2nd Revision (see page 10*)
September 1st 2010
Community Board 2 Public Hearing and Monthly Meeting
Attendance
Terri Adams Diane Ballek
Sandra Bigitschke Kate Brennan
Bessie Cassaro Joseph Conley
Emilia Crotty David DeCicco
Lisa Deller Brian Flynn
Kenneth Greenberg Richard Gundlach
Anne Hart Rev. Joseph Jerome
Mohammed Choudhury Jewel Luis Jimenez
Sheila Lewandowski Rita Manton
Guadalupe Marzana Donald McCallian
Dorothy Morehead Patrick O’Brien
Norberto Saladana
David Shin Lauren Springer
Karolina Tosi Carol Terrano
Robert Wilkanowski Al Volpe
Absentees
Andrew Anzalone Jean Carubia
Thomas Casey Barbara Coleman
Stephen Cooper Don Dodelson
Mary English Tom Kalamaras
Ellen Kang Marie Konecko
Dominic Lippolis Gregory Matos
Taina Hernandez McShane Golam Mehraj
Patrick Murray Moitri Chowdhury Savard
Community Board 2 Staff
Debra Markell Kleinert, DM
Mary Ann Gurrado, CB 2 Staff
Guests
Councilperson James Van Bramer CB2 Liaison for CM Van Bramer,
Joe Kenton
Sam Goldman, Ridgewood Times James Peruci,
Oumaya Abisaab Gina Baldwin
Manny Caruana Rose Tibaldi
Mary Tibaldi Bill Keating
Carol Koss Eva Band
Ann Marie Carroll James Bray
Conor Dunphy Dorothy Endewelt
Prestine Zainuddin David Rosasio
Jim Condes Ian McGowan
Agenda
Pledge of Allegiance
Mr. Conley welcomed all back to the Community Board 2 Monthly Meeting after the summer hiatus.
Comments by Public Official/Guest Speakers
Mr. Conley introduced the Councilperson “who never sleeps”, Councilperson James Van Bramer, to Attendees at this Meeting.
The Councilmember was in attendance to discuss
Councilperson Van Bramer welcomed all back from the summer break. He stated that Mr. Joseph Conley is the best Community Board Chairperson that any Community Board has.
The Councilman spoke in support of the application for a dual street renaming for
Mr. Marvin Jeffcoat
Councilman Van Bramer thanked Mr. Marvin Jeffcoat for his services to the Community Board and to the Veteran’s Committee. Mr. Jeffcoat has resigned from Community Board 2. The Councilman stated that anyone who serves on a Community Board gives back to the community. The Councilman also thanked Mr. Jeffcoat, a Veteran, for his services to our country.
Budget
Councilman Van Bramer stated that during his last visit in June, there the City Budget was under consideration and there were discussions of proposed cuts to our NYPD and FDNY and of budget cuts for the After School Program at P.S. 150, which is organized and managed by Sunnyside Community Services. The proposed budget cuts for these items were dismissed. The PS 150 After School Program is scheduled to open during the second week of September.
In addition, the District’s Senior Centers were also granted funding and there are parks projects that will also move forward.
Councilperson Van Bramer spoke about receiving the largest Restoration Budget of the history of the City Council; in total, $61 million dollars.
Constituent Service Operation
Councilperson Van Bramer proudly spoke about the positive and immediate response that he and his staff have given to the 750 + constituent cases during their first 8 months in office. The Councilperson, Mr. Joe Kenton and the entire staff work very hard for the community.
Graffiti Hot Line
The Councilperson’s office has funded and launched a Graffiti Hot Line for any location within the 26th District. The Councilperson’s office has developed a partnership with a company that would visit the locations that were reported in need of clean-up.
During the first week of the Graffiti Hot Line’s debut, it was reported to the Councilperson’s office that the District had a lot of issues. The Councilperson himself has called the Hot Line when traveling through the community.
Casa Romano
Councilperson Van Bramer spoke about telephone calls and e-mails from residents living near this restaurant. Residents have reported that the area feels unsafe, residents feel threatened and in danger while traveling to get to and from their homes. The Councilperson stated that this location has been problematic for months and the incident that occurred on August 28th is unacceptable for any neighborhood at anytime under any circumstances.
Councilperson Van Bramer spoke about the seriousness of the stabbing of two teenagers and the arrest of 14 others. He spoke about how the NYPD was forced to chase those involved onto the train tracks of the Elevated No. 7 while running from the scene and running away from police. This is a serious problem. This location has been issued summonses in the past for a host of issues and problems. The owners of this establishment were arrested, as well.
The goal of Councilperson Van Bramer, Assemblywoman Cathy Nolan and Community Board 2 Chairperson, Joseph Conley is to close this establishment immediately. Councilperson Van Bramer stated that this location would not threaten the neighborhood any longer.
Town Hall Meetings
The Councilperson stated that these meetings would continue to be scheduled. The meetings have been well-attended. He said that he would continue to work with the Community Board and other elected officials to bring the community together
Councilperson Van Bramer spoke about how much he loves his job as Councilperson. It is an amazing job and an amazing opportunity. He told Attendees that everyday he is Councilperson, he feels incredibly blessed. Councilperson.
Public Meeting
Street Renaming;
A Street Renaming at 49th Street between Queens Boulevard and 47th Avenue; To be a/k/a Alejandro Nino Way. Mr. Nino is from Woodside.
Mr. Conley explained that this Application is for a Dual-Street Naming, not a Street Renaming Application, as announced on the Agenda. Mr. Conley introduced Mr. Nino’s Mother, Ms. Velez.
Ms. Velez offered a very loving and emotional biography of Mr. Nino’s life of dedication to his country, his community, his family and friends. Ms. Velez was inaudible.
Public Comment
David Rosasco
Sean Og’s
Mr. Rosasco was in attendance to discuss the escalating problems the community is experience due to bar-related fights and violence. He spoke about Sean Og’s, on
Mr. Rosasco requested that the Community Board work with Officer Youseff of the 108th Precinct in an effort to rectify this problem. Officer Youseff and the Precinct have already been notified of this situation and the 108th Precinct has assigned Special Operations to monitor Sean Og’s bar.
Casa Romano
Mr. Rosasco also spoke about Casa Romano, a restaurant on
Adopt-a-Basket
Mr. Rosasco thanked the Community Board 2 staff for their assistance with the Adopt-a-Basket Program in Woodside. There is an effort being made to have businesses in Woodside adopt a trashcan. The first adopted trashcan was placed on
Community Board 2 Meeting Schedule
Mr. Rosasco spoke about the problems within the community that continue during the summer months and requested that Community Board 2 schedule a Monthly Meeting in July and August.
Mr. Rosasco spoke about a meeting he attended regarding
Jim Condes
Mr. Condes spoke about the crosswalk at this major intersection. He said that at a Town Hall Meeting he attended where DOT Commissioner McCarthy and CB2 Liaison Joe Kenton of Councilperson Van Bramer’s officer were in attendance, he had explained to the Commissioner that the asphalt was inferior and was in need of repair. Mr. Condes told Attendees that at the time, the Commissioner agreed with his statement.
Mr. Condes spoke about asphalt placed on
With regard to this item, Mr. Condes has contacted Councilperson Van Bramer’s office, the Mayor’s office, the Community Board 2’s office, and DOT Commissioner McCarthy’s office.
Mr. Condes expressed disappointment that road repairs were made to the area while the intersection that has continually been a concern of the community, which was within the boundaries of those repairs, was ignored.
Mr. Condes spoke about a tour of the park, where he noted the need for tree removal, clearing clogged drains and the erosion of the retaining walls. Mr. Condes said that the drains in the park have not been maintained and are clogged with eaves and debris.
Ian McGowan
Mr. McGowan is a member of the Wing Fist Organization. He read a letter to Attendees in honor of the Irish American Athletic Club discussing Celtic Park Stadium. Mr. McGowan would like to have a plaque installed honoring Olympic Gold Medalists that participated in events at this stadium. This letter was submitted to Community Board 2. This letter respectfully requested that Community Board 2 write a Letter of Support to the Celtic Park Co-op Board of Directors An article from the Wall Street Journal dated June 2010 was distributed to Attendees. Mr. McGowan’s website address is: www.wingfist.org
Mr. McGowan entertained questions from Attendees.
Anthony Nunziato
Mr. Nunziato is currently a Candidate for 30th Assembly District. He is a current Board Member of Community Board 5, is an active member of the Middle Village-Maspeth area and has family roots in Maspeth and Woodside for over 100 years. Mr. Nunziato spoke about being a member of Civic Associations and Environmental Committees. He stated that he is one of the most active Civic Leaders in the Middle Village-Maspeth area.
Mr. Nunziato’s website is www.tonynunziato.com. Mr. Nunziato stated that he would remain at this Meeting to entertain any questions or concerns from Attendees.
Attendance
Present; 32 – Absent; 17
A Quorum was present at this Meeting.
Approval of Minutes
A Motion was made to approve the Minutes for the June 2010 Community Board 2 Monthly Meeting and Public Hearing. The Motion was Seconded.
The Minutes were unanimously approved.
District Manager’s Report
There were no Reports offered at this Meeting.
Chairperson’s Report
Marvin Jeffcoat
Mr. Conley requested Mr. Jeffcoat to attend the Community Board’s October Meeting.
Mr. Conley spoke about Councilperson Van Bramer’s comments about how dedicated and hard working Mr. Jeffcoat was as the Chairperson of the Veteran’s Committee and for the Veteran’s of the community; as well as a dedicated Member of Community Board 2.
Rally in front of Casa Romano,
Mr. Conley spoke about how the community planned to speak against this establishment in Sunnyside. This location has been continually a problem within the community. It is a location of repeated violence. On Saturday, August 28th, 14 people, of various ages, were arrested and two people were stabbed.
There was an abundance of police officers from the 108th Precinct called to this location for assistance. There was a similar incident in May 2010.
Board Members agreed that underage teenagers are exposed to violence, alcohol, etc.
Mr. O’Brien offered a summary of discussion with the owner of this establishment at several City Services and Public Safety Committee Meetings.
When the current owner was preparing to take over this operation, the owner stated that this establishment was to operate from noon to midnight, continuing the ‘same fine tradition’, utilize the same menu, etc. Mr. O’Brien stated that the comments made were bold-face lies. Several months into the operation, there have been many summonses issued for violations, as well as two serious incidents requiring police attention.
National Night Out Against Crime
Mr. Conley spoke about the successful Night out Against Crime event.He congratulated Board Members Diane Ballek, Terri Adams and all involved on it’s success.
Mr. Conley spoke about meetings held with the vendors and the organizers of the Greenpoint Avenue Street Fair about the abundance of commercial vendors at these events. An agreement has been reached that there will be one event in the spring and one event in the fall.
An event between
Empty Store Fronts on
A meeting would be held with merchants, Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce and the Sunnyside BID to discuss.
November Budget
Mr. Conley stated that if there were any items, which Board Members would like to add to the Board’s budget request, they would be able to do so at the November Board Meeting.
Food Drive for the Community Board
The Community Board offices would be collecting canned goods. Mr. Conley stated that food banks are not stocked enough.
Community Board Intern, Anthony Powell
Mr. Conley acknowledged intern, Anthony Powell from
Board Member List
Mr. Conley announced that the Board Member list would be updated. Board Members have the option to include their contact information on this list or choose not to supply that information.
Hart Playground
Mr. Conley spoke about several meetings with
United 40’s Member, Joe Ruzalski
Mr. Conley spoke about meeting with the Parks Department to choose a location to honor this dedicated member of the community.
The Community Board has been requesting additional trash bins at this location. The Board offices have been notified that 4 more trash receptacles would be added at the park.
Department of Transportation Liaison for Community Board 2
Mr. Conley announced that Ms. Kimberly Crewe of the DOT has moved on to other assignments. He said that he and Ms. Crewe had met several times over the summer to discuss safety improvements on
There will be some blasting for this Project. There are dates and times listed on Community Board 2’s website.
Artificial Turf
In regard to the controversy that the recommendation for the installation of artificial turf at Hunters Point South and other parks in the neighborhood have engendered, Mr. Conley said that the NY Times had recently published an article about how unhealthy artificial turf is, especially in extreme heat. He said that Assemblywoman Cathy Nolan has met with the Mayor and that a request from Community Board 2 has been submitted to the Mayor that the community does not want artificial turf in our parks.
The request for a dog run at Queens West was also discussed. A Board Member added that community members do not clean up after their dogs in the parks or the City streets. Mr. Conley stated that should the problem continue, the Department of Sanitation would be notified.
P.S. 78
Community Board 2 has been working to relocate the play area for safety reasons.
The comments made were inaudible.
Waste Management
Mr. Conley spoke about meeting with Waste Management. The truck travel is expected to increase. Mr. Conley inquired about what would be given back to the community. There was discussion of working with the Parks Department and the development of Green/Open Space. He said that discussions with Waste Management would continue.
Acknowledging the History of Long Island City
Mr. Conley spoke about celebrating the history of
Committee Reports
Health & Human Services Committee
ACQC Funding Denied
Co-chairperson for the Health and Human Services Committee, Ms. Carol Terrano addressed the denial of funding for ACQC. Queens was the only borough that was denied greatly needed funding. ACQC facilities in
Ms. Terrano commended the Syringe Exchange Program overseen by ACQC Queens. Ms. Terrano met with Philip Glotzer, the Executive Director of ACQC and with Mr. Conley regarding lack of funding for the Queens Programs. Mr. Conley wrote a letter on behalf of ACQC to the Director of the CDC. The letter successfully outlined the issue. To date, there has been no response to this letter.
Ms. Terrano spoke about a similar letter written to the CDC by Congressman Meeks of
Ms. Terrano was informed that the issuance of funding is unlikely. Ms. Terrano decided to notify Community Board 2, Queens Borough President, Helen Marshall. The Borough President, Congressman Crowley and Congressman Meeks wrote letters in support for funding for the Queens Program.
Mr. Conley stated that he would contact Mr. Frieden’s via telephone to remind him that Community Board 2 was the first area in
Mr. Conley spoke about how there has been no response to his letter regarding this issue.
Ms. Terrano and Mr. Conley entertained questions from Board Members.
Environment Committee
Newtown Creek
Ms. Morehead spoke about the vast amount of activity over the summer months regarding Newtown Creek. She spoke about:
- The goals of the Brownfield opportunities and about the need to maintain existing jobs in the area.
- Meeting with EPA officials regarding the cleaning process for Newtown Creek; this includes the land around the Creek.
- $10 million dollar Environmental Funding through
- Efforts to bring the water treatment plant to compliance with New York State Regulations.
Ms. Morehead spoke about the need for emission controls and about contacting local trucking companies, the smaller companies in particular. This would be discussed at the next Environment Committee Meeting in order to offer recommendations.
Ms. Morehead spoke about the possibility of refurbishing and utilizing a small City owned parcel. This was a recommendation offered by Board Member, Ms. Diane Ballek.
Ms. Morehead spoke about Blissville,
Veteran’s Committee
Mr. Conley asked Mr. Jeffcoat if there were any Reports to offer. Mr. Jeffcoat explained why he was stepping down from membership on the Board due to personal reasons. He thanked all Board Members for the opportunity to sit on Community Board 2.
Mr. Jeffcoat thanked Board Members for voting in favor of the Dual-Street Naming,
City Services & Public Safety Committee
Chairperson for the City Services and Public Safety Committee, Mr. O’Brien did not offer a Report at this Meeting.
Mr. O’Brien announced that the City Services and Public Safety Committee Meeting for September has been scheduled for Thursday, September 16th 2010.
Transportation Committee
Mr. Conley asked Board Members to read the Minutes. The Transportation Committee has some very active issues that will be addressed during the next coming months.
Land Use Committee
Meeting with O‘Connor Capital Partners
Ms. Deller spoke about a meeting over the summer with O’Connor Capital Partners. This meeting was not a Land Use Meeting. O’Connor Capital Partners is the developer of
Ms. Deller spoke about how the Board was seeking suggestions from O’Connor Partners with regard to a secondary plan should there be no University interested in participating in this project.
Ms. Deller explained that this would be a continued discussion.
Dual-Street Renaming for Alejandro Nino of Sunnyside
Ms. Deller spoke of Mr. Nino’s continued dedication to the community. Mr. Nino’s mother, Ms. Velez was in attendance for this Vote.
VOTE: A Street Renaming at
A Motion was made to approve this Application. The Motion was Seconded.
In Favor 33 Opposed 1 Abstention 0
Chairperson Present and Voting
Sunnyside/Woodside Rezoning
Ms. Deller stated that the Department of City Planning had begun the Environmental Review for this item.
This would be a continued discussion with the Land Use Committee.
Silvercup Studios
Ms. Deller explained that the Special Permit for the Silvercup West development was due to expired and that it was now pending renewal.
Ms. Deller entertained questions from Board Members.
This Meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted by:
Cheryl Sinnott
The next Community Board 2 Monthly Meeting and Public Hearing has been scheduled for Thursday, October 7th 2010.
