet students’ needs.

Increase funds for DFTA to meet increased demands for transportation services for seniors.

Continue to support funding for the Parks Department to hire maintenance personnel o a full-time line to upkeep parks in the Community Board 2 District, Queens.

Continue to support funds for 6 month seasonal associates for the Parks Department.

Continue support funding of 6-month playground associates for the Community Board 2 District, Queens parks and playgrounds.

Provide additional funds to increase code enforcement inspectors and emergency repair inspectors at HPD.

Increase funding for purchase of new books and other material needed to meet the growing demand of library usage in the Community Board 2 District, Queens.

Provide funds to New York City Parks Department for tree pruning and stump removal contract for the Community Board 2 District, Queens; and for the Borough of Queens. Increase funds to New York City Parks Department/Forestry Division to enable the Agency to secure dead tree and stump removal contracts.

Request funds to be maintained to the NYCDEP for yearly catch basin repair contracts.

Continue funding NYCDOH, Bureau of Pest Control, Rodent Abatement and spraying for the West Nile Virus.

Fund NYCDOT to maintain current levels of manpower assigned to the sign shop, pothole crews and personnel to conduct traffic studies and/or surveys.

Continue funding graffiti removal programs in the Community Board 2 District, Queens.

Increase funding to hire more litigation attorneys for HPD.

Fund the purchase of smoke detectors to be distributed to the4 elderly and families with young children.

Request funds for full-time gardening personnel to m maintain the increasing number of Greenstreet sites in the Community Board 2 District, Queens.

A Motion was made to Approve the remaining 16 items of the Community Board 2, Queens Fiscal Year 2010 Expense Budget Priorities items with the following recommended modifications:

item No. 20 became item No, 22; and
item No. 21 became item No. 23; and
item No. 22 became item No. 20; and
item No. 23 became item No. 21.

The Motion was Seconded.

In Favor 28 Opposed 0 Abstention 0

Chairperson present but not voting

District Manager’s Report

Department of Sanitation Night Crew
The DOS would begin collecting recycling from 4-12; and 12-8 shifts as of November 10th 2008.

Website
The CB2 website www.cb2queens.org is now operating. Communication from the community with the Community Board is encouraged through the site.

Con Edison provided the template for this website. Mr. Conley thanked Con Edison for their assistance.

Budget Cuts
The Community Board offices throughout the Borough and the City are going to experience budget cuts. The volume of paper that the Community Board 2 offices circulate is going to decrease. The website is going to be helpful in the effort to reduce cost and waste.

City Planning Report
There were no reports or updates offered at this Meeting.

Committee Reports

Health & Human Services Committee
There were no updated reports offered from this Committee at this Meeting.

Environment Committee
Ms. Morehead was not present at the meeting and Mr. Conley offered a report for the Committee.

Transfer Station near Review Avenue
The transfer station near Review Avenue has been slated to increase activity. There would be two waste transfer stations in Queens; one within the Community Board 1 District and the second within the Community Board 2 District.

Mr. Conley learned at the Borough Board Meeting that the capacity is going to increase by 90%. He explained that the number of trucks traveling through the communities is going to become a tremendous burden. The increase of commercial waste would be substantial.

Mr. Conley stated that this modification was not processed through Public Review. The DOT stated that Mr. Joseph Conley testified in 2004 in favor of this modification. The discussion in 2004 regarding this item was not at a Public Hearing but a Scoping Session. This has been approved by City Council.

Mr. Conley expressed great concern about truck traffic and said that the Board would pursue this issue.

Veteran’s Committee
Mr. Conley was hopeful that the presentation offered by Ms. Mary Wilson Hall was informative for Attendees. He commended Board Member and Chairperson of the Veteran’s Committee, Mr. Marvin Jeffcoat, on all of his efforts and hard work for the Veterans.

Mr. Jeffcoat has also become a Member of the Advisory Committee at the Borden Avenue Shelter. Mr. Jeffcoat has arranged for monthly reports to be submitted to the Community Board for review.

City Services & Public Safety Committee

Murray Playground
Mr. O’Brien reported that an informative presentation was offered at the October Meeting with regard to Murray Playground. There was discussion about the funding for specific portions of the site. Programs for this playground would be discussed with the City Services and Public Safety Committee at a later date.

Mr. O’Brien spoke about the western portion of the park and the planned redevelopment. He stated that the Community Board 2 residents, organizations and other local programs should be a priority for permits obtained for the use of Murray Park Playground. This would be discussed with the CSPS Committee at a later date.

Newsletter Announcements
Ms. MaryAnn Gurrado would begin to post the SLA and TLC Applications that are submitted to the City Services and Public Safety Committee for review on the CB2 website. Mr. O’Brien encouraged anyone who recognizes an address that reflects problems or concerns in the community, to offer any information to the CSPS Committee. Any information offered can be addressed at the Committee Meetings.

Land Use Committee

Vote on Proposed BSA Application, 47-10 Laurel Hill Boulevard, Woodside

This item would be added to the December 4th 2008 Community Board 2 Monthly Meeting and Public Hearing Agenda. At this Meeting, the item would be discussed and voted on by Board Members.

Vote on Proposed Consumer Affairs Application for Unenclosed Sidewalk Café with 17 Tables and 36 Seats, 47-46 Vernon Boulevard, Long Island City

A Motion was made to Approve this Application. The Motion was Seconded.

In Favor 26 Opposed 0 Abstention 1

Chairperson present but not voting

Vote on Proposed Consumer Affairs Applications for Unenclosed Sidewalk Café with 3 Tables and 8 Seats, 42-11 Queens Boulevard, Sunnyside

A Motion was made to approve this Application for 2 small size tables and 4 seats with the dimensions of the tables to be 2 feet by 3 inches. The Motion was Seconded.

In Favor 21 Opposed 4 Abstention 2

Chairperson present but not voting

Jerry Wolkoff, Presentation on the development of Phun Factory located on Davis Street and Crane Street, Long Island City.
Ms. Deller offered a summary of this presentation offered at the October Land Use Committee Meeting.

Mr. Wolkoff is seeking to obtain a Special Permit to develop a new building at this site. The presentation included open space and other community uses such as a senior center.

Ms. Deller stated that this item would be a continued discussion.

Old Business/New Business

Campaign Signs
A Board Member inquired about fining candidates via the Department of Sanitation for littering the communities with campaign advertisements.

Sidewalk Maintenance
A Board Member spoke of landscapers working in the community that use leaf blowers to move leaves onto to other homeowners’ properties.

Mr. Conley stated that he would need to have the name of the landscaping company and the home address of where this has been occurring before he could research this complaint. Mr. Conley would also contact the Department of Sanitation.

A Board Member complained about the noise of leaf blowers. It should be considered noise pollution. Mr. Conley stated that the small engines are also harmful to the environment.

Parking on Skillman Avenue
On Friday, October 24th 2008, the Woodside Herald, printed comments with regard to a “safer Skillman Avenue” and also printed that representatives would attend the Thursday, November 6th 2008 Community Board 2 Monthly Meeting and Public Hearing to discuss this item. There were no representatives present at this Meeting, as stated in the article.

Applications have been submitted to the Department of Transportation to remove parking spaces on Skillman Avenue. A Board Member stated that he has received an agreement from the Department of Transportation that no parking spaces would be removed without a Public Hearing. The Board Member is concerned that the DOT may remove parking spaces without following through on the committed Public Hearing process for this issue.

Mr. Conley explained that the DOT contacted him with regard to this issue. The DOT was under the assumption that a presentation from the Agency was expected at this Meeting. Mr. Conley told the DOT, during that conversation, that this was incorrect information. Issues must be presented before the appropriate Committee and then brought before the Full Board at a later date.

The Commissioner of the DOT stated that anyone can submit written requests however; the DOT does not always honor those requests.

Barnett Avenue and 45th Street Triangle
Mr. Conley acknowledged Ms. Rose Tibaldi for her persistence in transforming the triangle at Barnett Avenue and 45th Street into a Greenstreet site.

Mr. Conley announced that, due to Ms. Tibaldi’s hard work, this location would now become a Greenstreet location. Congratulations!

This Meeting was adjourned.

The next Community Board 2 Public Hearing and Monthly Meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, December 4th 2008.

Respectfully submitted by:

Cheryl Sinnott