June 2nd 2011
Community Board 2 Monthly Meeting and Public Hearing
Attendance
Andrew Anzalone Sandra Bigitschke
Kate Brennan
Jean Carubia Bessie Cassaro
Barbara Coleman Joseph Conley
Stephen Cooper David DeCicco
Lisa Deller Mary English
Kenneth Greenberg Richard Gundlach
Anne Hart Rev. Joseph Jerome
Mohammed Choudhury Jewel Tom Kalamaras
Marie Konecko Sheila Lewandowski
Dominic Lippolis Rita Manton
Gregory Matos Donald McCallian
Gertrude McDonald Taina Hernandez McShane
Dorothy Morehead Patrick Murray
Patrick O’Brien Evan O’Neil
Norberto Saldana Moitri Chowdhury Savard
Lauren Springer Carol Terrano
Nick Troya Al Volpe
Absentees
Terri Adams Diane Ballek
Bernard Callegari Emilia Crotty
Don Dodelson Brian Flynn
Luis Jimenez Ellen Kang
Guadalupe Marzana Karolina Tosi
Robert Wilkanowski
Community Board 2 Staff
Debra Markell Kleinert, DM
Mary Ann Gurrado, CB 2 Staff
Guests
Moira McDermott, Councilperson Elizabeth Crowley’s office
Joe Kenton, Councilperson James Van Bramer’s office
Ilene Boland, Assembly Member Marge Markey’s office
Claudia Filomena, CAU, Mayor’s office
Andrew Penzi
Shani White
John Chen Jim McNamara
Rick Duro Laura Hickey
Martin Camacho Andrew McGowan
Richard O’Connor Judith McGowan
Mark Barberi Penny Lee
Agenda
Pledge of Allegiance
Comments by Public Officials/Guest Speakers
Mr. Conley introduced Councilperson Van Bramer.
Councilperson Van Bramer thanked Mr. Conley and the Board Members. He acknowledged the Community Board 2, saying that they are the greatest Community Board and that Mr. Conley is the hardest working Chairperson. Councilperson Van Bramer thanked all for their hard work and dedication.
Councilperson Van Bramer spoke about the following items:
· A recent graffiti clean-up and street repairs performed at the location of
· The successful Rally organized for Ladder 128. Councilperson Van Bramer thanked the organizers.
· The Mayor’s proposed cut of $100 million dollars to our City’s Libraries. This issue would continue to receive great attention.
· A tremendous victory for Maspeth. Drag Racing has been eliminated along
· The addition of 2 hour parking meters along
· The revitalization of
Presentation by Seth Bornstein; Entrepreneur Program for Business
Mr. Bornstein, the Director for the Queens Economic Development Corporation was in attendance to discuss the Entrepreneur Program for Business. This non-profit organization was founded in 1977 and its mission is to create jobs within
Entrepreneur Space
This space is located on
Mr. Bornstein added that there is also office space with conference rooms on the second level and programs offered during the summer months.
Presentation by Jen Manley;
Ms. Manley was in attendance to offer an update on the Queens Library Budget. She spoke about a proposed budget cut of approximately 30% of the current operating budget. She explained that the budget cuts would bring the 5 day a week operations of the Libraries to approximately 2 – 3 days a week operations. Ms. Manley spoke about the potential to close several libraries as well as the risk of losing valued staff.
Ms. Manley also spoke about the incredible value the libraries offer to the communities of NYC and the tremendous support which the libraries receive including support from Councilperson James Van Bramer. Ms. Manley supplied a petition in opposition to the budget cuts for Attendees to sign.
Ms. Manley also announced that despite the cuts, all libraries will be upgrade with a 24-hour sub check-in machine for the return of library materials.
Public Comment
Presentation by Department of Transportation on the Proposed Maspeth Bypass.
Mr. Conley reminded Board Members that this item had previously been before the Community Board and that the Board had requested that the Department of Transportation modify their proposal. The Community Board and DOT Commissioner Maura McCarthy have sought feedback from area businesses. Commissioner McCarthy hosted a meeting with business owners at the Clinton Diner to discuss the proposal as well as current conditions in the area.
Mr. Conley introduced Commissioner McCarthy.
Commissioner McCarthy spoke about the location of
Traffic engineers conducted surveys of the areas.
The Commissioner spoke about an intersection with “five legs” and the concerns the DOT had for this area. She stated that
Commissioner McCarthy stated that the DOT was hopeful that a vote to convert
Ms. Stacey Hodge and Mr. Tom McGuire of the DOT were in attendance to present the DOT traffic study recommendations.
The DOT has proposed to minimize truck traffic on
The one way route that the Department of Transportation is proposing would travel south bound along 58th Street and northbound along Maurice Avenue.
Earlier this year, the DOT proposed converting
Ms. Hodge also noted that traffic signals would be adjusted.
The northbound Q39 would be rerouted to travel along
Ms. Hodge spoke about complaints from residents on
Ms. Hodges spoke about the addition of different colored signs that would direct and alert drivers and truck drivers of these modifications.
Mr. Conley requested that businesses impacted by these changes express any additional concerns regarding the modifications to the Community Board and the Department of Transportation.
Comments and questions were entertained.
Jim McNamara
Mr. McNamara is a resident of
Mr. McNamara asked Board Members if they were aware as to whether any units in their community were taken out of service. Some Board Members replied that they were not aware.
Mr. McNamara explained that on Tuesday, May 31st 2011, the FDNY took 47 individual fire units out of service by the FDNY; including Engine 259; Ladder 128. It was closed for the entire day without informing the community. Mr. McNamara spoke about other locations taken out of service by the FDNY, as well.
Mr. Conley explained to Mr. McNamara that the Board offices are informed by the firefighters of the local firehouse. Mr. McNamara stated that the notifications should also come from the FDNY.
Mr. McNamara spoke about other neighborhoods that do not tolerate this method of operation from the FDNY. He spoke about the less-than-fully-staffed firehouses. The only full-staffed firehouse in the City is the firehouse that serves Mayor Bloomberg’s neighborhood.
Mr. McNamara entertained questions.
Rick Duro, SUDS
Mr. Duro was in attendance to discuss the proposed dog run in
Mr. Duro submitted a Letter of Intent to the Community Board on behalf of SUDS.
Comments and questions were entertained.
Martin Camacho
Mr. Camacho is a resident of Sunnyside and a dog owner. He spoke about other residents and dog owners that work together to maintain the parks with regard to pet owner responsibilities.
Judith McGowan
Ms. McGowan was in attendance to discuss the New York City Libraries. Ms. McGowan is a retired librarian. She spoke about her lifetime experiences of the library as well as how Budget Cuts would devastate the children of the City.
Mark Barberi
Mr. Barberi is a resident of Sunnyside. He spoke about how he became acquainted with the neighborhood and its residents just by walking his dog. He commended the proposal offered by the Parks Department for
and
Presentation by the Parks Department on the Renovations of Lou Lodiati Dog Run
Mr. Conley introduced Ms. Joanne Amagrande from the Parks Department. Ms. Amagrande thanked SUDS for their dedication and help at the park. The park, located at
A visual presentation was offered.
There was discussion regarding the basketball courts, softball area and handball courts.
Currently, the basketball area has been utilized as an informal Dog Run area. A portion of the basketball courts would be transformed into the Dog Run area. All pavements in the area would be refurbished including the development of a new softball diamond. There was discussion about the volleyball courts. The area near the dog run would also have a green space. There would be reinforced gated areas at the Dog Run.
There was discussion about the addition of “dog” fountains as well as “human” fountains. There would also be other amenities added to keep the dogs entertained.
Security lighting at the park has been proposed.
The actual construction of this project would begin early spring 2012 and is expected to last approximately one year.
Concerns regarding the entrance/exit of the Dog Run were expressed. Concerns with regard to the close proximity of active athletes and dogs were discussed. Alternative solutions for that design were offered.
Questions were entertained.
Public Hearing
Consumer Affairs Applications
In the Matter of an Application for a Consumer Affairs Renewable Revocable Consent License for an Unenclosed Sidewalk Café with 7 Tables and 28 Seats; Donato’s Pizzeria Restaurant Corp., 50-22 39th Avenue, Sunnyside
There were no speakers in favor or in opposition of this Application at this Meeting.
and
BSA Application for Lapchi,
BSA Application (BSA 185-05—BZ) Lapchi,
Mr. Chen was in attendance to discuss this Application.
Mr. Chen was inaudible.
Comments and questions were entertained.
and
Dual Street Renaming Winged
Dual Street Renaming on 43rd Street Between 48th Avenue and 50th Avenue, Celtic Park near St. Teresa’s a/k/a Winged Fist Way.
Mr. Andrew McGowan was in attendance to speak in support for this Application. Mr. McGowan’s son, Ian, is the Founder of the Winged Fist organization.
Upon becoming a resident of this community, Mr. Ian McGowan began researching the name of an apartment complex, the Celtic Park Apartments. He discovered a historical society website, which described how a stadium had been located at the site. The stadium was the training ground for many athletes including NYC policemen. These athletes became members of the
Mr. Andrew McGowan spoke about many stories written about these athletes. There were articles written in the New York Times as well as other newspapers. The athletes were celebrated with tickertape parades, color trading cards, etc. There were many athletes of Irish-American heritage, Italian-American heritage, African-American heritage, Polish-American, etc. that trained at the stadium.
Mr. Andrew McGowan spoke about the approval from the City Council for the Street Renaming Application; however, approval by Community Board 2 is required.
Mr. McGowan read a brief statement for Attendees outlining the history of the stadium and its athletes.
Mr. Richard O’Connor
Mr. O’Connor was in attendance to speak in support of this Application. Mr. O’Connor has been a resident of Celtic Park Apartments for 30 years. He displayed a sample of a tee-shirt the organization has created and spoke about how the history of the stadium and these athletes date back to the late 1800’s. Mr. O’Connor encouraged Attendees to read about the history of the stadium and its athletes.
Mr. O’Connor thanked all elected officials, including Councilperson Van Bramer and public members who were instrumental and helpful for this cause.
Board Meeting
Attendance
In Attendance; 38 – Absent; 11
A Quorum was present at this Meeting.
Approval of Minutes
The Minutes for Community Board 2’s April and May Monthly Meetings and Public Hearings were unanimously approved.
Chairperson’s Report
Mr. Conley offered a slide show presentation regarding areas in the community that are in need of improvement; clean-up and repair. He spoke about the following items:
BID Meeting
A Business Improvement District Meeting is scheduled on June 7th at 8:30 AM at St. Sebastian’s Church. Mr. Coley, Councilperson Van Bramer, Councilperson Crowley as well as representation from the City would be in attendance. Mr. Conley stated that it is time to have discussions regarding the Business Improvement Distinct in Woodside.
Illegal Food Vending Carts
.Mr. Conley spoke about how the vendors operate without permits, licenses, operating within a few feet of restaurants and grocery stores. Mr. Conley spoke about
Empty Tree Pits in Woodside
Mr. Conley encouraged Attendees to call 311 regarding empty tree pits in Woodside. Mr. Conley spoke about cracked sidewalks and newsstands.
Eroding Concrete under the LIRR
The LIRR was contacted regarding cracked concrete columns.
Trash barrels along
Park Adoption
Mr. Conley spoke about adopting parks to maintain the City’s Parks.
Crosswalk Repairs
Pedestrian Safety; Additional Lighting
More lighting on
Pigeon Droppings/Feeding
Mr. Conley spoke about pigeon droppings on the Duane Reade signs. Mr. Conley stated people are feeding the pigeons.
Graffiti Clean-up; Building Owner’s Responsibility
There was discussion about graffiti.
Sewer Repair
There is a sewer in need of repair on
Mr. Conley announced that there would be a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 20th.
Mr. Conley explained that Community Board would concentrate on these issues. Mr. Conley encouraged Attendees to report all locations that are in need of repair, clean-up, etc. to the Board offices.
Friday, June 3rd
Ribbon Cutting hosted by the MTA at Court Square, 10 am. Mr. Conley reminded Board Members that the Community Board insisted that handicap elevators be added to this location.
Street Re-naming
On Saturday, June 4th, 11 am a Street Re-naming Ceremony would take place for Claire Kraft at
On-Site Meeting
On June 10th an on-site meeting would be held with Community Board 2 and the Department of Transportation to survey barriers at the Long Island Expressway and
Swearing in of New Community Board Members
On June 14th, 6pm, at the Hall of Science, new Community Board Members would be sworn in.
Board Members’ Packets
Mr. Conley requested that Board Members review the Capital Expense and Capital Improvement Items provided within their June Packets for discussion during the fall 2011 CB2 Monthly Meetings.
Flag Day Parade
Mr. Conley announced that this parade would begin at 11am on June 11th.
District Manager’s Report
There were no reports offered at this Meeting.
City Planning Report
City Planning Commission Votes
Sunnyside/Woodside vote would be held on Monday, June 6th
Firehouse Applications (Warehouse and
Voting is scheduled for June 22nd.
Modifications to the
Voting is scheduled for June 22nd
The site Selection Application for this project was discussed.
Site Selection Application
There is a Site Selection Application for the FDNY.
Committee Reports
Land Use Committee
Votes:
Street Renaming Guidelines
This item was Tabled at this Meeting.
Ms. Deller stated that this item would not be voted on at this Meeting. Ms. Deller announced that there were guidelines submitted in the Board Members Packets and requested that the guidelines be reviewed during the summer months. Any recommendations, modifications or concerns by Board Members would be discussed in September. The Board would vote on this item at the September 8th Full Board Meeting.
Consumer Affairs Application; Donato’s Pizzeria Restaurant Corp.,
Ms. Deller listed concerns expressed by Committee Members with regard to this location. There were concerns filed regarding idling delivery vehicles as well as delivery vehicles illegally parking during delivery.
There were concerns expressed regarding lighting wrapped around street trees. The Land Use Committee recommended that the Applicant either obtain a permit for the placement of lighting on street trees or remove the lighting.
A Representative from Donato’s Restaurant offered comments on behalf of this Application. The Board offices suggested that the representative contact the office and contact information for the permit would be offered.
A Motion was made to Approve the Renewal of the Café Application with the stipulation that a permit be obtained for the lighting on the street trees or the lighting must be removed.
Board Member, Mr. Stephen Cooper inquired about any constituent complaints filed with the Community Board offices. There were none filed. Mr. Cooper stated that this stipulation should not be incorporated within this Motion. There was discussion to amend the above-said Motion.
Board Member, Mr. Patrick O’Brien expressed concerns that an illegal action should not be ignored when discussed within this type of a forum.
Mr. Conley explained that the Parks Department was in attendance at the Land Use Meeting when the legality of the lighting was discussed. The representative of the Parks Department confirmed that this type of light requires a permit.
The Motion was amended as follows:
A Motion was made to Approve the Renewal of the Café Application. The Motion was Seconded.
In Favor 31 Opposed 3 Abstentions 0
Chairperson present but not voting
Ms. Deller stated to the Applicant that a permit for street tree lighting is still required.
Vote on BSA Application, Lapchi (BSA 185-05-BZ),
Mr. O’Brien spoke about this Application. The BSA Application to renew an expired permit which sought the addition of a dance floor at this establishment. The Application also seeks to expand the size of the dance floor to almost double for the authorization of 60-70 patrons on the floor.
Mr. O’Brien spoke about conversations with the Applicant at a City Services Meeting. This was for a Liquor License Application to expand the establishment’s Method of Operation. In September 2009, the Applicant agreed to written stipulations that the Hours of Operations would be until 11:30 pm, no live dancing, no live music, no DJs, etc.
While the principles of the Application may be different, this is an Application filed by the same Corporation holding the License. The Applicant came before the City Services and Public Safety Committee to modify the Method of Operation. There was a request to modify the Hours of Operation from 11:30 pm to 4:00 am. The Committee inquired as to whether there were plans for live music and dancing. The Applicant told the Committee that there were no plans for live music and dancing. The Committee explained to the Applicant that these modifications were serious requests to make for a restaurant.
The Committee also explained that the location of this establishment is within the Roosevelt Avenue Corridor where there are a number of bars and restaurants that have problematic. These types of License Applications would be subject to the 500 Foot Rule. The Application under discussion would not be subject to the 500 Foot Rule because it wasn’t a new Application. This was the same Corporation applying to modify the Method of Operation.
Mr. O’Brien explained that this was an unusual approach and it wasn’t clear to the Committee whether this approach was intended to avoid the 500 Foot Rule Hearing.
The Applicant stated that in the future a Cabaret License would be sought for this establishment. The Committee explained to the Applicant that this would be problematic, there would be, most likely, opposition expressed toward this Application and it would probably not be embraced by the community.
The Committee discussed that in order to keep a business viable, the Committee would agree to extend the weekend Hours of Operation until 2 am versus the 4 am as requested by the Applicant.
Mr. O’Brien spoke about the Terms and Stipulations agreed to and signed by the Applicant with regard no dancing, no live entertainment and no DJ at this establishment. The Committee explained to the Applicant that the Committee would not modify those stipulations while agreeing to extend Hours of Operation. This Meeting was held on April 13th 2011.
The current Application under discussion came through the Board offices dated, by the Applicant’s architect, on April 18th 2011; five days after the City Services and Public Safety Committee Meeting. Mr. O’Brien explained that this was orchestrated by the Applicant, the Applicant’s architect, et al. The Applicant is seeking to renew this permit in order to have a dance floor while seeking to double the size of the dance floor.
Mr. O’Brien spoke about renewing the permit at this time. This comes more than a year after expiration since there are new principles within this Corporation that wants to operate a dance establishment until 4 am, with dancing, live music along the Roosevelt Avenue Corridor that is saturated with bars and has no patron parking.
The Applicant stated to the Committee that the Public Assembly Permit sought by the Applicant was filed for approximately 270 patrons; the actual advertising distributed throughout the community by the Applicant offers seating for 500 patrons. That discrepancy was never explained in satisfactory fashion to the Committee. Mr. O’Brien stated that this Application is a “cocktail for disaster on
Mr. O’Brien reminded Board Members that the Committee agreed to extend the Hours of Operation while unanimously opposing any modifications to the already agreed to and signed by the Applicant, stipulations opposing dancing, live music, and DJs.
Mr. O’Brien explained that he became concerned when learned of this Application. Mr. O’Brien is a member of the Land Use Committee of Community Board 2. Mr. O’Brien spoke about a lax in communication since this Application was not revealed to the City Services Committee five days prior. The Applicant did not have any particular explanation at the Land Use Committee Meeting, at all, as to why this was not discussed at the CSPSC Meeting.
Mr. O’Brien reminded Board Members that he specifically and directly asked the Applicant if the modification to the Hours of Operation was a stepping stone to seek a Cabaret License. Mr. O’Brien then explained to the Applicant, that this would be great trouble with the community since the establishment is located in a Corridor that has been under the Community Board’s radar for years.
The Committee sent a copy of the letter written to the
After the April 18th Land Use Committee Meeting, Mr. O’Brien spoke directly with this attorney. The attorney told Mr. O’Brien he was unaware of the Applicant’s plans for coming before the Land Use Committee.
A Motion was made to Oppose this Application. The Motion was Seconded.
In Favor 32 Oppose 0 Abstentions 1
Chairperson present but not voting
A Motion was made to Approve this Application. The Motion was Seconded.
In Favor 33 Oppose 0 Abstentions 0
Chairperson present but not voting
Street Renaming for Winged
A Motion was made to Approve this Application. The Motion was Seconded.
In Favor 33 Oppose 0 Abstentions 0
Chairperson present but not voting
Transportation Committee
Votes:
There was discussion of the progress made and the communication by the DOT with the local businesses. Mr. Conley discussed the locations that the Community Board and the DOT continue to focus on. He said that the Board and the DOT continue to meet regarding the expansion of the transfer station with Waste Management as well as the asphalt plant in Maspeth.
Mr. Conley expressed concerns about the traffic signals and lighting at the railroad crossing. Attendees viewed photographs of the location. There was discussion regarding the difficulty of traveling passed that intersection. There was discussion regard the traffic congestion that occurs when a train is traveling through.
Mr. Conley entertained questions from Board Members.
This is not a ULURP Application.
Maspeth Bypass
A Motion was made to Approve this Application. The Motion was Seconded.
In Favor 32 Oppose 0 Abstentions 0
Chairperson present but not voting
City Services and Public Safety Committee
-Lounge 47,
Mr. O’Brien announced a Renewal Application before the City Services and Public Safety Committee on Lounge 47,
-Application for an On-Premise Liquor License regarding the proposed Adult Establishment on
Mr. O’Brien announced that a Public Hearing would be scheduled for either June 21st or June 23rd and a venue would be announced.
The first Application was denied a License. The principles reconfigured members and have resubmitted another On-Premise Liquor License Application to the State Liquor Authority.
Environment Committee
-City’s Proposal to Convert Oil
Ms. Morehead provided information within Board Members Packets regarding
-Street Survey throughout
This survey would be conducted throughout the summer months. Ms. Morehead asked that anyone who was interested in participating in this program on behalf of their community should contact her.
Health and Human Services Committee
Ms. Terrano, Co-Chairperson for the Health and Human Services Committee reported that ACQC has served 222 individuals which was an increase from 187 clients and enrolled 38 new participants. ACQC has exchanged 1,320 syringes. The ACQC Programs have retained 77% client retention; significantly higher than any other site. Ms. Terrano spoke about HIV Testing. ACQC is seeking to begin a program that would target young men and transgender individuals for HIV Testing.
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 8th 2011
