MEETING - MINUTES
September 4th 2008
Community Board 2 Monthly Meeting
Attendance
| Andrew Anzalone | Alyson Baker |
| Diane Ballek | Kate Brennan |
| Jean Carubia | Bessie Cassaro |
| Barbara Coleman | Lisa Deller |
| Mary English | Richard Gundlach |
| Ann Hart | Marvin Jeffcoat |
| Rev. Joseph Jerome | Tom Kalamaras |
| Ellen Kang | Marie Konecko |
| Sheila Lewandowski | Rita Manton |
| Gertrude McDonald | Michael McSweeney |
| Dorothy Morehead | Patrick Murray |
| Patrick O’Brien | Goksel Secilmis |
| Regina Shanley | David Shin |
| Carol Terrano | Al Volpe |
|
Robert Wilkanowski
|
Absentees
| Aida Bartolome | Thomas Casey |
| Joseph Conley | Stephen Cooper |
| Mohammed Choudhury Jewel | Dominic Lippolis |
| Gregory Matos | James Van Bramer |
Community Board 2 Members
Debra Markell Kleinert, DM
Mary Ann Gurrado
Guests
Councilman Gioia’s office Elgeo Harris
- Bernard Callegari Annette Breen
Candidate State Assemb. (D30) Emilia Crotty
- Tony Nunziato
LaGuardia Community College Louis Jones
- Samuel Farrell Rose Tibaldi
Times Ledger Ani Jankan
- Jeremy Walsh Deirdre Feenek
Columbia Journalist Dorothy Kominsky
- Hilke Schellmonn Jim Condes
Assemb. Cathy Nolan’s office Vitold Rak
- San Vargas David Rosaso
Tapwe Production Projects SEIU/1199
- Roslyn Dotson Bernadette Ellorin
Borden Avenue Shelter Derek Delvalle
- Eric Alexander Manny Caruana
- Shelia Bolar Ed Kampermann
- Previn Sanders Audrey Pheffer
- Antonio Floryanzia
- David Spear Ridgewood Times
o Sam Goldman
NYC Comptroller’s office DCP
Martha Ayon Mandy Ikert
Penny Lee
Agenda
Mr. O’Brien opened the meeting. He announced that Chairperson, Joseph Conley was out of town and that he, Mr. O’Brien would be serving as Chair for the meeting.
Mr. O’Brien congratulated Sunnyside Community Services on the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Sunnyside Senior Center.
Pledge of Allegiance
Comments by Public Officials/Guest Speakers
Sam Vargas, Representative of Assemb. Cathy Nolan’s office
Mr. Vargas of Assemblywoman Cathy Nolan’s office spoke in regard to the Borden Avenue Shelter.
Glenn Yule, Executive Director of Sunnyside BID
Back to School Health Screening
Mr. Yule announced that this event will be held at Noonan Playground on Greenpoint Avenue between 42nd and 43rd Street from noon to 3pmThe rain date has been scheduled for September 13th. The event will also supply school bags and school supplies.
Public Comment
Dorothy Kominsky
Ms. Kominsky is a resident of the Big Six Towers. She spoke about the vacant apartment building across from Busch Park (formerly the site of the Decorama Building). She explained that there has been no construction activity at the site since June 2008 and said that she had complained to Community Board 2 in the past. Ms. Kominsky expressed concern about homeless people occupying the site.
Crosswalk at 60th Street and Queens Boulevard - Ms. Kominsky complained about trash at this location and urged the Community Board and other Agencies to maintain the community.
Jim Condes
Roosevelt Avenue and 61st Street - Mr. Condes said that he has continually complained to the Department of Transportation with regard to the Z Bricks at this location. Commissioner McCarthy had promised to remove the bricks. To date, the bricks have not been removed.
Newsracks - Mr. Condes said that he has continually complained about the lack of maintenance for these racks. The racks are lined along Roosevelt Avenue in Woodside and they need cleaning. The DOT wrote a letter to Mr. Condes in February 2008 stating that the racks were inspected and failed inspection. To date, there has been no maintenance done to the racks.
Mr. Condes has also called Mayor Bloomberg’s Community Affairs Representative, Jennifer Manley. Ms. Manley has not responded to Mr. Condes’ calls.
Mr. Condes requested a meeting with Community Board 2’s Transportation Chairperson to discuss issues pertaining to the DOT.
Lighting on Woodside Avenue - Mr. O’Brien stated that the DOT is reviewing this matter. This issue has been discussed by Mr. Condes at past Meetings.
Vito Rak
Mr. Rak shared photographs of an area in Woodside that is in need of maintenance.
Woodside on the Move
Mr. Rak announced currently has employment opportunities available.
Roslyn Dotson, Tapwe Production Company
Ms. Dotson spoke about her organization, Tapwe Production Company, which is seeking to locate in Long Island City. The name of the facility is called, The Roller Room. Ms. Dotson offered a description of the facility and distributed brochures to introduce the organization.
Ms. Dotson entertained questions from Committee Members.
Tony Nunziato
Mr. Nunziato is a lifetime resident of the community and is a business owner in Woodside and a resident of Maspeth. Mr. Nunziato announced that he is running for Assemblyman for District 30. He shared some of his goals with the Attendees and entertained questions from Board Members.
Martha Ayon, NYC Comptroller’s Office
Ms. Ayon offered an update on the accomplishments of the Comptroller’s office during the summer months. Ms. Ayon spoke about homeowners who were victims of the flooding during the summer of 2007 and said that an extension has been issued in order to file for compensation. Ms. Ayon offered a website address, comptroller.nyc.gov and a telephone number; (212) 669-3960 at which to contact her office.
Eric Alexander, Veterans of Borden Avenue
Mr. Alexander explained to the Attendees that the Veterans of Borden Avenue are being mistreated. Mr. Alexander stated that the Veterans “under went a siege” on the evening of September 3rd. The personal belongings of the Veteran’s were searched by employees of the Shelter. Mr. Alexander told Attendees that a member of the Shelter was beaten. He stated that members of the Shelter had come to the Board meeting to seek help and to end the mistreatment of the residents of the Shelter. Mr. Alexander stated that there are many types of violations occurring at the Shelter.
Mr. Alexander entertained questions.
Marvin Jeffcoat, Community Board 2 Member, Chairperson, Veteran’s Committee
Mr. Jeffcoat asked Mr. Alexander about a signed statement authorizing the search of his personal living space. Mr. Alexander spoke about documents that were submitted to the residents by the new management when the Salvation Army left the facility. Mr. Alexander stated that he and his fellow Veterans did not have any choice. The documents were to be completed and signed or the residents would be forced to leave the Shelter.
Mr. Alexander stated that any modifications made in the management of the facility should be announced.
Mr. Jeffcoat stated that he is unhappy with the operations of the facility. He spoke about the legality of forcing the residents to sign any documents allowing random searches. Mr. Jeffcoat also spoke about violation of residents’ rights and waking residents in the middle of the night.
Shelia Bolar
Ms. Bolar said that she is an honorably discharged member of the United States Air Force. She described the incident that occurred at the facility on the evening of September 3rd.
Ms. Bolar said that 9 DHS cops jumped on a Puerto Rican male who did not provoke the incident. The cops were searching the pockets of other residents when this gentleman came through the door. The cops then asked him to empty his pockets. This gentleman was “not moving quickly enough for the cops”. Ms. Bolar describe one particular guard “who came across like a bully”, and got very close to this gentleman. The Veteran explained to the guard that he suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The guard ignored the Veteran and then the Veteran went “berserk”. The guard then struck the man in his chest. Nine other guards jumped over a counter and dragged the Veteran. The guards proceeded to beat this man with their fists and used profanity. Ms. Bolar stated that this Veteran did not resist the guards and was attempting to cooperate. The Veteran is also a diabetic. The guards were kicking this Veteran with their boots. More guards were called for help. The Captain intervened and told the guards to “back off”.
Ms. Bolar spoke about another Veteran of the facility who also who suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and witnessed the incident. Ms. Bolars said that out of frustration to the incident, the second Veteran committed a homicide on the street not far from the Shelter.
Ms. Bolar explained that this incident was “absolutely uncalled for”. The guards destroyed a brand new laptop computer that was purchased by a Veteran. The guard told the Veteran he did that “….because I felt like doing it and if you don’t get out of my way, I will bust you in the face”. Profanity was used.
Ms. Bolar spoke of a Veteran who has a pacemaker. She said that guards kicked him and shoved him out the door.
Previn Sanders, Veteran of Borden Avenue
Mr. Sanders said that he is an honorably discharged Veteran of Desert Storm, Desert Shield and has been a resident of the facility for approximately three weeks. He said that he was the owner of the destroyed laptop.
Mr. Sanders spoke about the abusive surroundings. He said that the Veteran who “as a direct result of being abused at the Borden Avenue facility, left the facility, used his military training, went onto the streets of Long Island City and took someone’s life.”
Mr. Sanders stated that this incident is the common problem of Community Board 2, the Borden Avenue Shelter and the community. Changes need to be made now or this will continue to happen. Nobody should be treated the way the Veterans were treated on the evening of September 3rd.
Mr. Sanders stated that the Veterans at the facility are frightened that another incident could occur at any time and described the discussion between himself and the guard that led to the destruction of his brand new laptop.
Mr. Jeffcoat stated that he planned to help the Veterans.
Mr. Sanders stated that the Veterans do not have any advocates. He feels that there is no concern for the Veterans. The Veterans feel alienated at Borden Avenue.
A Committee Member suggested that the Veterans call the 108th Precinct should a similar incident occur.
Antonio R. Floryanzia, Veteran of Borden Avenue
Mr. Floryanzia said that he is a Vietnam Veteran. He spoke about the abuse at Borden Avenue. Mr. Floryanzia has been a resident for 90 days and he is very eager to leave. He said that he was “appalled” at the incident that occurred on September 3rd . He said that he is ashamed and hurt and that no Veteran should be subjected to brutality.
David Spear, Veteran of Borden Avenue
Mr. Spear spoke of his background and explained that the facility is improperly run. Mr. Spear spoke of the Veterans’ personal space being ransacked.
Board Member, Gertrude McDonald thanked the Veterans for attending this meeting. She said that this situation would not fall on deaf ears. Elected officials will be notified and if necessary, the newspapers as well. Ms. McDonald stated, “This stops right now!” Mr. O’Brien stated that the Veterans have a friend in everyone in the room and each elected official.
The Board Members assured the Veterans that this is a very serious matter for the Board and that the issue would be investigated.
Attendance
Present: 29 Absent: 8.
Approval of Minutes
Chairperson’s Report
Mr. O’Brien offered the Chairperson’s Report in Mr. Conley’s absence.
September 11th 2001
A moment of silence was requested in honor of the upcoming anniversary.
Sunnyside Community Services
Mr. O’Brien spoke about the Sunnyside Community Services ribbon cutting ceremony that took place prior to the meeting. He said that many were involved in the efforts to open the new facility and that Mr. Conley’s assistance was critical in helping SCS to obtain their certificate of occupancy that allowed the facility to open. The Board Members offered a round of applause for Mr. Conley.
Odors in the vicinity of 5th Street and 46th Avenue, Long Island City
Mr. O’Brien said that there have been many complaints coming from the neighborhood in regard to odors from the site. He said that there is currently, remediation taking place and that Mr. Conley and Assemblywoman Nolan have been visiting the area and met with NYSDDC and the Department of Health with regard to this matter and they have requested more monitoring of the air quality. There was discussion of sand in the air and on the street. Mr. O’Brien assured the Attendees that Community Board 2 and elected officials will continue to monitor this issue.
A Board member inquired about the ball field and the substances that are emanating from the site.
Blend Restaurant, 47-04 Vernon Boulevard, Long Island City
Mr. O’Brien discussed the Liquor License Application at this location. He said that a very useful and productive meeting was held at St. Mary’s. The Applicant agreed to compromise and not seek an On Premise Liquor License but would seek a Restaurant Wine License with certain conditions. Based on this discussion, the City Services and Public Safety Committee voted not to oppose the Application. The Applicant also agreed to not seek an On Premise Liquor License for at least one year after the business began operation.
Mr. O’Brien spoke about a notice in the window of the establishment announcing the filing of a Liquor License Application. Mr. O’Brien contacted the State Liquor Authority and the Applicant’s attorney to confirm what particular type of Application. He confirmed that the license is not on premises, but a restaurant wine license. The agreement and conditions that the Applicant compromised to at the Special Meeting will be put in writing and forwarded to the State Liquor Authority. The SLA will incorporate the terms and conditions into the License issued to the Applicant.
Annual Capital and Expense Budget
Mr. O’Brien announced that the Annual Capital and Expense Budget had been distributed to the Board Members and it would be reviewed at the October 2008 Community Board 2 Monthly Meeting.
Ms. Deller said that a Budget Committee Meeting would be scheduled and that if Board members have additional items to add to the Budget they should send those to the Board office. The date of the Budget Committee Meeting would be announced.
Mr. O’Brien suggested that all Committee Chairpersons offer comments for issues that are aligned with the interest of the Committee.
Updated Contact List
A request was made to update the Board Member Contact List. That would be discussed at the October Meeting.
Anniversaries of Community Board 2 Board Members
Mr. O’Brien spoke about the dedication and hard work of the Board Members. There were several Board Members who would receive certificates for their tenure and service at this meeting.
Jean Carubia is celebrating her 10th Anniversary.
Lisa Deller is celebrating her 10th Anniversary.
Dorothy Morehead is celebrating her 15th Anniversary.
Kate Brennan is celebrating her 15th Anniversary.
Diane Ballek is celebrating her 15th Anniversary.
Gertrude McDonald is celebrating her 30th Anniversary. WOW!!! Congratulations, Gert!!
District Manager’s Report
Maurice Avenue and 54th Avenue Project
This project will begin shortly. A construction company has been chosen and Community Board 2 anticipates that construction will begin early September. One meeting has already been held with businesses and residents of the area. Another meeting will be scheduled. The date would be announced.
New Graffiti Waiver Forms
Forms have been provided for the Board Members. The forms are to identify graffiti in the area. The forms should be filled out and submitted to the Community Board offices. The forms would then be forwarded to the 108th Precinct. The location would then be scheduled for cleaning.
FY2010 Borough Consultations
Ms. Markell Kleinert would be attending these meetings.
Department of Transportation
Stacy Rawlins, DOT, the liaison for Community Board 2 has been assigned a new position. The DOT has assigned Ms. Kimberly Crewe as liaison for Community Board 2. Ms. Crewe would be introduced at the next District Services Cabinet Meeting on Wednesday, September 24th.
Halloween Candy Collection
CB 2 will begin collecting candy for needy children. Please bring donations to the Community Board 2 offices.
East Side Access Project
Representatives are to be invited to the October 2008 Community Board 2 Board Meeting for an update on this Project.
City Planning Report
Sunnyside/ Woodside Rezoning
Ms. Ikert said that the DCP had met with the Land Use Committee in August and would begin studying the Sunnyside/Woodside area for rezoning.
Hunters Point South Project
Reports are currently being written for this Project. There was a Public Hearing on August 13th. There were 19 speakers at the Meeting. The vote was In Favor 9 and Opposed 10 for this Project. The Project is slated to be voted on at the September 24th the City Planning Commission’s Public Hearing.
Committee Reports
Veteran’s Committee
Borden Avenue Veterans Shelter
Mr. Jeffcoat stated that he has spoken with Mr. Conley about the operation methods at the Borden Avenue Shelter. Mr. Jeffcoat spoke about the unacceptable conditions and treatment toward the Veterans at the Borden Avenue Shelter. The United Council for Veterans Rights will be protesting conditions at the Shelter. They have said that the protest would be peaceful.
Stand-down
The VFW plans to host a Stand-down. This is an event that would help Veterans schedule interviews and receive benefits and services that they are entitled to as well as clothing, etc.
Job Postings at ICL (Institute for Community Living)
Mr. Jeffcoat announced that the ICL has contacted the Community Board with job postings.
Mr. Jeffcoat discussed his meetings and discussions with ICL. When the organization initially began management operations of the Borden Avenue Shelter, an impressive presentation by ICL was offered. There was much discussion about how well the Veterans would be treated.
Mr. Jeffcoat said that Ms. Constance Brown, the Public Relations Representative for DHS, had been invited to attend this meeting and was not in attendance.
Mr. Jeffcoat stated that there are two problems at the Shelter that must be addressed; 1) ICL and 2) DHS.
Mr. Jeffcoat addressed the ICL problem. He suggested that the Veterans in attendance write statements regarding the incident at the Shelter and names should be included. He spoke about the violation of civil rights and said that the ICL has been uncommunicative and uncooperative.
Mr. Jeffcoat said that he had invited ICL to the Shelter for continued discussion. The invitations were declined. He said that the ICL was planning to start a new Community Advisory Board that would be the only organization to meet at the Shelter and speak with the Veterans.
Mr. Jeffcoat stated that DHS has not acted in good faith. He recommended that the Community Board request that DHS void their contract or not renew their contract. The promises made by the Commissioner of DHS to Mr. Conley have not been kept.
A Board Member suggested that the Board request that a representative of the ICL or DHS attend the next Board Meeting. Mr. Jeffcoat reminded the Board Members that Constance Brown was invited to attend this Meeting. Mr. Jeffcoat said that he plans to contact Ms. Brown via e-mail.
Suggestions were made to have the incident investigated by law enforcement.
Mr. O’Brien agreed that written statements are essential. DHS must be contacted.
A Board Member insisted on contacting elected officials with regard to the incident. Mr. Jeffcoat said that he would contact the Mayor’s office.
A suggestion was made to contact Congressman Joseph Crowley.
Mr. Jeffcoat thanked all for their support.
City Services and Public Safety Committee
Community Input
Mr. O’Brien spoke about the Applications that City Services reviews on a monthly basis. Mr. O’Brien encouraged Attendees to report any violations that might be witnessed with regard to Taxi and Limousines, Consumer Affairs and the State Liquor Authority issues.
Roosevelt Avenue and 54th Street
Mr. O’Brien spoke about the questionable clientele that frequent this location.
After members of the community gathered petitions and testified at a Public Hearing, the Application for this establishment is still under consideration by the SLA. Mr. O’Brien contacted the SLA and the SLA is considering denying the Application in recognition of the 500 Foot Rule.
Land Use Committee
Sunnyside Woodside Rezoning Project
Ms. Deller spoke about a meeting over the summer to discuss the Sunnyside/Woodside Rezoning Project.
Affordable Housing Rally
This rally is schedule for September 14th 2008, 1:30 pm for the Hunters Point South Project.
Ms. Deller entertained questions.
Health & Human Services Committee
There was no report submitted to the Attendees at this Meeting. Currently, there is no Chairperson for this Committee.
Ms. Terrano spoke about a Community Advisor Board for the Needle Exchange Program. In March, 2008, a meeting was scheduled and a new liaison was to be assigned. Ms. Terrano explained that there has been no communication with regard to the Committee since that time.
Ms. Terrano praised Mr. Ron Casey, former Chairperson for this Committee, for his dedication to the issues.
Ms. Terrano stated that the Board Members should attend the Sub-Committee Meetings. This Sub-Committee meets in the afternoon.
Environment Committee
Ms. Morehead stated that the Committee did not meet during the summer months. She spoke about several events that she attended.
Ms. Morehead attended a conference regarding the improvement of trees throughout the State. Ms. Morehead spoke about materials that improve roots and discussed a demonstration offered at the convention regarding permeable pavements. There is an experimental plot at Cornell University that tested the new alternatives.
September Environment Committee Meeting
Ms. Morehead announced that the next Environment Committee Meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, September 25th 2008. Waste Management would be in attendance.
Thursday, September 18th 2008
A Hearing has been scheduled regarding changes in oil and waste recycling at a Plant on Review Avenue. The Plant is expanding and all of New York City’s oil and recycling will be brought to this Plant. All recycling trucks would be brought into Community Board 2. Ms. Morehead spoke about the need for at least one more recycling Plant for the City.
Buildings on 37th Avenue (Just outside the CB2 District)
Ms. Morehead spoke about buildings between 45th and 48th Street. She reported a valve chamber would be placed down into the bedrock underneath the community for the third water tunnel to meet the various values that would distribute water to various areas of Queens. The valve chamber would be 700 feet below ground.
Ms. Morehead spoke about a public display about the water tunnel project and about the preservation of the buildings.
Newtown Creek
There has been a lot of activity regarding this Project. The City, State and the Federal Government have all expressed interest in Newtown Creek. This has been proposed as a Superfund Site. Ms. Morehead spoke of a Brownfields opportunity for a $625,000 grant through Riverkeeper for Brownfields study of the land around the Creek. She also spoke of a lawsuit by Riverkeeper for Exxon Mobile and a second suit against NYCON which is a concrete company that has been dumping into the river for years. Councilman Gioia and Riverkeeper have joined together in this suit.
Transportation Committee
There was no report submitted to the Attendees at this Meeting from this Committee. There has been no Chairperson assigned to this Committee since the passing of Marilyn Elseroad King.
Old Business/New Business
Distribution of Minutes
A Board Member requested that the Minutes be mailed prior to the Monthly Meeting. Ms. Kleinert said that the Community Board’s website is nearly completed and the Minutes would be posted on the website when the site is completed.
The distribution of the Minutes via mail would be too costly. The Community Board offices have a very high volume of mailings. There are budget concerns.
Meeting was adjourned.
The next Community Board 2 Monthly Meeting has been scheduled forThursday, October 2nd 2008.
Respectfully submitted by:
Cheryl Sinnott
