June 4th 2009
Community Board 2 Monthly Meeting and Public Hearing
Attendance
Terri Adams Andrew Anzalone
Diane Ballek Kate Brennan
Anna Bridge Jean Carubia
Bernard Callegari Bessie Cassaro
Barbara Coleman Joseph Conley
StephenCooper Emilia Crotty
LisaDeller MaryEnglish
RichardGundlach AnneHart
MarvinJeffcoat TomKalamaras
MarieKonecko DominicLippolis
Rita Manton Gregory Matos
DonaldMcCallian GertrudeMcDonald
GolamMehraj DorothyMorehead
PatrickMurray PatrickO’Brien
Lois Saldana Moitri Chowdhury Savard
David Shin Carol Terrano
James Van Bramer Al Volpe
Robert Wilkanowski
Absentees
Aida Bartolome Rev. Joseph Jerome
Mohammed Choudhury Jewel Ellen Kang
Sheila Lewandowski Goksel Secilmis
Regina Shanley
Community Board 2 Staff
Mary Ann Gurrado
Guests
San Vargas, Assemb. C. Nolan Manny Perez, Assemb. M. DenDekker
Ed Babor, Councilwoman, C. Maloney Al Sirowitz, Community Partnership
Welland Fuller, Assemb. M. Markey Dave Arnold, Councilman Gioia
Gerald Perrin Ciaran Staunton
Mary Petrowski Stephen Martin
Lawrence Long Vito Rak
Rachel Amar Thomas Hamilton
Janet Belden Pauline Rodi
Dorothy Kominsky Beth Garrett
Windy Long Danielle Seidita
Alyssa Bonilla Yongtae Hon
Bob Martinez Mark Leavitt
Agenda
Pledge of Allegiance
Comments by Public Officials/Guest Speakers
Public Hearing
In the Matter of the NYPD Seeking a Land Acquisition to Obtain a Parking Lot, 59-63 54th Avenue. This Parking Lot is Urgently Needed Due to a Serious Shortage of Parking Spaces Allocated to the Fleet Services Central Repair Facility Located at 53-15 58th Street.
Director Bob Martinez, Fleet Services of the NYPD was in attendance to speak in favor of this item.
Mr. Martinez explained that the parking along 58th Street does not accommodate parking for the volume of vehicles that the Facility services. A long-term lease negotiation is under discussion between the Facility and the Cemetery for use of a parking lot owned by the Cemetery. Use of this site would elevate parking congestion at the current Facility. The Facility is hopeful to park 35-45 cars in the lot. The lot would be used for the storage of new vehicles. Only parking personnel would enter and exit from the Facility.
There were no questions from Board Members with regard to this item.
Landmark Preservation Commission Applications
In the Matter of a Landmark Preservation Commission Application for 50-16 39th Avenue, Sunnyside: Application by Richard I. Chen for Renovation of an Existing Commercial Laundry with Work to Include Installation of Sprinklers, Washer/Dryer and Exhaust Duct Replacement.
The Applicant offered a visual presentation to Board Members with regard to this Application. The Applicant was inaudible.
There were no questions from Board Members with regard to this item.
Presentation by Mr. Al Sirowitz, Community Partnerships (CPRR).
Mr. Sirowitz described the function of this organization. The organization assists those who are experiencing personally, through family, friends or neighbors the effects of substance abuse, crime and domestic abuse. This organization works with the Court System, the School System, the NYPD, etc. to find assistance for those who cannot find help on their own via conventional programs that are available.
CPRR has a non-profit Youth Service Program for children and teens to seek guidance should they feel they not able to communicate at home. They have also offer a Program with City University of New York for Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counseling. Currently, CPPR is in discussion with LaGuardia Community College about the Program.
Mr. Sirowitz explained that these programs are “in dire need of counselors across the board”. Credentials do not require a college degree but do require a GED. Mr. Sirowitz made literature and business cards available to the Attendees.
There were no questions from Board Members with regard to this item.
Public Comment
Vito Rak
Mr. Rak, a former Community Board 2 Board Member, introduced himself.
Mugging between 57th Street and 58th Street
Mr. Rak spoke about a senior citizen that was mugged in this area at the end of May. NYPD Detectives have been investigating the crime. Mr. Rak was in Attendance with his 84 year-old Mother and he expressed great concern for his mother’s safety.
Mr. Rak said that the location in which this crime occurred has been a concern for the neighborhood. This area is in need of more lighting. Mr. Rak said that he has added additional lighting in front of his home as a safety precaution.
Rachel Amar
Ms. Amar is the Community Relations Manager for Waste Management on Review Avenue in Long Island City.
Ms. Amar spoke about the increasing involvement Waste Management has shared with the community. Ms. Amar spoke about the Queens Library, Environmental Programs, the Arts community etc. She offered flyers to the Attendees for an event scheduled for June 13th. Volunteers are needed and those interested should call (718) 533-5243. Mr. Amar said that a Public Information Meeting is scheduled at the Sunnyside Community Services Center.
Thomas Hamilton
Mr. Hamilton was in attendance to discuss his opposition regarding Lounge 47. Mr. Hamilton was inaudible.
Mr. Hamilton entertained questions from Board Members.
San Vargas
Mr. San Vargas read a letter to the Attendees written by Assemblywoman Cathy Nolan regarding Lounge 47.
Janet Belden
Ms. Belden is a resident of Long Island City. She read a letter to Board Members written by her neighbor, Kenny Greenberg. The letter discussed Mr. Greenberg’s opposition of Lounge 47.
Pauline Rodi
Ms. Rodi is a resident of Vernon Boulevard. She described her neighborhood and how it has changed over 56 years. Ms. Rodi complained about the noise pollution and disrespect that Lounge 47 has inflicted upon the neighborhood for over 6 years. She expressed concern for the quality of life that the residents. She added that the owners of Lounge 47 do not live in the neighborhood.
Dorothy Kominsky
Ms. Kominsky resides in Big Six Towers. She spoke about Queens Boulevard and 60th Street. She reported that there is a great volume of trash at this location, which is also the site of the Q60 bus stop.
Proposed Changes to Subways via the MTA
Ms. Kominsky complained about modifications made to bus services without notice from the MTA and expressed concern for senior citizens.
Beth Garrett
Ms. Garrett is a resident of Long Island City. She spoke on behalf of a neighbor who could not attend this Meeting. She spoke in opposition to Lounge 47. Ms. Garrett explained that this establishment has been a problem in the community for 6 years. The behavior of the clientele and the noise pollution from this location must end. Neighborhood residents insist that there should not be any liquor license issuance unless the owners agree to cease the use of the backyard.
William Garrett
Mr. Garrett is a resident of Vernon Boulevard. He spoke about two liquor license transfer applications along Vernon Boulevard. In particular, Mr. Garrett spoke in opposition to the liquor license transfers for Lounge 47.
Mr. Garrett spoke about the complaints filed by the community with regard to establishments along Vernon Boulevard with liquor licenses. Mr. Garrett spoke on behalf of the community and requested the denial of any license transfers. He said that the residents along Vernon Boulevard and within the area are seeking changes for the neighborhood. Mr. Garrett spoke about the removal of these liquor licenses or closing the establishments all together. He added that the lack of responsibility practiced by the business owners with regard to the noise pollution their establishments create shows absolutely no respect by the owners of the establishment or the patrons.
Mr. Garrett complained about the use of the rear yard. Mr. Conley explained that, unfortunately, the use of the rear yard at this location is legal.
Mr. Garrett entertained questions from Board Members. There was discussion about the repeated telephone calls to the 108th Precinct from residents complaining about the excessive noise coming from Lounge 47. The process the Precinct follows with respect to the investigation of the repeated complaints regarding this location was discussed at length.
Lawrence Long
Mr. Long is a resident of Long Island City, near Lounge 47. He spoke about the need to improve the quality of life in the area.
Mr. Conley spoke about the countless hours that the City Services and Public Safety Committee dedicate to each and every Liquor License Application that is submitted. He said that the Committee and the Community Board worked very hard to block Blend.
Mr. Conley also stated that whether there is a New Application or a Transfer Application, the City Services and Public Safety Committee, works with the same diligence.
Lillian Long
Ms. Long introduced herself and her company. She stated that her company is an HMO and services are provided for clients on Medicare and those with disabilities. Ms. Long offered her contact information to the Attendees. Ms. Long’s telephone number is: (914) 410-7262. Ms. Long assured Attendees that a return call would be received within 48 hours.
Ms. Long spoke of scheduled events for the summer months. Ms. Long spoke about events scheduled for senior citizens.
Ms. Long entertained questions from Board Members.
Cieran Staunton - Barnett Avenue from 48th Street to 50th Street, Sunnyside Gardens
Mr. Staunton spoke the Barnett Avenue Alliance and the community cleanup effort at the location behind Sunnyside Park on Barnett Ave. He said that this issue has been discussed in the New York Times, the Daily News, on New York 1 and local newspapers over the years. He said that the recent recognition and action toward this issue is due to the efforts of Community Board 2 Chairperson, Joseph Conley.
Mr. Staunton entertained questions from Board Members. Attendees discussed surveillance camera(s) to be added in the area to monitor illegal dumping. Violators would be prosecuted. Mr. Conley spoke of funding for the camera(s).
Gerald Perrin
Mr. Perrin is the Co-President of the Phipps Gardens Co-op Tenants Association. The complex consists of 472 units that extend from 50th Street to 52nd Street along Barnett Avenue. Mr. Perrin spoke of pedestrian traffic, safety issues, dumping issues, car safety issue, etc. He said that he would be opposed to the conversion of the entire stretch of Barnett Avenue to a one-way street. However he would support the one-way street conversion westward from 48th Street to 50th Street. He said that this would not complicate traffic flow and Phipps Gardens residents would agree to the one-way conversion westward from 48th to 50th Street.
Steven Martin, Resident of Phipps Gardens
Mr. Martin spoke of the need for the improvement of Barnett Avenue. He spoke of shoppers and vehicles speeding along Barnett Avenue and said that congestion and safety issues must be surveyed. Mr. Martin has been involved in this issue for a long period of time and he is in favor of converting Barnett to a one-way street. Mr. Martin supports the Barnett Avenue Alliance.
Mr. Conley described the area to those unfamiliar and the issues that initiated the creation of the Barnett Avenue Alliance.
Danielle Savida, Farmers Market Manager in Sunnyside
Ms. Savida announced that the Farmers Market is reopening in Sunnyside on Skillman Avenue between 42nd Street and 43rd Street on Saturday, June 6th. The Market would operate every Saturday from 8am to 4pm.
Ms. Savida offered flyers for this event. There will be local musicians and local artists. Ms. Savida asked for suggestions from Attendees for other musicians, artists, etc. Wine and honey would also be sold at the Market. Ms. Savida is working to have plants sold as well.
Mr. Conley asked about the Farmers Market along 48th Street in Hunters Point. Ms. Savida did not have any information about that Market.
Alyssa Bonilla
Ms. Bonilla announced that the Sunnyside Residential Survey is in effect until the end of June. The survey is seeking information from residents regarding favorite restaurants, stores and shops. A television is being offered as a grand prize.
Sunnyside Shines is also hosting a weekly drawing for tickets to see the New York Mets at Citifield. The drawing is a way to collect names and addresses of residents in the area.
Marc Leavitt
Mr. Leavitt introduced himself and announced that he is running for the position of Queens Borough President in the Democratic Primary. Mr. Leavitt thanked those who have contributed to the campaign.
Mr. Leavitt offered a brief summary of his experience and spoke about his fondness for Queens. Mr. Leavitt spoke about tourists, education, quality of life, etc. Queens has a large population. The headquarters for Mr. Leavitt’s campaign is located at 50-11 Queens Boulevard, Woodside.
Mary Petrowski
Ms. Petrowski a Long Island City resident. She spoke in favor of the Barnett Avenue Project.
Ms. Petrowski also spoke in opposition to outdoor bars on Vernon Boulevard, Long Island City. Ms. Petrowski complained about Lounge 47. She spoke about rumors of more bars opening for business in the neighborhood and in opposition to sidewalk cafes.
Ms. Petrowski spoke of noise pollution emanating from bars and the effect it has had on the residents of the area. She asked for support from Attendees to stop the operation of outdoor bars.
Ms. Petrowski entertained questions from Board Members.
Attendance
37 Present; 7Absent. A Quorum was present at this Meeting.
Approval of Minutes
A Motion was made for the Approval of the Minutes for the May 2009 Community Board 2 Monthly Meeting and Public Hearing. The Motion was Seconded. The Minutes were unanimously approved by Members of the Community Board.
Chairperson’s Report
Lounge 47
Mr. Conley explained to Board Members that there have been a number of constituents in Attendance to speak about this item. He spoke about the community’s opposition and concern for the pending issuance of a Liquor License at this location, formerly known as Blend. The License Application is for the Transfer of the existing License to the new owner. Mr. Conley spoke about the probable use of the rear yard.
He said that the use of the rear yard is legal; whether a Liquor License has been granted or not. Mr. Conley spoke of the problems and issues that the community had with Blend.
Mr. Conley said that he had met with the new Applicant/Owner and that he had provided the Owner with a document outlining the terms and conditions that the neighborhood had requested.
Flag Day Parade
Mr. Conley announced that the parade would begin at 39th Street and Greenpoint Avenue at 11 am on June 13th.
Waste Management Meeting
Mr. Conley spoke about the concern the community has regarding increased truck traffic.
Information in Board Members’ Packets Regarding Community Board Budgets
Mr. Conley announced that on June 9th City Hall would be holding a Meeting to discuss Community Board budgets. The Meeting would discuss the effect on budgets and the cuts Community Board budgets are experiencing.
Capital Expense Items
Information has been added to the Board Members’ Packets with regard to this item. Mr. Conley asked Board Members to begin considering important issues for the upcoming Capital Expense Item votes in November.
Reappointed and Newly Appointed Board Members
Mr. Conley congratulated reappointed members and welcomed the newly appointed Board Members.
National Night Out Against Crime
This event would be held on August 4th.
46-11 Queens Boulevard
This fence has finally been moved back.
District Manager’s Report
There were no reports offered at this Meeting.
City Planning Report
Ms. Ikert’s Relocation
Ms. Ikert announced that she would be leaving the Department of City Planning and plans to relocate to Indonesia. She said that this would be her last Community Board Meeting and she thanked Mr. Conley and Community Board 2.
All at Community Board 2 wish Mandy well! Good luck, Mandy!
Sunnyside Gardens
Ms. Ikert spoke about a recent City Council Hearing for the Sunnyside Gardens Text Amendment.
The vote reflected: In Favor 4 Opposed 11
Ms. Ikert stated that serious issues arose at this Meeting and those issues would be addressed within the next few week. Landmarks regulations would be discussed.
Committee Reports
- Environment Committee
Transfer Station
Ms. Morehead spoke about the Transfer Station. Converting the transportation of solid waste from trucks to rail is an ideal solution. This proposition would remove many vehicles from the road. Ms. Morehead spoke about the trucks bringing in the waste to the Transfer Station. The containers would be sealed after loaded with waste.
Ms. Morehead hoped that representatives from the Transfer Station and the Environment Committee would attend the Environment Committee Meeting on June 15th.
Ms. Morehead spoke about a clean up on Rust Street on June 13th beginning at 10 am. America the Beautiful would be participating. Ms. Morehead encouraged any organized school groups to attend.
Celebration for the 100th Anniversary of the Queensboro Bridge
Ms. Morehead announced that many events were being held to celebrate the 100th birthday of the Bridge.
Democratic Club Dinner
Ms. Kate Brennan, Community Board 2 Board Member and Environment Committee Member are being honored at the Democratic Club. Ms. Morehead stated that tickets were available.
- Veteran’s Committee
Mr. Jeffcoat offered the following updated information for Board Members:
Precinct Report
Police Officer Toro gave his report, which included a comparison of 2008 to 2009 Precinct crime statistics. When asked specifically about Borden Avenue, Police Officer Toro informed the Members that the majority of calls, 9 in total, have been for assault, petty larceny and drug related infractions.
Officer Toro also informed the group that he had received telephone calls from the Hunters Point Association regarding an emotionally disturbed person from the Borden Avenue facility. The resident has become a nuisance to the community. Officer Toro stated that he canvassed the area reported and found no evidence of such a person. This has been considered an ongoing issue that can be resolved with continuous education to the surrounding community.
Mr. Jeffcoat stated that the person under discussion has been referred to as “Smiley”.
Washington D.C. Trip on June 23rd
Mr. Jeffcoat announced that 44 Veteran’s and 10 staff members are to visit Washington D.C. to conduct a planting ceremony at the sites of the Unknown at Arlington Cemetery.
Anniversary Celebration
July 1st marks the one-year anniversary of the operation of the Shelter. A luncheon has been scheduled. All are invited to attend. Commissioners Hess of DHS and Newman of the Mayors Officer of Veterans Affairs are expected to be in attendance.
Advocacy Report
Mr. Jeffcoat announced that Dr. Skinner and Donna Riley, Social Services Director attended the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans Conference on May 20th-22nd. This Conference was hosted in Arlington, VA.
Elections for Board Officers
Mr. Jeffcoat announced the conclusion of the recent Board Officers election:
Chairperson: Sam Farrell, II
Vice-Chairperson: George Custance
Secretary: Vacant
The seat of Secretary would be filled after an election that has been scheduled for the next meeting.
Community Activities
Ms. Brown has been working and encouraging residents to become involved within community activities. Mr. Jeffcoat mentioned the clean-up event scheduled on Rust Street.
The next Veteran’s Committee Meeting has been scheduled for June 17th.
- City Services and Public Safety Committee
Adult Entertainment Establishment; Verbal Withdrawal of Proposal via Applicant
Mr. O’Brien spoke about the proposed adult establishment on 21st Street. The Applicant has verbally indicated the abandonment of this proposal and plans to seek a different use. The Liquor License Application, to date, has not been withdrawn. The City Services and Public Safety Committee have recommended to the State Liquor Authority that a deferral of this Application is necessary.
Liquor License Transfer for Lounge 47
Mr. O’Brien spoke about the enormous opposition expressed by residents of the neighborhood regarding this Application. He said that this Application was Tabled at the City Services and Public Safety Committee Meeting in May and that the Applicant is expected to come before the Committee in September with new plans and a new proposal. The Committee is prepared to Table this Application again should the Applicant not come before the Committee or should the proposal not be acceptable or complete to the Committee’s standards in terms of respect and comfort for the community.
New On-Premises Liquor License Applications
Mr. O’Brien announced the submission of two more On-Premise Liquor License Applications along Vernon Boulevard over the last three months for 47-38 Vernon Boulevard, Long Island City and 46-35 Vernon Boulevard, Long Island City. He explained that these Applicants are expected to come before the City Services and Public Safety Committee Meeting on June 10th.
Mr. O’Brien entertained questions from Board Members.
- Transportation Committee
Pulaski Bridge Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Matters
Mr. Conley reported updated information regarding the Pulaski Bridge. Requests for coordinates have been reviewed with regard to pedestrian and bicycle safety.
Short-term and long-term plans were discussed.
Q-60 Bus
The Committee continues to seek a resolution to t his matter.
The next Transportation Committee Meeting has been scheduled for June 30th.
- Health & Human Services Committee
Mrs. Carol Terrano, Co-Chairperson for the Health & Human Services Committee, requested that Board Members read and review the Minutes for the May 2009 Committee Meeting.
- Land Use Committee
· Vote on NYPD seeking a land acquisition to obtain a parking lot, 59-63 54th Avenue, Woodside
This Application would go through the ULURP process.
A Motion was made to Approve this Application. The Motion was Seconded.
In Favor 33 Opposed 0 Abstention 0
Chairperson present but not voting
· Vote on Landmarks Preservation Commission Application, 50-16 39th Avenue, Sunnyside
A Motion was made to Approve this Application. The Motion was Seconded.
In Favor 32 Opposed 1 Abstention 0
Chairperson present but not voting
39-02 44th Street, Sunnyside Gardens, Sunnyside
This application was for the installation of a driveway in the rear yard of the property.
Ms. Deller spoke about attending a meeting at Councilperson Gioia’s office to discuss the City Council vote on the Sunnyside Gardens Landmark Designation. At the meetings, this Application for 39-02 was discussed. The Architect for this project had self-certified the plans. The Applicant went before the Landmarks Commission prior to the formal DCP Text Amendment vote. Prior to the vote, an application such as this would have had to be reviewed by the Department of City Planning. The Landmarks Commission instructed the Applicant to follow the DCP review process. In the interim the Text Amendment was passed, which firmly stated that no curb cuts or parking spaces were allowed in the Gardens. The Application was thereby and the LPC will no longer hear any curb cut Applications for Sunnyside Gardens. Ms. Deller said that at the May Land Use Meeting the homeowner had discussed the situation and was very disappointed.
Mr. Stephen Cooper, Co-chairperson of the Land Use Committee, recommended that a letter should be written to the Department of Buildings reminding them of the rules and guidelines. Ms. Deller agreed.
Old Business/New Business
Mr. Conley thanked the new Board Members and all Committees for their dedication and hard work.
Laurel Hill Boulevard
Cars are continually being parked under the viaduct.
September 2009 Board Meeting
Mr. Conley asked for a show of hands for the Approval of rescheduling the September Meeting from September 3rd to September 10th.
By a show of hands, Board Members unanimously approved the rescheduling of the September Board 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, September 10th 2009.
