January 7th 2010
Community Board 2 Public Hearing and Monthly Meeting
Attendance
Diane Ballek Kate Brennan
Anna Bridge Jean Carubia
Bernard Callegari Thomas Casey
Bessie Cassaro Barbara Coleman
Joseph Conley Stephen Cooper
Emilia Crotty Lisa Deller
Mary English Richard Gundlach
Anne Hart Marvin Jeffcoat
Rev. Joseph Jerome Tom Kalamaras
Ellen Kang Dominic Lippolis
Rita Manton Gregory Matos
Donald McCallian Taina Hernandez McShane
Dorothy Morehead Patrick Murray
Patrick O’Brien Regina Shanley
David Shin Carol Terrano
Al Volpe Robert Wilkanowski
Absentees
Terri Adams Andrew Anzalone
Alyson Baker Aida Bartolome
Mohammed Choudhury Jewel Marie Konecko
Sheila Lewandowski Gertrude McDonald
Golam Mehraj Lois Saldana
Moitri Chowdhury Savard Goksel Secilmis
Guests
Manny Perez, Assemb. DenDekker Welland Fuller, Assemb. Markey
Joe Kenton, Councilperson Van Bramer Jennifer Manley, Mayor’s Office
Willow Belden, Queens Chronicle Jeremy Walsh, Times Ledger
Sam Goldman, Times Newsweekly, Ridgewood Times
Carolyn Schwab, Mt. Sinai-Queens Ana Rodriguez, Mt. Sinai-Queens
Frank Carrado John Edebohls
Michael Halpin M. Sawant, Child Center of NY
E. Petrik Ingeborg Stochmal
Peggy Perrin Paul Rhee
Mattid Haspil Dorothy Cavallo
Gerry Perrin Justin Park
Jim Condes Vito Rak
Dan Jacoby Ciaran Staunton
Penny Lee
Community Board 2 Staff
Debra Markell Kleinert, DM
Mary Ann Gurrado, CB 2 Staff
Agenda
Pledge of Allegiance
Comments by Public Official/Guest Speakers
Public Comment
Paul Rhee
Mr. Rhee, of Advanced Health Pro, a medical equipment provider in Woodside, was in attendance to offer comments on health insurance issues.
Mr. Rhee spoke about the equipment provided by Advanced Health Pro; wheelchairs, canes, hospital beds, orthopedic shoes, etc., most supplies that a pharmacy would not provide.
Mr. Rhee spoke about different insurance companies and the coverage offered to patients. Advanced Health Pro tries to accept as many types of insurance coverage as possible. Mr. Rhee stated that Medicare and Medicare are great providers as long as suppliers meet the companies’ standards.
Mr. Rhee expressed concern about private insurers that do not allow Advanced Health Pro to provide supplies to those they insure. There are well over 200,000 residents in Sunnyside, Woodside and Long Island City who are forced to travel to Forest Hills for medical supplies due to the restrictions of some private insurance companies.
Mr. Rhee spoke about the need for a provider for this District and about the confusion of patients who are told by a pharmacy that certain medical supplies are not covered. Although some medial supplies are not covered at a pharmacy, Advanced Health Pro would have supplies that are covered by most insurance providers. Advanced Health Pro is located 67-06 Roosevelt Avenue, Woodside. Mr. Rhee entertained questions from Board Members.
Mr. Conley explained that Mr. Rhee is attempting to bring this issue to public awareness. As a community, patients should ask for services to be provided from private insurance companies within this District. Mr. Rhee spoke about a petition. Mr. Conley requested that Mr. Rhee provide literature and information for Board Members to begin a campaign.
Mattid Haspil
Ms. Haspil of Goodwill Industries was in attendance to announce a Summer Employment Program that would begin July 1st through August 15th for students ages 14 through 24. The program is a seven week program that places students at various job sites throughout the five boroughs. The students would be paid by the Department of Youth Community Development (DYCD).
The students would work 25 hours per week; five days per week. However, Saturday and Sunday hours are available as well. Applications would be distributed at the various work sites. The work site would complete the application to outline the particular age requirement as well as a description of the job. Ms. Haspil said that interested parties should contact Goodwill Industries, 26-36 4th Street, Astoria, (718) 278-9667. Ms. Haspil also left business cards for the Board.
Dorothy Cavallo/Gerry Perrin
Ms. Cavallo and Mr. Perrin are representatives of Phipps Garden Apartments Tenant Association.
M. Cavallo and Mr. Perrin were in attendance at this Meeting to express their appreciation to Community Board 2, Mr. Joseph Conley, Chairperson, in particular, for the improvements to Barnett Avenue. The Association has been campaigning to clean-up the area for a decade.
Ms. Cavallo spoke about Ms. Cawfield; a long-time tenant of Phipps Gardens who began the Barnett Avenue Committee subsequently led by resident, Ciaran Staunton who created the Barnett Avenue Alliance. The residents of this area are grateful for the efforts of those mentioned.
Ms. Cavallo thanked the residents that have participated in this campaign. She said that she is grateful for the new temporary sidewalk and is looking forward to a permanent sidewalk. Ms. Cavallo spoke about how parking has improved for residents and that conditions are safer for pedestrians.
Mr. Perrin stated that Phipps Gardens is a 472 unit, 2 square block Garden Apartment Complex. Mr. Perrin said that he is a lifetime resident of the complex and it has been a lifelong battle to improve the area. Mr. Perrin spoke about the increased pedestrian and vehicle traffic since the development of the local shopping centers. He said that the temporary sidewalk has enhanced pedestrian safety. Mr. Perrin also spoke about additional lighting for the area. Security cameras were discussed.
A Board Member expressed appreciation to Ms. Cavallo and Mr. Perrin for taking the time to attend this Meeting to thank the Community Board and recognize the dedicated efforts of the Board.
Justin Park
Mr. Park said that he operates a florist in Woodside. He spoke about the sale of flowers on the sidewalks in front of storefronts and expressed concern for those who own and operate flower shops in the area. He said that grocery stores that sell flowers outside their shops are operating without a license to sell flowers.
Mr. Conley explained that the Community Board has contacted the Department of Consumer Affairs since this is an issue of enforcement. He said that Mr. Park and other flower merchants have the support of the Community Board. Mr. Park entertained questions from Board Members.
Jim Condes
Mr. Condes spoke about City Agencies not doing their job. Mr. Condes agreed with Mr. Park.
Street Lights: Mr. Condes has been contacting the Department of Transportation about a street light that has been in need of repair since October 21st 2009. This light is on the block where Mr. Condes resides.
Mr. Condes complained about the lack of effort by the DOT and said that he had spoken with Con Edison, as well. The light was repaired by a contractor of DOT and Mr. Condes was told that the repair was temporary. Mr. Condes compared the attention that Forest Hills receives from City Agencies versus the communities within Community Board 2. He said that Forest Hills receives more attention and improvements.
Mayo Clinic, Arizona: Mr. Condes said that this facility has opted out of accepting Medicare. Mr. Condes entertained questions from Board Members.
Vito Rak
Mr. Rak wished all a Happy New Year.
Barnett Avenue: Mr. Rak spoke about the improvement of the area and the need for a retaining wall and permanent sidewalk around the edge of the park.
Long Island Railroad: Mr. Rak noted that a retaining wall is also needed on 38th Avenue between 54th Street to 57th Street. This is a safety issue due to the removal of trees.
Windscreens on the No. 7 Platform: Mr. Rak spoke about this item. Mr. Conley stated that this addition is not in the plan.
Democratic Club: Mr. Rak thanked the Club for their continued updated information.
Dan Jacoby
Mr. Jacoby was in attendance to offer an update of the gas drilling issue in Upstate New York.
Mr. Jacoby spoke about a recent press conference at City Hall He said that approximately 100 people were in attendance, which included 3 Members of Congress.
The Meeting was to address this issue with Governor Patterson and urge the Governor to withdraw the DIS and recommend that the Governor instruct the DEC to conduct a new survey and conduct it correctly.
The DEC refuses to recognize the cumulative effect of the gas and to investigate, identify and recognize the chemicals that would be utilized during the drilling process.
Mr. Jacoby spoke about waste-water treatment resulting from this process. There are only two water treatment plants in the State of New York that can successfully handle the waste-water. The DEC has stated that the billions of gallons of water would, somehow, be treated.
The DEC has stated that this entire process is completely safe, unless there is an accident. Mr. Jacoby explained that this statement is untrue.
Mr. Jacoby encouraged the Board to express their voices. Mr. Jacoby recommended writing to Governor Patterson and recommending the dismissal of this draft submitted by the DEC. He added that Mayor Bloomberg is in opposed to gas drilling in NYS. Mr. Jacoby entertained questions from Board Members.
Ciaran Staunton, Founder of the Barnett Avenue Alliance
Mr. Staunton was in attendance to discuss the Barnett Avenue improvements. He thanked Mr. Conley and Community Board 2 for all efforts to improve this location and spoke about the Alliance’s future plans to continue the improvement of this location.
Presentation by Carolyn Schwab, Mount Sinai Hospital
Ms. Schwab said that she would be speaking about the Health Care crisis in Western Queens as well as in Queen borough-wide.
Ms. Schwab stated that over the last four years, four hospitals have been eliminated from the Borough of Queens. Over the last year, three hospitals have been eliminated; Mary Immaculate Hospital, St. John’s Hospital and Parkway Hospital. This calculates the loss of over 1,000 hospital beds in a very short period of time.
The Western section of Queens, from Long Island City to Jackson Heights, which affects 750,000 residents, is forced to utilized two hospitals for health care. The hospitals available are Mt. Sinai of Queens and Elmhurst Hospital. For the residents of Western Queens the statistics show that there is 1 bed per 1,000 residents. This statistic is approximately 1/2 of the ratio of beds availability per person State-wide. This is cause for concern.
A visual presentation was offered.
Ms. Schwab continued saying that Mt. Sinai’s Emergency Room visits have increased by 15%. This aggravates the conditions in the Emergency Rooms which were inundated before the crisis began. Outpatient visits have also increased.
Mr. Schwab added that concern for increased activity is only a concern if the hospital cannot accommodate increased visits.
Ms. Schwab said that the Mt. Sinai Hospital building was constructed over 50 years ago and expansion is restricted by existing buildings in the area. Due to the closing of neighboring hospitals and the growing population within the community, the hospital is experiencing a shortage of space.
Ms. Schwab spoke about temporary modifications made at Mt. Sinai Hospital in order to provide services to the community. Ms. Schwab stated that expanded space is needed for the hospital as a temporary solution. The remaining hospitals are in need of expanded space and resources as well.
The medical staff has been transformed at Mt. Sinai by way of bringing the quality of care that is in the Manhattan hospital to Queens. Technology has been brought from Manhattan to Queens to increase the quality of care in the Emergency Room. Emergency Room records are totally paperless. Digital studies are being utilized as an upgrade from X-Rays. The hospital computers are connected from Manhattan to Queens. There has been a great amount of funding invested in Mt. Sinai of Queens over the last decade.
The hospital is planning to construct a new building at 30th Avenue and Crescent Street. The building would be 9 stories and expand emergency room, intensive care and operating room space. This is an active project for Mt. Sinai Hospital.
The project currently has a $75 million dollar budget gap and needs additional State and City funding. Ms. Schwab spoke of the State budget crisis as well as the National economic crisis that is hindering the completion of this project
Ms. Schwab encouraged the Attendees to contact their elected officials for support of this project. Ms. Schwab entertained questions from Board Members.
Presentation by Office of Emergency Management (OEM)
Mr. Conley introduced Ms. Iva Williams of OEM.
Ms. Williams spoke about a logo added to Sanitation Trucks. The logo reads, “Get Notified”. The logo advertises the opportunity to register for updated information regarding important events and City services. Registration is free and Ms. Williams encouraged all to sign-up. Those interested can call 311.
Notify NYC is a source of information about emergency events. There are City Agencies who have become members of this Program.
Ms. Williams stated that the Department of Education has updated information on this website. Ms. Williams spoke about a City school that did not have any heat. The students were relocated to another site. Those who had children in that school who were registered on this website were notified by e-mail or called at home with this information.
Registrants are allowed to list five zip code locations on the website. The site would update the registrants about the zip code areas listed.
Ms. Williams spoke about updates offered such as: gas leaks, weather, school closings, fire emergencies, traffic updates, etc. Ms. Williams provided brochures for the Attendees. Ms. Williams encouraged all to register. The website address is: www.nyc.gov/notifynyc. Ms. Williams entertained questions from Board Members.
Board Member, Mrs. Rita Manton
Mrs. Rita Manton thanked Ms. Schwab and Ms. Rodriquez for their presentation at this Meeting.
Ms. Manton spoke about the Health crisis that the area is experiencing. The Health Committee of Community Board 2 encouraged all Board Members to support the proposed expansion of Mt. Sinai Queens.
The Health Committee has drafted a letter from Community Board Members to our elected officials, the Governor of New York, the Health Commissioner made available for signature at this Meeting. The Health Committee would collect those signed letters and forward them to the parties discussed.
Public Hearing
Proposed Residential Streetscape Preservation Text Amendment (N1001139ZRY) to clarify, revise, and introduce new regulations to preserve the streetscape character of residential neighborhoods.
Ms. Penny Lee of the Department of City Planning provided a visual presentation for this Application. She explained that this is a City-wide Application that was referred in November 2009. Comments are due back in January 2010.
The purpose of this Application is to preserve and cease the systematic destruction of front yards and the overwhelming abundance of curb cuts as well as redefine the definition of Development within the Zoning Resolution in response to a Law Suit.
The origin of this Application came out in Dyker Heights where there have been an abundance of curb cuts which became a hindrance to street parking as well as excessive front yard paving in order to utilize parking.
There are 6 Goals
1. Strengthen the front yard planting requirements within the R1 and R5 Districts.
2. Regarding curb cuts and front yard parking issues within the R3 through R5 Districts, stricter rules for front yard parking in these Districts would apply. In Community Board 2, R4a and R4-1 Districts would be affected by this goal.
3. The definition of Development within the Zoning Resolution was discussed. The Department of City Planning has modified the language to read “…for any Building…..” versus “….for any Development….” The rules would apply to existing buildings and newly developed sites.
4. Curb cut rules would be implemented within Districts that currently do not exist. Those Districts are R6A through R8X.
5. Applications for curb cuts would be modified. In Applications to create a curb cut, proof is required to show that pedestrian movements would not be effected, character of the existing streetscape would not be compromised, and proof that the curb cut would not have a negative effect on existing streetscape.
6. Should a building exist that was developed prior to 1961, parking cannot be eliminated.
Curb cut spacing, type of garages, maximum percentage of open space occupied by a driveway, etc. was discussed.
This was presented at the December Land Use Committee Meeting.
Penny Lee entertained questions from Board Members.
Attendance
Present – 32; Absent – 12
A Quorum was present at this Meeting.
Approval of Minutes
The Minutes for the December 2009 Community Board 2 Monthly Meeting and Public Hearing were unanimously approved.
District Manager’s Report
There were no Reports offered at this Meeting.
Chairperson’s Report
Board Member, Gertrude Mc Donald
Ms. McDonald is recuperating from a fall and a broken arm. Ms. McDonald is staying at her daughter’s home during this time. Mr. Conley told Board Members to call the Board offices for the telephone number should anyone want to personally wish Gert a speedy recovery.
Board Member, Marie Konecko
Ms. Konecko is currently recuperating from double hip replacement surgery at the Queen Boulevard Extended Care Facility. Mr. Conley encouraged all to send well wishes to Marie.
Approval of a Traffic Light
The Department of Transportation has approved the addition of a traffic light at 44th Road and 11th Street in Long Island City. The traffic light is expected to be installed by April 30th 2010.
New Deputy Borough President
Mr. Conley announced the New Deputy Borough President, Mr. Barry Grodenchik. Mr. Grodenchik has worked at Borough Hall for many years. Mr. Grodenchik served as an Assemblyperson, as well.
New Board Member
Mr. Conley introduced our newest Board Member, Tania (Tai) Hernandez McShane.
Mr. Julian Wager, Western Queens Gazette
Mr. Conley announced the unfortunate passing of Mr. Julian Wager. He spoke about Mr. Wager’s continued dedication to the community and was an active member of Community Board 1.Mr. Conley announced that the funeral arrangements would be held on Friday, January 8th 2010 at the Astoria Center of Israel, 27-35 Crescent Street, Astoria. Mr. Conley asked Attendees at this Meeting for a Moment of Silence in honor of Mr. Wager.
Mr. Joe Kenton, Liaison Representative for Councilperson James Van Bramer
Mr. Conley introduced Mr. Kenton to the Attendees at this Meeting.
Mr. Kenton expressed his eagerness to work with the Community Board, the community on all issues. Mr. Kenton welcomed anyone to visit the Councilperson’s office at 47-01 Queens Boulevard, Suite 205; (718) 383-9566. Mr. Kenton’s e-mail address is: j.kenton@council.nyc.gov
Committee Reports
Health & Human Services Committee
Ms. Manton and Ms. Terrano would collect signed letters from Board Members, discussed earlier at this Meeting.
Environment Committee
Newtown Creek
Ms. Morehead spoke about several Hearings, hosted mostly in Brooklyn, about the designation of Newtown Creek as a Super Fund Site. There was also a meeting at City Hall.
Ms. Morehead said that the City is not in support of adding Newtown Creek to the priority list. However, a partnership of the clean-up of the Creek was discussed. The City is concerned about the preservation of jobs as well as not holding some of the small businesses responsible for the clean-up.
The EPA is focused on five major corporations for the pollution distributed into the Creek. Those companies have not yet accepted responsibility for the clean-up of the Creek. The EPA can clean-up the Creek and bill the corporations later.
Christmas Trees: Trees can be discarded at anytime. Please remove tinsel, ornaments and other items. Do not place the trees in a plastic bag.
Mulching Locations: January 9th and 10th in Astoria Park, between 10 am and 2 pm at 19th Street. The trees are mulched on site and are placed in a bag to bring home.
Electronic Recyciing Event: The lower East Side Ecology Center is hosting this event for the first three weekends in January.
Sea Level Study by the DEC: The DEC is conducting a study on the increase of the height of the sea level and the effects it would have on the community. This event has been scheduled for Monday, January 11th 2010.
Four Workshops on the Waterfront: This workshop has been scheduled for February 24th, March 17th, April 7th and April 24th at Roosevelt House in New York City. This workshop is for those who are interested in improving the waterfront.
Ms. Morehead stated that this is a great workshop to attend; a lot of New York City waterfront history is shared at these workshops.
For those who are interested in more information contact Ms. Morehead at; dorothy4040@msn.com.
Newtown Creek Post-Designation as a Super Fund Site
Penny Lee commented on Ms. Morehead’s report. She said that New York City supports the clean-up of the Creek. The City has concerns about operating the Creek as an active waterway. The City is concerned about allowing businesses and properties to continue functioning and operating if the Creek is designated.
Designating Newtown Creek as a Super Fund Site would be the largest Super Fund Designation ever. The effected population and effected employment is tremendous.
Veteran’s Committee
Mr. Jeffcoat wished all a Happy New Year.
CAB Meeting Updates
Mr. Jeffcoat discussed how Ms. Hall of DHS admonished Mr. Jeffcoat for informing the staff that Senator Addabbo and his staff were interested in attending the Meeting. Mr. Jeffcoat was also admonished by Ms. Hall for his inquiries about the letters written to Senator Onorato. Those letters were forward to Community Board 2.
Ms. Hall informed Mr. Jeffcoat that, going forward, any requests regarding information or updates about Borden Avenue Shelter must be requested in writing through DHS.
Ms. Hall also stated to Mr. Jeffcoat that neither CAB nor Community Board 2 have any rights to information or any oversight of authority at Borden Avenue Shelter.
Mr. Conley disagreed with that statement.
The next CAB Meeting has been scheduled for February 10th 2010 at 6:30 pm. Should anyone like to attend that Meeting, Chairperson, Mr. S. Farrell should be contacted at (718) 482-5391.
Mr. Jeffcoat offered upcoming scheduled CAB Meetings for 2010:
ü April 14th
ü May 12th is tentative. Mr. Jeffcoat would keep the Community Board apprised.
ü June 9th
Commercial Kitchen
ICL is planning to build a commercial kitchen for the Shelter as well as provide Veterans with cooking skills. A complete culinary school would be available for the Veterans.
Residents in Attendance at the CAB Meeting
Residents, Richard Lang and Arthur Damon were given permission to attend the last CAB Meeting; however, the Veterans Committee has not been given access to meet with the Residents independent from the ICL Staff.
Year-to-Date Census
ICL-BAVR Status Report Year-to-Date Statistics
New Admissions 336
Reinstated Residents 11
Placed into Suitable Housing 261
HUD VASH Voucher Holders 33
HUD VAS Vouchers Holders 87
Placed in Suitable Housing
Axis I 1 Diagnosis 106
Military Statistics
Vietnam Veteran Residents 64
Korean War Veteran Residents 5
Lebanon War Veteran Residents 2
Persian Gulf War Veteran Residents 12
Iraq War Veteran Residents (Persian Gulf) 19
Desert Storm Veteran Residents (Persian Gulf) 3
Unspecified (No active service; 138
Did not serve during War-time Eras)
Mr. Conley thanked Mr. Jeffcoat for the information.
City Services & Public Safety Committee
Mr. O’Brien stated that the activity in December for CSPS Committee could be read in the Minutes, however; additional information was offered to Board Members.
Modification to the Time and Venue of the January CSPS Committee Meeting
Mr. O’Brien announced that, although the January 2010 City Services and Public Safety Committee Meeting has been scheduled for its usual second Wednesday of the month, the time and location has been modified.
The City Services and Public Safety Committee Meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, January 13th at 6:30 pm at the Waterfront Crab House, 2-03 Borden Avenue, 2nd floor, Long Island City. Immediately following this Meeting, a Public Meeting has been scheduled for 8 pm at this location.
Several new Liquor License Applications have been submitted for locations on Jackson Avenue, Vernon Boulevard and 11th Street. The City Services and Public Safety Committee continue to communicate the submission of new Liquor License Applications with the community due to the inundation of Applications during recent months.
Former G Spot location, 47-15 Barnett Avenue, Sunnyside
The Community Board has received reports of activity at this location. Mr. O’Brien researched these reports.
According to the Department of Buildings website, there have been no new issued permits. However, the posted permit on the building has newly been issued to the location from the DOB. Currently, there is work activity at this location.
Mr. O’Brien placed telephone calls to the principles of this establishment. Mr. O’Brien planned to inquire about the intentions for this location. Mr. O’Brien plans to communicate what the principles are authorized to do at the site as well as what is not permitted at the site. To date, Mr. O’Brien has not been contacted by those principles.
There has been no Liquor License Application filed with the State Liquor Authority for this location. Mr. O’Brien said that he would keep the Community Board apprised of any updated information regarding this location.
42-50 21st Street, Long Island City
This is the location proposed for a Gentlemen’s Club or Adult Establishment. Mr. O’Brien announced that there has been a real estate sign posted at this location offering the availability of this site for sale or for lease. Mr. O’Brien has placed telephone calls to the realtor for additional information but has not received a call-back.
To date, there has been no State Liquor Authority posting for a Full Board Hearing for this location or any Application filed for the above-mentioned proposed operation.
Mr. O’Brien entertained questions from Board Members.
New State Liquor Authority Rules and Guidelines
Mr. O’Brien offered an update of the State Liquor Authority rules and guideline modifications. Details can be found in the December 2009 City Services and Public Safety Committee Meeting Minutes.
Land Use Committee
Ms. Deller summarized discussions of this item at the December Land Use Committee Meeting.
- Vote on Proposed Residential Streetscape Preservation Text Amendment (N1001139ZRY) to clarify, revise, and introduce new regulations to preserve the streetscape character of residential neighborhoods.
A Motion was made to approve the Residential Streetscape Preservation Text Amendment. The Motion was Seconded.
In Favor 29 Opposed 2 Abstention 0
Chairperson present but not voting
Transportation Committee
Mr. Conley offered an update with regard to a survey being conducted by the Department of Transportation. The DOT will survey crossings that are in need of improvement for the safety of seniors in our District.
Mr. Conley would keep the Community Board apprised.
Councilperson James Van Bramer
Mr. Conley introduced Councilperson Van Bramer.
Councilperson Van Bramer wished all a Happy New Year.
The Councilperson reminded the Attendee of his liaison, Mr. Kenton.
Councilperson Van Bramer would be sworn in on Saturday January 9th 2010. Councilperson invited all to the celebrations.
Councilperson Van Bramer stated that he is looking forward to working for the community.
This Meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted by:
Cheryl Sinnott
The next Community Board 2 Monthly Meeting and Public Hearing has been scheduled for Thursday, February 4th 2010.
