AMENDED COPY
October 2nd 2008
Community Board 2 Public Hearing and Monthly Meeting
Attendance
| Aida Bartolome | Kate Brennan |
| Jean Carubia | Bessie Cassaro |
| Barbara Coleman | Stephen Cooper |
| Mary English | Richard Gundlach |
| Anne Hart | Marvin Jeffcoat |
| Rev. Joseph Jerome | Mohammed Choudhury Jewel |
| Tom Kalamaras | Ellen Kang |
| Marie Konecko | Sheila Lewandowski |
| Rita Manton | Gregory Matos |
| Gertrude McDonald | Dorothy Morehead |
| Patrick Murray | Patrick O’Brien |
| Goksel Secilmis | Regina Shanley |
| David Shin | Carol Terrano |
| James Van Bramer | Al Volpe |
|
Robert Wilkanowski
|
Absentees
| Andrew Anzalone | Alyson Baker |
| Diane Ballek | Thomas Casey |
| Lisa Deller | Mike McSweeney |
Guests
Assemblywoman, Marge Markell
Arriba Arriba Jorge Moreno
o Juan Sarmiento Lisa Willis
o Morgan McLean Randy La Fargue
Ridgewood Times John Curran
o Sam Goldman
Councilman Jos. Crowley’s Office
o Dennis L. Deahn
Agenda
Pledge of Allegiance
Comments by Public Officials/Guest Speakers
Assemblywoman Marge Markey
Assemblywoman Markey thanked Mr. Conley for all of his years of dedication and the personal attention that he has offered and donated to Community Board 2. She recognized Mr. Conley for having contributed endless hours for the betterment of the community.
Assemblywoman Markey stated she has learned that constituents are not interested in what has been done by the Community Boards and elected officials in the past but what improvements the community can expect in the future. Assemblywoman Markey explained that the financial situation of our country at this time would not allow her to offer predictions for the District’s future. This crisis will surely have an effect on New York State and to New York City. “The prognosis right now is not very good”, she said.
Assemblywoman Markey stated that she is hopeful that the monies that she has brought home to our District will not be taken away. She also spoke about current available funds that were intended for our park communities. She also discussed the changes on Grand Avenue such as antique lighting and hanging plants. This program has begun to expand to other areas such as Woodside, Sunnyside and Dutch Kills. Ten years ago, Assemblywoman Markey said she had made a commitment to a resident of Berkley Towers to add hanging plants along Roosevelt Avenue. Assemblywoman Markey stated that she is looking forward to working with Chairperson Conley to expand this program into neighborhoods within Community Board 2. This project, however, is contingent on funding.
She thanked Mr. Conley for working with her over the years and is looking forward to continuing their working relationship in the future.
Assemblywoman Markey said that she has been proud to serve for the last ten years. The Assemblywoman described having begun her career in community service when Walter McCaffrey was Chairman of Community Board 2. She then went on to serve on Community Board 5.
Assemblywoman Markey announced a Citation from Borough President Helen Marshall for Mr. Ron Casey, Board Member of Community Board 2. The Citation was for recognition for his 25 years of dedicated service to Community Board 2.
Presentation by Audrey Heffernan; Update on Ease Side Access Project
Representative from East Side Access Project explained that they were prepared to offer a visual presentation but were having difficulties with the equipment. The representative offered a verbal presentation instead.
He said that the East Side Access Project is a $7.2 million dollar project that has been created to bring the LIRR into Grand Central Terminal.
This Project has been under discussion for quite a while. To date, ESA has been awarded $1.2 million dollars for construction in Manhattan and approximately $3.5 million dollars worth of contracts in Queens. After years of planning, ESA is finally moving forward.
This Project is utilizing a section of tunnel that was built in the 1970’s as part of the NYC Transit’s 63rd Street Project. At that time an upper level tunnel was constructed. The lower level tunnel was constructed for the LIRR and the upper level tunnel was constructed for the NYC Transit system. It has been vacant since the late 1980’s and it is now being utilized.
Tunneling has been resumed at 2nd Avenue and 63rd Street. Two tunnels at 59th Street will be split into four tunnels. Those tunnels will be upper and lower access routes. The tunneling will continue onto Park Avenue at 52nd Street. The four tunnels in this area will be split into eight tunnels. The eight tunnels will continue into Grand Central Terminal. There are two large caverns under Park Avenue. The caverns are approximately 1,100 feet long and 60 feet wide and 60 feet high.
There will be 17 escalators added at the Grand Central Terminal. The escalators will travel from the mezzanine level up to the Madison Yard. The lower level tracks, 117-125, will be converted into the Concourse Level. There will be a series of entrances to the street and to Grand Central.
In Queens, there is a large Open Cut Contract or Bathtub that is essentially a large excavation that runs from Northern Boulevard into the existing rail yard. From that facility, four soft ground tunnels will be mined that will travel underneath LIRR & Amtrak trains and emerge within the main line tracks.
There will be three tunnels that will condense into two tunnels. The existing rail yard will be converted into a common storage yard at the completion of the project.
A contract is currently under way to create retaining walls and bridges in preparation for the creation of the new tunnels discussed.
The representative spoke about modifications over the past two years conducted at the Woodside Station LIRR location. It is expected to become available for service in November 2008.
The representative discussed current construction at 43rd Street.
Mr. Bob Ruggeri, the Construction Manager for the Herald State Point Project spoke about the plateau that the tracks currently occupy. This plateau will be widened. This will allow for additional tracks traveling into Grand Central Station. This Project will cost $140 million dollars and was awarded to Perini Construction in January 2008. There are several phases to this project. The development of retaining walls, bridges, a new traction power substation, tunnels underneath right-of-way for the purpose of transporting utilities, etc. The project is expected to be completed in approximately three years.
Most of the work will be “invisible” to the community and will occur within the railroad’s property between Sunnyside and the right-of-way.
The current construction is at 43rd Street in order to widen the bridge to make room for a track on the north side and the south side. Similar work will be done at 48th Street on the south side. Work has begun at the substation at Skillman Avenue and Honeywell. Parking spots have been taken out of service at this location. The retaining wall construction has begun within the Sunnyside Yard (south). This construction is not visible to the community.
Work that will be visible to the community is clearing vegetation and shrubbery along the right-of-way to create space for additional tracks. A new bridge will be constructed near Skillman Avenue and Honeywell. Mr. Ruggeri spoke of other retaining wall developments within this Project. The walls will not be very high but higher than the garages on Barnett Ave.
Mr. Ruggerio apologized for being unable to offer the visual presentation prepared for this Meeting. Mr. Ruggerio stated that the presentation would be made available to anyone interested in viewing it. Fact Cards were made available to the Attendees at this Meeting.
The color of the bridges has been a concern. A color sample will be provided to the Community Board.
The LIRR and the MTA are not in a position to commit to building the sound walls behind the garages on Barnett Ave. but are in a position to add vegetation.
Mr. Ruggerio thanked the Community Board and members of Sunnyside Gardens for all their cooperation.
Mr. Ruggerio entertained question from Community Board Members.
Mr. Conley stated residents of the area do not want sound walls. There have been many meetings discussing this item. There were concerns of graffiti.
Public Comment
Juan Sarmiento
Mr. Sarmiento is a restaurant owner in Sunnyside. Mr. Sarmiento has moved his business from Manhattan to Queens and hopes to be open for business in November. The restaurant is called Arriba Arriba, 40-15 Queens Boulevard, Sunnyside.
Public Hearing
To Receive Public Comment on Community Board 2’s Capital and Expense Budget Priorities for Fiscal Year 2010.
Application is for a Variance from the Side Yard Regulations Pursuant to Zoning Resolution Section 24-35(A).
Consumer Affairs Application
In the Matter of an Application for a Consumer Affairs License for an Enclosed Sidewalk Café with 14 Tables and 28 Seats at Borden Avenue Restaurants Inc. d/b/a Waterfront Crabhouse, 2-03 Borden Avenue, Long Island City.
In the Matter of an Application for a Consumer Affairs License for an Enclosed Sidewalk Café with 8 Tables and 16 Seats at R. Angels Inc. d/b/a as McDonalds, 57-25 Roosevelt Avenue, Woodside.
Attendance
Present; 30 – Absent; 7
A Quorum was present at this Meeting.
Approval of Minutes
The Minutes for the September 2008 Community Board 2 Public Hearing and Monthly Meeting have been Approved.
In Favor 29 Opposed 0 Abstention 0
Chairperson present but not voting.
Going forward, the Board Minutes will now be posted on the Community Board 2 website once they have been Approved.
Agendas and Minutes for the Committee Meetings will also be posted on the website.
Chairperson’s Report
- Accept Nominations of Officers. Vote for Community Board 2 Officers will be held on November 6th 2008.
Mr. Conley announced that the Nominations for Board Officers are due before voting takes place next month.
- Vote on Fiscal Year 2010 Capital and Expense Budget Priorities for Community Board 2.
Mr. Conley suggested that all review the modified Capital and Expense Items for discussion.
A Motion was made to Table this discussion until the November Meeting. The Motion was Seconded.
In Favor 29 Opposed 0 Abstention 0
Chairperson present but not voting
Senior Citizen Assaults
Mr. Conley spoke of reports of senior citizens being randomly assaulted in the area of 57th and 58th Street. It appears that there are three well-dressed males wandering the community and randomly assaulting senior citizens. Mr. Conley stated the importance of reporting a crime. No crime is “trivial” or something that is “bothering the police”. The police cannot react to a situation or a crime if it is not reported. Mr. Conley also stated that the community should be alerted of these occurrences.
Taxi and Limousine Commission
Mr. Conley spoke of a recent meeting he attended with the TLC.
The TLC was inquiring about the community’s perception of the cars in the area, particularly on 61st Street and Roosevelt Avenue. There was also discussion at this meeting regarding proper identification of vehicles with regard to signs or advertisements noting the cab company. Mr. Conley spoke about how passengers should try to record the license plate of the vehicle before getting into the vehicle.
Mr. Conley explained to the TLC that it is essential for the safety of the community that stricter regulations be established and enforced.
The drivers must have a specific license and there must be stricter inspections of these vehicles. Mr. Conley also spoke about rules and regulations within the vehicles themselves.
Mr. Conley spoke about how 46th Street is in need of stricter TLC enforcement as well.
Monday, September 29th 2008
Mr. Conley announced the honoring of Ms. MaryAnn Gurrado of Community Board 2. Congratulations, MaryAnn on a well deserved award!
District Manager’s Report
There were no reports offered by the District Manager at this Meeting.
City Planning Report
CUNY Dormitory
Ms. Mandy Ikert offered an update for the CUNY Dormitory on 5th Street. The building height has been reduced to 130 feet from 145 feet.
Rezoning
Mr. Conley and Ms. Ikert stated that the Community Board would be discussing rezoning along Queens Boulevard, Sunnyside and Woodside.
Strong Odors
Mr. Conley spoke about complaints that the Community Board has received over the summer months regarding strong odors emanating from the Hunters Point area.
Mr. Conley stated that the NYSEDC, the DOH and the contractor have been meeting with Mr. Conley to discuss solutions to this problem. Since the discussions have begun, the quality of the air has improved.
Saturday, October 4th 2008
Mr. Conley announced that Assemblywoman Cathy Nolan will host an open house at her new office. The new address is: 41-02 Queens Boulevard, Sunnyside. All are welcome!
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Environment Committee
Waste Management LLC
Ms. Morehead spoke about the presentation offered by Waste Management LLC at the September Environment Committee Meeting. The representatives of Waste Management LLC spoke about a community outreach program, which they run. The speakers asked for suggestions from the community for projects, such as tree planting, with which they could be of assistance. Any suggestions should be forwarded to Ms. Morehead.
Veteran’s Committee
Update Regarding Incident that Occurred on September 3rd 2008
Mr. Conley spoke about the essential need to have the Advisory Committee reestablished for this location.
Mr. Jeffcoat spoke about the developments over the last month with regard to this unfortunate incident. Mr. Jeffcoat stated that the assembled Advisory Committee would remain, however, the Committee will become part of the Community Advisory Board. This will allow access into the facility, which will then give the Veteran’s the benefit of representation.
Mr. Jeffcoat stated that Ms. Mary Wilson has committed to submitting reports to Mr. Jeffcoat. Ms. Wilson has been very cooperative and forthcoming in the past therefore Mr. Jeffcoat anticipates positive communication from Ms. Wilson.
The ICL plans to host a meeting for community members offering space on the Community Advisory Board. That meeting has been scheduled for October 14th at 6:30 pm at the Borden Avenue Shelter.
Update on St. Alban’s
Mr. Jeffcoat spoke with the VA Public Affairs Office on September 12th. The VA continues to review proposals from the vendors however the project itself has been put on hold until while the historical significance of the Naval Hospital is reviewed.
Mr. Jeffcoat entertained questions from Board Members. There was a lengthy discussion with regard to the details and facts of the evening of September 3rd 2008. Board Members expressed concern and disappointment regarding Ms. Wilson’s absence at this Meeting.
City Services and Public Safety Committee
Rescheduled City Services and Public Safety Committee Meeting
The October Meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, October 7th at 6:30 pm.
Continued Discussion Regarding Problem Parking by Elite Palace
Mr. O’Brien spoke about the continued parking congestion in the residential area near Elite Palace. The community has filed many complaints about parking issues in the neighborhood.
The City Services and Public Safety Committee will follow up on this issue. A newly hired general manager was in attendance at the September meeting to represent this establishment instead of the owner. The representative was unaware of the problem. The general manager told the City Services and Public Safety Committee that he would contact them within a week about actions the facility would take to rectify the problem. Mr. O’Brien, to date, has not been contacted by a representative of Elite Palace.
Mr. O’Brien encouraged the Board Members to review the Minutes for the September City Services and Public Safety Committee Meeting for updates on issues discussed.
Land Use Committee
Vote on proposed BSA Application 40-20 47th Avenue, Sunnyside. BSA Application # 172-08-BZ.
A representative of Herrick Feinstein offered a presentation. He said that the Sunnyside Jewish Center has been a neighbor of Sunnyside since 1929. The original synagogue was located on 43rd Street and expanded to 42nd Street. It was large enough to hold several hundred congregants.
Over the last several decades, the congregation has rapidly decreased in size. The original location was too large for its congregation therefore members of the Center decided to search for a smaller facility in Sunnyside for the convenience of the remaining congregants.
The above said location was chosen for the facility. It is a two story semi-attached residential building. The Center has purchased the building and is seeking a Variance from the Board of Standards and Appeals for the side yard requirements.
A brief visual presentation was offered.
The Applicant entertained questions from Board Members.
A Motion was made to Approve the granting of the Variance for this Temple to allow the facility to avoid the side yard requirement. The Motion was Seconded.
In Favor 29 Opposed 0 Abstention 0
Chairperson present but not voting
Vote on proposed Consumer Affair Application for Enclosed Sidewalk Café with 14 Tables and 28 Seats, Waterfront Crabhouse, 2-03 Borden Avenue, Long Island City.
There were no representatives for this Application present at the Meeting.
Mr. Conley explained to the Attendees that this is an Application for a renewal for a sidewalk café that has been at this location for many years. Since this is a BSA Application, Mr. Conley asked for a vote by a Show of Hands.
A Motion was made to Approve this Application. The Motion was Seconded.
In Favor 29 Opposed 0 Abstention 0
Chairperson present but not voting
Vote on proposed Consumer Affair Application for Enclosed Sidewalk Café with 8 Tables and 16 Seats, McDonalds, 57-25 Roosevelt Avenue, Woodside.
Mr. Conley inquired with Mr. O’Brien whether McDonald’s planned to offer assistance with the Triangle. Mr. O’Brien did not have that information. Mr. Conley asked since the Community Board has been trying to have McDonald’s adopt the Triangle.
A Motion was made to Approve the Application. The Motion was Seconded.
In Favor 29 Opposed 0 Abstention 0
Chairperson present but not voting.
Health and Human Services Committee
There were no reports offered by this Committee.
Old Business/New Business
Bicycle Lanes
A Board Member spoke about a traffic accident on Skillman Avenue and 52nd Street.
Mr. Conley stated that he has submitted information regarding the bicycle lanes to the Sunnyside Bid. The Community Board is in opposition to the lane.
A Board Member discussed the enforcement of traffic rules for cyclists. There was discussion of cycling licenses and cycling insurance. This was discussed at length.
Mr. Conley spoke about the Department of Transportation’s lack of communication with the community in regard to citing the bicycle lane.
Mr. Conley said that the bicycle lane on Vernon Blvd. eliminated approximately 80 parking spaces and the businesses in the area are in opposition.
Community Board 2 New Website
Mr. Conley announced the Community Board’s website address: cb2queens.org
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Mr. Conley the Board members to encourage all to have a mammogram.
Mr. Conley reminded all Board Members to bring their Capital and Budget Items to the November Meeting. Additional documents will not be supplied to Board Members.
The next Community Board 2 Public Hearing and Monthly Meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, November 6th 2008.
Respectfully submitted by:
Cheryl Sinnott
VOTES
OCTOBER 2nd 2008
COMMUNITY BOARD 2 PUBLIC HEARING AND MONTHLY MEETING
Vote on proposed BSA Application 40-20 47th Avenue, Sunnyside. BSA Application # 172-08-BZ.
A Motion was made to Approve the granting of the Variance for this Temple to allow the facility to avoid the side yard requirement. The Motion was Seconded.
In Favor 29 Opposed 0 Abstention 0
Chairperson present but not voting
Vote on proposed Consumer Affair Application for Enclosed Sidewalk Café with 14 Tables and 28 Seats, Waterfront Crabhouse, 2-03 Borden Avenue, Long Island City.
A Motion was made to Approve this Application. The Motion was Seconded.
In Favor 29 Opposed 0 Abstention 0
Chairperson present but not voting
Vote on proposed Consumer Affair Application for Enclosed Sidewalk Café with 8 Tables and 16 Seats, McDonalds, 57-25 Roosevelt Avenue, Woodside.
A Motion was made to Approve this Application. The Motion was Seconded.
In Favor 29 Opposed 0 Abstention 0
Chairperson present but not voting
Vote on Fiscal Year 2010 Capital and Expense Budget Priorities for Community Board 2.
A Motion was made to Table this discussion until the November Meeting. The Motion was Seconded.
In Favor 29 Opposed 0 Abstention 0
Chairperson present but not voting
