Revised Minutes
October 7th 2010
Community Board 2 Monthly Meeting and Public Hearing
Attendance
Terri Adams Greg Matos
Andrew Anzalone Don McCallian
Sandra Bigitschke Gertrude McDonald
Kate Brennan Dorothy Morehead
Bernard Callegari Patrick O’Brien
Jean Carubia Evan O’Neil
Bessie Cassaro Norberto Saldana
Barbara Coleman Moitri Chowdhury Savard
Joseph Conley
Stephen Cooper Lauren Springer
David DeCicco Karolina Tosi
Lisa Deller Al Volpe
Mary English Robert Wilkanowski
Kenneth Greenberg
Richard Gundlach
Anne Hart
Mohammed Choudhury Jewel
Tom Kalmaras
Ellen Kang
Marie Konecko
Sheila Lewandowski
Dominic Lippolis
Absentees
Diane Ballek
Tom Casey
Emilia Crotty
Don Dodelson
Brian Flynn
Reverend Joseph Jerome
Luis Jimenez
Rita Manton
Guadalupe Marzana
Taina Hernandez McShane
Golam Mehraj
David Shin
Carol Terrano
Guests
Welland Fuller, CB2 Liaison from Assemblywoman Markey’s office
Sam Goldman,
Matthew Silverstein Lauren Kaminsky
Thaddeus Hackworth Michael Halpin
Claus Hertel Claudia Filomena
H. Gardner Carmen Taveras
Rhonda Villamia Ann Marie Carroll
Maggie Ornstein Syed Ali Ammer
Vito Rak Marion Molno
Tonia Moore
Brodie Enoch Cathy Stevens
Tom Paino Peter Johnson
Luke Adams, Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce John Bradley
Jim Condes January Sanalak
Penny Lee
Community Board 2 Staff
Debra Markell Kleinert, DM
Mary Ann Gurrado, CB 2 Staff
First Vice Chair, Stephen Cooper opened the Meeting and Chairman Joseph Conley chaired the Board meeting.
Agenda
Pledge of Allegiance
Comments by Public Officials/Guests Speakers
There were no Comments made for this portion of this Meeting.
Presentation by Mr. Matthew Silverstein,
Mr. Silverstein thanked Chairperson, Joseph Conley for the opportunity to speak at the Meeting. He then introduced America Works of New York and explained that America Works assists low-income individuals that are seeking to enter into the work force. The organization has three locations and is a free service that is funded by
Mr. Silverstein stated that 8.4% of Queens’ residents are unemployed and 1.7 million people that live in
Public Hearing
DOT Speed Bump;
In consideration of this item, the community was invited to provide testimony.
Tania Moore
Sunnyside resident, and Sunnyside Gardens Park Board Member Tania Moore spoke in favor of this item. Ms. Moore spoke about her efforts to have a Speed Bump installed on her street,
Ms. Moore added that
Sofia Geier
Ms. Geier spoke in favor of the addition of a Speed Bump on this street. Ms. Geier’s daughter was struck and killed by a speeding car on
BSA Application;
Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA) Application (BSA 238-07 BZ),
Mr. Conley introduced Mr. Howard Goldman who was in attendance to represent O’Connor Capital Partners. Mr. Goldman said that due to a family matter, O’Connor Partners had requested that the upcoming BSA hearing be postponed. The Board would be notified when the hearing was rescheduled.
The Land Use Committee had met with Mr. Goldman and O’Connor Partners. There were discussion of issues and concerns that are in need of clarification.
Attendee, Mr. John Bradley was in attendance for the discussion of this Application. Mr. Cooper suggested that Mr. Bradley attend the next Land Use Meeting, scheduled for Monday, October 18th.
Attendee Mr. Tom Paino was in attendance to speak with regard to this item. Mr. Paino refrained from speaking at this Meeting once the Public Hearing was postponed.
Public Meeting
Street Renaming Application;
A Street Renaming,
Mr. Luke Adams, Sunnyside Chambers was in attendance to support the Application. He related Ms. Kraft’s history in the community. He said that Ms. Kraft became a resident of Sunnyside in 1925 at the age of 9 and lived near
Mr. Adams said that he met Ms. Kraft in the late 1970’s when they were involved with a group called Gateway Community Restoration. Ms. Kraft was a member of the Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce, the United 40’s Civic Association and an important member of her church. Mr. Adams submitted letters of support highlighting Ms. Kraft’s involvement in the Woodside and Sunnyside community. Mr. Adams stated that Ms. Kraft never had a salary-paying job but worked harder than anyone in the community.
Don McCallian, President of United 40’s
Mr. McCallian spoke about Ms. Kraft. He wrote a Letter of Request to Councilperson James Van Bramer and Chairperson of Community Board 2, Mr. Joseph Conley for the Dual-Street Naming in honor of Ms. Claire Kraft. Mr. McCallian read the letter to Attendees.
Community Board Elections
Mr. Conley reminded Board Members about Nomination Votes would be held in November.
Public Comment
Brodie Enoch and Cathy Stephens, Transportation Alternatives
Mr. Enoch and Ms. Stephens representatives for Transportation Alternatives were in attendance to discuss the recent MTA fare hikes and the efforts of their organization to work on behalf and advocate for the rights of pedestrians, bicyclists and commuters of mass transit.
Mr. Enoch spoke about how the MTA has raised the price of Metro Cards and commuters’ fares in recent weeks. He spoke about the decrease of services and the increase of fares.
Transportation Alternative has formed a coalition to voice New Yorker’s opposition to the fare increases and the decline in service. Mr. Enoch spoke about the removal of bus shelters, especially in front of Senior Centers. Mr. Enoch spoke about Lobbying in
The fare increases occurred in 2008, 2009 and 2010. The increases happen each time
Mr. Enoch and Ms. Stephens distributed a copy of the Bill of Rights for Attendees. A Rally has been scheduled at
Mr. Enoch entertained questions from Board Members.
Jim Condes
Mr. Condes discussed the increase of rush-hour traffic on
Crosswalk at
Mr. Condes reminded Attendees that at a Town Hall Meeting on March 29th 2010, DOT Commissioner McCarthy stated that the north/south crosswalk was repaved with inferior asphalt and should be repaired; however, the crosswalk would not be slated for repair for another five years.
In August 2010, Department of Transportation contractors were funded to pave
Mr. Condes contacted Commissioner McCarthy and elected officials. Mr. Condes received no response and the Project was completed without any repair work being done to the north/south crosswalks at
Mr. Condes spoke about an upcoming Project to repave
Mr. Condes requested that Community Board 2 contact Commissioner McCarthy to repair the crosswalk at
Replacement of Street Signs
Mr. Condes said that the DOT has budgeted to spend $26 million dollars for the replacement and upgrade of street signs in
January Sanalak, Citizens Committee for
Ms. Sanalak was in attendance to introduce Citizens Committee for
Peter Johnson
Mr. Johnson is a resident of Hunters Point,
Mr. Johnson spoke about the dead trees near the playing field and the childrens’ playground. The trees were planted during the wrong season. He also spoke about the
Mr. Johnson requested that Community Board 2 address the wasted tax dollars spend via the Parks Department.
Attendance
Present; 39 – Absent; 11
There was a Quorum in Attendance at this Meeting
Approval of Minutes
A Motion was made to approve the September Minutes. The Motion was seconded. The Motion was unanimously approved.
Chairperson’s Report
Mr. Marvin Jeffcoat
Mr. Conley said that the Community Board had invited Mr. Jeffcoat, who is stepping down as CB2’s Chairperson of the Veteran’s Committee, to attend the meeting tonight to acknowledge his contributions to the community. Mr. Conley commended Mr. Jeffcoat’s outstanding and selfless effort as a driving force on many issues, particularly on Veteran Issues. Mr. Conley said that Mr. Jeffcoat would be sorely missed.
Mr. Conley congratulated Mr. Jeffcoat for his community efforts and presented Mr. Jeffcoat with a Plaque for appreciation and recognition for his community involvement.
Mr. Jeffcoat thanked Community Board 2 for the opportunity to serve on the Board. Mr. Jeffcoat offered his assistance with any issues he could be helpful with.
New Board Member
Mr. Conley introduced and welcomed Mr. Evan O’Neil as the newest Member of Community Board 2. Welcome Evan!
Mayor’s Office Community Liaison
Mr. Conley introduced Ms. Claudia Filomena, CB2’s Community Liaison for the Mayor’s office.
Officer Maro, NYPD’s 108th Precinct
Mr. Conley introduced Officer Maro, CB2’s Community Liaison for the 108th Precinct.
Update on Casa Romano
Mr. Conley thanked Assemblywoman Nolan and Councilman Van Bramer for their assistance in helping to organize the rally to oppose the reopening of Casa Romano.
He explained that subsequent to that rally Community Board 2 learned that the owner(s) of Casa Romano were preparing for another large function. Community Board 2 contacted the 108th Precinct. The 108th Precinct contacted the promoter of the event. After much discussion, the promoter withdrew plans to host an event at this location. Since then, the Casa Romano has been sold to new owners.
GLC Entertainment
Mr. Conley spoke about the State Liquor Authority Hearing for the liquor license for the proposed Gentlemen’s Club in
At the SLA Hearing for this Application, Mr. Conley, Mr. O’Brien, Chairperson of the CB2 City Services and Public Safety Committee; representatives of Councilperson Van Bramer and Assemblywoman Cathy Nolan were in attendance for that Hearing as well as other strong community leaders and representatives. Mr. Conley commended Mr. O’Brien for his efforts regarding this Application. A well-crafted presentation was offered at the Hearing on behalf of the community and the New York State Liquor Authority denied the Application for the liquor license.
CAU and Community Board 2 for
Mr. Conley reported CB 2 is working with CAU on
Mr. Conley announced the Kick-off of the design and construction of this location on October 14th 2010. This event would be held at
Capital and Expense Budge
Priorities are in Board Members’ Packets. The Board would be review and voting on these items.
Executive Board Nominations
Nominations for Executive Board seats would be accepted at this Meeting.
Vote on Fiscal Year 2012 Capital and Expense Budget Priorities for Community Board 2. Vote for Community Board 2 Officers will be held at the Community Board 2 Monthly Meeting and Public Hearing on Thursday, November 4rh 2010.
Alternate Side of the Street Parking Signs
Mr. Conley conducted a site visit with the Department of Sanitation concerning the request for the addition of Alternate Side Street Parking signs at Broadway and
Update for Hart Playground
Mr. Conley spoke about the relocation of
Mr. Conley announced that complaints have been filed with the Community Board offices regarding prostitution on
Continue Discussion regard the Bus Stop
Board Member, Gert Mc Donald asked for an update on this issue. Mr. Conley stated that Mr. Ira Greenberg continues to work on this issue and that he would follow-up with Mr. Greenberg.
Mr. Conley commended Mr. Staunton’s continued efforts within the community. He said that Mr. Staunton had been instrumental in the
Mr. Conley acknowledged Mr. Staunton’s efforts and spoke about the importance of supporting local merchants and shopping locally.
Board Member, Barbara Coleman
Mr. Conley commended Ms. Coleman’s efforts with regard to have a new tree planted in the Woodside Triangle at
Canned Good Items
Mr. Conley requested that Board Members bring one canned good item to either an upcoming Committee Meeting or the next Community Board Meeting.
District Manager’s Report
There were no Reports offered at this Meeting.
Department of City Planning Report
Comprehensive Waterfront Plan City-wide Public Hearing
The Department of City Planning has scheduled another City-wide Public Hearing regarding Comprehensive Waterfront Plan. The drafted recommendations are posted on the DCP’s website. The two “Reaches” in Queens affected within the Community Board are Reach 12, the East River and Reach 13, Newtown Creek.
The Pubic Hearing for comments is scheduled for October 12th, 6pm at NYU,
Community Meeting re: Plan NYC
This has been scheduled at the
This Project is underway. However, traffic signals need to be modified. The Department of City Planning has been contacted. According to the project plan, planting, sidewalks and bicycle lanes would be the focus in the fall. Public Open Space would be planted in the spring. The Department of City Planning is hopeful that this Project will be completed by the fall of 2011.
This is near completion with the exception of medians that the Transit Authority would construct following emergency vent work near the intersection of
Public Meeting for Newtown Creek Brownfield
The first Public Meeting has been scheduled for October 28th. This meeting would be held at St. Mary’s Church, 6 pm -9 pm.
Sunnyside/Woodside
Mr. Tom Smith continues to work on this item.
Millstones
Mr. Conley spoke about the relocation of the Millstones to the Long Island City Library. He said that they would be preserved, marked and placed on display.
The Millstones date back to circa 1670.
Committee Reports
Environment Committee
Waste Management Site
Mr. Conley spoke about the proposal of an asphalt plant next door to Waste Management. Trucks would be received at this location.
Mr. Conley expressed concern regarding processing and manufacturing asphalt and about air-quality. He stated that NYSDEC claimed to have submitted notice of this development in February 2010. The Community Board offices, Councilperson Van Bramer’s office and Assemblywoman Nolan’s office did not receive this notice.
The Community Board has requested that the NYSDEC repost and reopen this Application for review. Mr. Conley was told that the Application is beyond the Article 78 Review Period.
The Community Board is in opposition to this project.
Ms. Morehead spoke in opposition of this project and the offensive odors that emerge from asphalt plants in other areas.
Newtown Creek
There are three major projects underway. Newtown Creek has been added to the EPS’s list of priority clean-up. This project could take up to 20 years.
Ms. Morehead spoke about the five major corporations that were the polluters of the Creek. These corporations would be held accountable for a portion of the cost of the clean-up.
Brownfields
Ms. Morehead spoke about the distribution of the $650,000 Grant between three separate organizations.
Environmental Benefits Fund
This is a $10 million dollar fund that would be paid for by NYCDEP.
Ms. Morehead spoke of the disappointment of the Greenpoint community after learning that this Grant would be shared with the Maspeth,
There are three different organizations with different agendas that would share this Grant. Ms. Morehead discussed the effort for cleaner fuel. Installation of devices on trucks to reduce emissions was discussed. Ms. Morehead discussed the cost of these devices.
Ms. Morehead stated that the Environment Committee would recommend the requirement of these devices.
Eco Dock
Ms. Morehead spoke about adding this item at
Retake and Convert Property at
Ms. Morehead discussed repossessing this property. Creating a park with a sign discussing the history of Blissville has been discussed. The Environment Committee has a list of items to add to this park such as apple trees.
Recommendation for the Addition of a Barge
Board Member Don Dodelson offered this recommendation. This Barge would be utilized for environmental research and other activities. This would be placed near the
Requested Open Space
Ms. Morehead entertained questions from Board Members.
Transportation Committee
Vote on the installation of a Speed Bump at
Mr. Conley spoke about e-mails submitted to the Department of Transportation in opposition to this Application. CB2 members also related having received emails from neighbors in opposition to the
Discussions continued regarding reasons to be in favor and reason to be in opposition.
Ms. Deller recommended that this item be Tabled.
A Motion was made to Table this item. The Motion was seconded.
In Favor 34 Opposed 3 Abstention 0
Chairperson present but not voting
Land Use
Ms. Deller spoke about the presentation offered at the September Land Use Meeting regarding East Side Access.
Mr. Conley and Ms. Deller offered an update regarding the BSA Application (BSA) Application (BSA 238-07 BZ),
Due to a family matter, O’Connor Partners requested that the BSA Hearing be postponed. Mr. Conley expressed concern about the plans for the new Project. Ms. Deller stated that the BSA Approval in 2008 was not fully representative of the Board’s vote. Ms. Deller added that the Board had approved a Graduate Student Residence and that the BSA approval would allow any dormitory housing. In the Board’s prior consideration of this matter, the market rate section of the project allowed greater bulk and density because it was coupled with the Graduate Student Residence. Allowing these buildings to be constructed independently may have serious consequences for the community.
Street Renaming for Claire Kraft Way
Board Member, Al Volpe asked what criteria the Land Use Committee was using in considering
Ms. Deller offered to distribute the Land Use Committee’s written criteria with regard to this type of Application.
Vote on Street-Renaming at
A Motion was made to Approve this Application. The Motion was Seconded.
In Favor 34 Opposed 0 Abstentions 2
Chairperson present but not voting
City Services and Public Safety Committee
New Hunters Point Applications
Mr. O’Brien stated that there are new Applications in this location in
GLC Entertainment Establishment
Mr. O’Brien said that there are some issues that do not result in an agreeable outcome to the Community Board. However, as a result of community unity, this important issue was ruled in favor of the Community Board and the community of
Mr. O’Brien entertained questions from Board Members.
Health and Human Services
There were no reports offered at this Meeting.
Veterans Committee
There were no reports offered at this Meeting.
This Meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted by:
Cheryl Sinnott
The next Community Board 2 Monthly Meeting and Public Hearing has been scheduled for Thursday, November 4th 2010
TO RECEIVE PUBLIC COMMENT ON COMMUNITY BOARD 2’S CAPITAL AND EXPENSE BUDGET PRIORITIES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2011.
Mr. Cooper offered Attendees to speak with regard to this item. There were no speakers at this Meeting.
Capital Budget Priorities
Item #5 was moved up from #10 on last year’s Capital Budget Priorities
Item #6 is underway therefore it has been moved to item #11.
Item #4 was Item #5 on last year’s Capital Budget Priorities.
Item #12 was Item #7 on last year’s Capital Budget Priorities.
Item #6 was moved up from last year’s Capital Budget Priorities.
Item# 10 has been moved from Item #9 on last year’s Capital Budget Priorities.
Mr. Conley asked for recommendations or objections to these items.
A Motion was made to Approve items #1-10 on the Capital Budget Priorities list. The Motion was Seconded. The Motion was unanimously approved.
A Board Member inquired about item #16.
A Board Member inquired about
Comments made by Board Members were inaudible.
A Board Member inquired about tree planting within the Community Board 2 District. Mr. Conley spoke about the need for more funding.
A Board Member inquired about
A Motion was Made to Approve Items #11-20. The Motion was Seconded. The Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Conley explained that there were new items added to the balance of the Capital Budget Priorities.
Ms. Deller inquired about Item # 28 Capital Budget Priorities.
.
A Motion was made to approve Items #21-32 Capital Budget Priorities. The Motion was Seconded. The Motion was unanimously approved.
Expense Budget Priorities
Mr. Conley explained that Item #1 has been denied every year. A Board Member recommended contacting the Department of Health. Mr. Conley agreed and recommended contacting DEP, as well.
Mr. Conley explained that Item #2 is denied every year. Community Board 2 is the only Community Board in Queens without a
Mr. Conley spoke about Item #7. A Board Member suggested modifying this Item to read: Reestablish a
Mr. Conley discussed Item #9. Mr. Conley commended Meals-on-Wheels.
A Board Member stated that Items #8 and 9 are redundant. Further comments were inaudible. Mr. Conley reviewed the Items discussed. Mr. Conley stated that Item # 8 should read: Increase funds to DFTA to meet increased demands for transportation services for seniors via the Access-a-Ride Program.
A Motion was made to Approve Items #1-10 on the Expense Budget Priorities. The Motion was Seconded. The Motion was unanimously approved.
A Motion was made to Approve Items #11-20 on the Expense Budget Priorities. The Motion was Seconded. The Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Conley spoke about Items # 21 and 22. A Board Member recommended the removal of Item #22. Item #22 was removed.
A Board Member inquired about Item #26. Comments were inaudible. Item #26 has been moved to Item #11. Item #26 would ask for funding to conduct a feasibly study to increase the number of hospital beds and increase medical services within Community Board 2. Item #11 would be down.
Mr. Conley announced the need for Members at Hospital Boards as a representative of Community Board 2.
A request was made for an increase of police vehicles.
The Parks Department has requested that an item be added to the Expense Budget Priories List. That item would be added at the end of the list.
A Motion was made to Approve Items #21-26 on the Expense Budget Priorities. The Motion was Seconded. The Motion was unanimously approved.
VOTES
Vote on Street-Renaming at
A Motion was made to Approve this Application. The Motion was Seconded.
In Favor 34 Opposed 0 Abstentions 2
Chairperson present but not voting
Vote on the installation of a Speed Bump at
Ms. Deller recommended that this item be Tabled.
A Motion was made to Table this item. The Motion was seconded.
In Favor 34 Opposed 3 Abstention 0
Chairperson present but not voting
