December 2nd 2010
Community Board 2 Monthly Meeting and Public Hearing
Attendance
Terri Adams Andrew Anzalone
Sandra Bigitschke Kate Brennan
Anna Bridge Jean Carubia
Thomas Casey Bessie Cassaro
Barbara Coleman Joseph Conley
Stephen Cooper Emilia Crotty
David DeCicco Lisa Deller
Don Dodelson Mary English
Kenneth Greenberg Richard Gundlach
Anne Hart Rev. Joseph Jerome
Mohammed Choudhury Jewel Tom Kalamaras
Ellen Kang Marie Konecko
Sheila Lewandowski Dominic Lippolis
Guadalupe Marzana Donald McCallian
Gertrude McDonald Dorothy Morehead
Patrick Murray Patrick O’Brien
Moitri Chowdhury Savard David Shin
Lauren Springer Carol Terrano
Karolina Tosi Al Volpe
Absentees
Diane Ballek Bernard Callegari
Brian Flynn Luis Jimenez
Rita Manton Taina Hernandez McShane
Golam Mehraj Evan O’Neil
Norberto Saldana Regina Shanley
Robert Wilkanowski
Community Board 2 Staff
Debra Markell Kleinert, DM
Mary Ann Gurrado
Guests
Councilman Danny Dromm
Michael Melon, Councilman Dromm’s office
Joe Kenton, Councilman Van Bramer’s CB2 Liaison
Sam Goldman, Ridgewood Times
Rebecca Henely, Times Ledger (Astoria Times)
Christian Murray Michael Halpin
Antoinette Siino Walter Ng
Julie Waldner Joe Wukovits
Janelle Ali Aaron Montsaro
Mark Davidoff Richard O’Connor
Arthur Rosenfield Michael Meola
Mary Tibaldi Nicholas Lung-Bugenski
Frank Longhilano Bill Keating
Jeanine Wong Jesse Simmons
Rose Tibaldi Jen Milburn
Gus Drakoupous Omar Faroogi
William Garrett Eileen Walsh
Dorothy Endicott Syed Ali Ameer
Gus Tsekenis Barbara Palmer
Maria Mercedes-Hubbard Robert Cody
Rochelle Pinnoek-Herring Marvette Turner
Penny Lee
Agenda
Pledge of Allegiance
Comments by Public Officials/Guest Speakers
Presentation by Marvette Turner; Visiting Nurse Service (VNS) Choice Community Care Outreach Liaison
Ms. Turner spoke about the VNS Choice Program, which offers: Long Term Home Care, and the Medicare Advantage Program. Ms. Turner explained that she was in attendance at this meeting to introduce the Home Care Program.
Ms. Turner introduced Ms. Rochelle Pinnoek-Herring to attendees. Ms. Pinnoek-Herring discussed who is entitled, what services are offered and who would benefit from the Home Care Program. She explained that the Home Care Program is designed and available for those 65 years and older, living within the community and requiring home care services. A person must be medicaid eligible or already have medicaid.
VNS assesses the client’s functional needs, e.g. walking, dressing without assistance, bathing, etc. The assessment would then be submitted for approval to the VNS Home Care Program. This is a long-term care service that provides a nurse who serves as a case manager and oversees patient care.
Ms. Turner spoke about doctor’s appointments, comprehensive programs, physical therapy, etc. She explained that VNS would assist anyone who does not currently have medicaid to become part of medicaid.
Ms. Rochelle Pinnoek-Herring spoke about Emergency Response Care at home program. Emergency equipment would be placed in the home should a patient need assistance during the hours that the Home Care nurse is not on duty. The patient would receive the equipment after an assessment.
VNS continually assesses a patient to determine whether increased care is needed. VNS works in partnership with several nursing homes. They continue to oversee a patient once they are placed into a nursing home.
Ms. Rochelle Pinnoek-Herring entertained questions from attendees.
Public Hearing
Landmark Preservation Application (LPC)
In the Matter of an LPC Application; 39-09 49th Street, Sunnyside Gardens. Applicant is Applying for a Renovation of the Rear Porch in Sunnyside Gardens.
Mr. Robert Cody, architect for the applicant was in attendance at this meeting to offer a presentation for this application. He offered a visual presentation while discussing the proposed renovations. There were renderings offering the current conditions of the building versus the proposed modifications.
Ms. Deller asked for photographs that were provided at the most recent Land Use Committee Meeting. Those photographs compared rear porches of other nearby buildings.
Ms. Deller explained that the Land Use Committee was not opposed to the application; however, a quorum was not present at the Land Use Meeting. Ms. Deller spoke about the roof of the building and comments made about the roof at the Land Use Committee. Mr. Cody spoke about modifying the roof as well as replace existing railing.
Mr. Cody plans to come before the Land Use Committee in December to offer a modified presentation.
Ms. Terrano asked if there was any feedback from neighbors with regard to this project.
Mr. Cody entertained questions from attendees.
There were no other representatives in attendance to speak in favor or in opposition of this application.
Mr. Conley closed this portion of the Agenda.
Community Public Comment
Gus Tsekenis
Mr. Tsekenis was in attendance at this meeting to discuss the Woodside Library Centennial Anniversary. He announced that a special event with a slide show would be offered on December 16th 2010 at 6 pm. Mr. Tsekenis offered an invitation to all.
Mr. Conley announced that, Board Member, Barbara Coleman has compiled documents pertaining to the history of Woodside. Ms. Coleman plans to donate her documents to the Woodside Library at this event.
Woodside Historian, Ms. Catherine Gregory would be in attendance at this event.
Mr. Tsekenis entertained questions from Attendees.
Barbara Palmer
Ms. Palmer was in attendance to discuss the proposed plan to construct a school at the former location of the Sunnyside Jewish Center on 43rd Street and Queens Blvd. Ms. Palmer is opposed to the proposed development of a new school in the area.
Ms. Palmer stated that residents of 42nd Street between Queens Boulevard and 47th Avenue were not kept apprised of this proposal during beginning phases of the plan.
She spoke about the proposed lay-off of thousands of teachers and inquired as to where the funding for this development would come. She also spoke about the parking crisis in the area and commented that teacher parking would increase this problem.
Ms. Palmer recommended the development of a parking lot with underground parking versus the development of a new school.
Maria Mercedes-Hubbard
Ms. Hubbard has been contacting all Community Board offices in Queens. She works with a Program called AHRC. Ms. Hubbard was before the Full Board in November.
Ms. Hubbard assists those with developmental disabilities to find jobs within the communities. She explained that her clients train for a great period of time in order to perform the simplest tasks.
Ms. Hubbard announced that since the November Meeting, two of her clients have been placed with jobs at an organization called Micro Shade. Ms. Hubbard stated that she would continue to reach out to local businesses in an effort to place her clients at jobs in the community.
Ms. Hubbard also spoke about an award received for serving the community.
Ms. Hubbard provided information about this organization for Attendees.
Richard O’Connor
Mr. O’Connor was in attendance representing St. Raphaels Church to thank Chairperson of Community Board 2, Mr. Joseph Conley, Community Board 2 Staff Member, Mrs. Mary Ann Gurrado and her husband Joe and Mr. Jimmy O’Reilly for their assistance on Saturday, November 20th at the Church. St. Raphaels Church distributed turkeys to community members.
Mr. Conley was instrumental during the distribution. He donated approximately 125 turkeys on behalf of Community Board 2. Mr. O’Connor thanked Mr. Conley for his generosity.
Mr. O’Connor explained that St. Raphaels church welcomes all during this economic time of need. Mr. O’Connor invited anyone to visit St. Raphaels church for support or assistance any Thursday or Saturday.
Mr. O’Connor also thanked Don McCallian, the 108th Precinct and Community Board 2 Member Ms. Diane Ballek for their generosity.
Mr. Conley stated that this event was expected to extend for approximately 1 hour; however, Mr. Conley, Mr. and Mrs. Gurrado and Mr. O’Reilly volunteered at St. Raphaels from 10 am to 4 pm. Mr. Conley stated that it was a great event.
Board Meeting
Attendance
Present; 39 – Absent; 11
A Quorum was present at this Meeting
Approval of Minutes
The Minutes for the November 2010 Community Board 2 Monthly Meeting and Public Hearing were unanimously approved.
Chairperson’s Report
Mr. Conley and Deputy Mayor Steven Goldsmith
Mr. Conley and Mr. Goldsmith met at 6:45am one morning to meet with local small business owners. The meeting was to learn about the pros and cons that local businesses experience daily. Mr. Conley stated that the Deputy Mayor was enlightened a great deal about small businesses as a result of this meeting.
Community Board 2 Member, Patrick O’Brien
Community Board 2 and the community offer condolences to the O’Brien Family. Mr. O’Brien’s Father-in-Law passed away.
Community Board 2 Board Member, Diane Ballek
Mr. Conley asked Attendees to keep Ms. Ballek’s ill brother in their prayers.
Officer Toro, of the 108th Precinct
Officer Toro has relocated onto the 115th Precinct in Jackson Heights. Good luck Officer Toro!
Mr. Conley announced that Officer Louis Sorrentino would be the 108th Precinct’s Community Affairs officer.
Breakfast with Queens North, NYPD
Mr. Conley stated that the Breakfast was successful. This event was hosted in Hunters Point, Long Island City.
Long Island City Trade Show Association
Assemblywoman Cathy Nolan was honored by this organization. Mr. Conley stated that the event was well attended.
Food Pantries
Mr. Conley spoke about how effective one can of food or one box of dried cereal can be for this cause. Mr. Conley thanked Food Dynasty on Queens Boulevard in Sunnyside for their generous donation. Food Dynasty stocked St. Raphaels food pantry.
Holiday Toy Donations
Mr. Conley reminded Attendees that unwrapped toys are being collected at the Community Board office for needy children during the Holiday Season.
Kosciusko Bridge Meeting
Mr. Conley stated that Community Board 2 Member, Bernard Callegari was in attendance at this Meeting as a representative of Community Board 2.
Mr. Callegari would offer an update on this Meeting at the January 2011 Community Board 2 Monthly Meeting and Public Hearing.
Community Holiday Tree Lightings
Mr. Conley spoke about Holiday Lighting on Skillman Avenue. Mr. Conley congratulated Councilperson Van Bramer for acquiring the funds.
Mr. Conley spoke about other Holiday lighting events in the area.
Councilman Dan Dromm
Councilman Dromm wished all Happy Holidays. He thanked all for their hard work within the community. The Councilman spoke about the area in Woodside that he oversees which is part of Community Board 2. He said that it was approximately “Two blocks wide and Three Avenue’s long”. The Councilman stated that this area is an important part of his District.
Councilman Dromm was a teacher at PS 199 for 25 years. The Councilman spoke about how grateful he was for his teaching career and his new career as an elected official. Councilman Dromm grew up in the Jackson Heights/Corona/Elmhurst area of Queens.
Councilman Dromm spoke about his opposition to the appointment of Cathy Black as Chancellor of New York City Schools. The Councilman stated that he believes an educator would have been a more appropriate choice for that position.
Councilman Dromm announced that he was able to allocate $1 million dollars in funding to expand the Emergency Room at Elmhurst Hospital. The Councilman spoke about those who utilize the Hospital’s Emergency Room as a doctor’s office for colds, flu, etc. The Councilman spoke about working to bring Primary Care resources into the community as well. He described a typical scene at the Emergency Room; chaotic but with a hard working staff. Elmhurst Hospital is the only Hospital within District 25.
Councilman Dromm is the Chairperson of the Immigration Committee within the City Council. This Committee continues to work hard on these issues. The Councilman spoke about assisting immigrant children as well as immigrant children in foster care. The Councilperson spoke about Special Immigrant Juvenile Status and the gift of Citizenship. He said that the Administration of Children’s Services was not consistently processing the paperwork for these children to obtain their citizenship. The Immigration Committee has worked to make sure that these children are given Citizenship.
Councilman Dromm’s office is located on 75th Street and 37th Avenue, Jackson Heights.
The Councilman spoke about working with other Council Members within the community on many issues. The Councilperson spoke about working with Councilperson Van Bramer regarding the upgrade of the No. 7 train along Roosevelt Avenue from Greenpoint Avenue to Citifield.
Circulation of a Drafted Letter
Mr. Conley stated that this letter has been drafted in support of Sunnyside Community Services. Mr. Conley explained that the Mayor has proposed to cut 30% from the Budget for Case Management.
The letter would be sent on Friday, December 3rd 2010.
Mr. Joseph Gurrado
Mr. Conley thanked Mr. Gurrado for his assistance as a translator for Mr. Conley at the Food Drive at St. Raphaels Church.
District Manager’s Report
There were no Reports offered at this Meeting.
City Planning Report
Sunnyside/Woodside Rezoning
Mr. Tom Smith was unable to attend this Meeting.
Streetscape Improvement
When the Transit Authority finishes its Emergency Vent Shaft Project, it will be required to complete streetscape improvements within the median along Jackson Avenue as well as sidewalk improvements.
Bicycle Lane
There is now a bicycle lane, which exits off the Queensboro Bridge, headed west, and off-street bicycle lane on the south side of Queens Plaza North.
Landscaping of the Medians along Queens Plaza
Between Crescent Street and Queens Plaza East, landscaping would begin after the Holidays. Pavers will also be added in the new park area.
Questions from Board Members were entertained.
Committee Reports
Health and Human Services
Chairperson, Ms. Terrano spoke about contacting Mr. Phil Glotzer of ACQC. Mr. Glotzer appreciates the Committee’s support regarding funding cuts for the organization. To date, there has been no response from the Federal Government. Ms. Terrano stated that ACQC and the Health and Human Services Committee are hopeful for 2011. A letter of thanks was written to the Health and Human Services Committee from ACQC for their support.
Site Visits
The Committee is in the planning stages for site visits in 2011.
City Services and Public Safety Committee
Mr. O’Brien stated that the Minutes for the November Meeting were e-mailed to all Board Members.
November 1st 2010
This Meeting was to address Hunters Point Liquor License Applications. Mr. O’Brien thanked the Waterfront Crab House for hosting the Meeting.
Mr. O’Brien wished all Happy Holidays!
Environment Committee
Ms. Morehead reported on the following:
Newtown Creek
Ms. Morehead spoke about how Exxon Mobile will expedite the clean-up of the underground oil spill in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Exxon Mobile would also set up a $19.5 million dollar fund for environmental projects in the Greenpoint community.
The Environmental Benefits Fund
Ms. Morehead spoke about the City Parks Foundation portion of this Fund. She said that the City Parks Foundation tends to favor anything that is open to the public, which is related to the Creek and increases open space. The Project is expected to begin and finish within 2 ½ years.
Ms. Morehead spoke about obtaining funding for 29th Avenue near Dutch Kills. Ms. Morehead spoke about seeking funding for a floating raft.
Ms. Morehead spoke about voting on this Project. Electronic votes were not admissible.
Ms. Morehead entertained questions from Board Members.
Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance
Ms. Morehead attended a conference the Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance Conference.
She reported that there were sessions that discussed different projects on how to improve water quality, etc.
Ms. Morehead met with a Member of the Hudson River Foundation. The Hudson River Foundation is seeking a Project that would improve the water quality of Newtown Creek.
Ms. Morehead entertained questions from Board Members.
There was discussion about the Borden Avenue Bridge. Mr. Conley explained that the Bridge must remain an operable and moving bridge. It cannot be converted into a fixed bridge.
Ms. Morehead spoke about the Newtown Creek BOA. Ms. Morehead spoke about the multiple uses as well as the history of the Creek.
Ms. Morehead spoke about a Permit obtained for the dredging of the Creek.
Ms. Morehead entertained questions from Board Members.
New York State Legislation
New York State has signed Legislation stating that there would be no Hydro-fracking in New York State until March 2011. Ms. Morehead spoke about the argument to reveal the chemicals used during this process and the concern about water contamination.
A Committee Member spoke about the replacement of coal plants with gas burning plants. There was discussion about denying access to drill for gas forcing the return to the use of coal. Ms. Morehead spoke about the cons of coal.
Transportation Committee
New Plant Proposed next to the Waste Management Facility
Mr. Conley reminded Board Members about this item. This is located at Railroad Avenue near the Greenpoint Bridge.
Mr. Conley spoke about Green Asphalt. The Community Board was not notified of this new addition to that area. The Community Board expressed concern about the lack of communication. The Assemblywoman’s office and the Councilperson’s office were not notified. Mr. Conley contacted the New York State Department of Transportation. The NYSDOT stated that the facility had presented their project to the Community Board in 2005. Mr. Conley explained that this was a different Application. Mr. Conley explained that the elected officials should have been notified.
Mr. Conley and Mr. Joe Kenton, CB2 Liaison from Councilperson’s Van Bramer’s office have been working on this issue. This would be brought to the DEC as well as New York City. Mr. Conley explained that there is no Green technology operating at this facility.
Mr. Conley explained the process of this facility. The collection of road gravel would be brought to the facility, strip what could be salvageable, mix with new asphalt and ship that product out. The Community Board was not informed of this process. There would be two diesel generators around the clock.
There are questions and concerns about the future of Waste Management.
Mr. Conley entertained questions from Board Members.
Transportation Alternatives (Queens Boulevard Bicycle Lane Proposal)
To date, the Transportation Committee has not been contacted with a Proposal.
Board Member, Mr. Al Volpe announced that the person who transcribed the minutes for the November 2010 Transportation Committee Meeting should receive a medal!
Required Posting of Guidelines by the Department of Transportation
Mr. Volpe spoke about a unanimously passed Resolution by the City Council in which the Department of Transportation is now required to post a list of guidelines on-line regarding controversial bicycle paths so that people can assess whether they meet the Agency’s own guidelines.
Mr. Volpe spoke of a similar problem in the Bronx. People complain that bike lanes and other traffic measures reduce neighborhood parking, which causes confusion and results in slowing down of traffic rather than improvement of traffic flow.
This Bill would become effective in three months. Mr. Volpe thanked Councilperson Van Bramer for voting for this Bill. Mr. Volpe is hopeful that parking will improve within the community. Mr. Volpe spoke about Skillman Avenue. Parking is difficult on Skillman Avenue.
Mr. Conley stated that the Department of Transportation would make modifications that the Agency is not obligated to notify the community about. This is a Win-Win situation for the community.
Jackson Avenue and Northern Boulevard
Mr. Conley spoke about many complaints filed with the Community Board with regard to this intersection. Mr. Conley spoke about only one lane headed south; it is not clear whether this modification would be permanent.
There have been complaints filed about making turns on Jackson Avenue; buses are an issue.
Mr. Conley plans to invite the DOT Commissioner, Ms. Maura McCarthy to the next Transportation Committee Meeting.
Hunters Point Library
Mr. Conley spoke about the possibility that the Library that is slated for development would have been reduced in size and amenities due to the lack of funding.
There is a proposal from Mr. Paul Janesuzki from Queens West that will be presented to the Community Board. This proposal would increase FAR on the cornerstone sites; bulk would increase, not height. If this would happen, there would be 200 square feet. This in turn would be sold at $80 for a total of $16 million dollars of new money for the Port Authority. The Port Authority stated that $3 million would be funded to the Library and the Port Authority would keep the remaining $16 million dollars. Mr. Conley contacted the Port Authority and explained that the numbers must be reversed. The community is entitled to that money.
Mr. Conley met at the site with the Port Authority with elected officials. The Port Authority has agreed to fund $10 million dollars.
The Library plans would be available for review shortly.
Vertical Parking on Laurel Hill Boulevard
Ms. Terrano asked about vertical parking on Laurel Hill Boulevard. To date, Mr. Conley did not have any updated information; however, a visit would be conducted.
Fires in Maspeth
Ms. Terrano spoke about recent fires in her community. Ms. Terrano spoke about the quick response time by the FDNY. She said that Fire Marshalls have been frequenting the area since there were two serious fires within 10 days.
Mr. Conley entertained questions from Board Members.
Land Use Committee
~Vote on Landmark Application, 39-09 49th Street, Sunnyside Gardens
Ms. Deller offered a summary of the Applicant’s intended modification at this building. She said that the Applicant has submitted an Application to the Landmarks Commission to remodel a rear porch enclosure. They had proposed to replace the siding and windows as well as change the entrance door location and to add, “french doors” and steps to exit into the rear yard. During the Land Use Meeting the Committee had requested that the Applicant remove an existing fiberglass awning from the second story porch.
Ms. Deller said that the Land Use Committee did not have a Quorum at the November Meeting and a vote was not taken.
She added that a Notification was posted on the website and sent to neighbors.
Ms. Deller entertained questions from Board Members.
Ms. Morehead made a motion to approve this application with the stipulation that the fiberglass overhang be removed and that the materials used to modify the rear porch enclosure reflect the original materials used in Sunnyside Gardens, which were wood, glass and brick. The motion was seconded.
Mr. Cooper requested that the motion be amended to read that: a fiberglass overhang be removed, and the materials utilized must be wood, glass or brick.
Board Members discussed materials that may or may not be used within renovations and modifications. Mr. O’Brien recommended that the amendment should also discuss the type of material could look like wood, glass or brick while being eco friendly, maintenance free, cost efficient, etc.
Landmark approval, applications and guidelines were discussed. Board Members discussed the specific language of the Motion for this Application and future Land Use Applications. Ms. Morehead stated that materials used must reflect the original materials used which were wood, glass and brick. There was discussion about the original single-pane windows. Currently, single-pane windows cannot be purchased.
Mr. Conley explained that Landmarks’ purpose is to maintain the original design. Modern materials that are eco-friendly, maintenance free, cost efficient, etc. would be acceptable materials as long as the façade of the material reflect the original design of the original building material.
Ms. Morehead declined to amend her Motion and a vote was taken with the following provisions: (1)a fiberglass overhang is removed; and (2) that the renovation provides consistent materials that reflect original materials (wood, glass and/or brick) used in the original development of Sunnyside Gardens.
In Favor 42 Opposed 3 Abstentions 4
Chairperson present but not voting
Rendering Distributed Throughout Sunnyside Gardens
Ms. Deller spoke about a rendering that has been distributed throughout Sunnyside Gardens for the proposed development on the site at 50th Street and 39th Avenue. This rendering is for the Alluminaire House a “modernist” structure proposed to be located on this site.
The Land Use Committee spoke about this issue at the last Committee Meeting. There have been comments submitted regarding this proposal. This development would be for a museum. The owner of the lot is working with an architect regarding this project.
Sunnyside/Woodside Rezoning
This item would be certified in January 2011. Mr. Tom Smith of the Department of City Planning would offer a Presentation at the Community Board 2 Monthly Meeting and Public Hearing in January 2011. Mr. Smith would offer this Presentation at the Land Use Committee’s December Meeting.
Hunters Point South
There were 7 responses for the RFP for the development of Sites A and B. HPD would be in attendance at the Land Use Committee Meeting in December to present the top three proposals to the Committee.
O’Connor Capital Partners
Ms. Deller stated that there have been continued discussions with regard to a new RFP for Dormitory space. O’Connor Capital Partners would be in attendance at the Land Use Committee Meeting in December.
Old Business/New Business
39-39 45th Street, Sunnyside
A Board Member asked the Community Board to follow-up on an issue concerning the slate roof at this address. The issue discussed was inaudible. Mr. Conley stated that the Community Board office would follow-up.
46th Street and Bliss Subway Stop
A Board Member stated that pigeon droppings at this No. 7 Line subway stop are at its worst. Mr. Conley explained that while requesting that the MTA clean the area, this would not be the solution. Mr. Conley spoke about an experiment in pigeon abatement that was conducted at the 51st Street station, but was not successful.
Mr. Conley said that he would contact the MTA regarding this problem.
This Meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted by:
Cheryl Sinnott
The next Community Board 2 Monthly Meeting and Public Hearing has been scheduled for Thursday, January 6th 2011.
