May 6th 2010
Community Board 2 Monthly Meeting and Public Hearing
Attendance
Terri Adams Diane Ballek
Kate Brennan
Jean Carubia Thomas Casey
Bessie Cassaro Barbara Coleman
Joseph Conley Emilia Crotty
Donald Dodelson Mary English
Kenneth Greenberg Richard Gundlach
Anne Hart Rev. Joseph Jerome
Mohammed Choudhury Jewel Louis Jiminez
Tom Kalamaras Marie Konecko
Sheila Lewandowski Dominic Lippolis
Rita Manton Guadalupe Marzana
Gregory Matos Donald McCallian
Gertrude McDonald Taina Hernandez McShane
Dorothy Moreheard Patrick Murray
Patrick O’Brien Norberto Saldana
Moitri Chowdhury Savard
Lauren Springer Carol Terrano
Karolina Tosi
Robert Wilkanowski
Absentees
Andrew Anzalone Bernard Callegari
Stephen Cooper David DeCicco
Lisa Deller Marvin Jeffcoat
Ellen Kang Golam Mehraj
David Shin Al Volpe
Community Board 2 Staff
Mary Ann Gurrado, CB 2 Staff
Guests
Syed Ali Ameer, CB2 Liaison for Assemblyman DenDekker
Joe Kenton, CB2 Liaison for Councilperson James Van Bramer
Barry Grodenchik,
John Bittner, Queens Borough President’s Office
Deirdre Feerick, District Leader
Sam Goldman,
Thomas Cogan,
M. Sawant, the Child
I. Contreras,
M. Dvoetscaya,
Frank McMorrow, Parks Department Pstr. Zaske,
Mark Davidoff,
Jim Condes Becky Olinger
Ronit Shemi Bill Kregler
Valentin Gradinan Rocky Maharjan
Sawduzzaman Sikdeh
Christian Murray Ann Marie Carroll
Rose Tibaldi Mary Tibaldi
Nick Gray Emily
Eva Baud Penny Lee
Agenda
Pledge of Allegiance
Comments by Public Officials/Guest Speakers
Mr. Barry Grodenchik,
Mr. Grodenchik, Queens Deputy Borough President was in attendance. Mr. Grodenchik introduced Mr. John Bittner, of the Borough President’s office. Mr. Bittner has been with the Borough President’s office for 11 years. Mr. Bittner works closely with Chief of Staff, Alexander Rosa who also works on Transportation issues for the Borough President.
Budget
Mr. Grodenchik announced that the Mayor has restored the Budgets for all the Community Boards of Queens as well as throughout the City to levels that were requested. Mr. Grodenchik stated that the Budget for the Borough President’s office continues to be reviewed.
Mr. Grodenchik stated that Councilperson Van Bramer has been strongly supportive of the Borough President’s office.
New Board Members
On behalf of Borough President Helen Marshall, Mr. Grodenchik welcomed and congratulated the appointments of the new Board Members for Community Board 2. The Borough President was delighted to appoint these new Members. Mr. Grodenchik wished the Members many years of success as a Board Member of Community Board 2.
Mr. Jerry Walsh, Community Board 1
Mr. Conley introduced Mr. Walsh of Community Board 1 and said CB 1 and Community Board 2 share borders in some communities and continue to work closely together on many issues.
Joe Kenton, Community Board 2 Liaison for Councilperson James Van Bramer
Rally to Save our Firehouses
Mr. Kenton announced the partnership of Councilperson James Van Bramer and Councilperson Liz Crowley and Assemblywoman Cathy Nolan to support and save our firehouses. This rally would be hosted at Hook and Ladder 116,
Mr. Conley encouraged all to attend. He said that the FDNY service areas are different from the Community Board boundaries. Mr. Conley pointed to the population explosion in Dutch Kills, Hunters Point and
Assemblyman Michael DenDekker
Mr. Conley introduced the Assemblyman Michael DenDekker. The Assemblyman spoke about the continued Budget struggle. He said that he is concerned about the Governor’s proposal regarding State Workers pay cut. The Governor is proposing to save $3 million dollars per week by forcing State Workers to take off one day a week. Assemblyman DenDekker said that he is opposed to this idea. The Governor is aware of, but has failed to announce, that those State Workers are planning to sue the Governor for that one-day’s pay; therefore, all that has been gained is one day per week of lost productivity.
Assemblyman DenDekker spoke about the Governor’s insistence that all Assembly Members remain in
Assemblyman DenDekker said that he is serving his first term as Assemblyman and is learning, first hand, about politics in
Assemblyman DenDekker stated that when there is a weak Budget, Assembly Members do not get paid; the Assemblyman was not aware of this rule when he was elected. The Assemblyman has not received a paycheck since March 31st 2010. Mrs. DenDekker is the sole provider for the DenDekker family. This process was approved, approximately 10 years ago by the Assembly. Assemblyman DenDekker explained that this could be counter-productive should there be an Assembly Member who does not have a second source of income.
Assemblyman DenDekker said he is a retired Department of Sanitation employee that worked in the community.
Presentations
Presentation by Cathy Chambers, Council on the Environment; Green Market
Ms. Chambers spoke about Green Market on
The Green Market has proposed to move the Market operation to Wednesday. Ms. Chambers explained that the street would not be closed however, vending would be placed on the sidewalk and one east bound lane. There would only be 300 feet of the street utilized and opening up the end of the street for parking. Eastbound traffic could flow through.
Ms. Chambers provided photographs and announced that a new Market would open near
Presentation by Tamara Michel,
Ms. Michel explained that Health Link is a four-way partnership between the Queens Library, American Cancer Society, the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and the
Ms. Michel spoke about the diverse ethnic and religious cultures in the community and said that 1 in 6 people live in poverty. Ms. Michel spoke about the high rate of late cancer detection. Ms. Michel referred to a handout provided for Board Members. The rate of late cancer detection in Queens is much higher than throughout the rest of the
Ms. Michel spoke about taking action, using the technology, resources and tools available. He spoke about the strong relationship between our libraries and their communities.
Ms. Michel spoke about Cancer Action Council. Cancer Action Council Members work together to tailor intervention, to meet the needs of the community and have a greater impact on the community’s needs. Members of the Council know how to reach their neighbors since they live and work in the community and know their neighbors and their neighbors’ needs.
Ms. Michel said that the Cancer Action Council is available in Sunnyside, Woodside and
Ms. Michel handed out packets introducing this Program and said that his contact information was available in the packet as well.
Mr. Conley asked Ms. Michel when this Program began. Ms. Michel stated that this Program has been operating for four years under a five-year grant funded by the National Cancer Institute of the National Institute of Health.
Ms. Manton commended this Program and reminded everyone that the Program has only been active in Sunnyside since November 2009.
Mr. Conley explained to the Attendees that this is a very easy tool to use; it is all-confidential. It is meant as a resource to find the treatment needed.
Mr. Conley asked the member to refer to the handout provided by Ms. Michel. He explained that there are many residents of Sunnyside that are medically underserved. Throughout
Public Comment
Jim Condes
Town Hall Meeting
Mr. Condes spoke about a Town Hall Meeting that Councilperson Van Bramer hosted. Mr. Condes submitted a list of issues to the Councilperson at this Meeting, as well as to Community Board 2.
Department of Sanitation
Mr. Condes spoke about trash collection by the DOS on weekends in our parks. Mr. Condes spoke about the importance of obtaining funding for Ready, Willing and Able. Mr. Condes expressed concerns about the increased amount of trash in our parks. Mr. Condes encouraged support from Councilperson Van Bramer and Community Board 2.
Department of Transportation - Intersection of
Mr. Condes spoke about the potholes at this location. He said that this is one of the busiest intersections in the area and it was paved approximately one year ago. Mr. Condes contacted Commissioner McCarthy of the DOT seeking maintenance of this intersection and she responded that repairs would not be possible for another five years.
Mr. Condes stated that the work done at this location was a mistake on the part of the Department of Transportation and the residents of Woodside should not suffer for the DOT’s mistake.
Mr. Condes spoke about the high volume of bus and truck traffic at this area. He spoke about the short block from
Tree Planting
Mr. Condes referred to the Mayor’s plan to plant 1 million trees by 2030 and noted that there are many empty tree pits in Woodside.
Assemblywoman Marge Markey
Mr. Condes spoke about the Assemblywoman attacking the Catholic Church. The Assemblywoman wrote a column in the Daily News on April 20th. Mr. Condes replied to this column and his comments have been printed in the local newspapers; the Tribune, and the Forum.
Mr. Condes is opposed to the elimination of the Statue of Limitations with regard to a Bill for abused children. Mr. Condes entertained questions from Board Members.
Becky Olinger
Ms. Olinger is a resident on
Ms. Olinger expressed concerns about the Playground. While gardening during the day approximately two weeks ago, Ms. Olinger noticed that there were kids congregating in the park as well as the neighborhood in general, during school hours, smoking marijuana. It was obvious that the kids had no fear or worry to be there. Ms. Olinger stated that families with young children visit that park during the day. Currently, there is a lot of construction underway and there is limited space in the park. On more than one occasion, Ms. Olinger has found evidence of drug use in the Playground. A syringe was found in the Dog Run. Ms. Olinger has also found beer cans and empty vodka bottles. Ms. Olinger stated that she continually finds this type of trash in the garden that is evidently being tossed over the fence. Ms. Olinger stated that the park does have trash receptacles.
Ms. Olinger spoke about vandalism to the trees in the park; one tree that was completely cut down and the bark has been ripped from at least two additional trees. The trees also have broken branches.
Ms. Olinger stated that after the weekend, trash is piled and sometimes is not pick-up by the Parks Department for days.
Ms. Olinger contacted Community Outreach at the 108th Precinct last week. She has not yet received a response. Ms. Olinger called again on May 6th and was told that her complaint was the first that the Precinct received regarding this issue.
Ms. Olinger requested a stronger presence in the Playground and expressed concerns for the families of the neighborhood.
Ms. Olinger stated that she is a volunteer for the Parks Department and is also working with the Partnership for Parks to begin a Friends of Murray Playground Group. Ms. Olinger is hopeful that residents of the neighborhood, churches and local businesses would become involved.
Mr. Conley asked when Ms. Olinger first called the 108th Precinct. Ms. Olinger called on April 30th and then again on May 6th. Mr. Conley encouraged Ms. Olinger to make Community Board 2 her second call, in the future.
Mr. Conley told Ms. Olinger that Community Board 2 could also be helpful with Friends of Murray Playground.
Ms. Olinger described the location of the park;
Mr. Conley explained that Community Board 2 has continually complained about the activity that goes on at the Playground.
Mr. Conley said that he has addressed this issue with Mr. Frank McMorrow, Park Manager for
Ms. Olinger entertained questions from Board Members.
Ronit Shemi
Ms. Shemi is Manager for the Queens World of Work. This organization offers training and assistance for resume preparation, interview training and attire, help in obtaining government assistance, Medicaid, etc. Ms. Shemi left brochures and entertained questions from attendees.
Bill Kregler
Mr. Kregler is a resident of
Mr. Kregler said that there are alternative locations for the dog run such as behind the ball fields. He said that this recommendation would not eliminate any playground space.
Mr. Kregler entertained questions from Board Members.
Mr. Conley explained to Mr. Kregler that there is a process that must be followed with regard to his recommendations. Mr. Conley stated that this would require a lot of support. The Community Board offices would contact Mr. Kregler.
Key Food Site
An Attendee inquired about the Key Food site on
Attendance
Present – 38; Absentees – 10
There was a Quorum in attendance at this Meeting.
Approval of Minutes
Board Members unanimously approved the Minutes for April 2010.
Chairperson’s Report
Graffiti Clean-up
This event would be held on Saturday, May 15th 10 am – 1 pm. Mr. Conley encouraged all to participate.
Proposed Intermediate/High School in Hunters Point South
Mr. Conley announced that there would be a Public Meeting on Tuesday, May 18th, 6:30 pm at St. Mary’s Church,
Transportation Committee Meeting
The May 18th Meeting would be rescheduled to due the Public Meeting scheduled at St. Mary’s Church.
Sunnyside/Woodside Rezoning
Councilperson Van Bramer and Assemblywoman Cathy Nolan’s office would be in attendance at a Community Information Meeting, Wednesday, May 26th, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm, Sunnyside Community Services,
PS 78 Play Yard Meeting
Mr. Conley announced that as a result of a Meeting on April 16th at the Borough President’s Office, a decision is close with regard to the issue. Mr. Conley thanked Board Member, Land Use Committee Member, Robert Wilkanowski for his efforts regarding this issue.
Variety Boys and Girls Club of
Mr. Conley announced that this organization is seeking to locate into the Sunnyside/Woodside area. Mr. Conley welcomed this proposal. Mr. Conley spoke about many available facilities in the area, such as St. Theresa’s.
Waste Management
There will be a Joint Meeting with the City Services and Environment Committee on May 12th, 6:00 pm. A Walking Tour has also been scheduled with Councilperson Van Bramer and Assemblywoman Cathy Nolan’s office on Monday, May 10th.
Community Board 2 Telephone Advisory
The Community Board 2 offices have been experiencing problems with telephone service. The lines are crossed and noise interference has been problematic due to deteriorating cables. Mr. Conley asked Attendees and constituents to be patient should contacting the offices via telephone become difficult. Anyone can e-mail the offices at qn02@cb.nyc.gov.
Mr. Conley has contacted Peter Magnani requesting to establish a Sub-Committee of Community Board 2 to focus on the library construction.
Mayor’s Community Affairs Offices; Ms. Claudia Filomena
Mr. Conley met with Ms. Filomena on April 26th. Mr. Conley introduced many issues of concern within Community Board 2 including the parking issues at
New York State Department of Transportation Issues
Community Board 2 received advanced detail plans for an Environmental Shield at
Department of Parks Issue
Mr. Conley announced a Site Visit and a Walking Tour of
Mr. Conley spoke about a Walking Tour with the DOT and Councilperson Van Bramer.
DO NOT ENTER Signs
These signs have been installed at
Potholes have been repaired.
Additional Requests from Community Board 2
Community Board 2 has initiated another request for a traffic signal on
Overnight Truck Parking on
Community Board 2 has received complaints about truck parking on
Annual Sunnyside Flag Day Parade
This event has been scheduled for Saturday, June 12th along
Remembering our Veterans
Mr. Conley extended a word of appreciation in honor of our Veterans as we recognize their sacrifices on Memorial Day Weekend.
Community Board 2 Member, Veteran’s Committee Chairperson, Mr. Marvin Jeffcoat
Mr. Conley extended condolences on the passing of Mr. Jeffcoat’s mother.
EDC Violations
Mr. Conley announced violations had been issued to
Walgreen’s Acquired Property
A Board Member announced the purchase of a large amount of property by Walgreen’s in Sunnyside/Woodside. Walgreen’s has recently purchased Duane Reade. The locations are listed as follows:
51-00 Northern Boulevard
City Planning Report
Ms. Lee provided an update on the following:
Proposed School in Hunters Point South
This is an Intermediate/High School that has been designed to seat 1,071 intermediate and high school students.
Workshop Planning Meeting
As part of an update for the City’s Comprehensive Waterfront Plan, there is a free Workshop Planning Meeting scheduled for June 2nd, 6 pm – 8 pm at
Citywide Waterfront Issues
There is a meeting scheduled in June, as well. This information would be forwarded to the Community Board offices for distribution.
Newtown Creek
There were three recipients of the Newtown Creek BOA (Brownfield Opportunity Area Grant). The contract with the consultants that would be doing the planning work is close to execution. Many community meetings, meetings with businesses; many meetings over the summer and the fall are planned.
Sunnyside/Woodside Rezoning Meeting
Penny Lee thanked Assemblywoman Nolan’s office, Councilperson Van Bramer’s office and Community Board 2 for scheduling the May 26th Meeting regarding Sunnyside/Woodside Rezoning.
Committee Reports
City Services and Public Safety Committee
Mr. O’Brien stated that what was accomplished by the Committee for the Month of April is reflected in the Minutes.
Representatives of this location came before the City Services and Public Safety Committee at the April Meeting.
Mr. O’Brien discussed the Water Taxi Beach Opening for summer 2010 on May 1st. Mr. O’Brien said that he was informed, by Mr. Conley that on the very first day of operations for the summer, problems occurred at the
Proposed Venue on the River
Mr. O’Brien spoke about a proposed summer venue on the River at
The Applicant has been scheduled to come before the City Services and Public Safety Committee on May 12th to submit requested floor plans of the proposed establishment.
Mr. O’Brien said that he would keep Board Members apprised.
Proposed Strip Club on
Mr. O’Brien stated that there has been no activity with the State Liquor Authority.
There was an Application filed for a Gentleman’s Club in Maspeth, which was withdrawn, however, the Community Board offices has received notice that another Application for the operation of a Gentleman’s Club was filed. Mr. O’Brien did not have the location information at this Meeting. Mr. O’Brien would update Board Members.
Environment Committee
Newtown Creek Environmental Benefits Program
Ms. Morehead spoke about a Meeting about Newtown Creek Environmental Benefits Program. The City of
Ms. Morehead spoke about the $10 million dollars of funding. This funding would be distributed through Greenpoint,
Ms. Morehead explained that it is very important for the Community Board to submit ideas for the upgrade and clean-up of the community.
Ms. Morehead stated that the funding must be researched and spent within four years. This is a five-year project and one year has already passed. Ms. Morehead stated that the community’s project recommendations should be ready for execution by December 2010.
Ms. Morehead entertained questions from Board Members.
Ms. Savard spoke about a vegetable community garden for the Hunters Point area.
Ms. Morehead spoke about a list of city owned properties.
Mr. Conley said CB 2 would get a list of community owned properties.
Health and Human Services Committee
Meeting with the
Ms. Terrano spoke about the Health and Human Services Committee Meeting on April 26th with the Queens Health Coalition. Their mission is to serve the at-risk population and put those in contact with providers that can assist their medical needs. This Agency offers referrals for their clients.
Ms. Terrano reminded everyone that, like most Agencies in
National Children’s Study
Staff from the National Children’s Study attended the Health and Human Services Committee Meeting on April 26th. They reported that the study would focus on specific areas of
Health and Human Services Committee Meeting May 24th 2010
The Committee would be visiting the Borden Avenue Shelter and the proposed Health Clinic at that location.
Closing of our Hospitals
Ms. Terrano spoke about the need for hospitals in our area and this is a great crisis. Ms. Terrano entertained questions from Board Members.
Transportation Committee
Mr. Conley spoke about the reconstruction of the bridge and the environmental issues.
A Presentation was offered to the Transportation Committee regarding the development of the new bridge.
Land Use Committee
Hunter’s Point Presentation
Mr. Conley stated that this Project is moving forward. Site preparation work is underway.
Mr. Conley spoke about the proposed Intermediate/High School, which is a 1,071-seat school. This school has been slated to open in the fall of 2013 for District 30. A Public Comment Meeting will be held at St. Mary’s Church on May 18th.
O’Connor Partners
Mr. Conley spoke about a presentation offered by O’Connor Partners. The presentation was discussed about
Sunnyside/Woodside Rezoning
A Community Information Meeting has been scheduled at the
Mr. Conley spoke
The planters that are being proposed on
Mr. Conley discussed this with LPC. Mr. Conley spoke about consistent inconstancies from LPC. Landmarks does not appear to be discouraging but rather encouraging homeowners to move forward with modifications, renovations and projects. When reviewing an Application, the LPC does not appear to be emphasizing the importance and/or significance of Landmarking a neighborhood.
The LPC will be attending the next Land Use Committee Meeting. The Land Use Committee is prepared to discuss with the LPC that Applications submitted to the LPC should be discussed with the Community Board.
Mr. Conley explained that one Application has already been approved by the LPC without consulting with the Community Board. Mr. Conley stated that this is contrary to the process introduced and agreed upon by the Community Board and the LPC.
Old Business/New Business
Rally, Friday, May 7th, 11 am
This is an important issue for
Mr. Conley encouraged all to read the handouts received from Ms. Michel of the Queens Library regarding Health Link.
Deidre Feerick, District Leader
Mr. Conley introduced and welcomed Ms. Feerick to the Meeting.
Board Member, Sheila Lewandowski
Ms. Lewandowski announced Taste of LIC would take place on June 8, 2010.
Board Member, Barbara Coleman
Barbara Coleman’s asked about for information about the process for Charter Revision. Assemblyman DenDekker responded to Ms. Coleman.
Mr. Conley said CB 2 would try to invite a representative from the Charter Revision to speak at the next CB 2 meeting.
Board Member, Emilia Crotty
Ms. Crotty has spoken before the Community Board several years ago promoting the benefits of cycling for New Yorkers and good for
Ms. Crotty spoke about cycling tips for attendees and traffic laws. Ms. Crotty asked the Attendees to refer to the handout distributed. She also offered some safety tips for motorists with regard to the safety of cyclists.
Ms. Crotty spoke about a bicycle ride that she would be hosting on Sunday, June 6th for all Board Members. There was information provided within the Board Members’ Packets. Ms. Crotty stated that bicycles and helmets would be provided.
Board Member Barbara Coleman asked Ms. Crotty if there are statistics that could be obtained from the NYPD or anywhere, with regard to summonses issued to cyclists. Mr. Conley told Ms. Coleman that the Community Board could request that information from the 108th Precinct. The information is commonly offered monthly, quarterly and annually. Mr. Conley stated that Ms. Gurrado would have the most recent statistic submitted by the NYPD in the Community Board offices.
Ms. Crotty entertained questions from Board Members.
Anne Hart spoke about the northeast corner of
Happy Mother’s Day!
Mr. Conley wished all a Happy Mother’s Day; especially to his adopted Mother, Board Member, Gertrude McDonald!
This Meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted by:
Cheryl Sinnott
The next Community Board 2 Public Hearing and Monthly Meeting has been scheduled for, Thursday, June 3rd 2010.
