Amended Copy
November 5th 2009
Community Board 2 Monthly Meeting and Public Hearing
Attendance
Terri Adams Andrew Anzalone
Diane Ballek Kate Brennan
Anna Bridge Jean Carubia
Bernard Callegari Thomas Casey
Bessie Cassaro Barbara Coleman
Joseph Conley Emilia Crotty
Lisa Deller Richard Gundlach
Anne Hart Marvin Jeffcoat
Rev. Joseph Jerome Tom Kalamaras
Ellen Kang Marie Konecko
Sheila Lewandowski Rita Manton
Donald McCallian Gertrude McDonald
Dorothy Morehead Patrick Murray
Patrick O’Brien Moitri Chowdhury Savard
Regina Shanley James Van Bramer
Al Volpe Robert Wilkanowski
Absentees
Alyson Baker Aida Bartolome
Stephen Cooper Mohammed Choudhury Jewel
Dominic Lippolis Gregory Matos
Golam Mehraj Lois Saldana
Goksel Secilmis Carol Terrano
Guests
M. Perez, Assemblyman DenDekker Dan Jacoby, Democracy for NYC
W. Fuller, Assemblywoman Markey Mary Kane
Tonia Moore Raymond Williams
Sam Goldman, Ridgewood Times Melissa Rosalls
Times News Weekly S & L Butler
Thomas Coran, Queens Gazette Jon Spiegler
Jeremy Walsh, Times Ledger Evan O’Neil
Sun Joe Kim Mike Quigley
Khem Ibrahim Marion C. Molno
Jim Condes Dorothy Kominsky
Martammed Rayman Luiz Petez
Mike Son David Feng
Joe Walter Penny Lee
Community Board 2 Staff
Debra Markell Kleinert, DM
Mary Ann Gurrado
Agenda
Pledge of Allegiance
Public Comments
Mary Kane
Ms. Kane is a resident of 45th Street in Sunnyside Gardens. Ms. Kane was in attendance to propose the addition of speed bumps on 45th Street between Skillman Avenue and 39th Avenue. She submitted a petition from residents in favor of installing the speed bumps to the Community Board.
Tania Moore
Ms. Moore was in attendance to support Ms. Kane’s proposal. Ms. Moore also collected signatures for the petition.
Jim Condes
Councilperson-Elect, Jimmy Van Bramer
Mr. Condes congratulated Councilperson-Elect Van Bramer on the success of his campaign.
Roosevelt Avenue, Woodside Avenue from 58th Street to 62nd Street
Mr. Condes has requested that the Community Board encourage the Department of Sanitation to empty the trash receptacles at these locations.
Letters Received from the Department of Transportation
Mr. Condes spoke about a letter he has received from the DOT. He said that this letter contradicts previous letters written by the DOT to the Community Board with regard to asphalt at the intersection of Roosevelt Avenue and 61st Street, Woodside.
Assemblywoman Markey’s Child Sex Abuse Bill
Mr. Condes offered and update on this item. He said that the Assemblywoman made modifications to her Bill proposal and he spoke of the modifications and expressed his opinion on these changes.
Mr. Condes commended Board Members Barbara Coleman and Al Volpe for their efforts with regard to this Bill.
Dorothy Kominsky
President Obama’s Health Care Bill
Ms. Kominsky spoke in opposition of this Bill. Ms. Kominsky stated that Congressman Crowley has been expressing support and an intention to vote for the Bill. Ms. Kominsky stated that this Bill would not become effective until 2013 and that most of the politicians who would be voting, whether in favor or opposition, would no longer be in office in the year 2013.
Ms. Kominsky spoke about a 3-page letter received from Congressman Crowley speaking in favor of this Bill. She encouraged the Attendees to fight in opposition of this Bill.
Ms. Kominsky entertained questions from Board Members.
Dan Jacoby, Democracy for NYC
Mr. Jacoby was in attendance to discuss the New York City Watershed and the gas drilling process. He thanked Board Member and Chairperson of the Environment Committee, Ms. Dorothy Morehead for her efforts on this issue.
He testified that this process creates gas odors and that there are issues regarding the possibility of water contamination should companies be permitted to drill for oil near the upstate NYC watershed.
He announced that a Hearing has been scheduled in New York City with regard to this issue on November 10th 2009.
Mr. Jacoby expressed concern for the residents that would be willing accept this project in their community in return for financial supplements. Those residents have been falsely informed of the effects of this project.
Mr. Jacoby encouraged the Attendees to contact local elected officials as well as upstate elected officials.
Mr. Jacoby entertained questions from Board Members.
Comments by Public Officials/Guest Speakers
Elected Official’s Representation
Mr. Conley announced the attendance of Mr. Manny Perez, representing Assemblyman Michael DenDekker and Mr. Welland Fuller, representing Assemblywoman Marge Markey at this Meeting.
Consumer Affairs Applications
In the Matter of an Application for a Consumer Affairs License for an Unenclosed Sidewalk Café with 4 Tables and 16 Seats at NOROC, LLC, 43-45 40th Street, Sunnyside
Mr. Steve Wygoda, the architect for this Application spoke on behalf of this Applicant.
Mr. Wygoda spoke about previous meetings with the Community Board. The Community Board expressed concerns and recommended the modification of the plans to reflect the table and seat arrangement within the perimeter of the Unenclosed Sidewalk Café. Mr. Wygoda spoke about the dimensions of the sidewalk and the dimensions of the Café.
In the Matter of an Application for a Consumer Affairs License for an Unenclosed Sidewalk Café with 12 Tables and 24 Seats at Manolo’s Restaurant, 46-26 Greenpoint Avenue, Sunnyside
The Applicant summarized plans for this Application. The Applicant spoke about recommendations for hours of operation for the Unenclosed Sidewalk Café.
The Applicant entertained questions from Board Members.
In the Matter of an Application Renewal for a Consumer Affairs License for an Enclosed Sidewalk Café with 8 Tables and 23 Seats at Riz Bagels, 57-20 Woodside Avenue, Woodside
The Applicant summarized plans for this Application. The owner said that he has been operating at this address for 13 years.
The Applicant entertained questions from Board Members.
Ms. Coleman commended this establishment for its considerate and generous contributions to the community throughout the years.
Public Comment
To Receive Public Comment on Community Board 2’s Capital and Expense Budget Priorities for Fiscal Year 2011.
There were no comments in favor or opposition offered for this item at this Meeting.
Attendance
Present; 34 Absent; 10
Approval of Minutes
The Minutes for the October 2009 Community Board 2 Monthly Meeting and Public Hearing were unanimously approved.
Penny Lee stated she was misquoted in last month’s meeting minutes. Ms. Lee was advised the minutes would be corrected.
Chairperson’s Report
o Vote on Fiscal Year 2011 Capital and Expense Budget Priorities for Community Board 2.
o Accept Nominations of Officers. Vote for Community Board 2 Officers would be held on December 3rd 2009.
Mr. Conley stated that the Nominations and Voting would take place at this Meeting not at the December Meeting.
Current Officers of Community Board 2
Joseph Conley; Chairperson Stephen Cooper; 1st Vice-Chairperson
Patrick O’Brien; 2nd Vice-Chairperson Lisa Deller; Secretary
Diane Ballek; Treasurer
Ms. Deller requested that Board Members submit nominations for any candidates for office. There were no additional nominations offered by Board Members.
Ms. Deller thereafter asked Board Members to vote for or against the current slate of officers. By a show of hands, the current Officers were unanimously approved by Board Members of Community Board 2.
Updated Website
Mr. Conley spoke about the continuous updated data on the Community Board’s website. Mr. Conley encouraged those who have e-mail access to seek information from the Community Board’s website in an effort to go Green and to reduce expenses.
Hart Playground on 65th Street and 37th Avenue
Mr. Conley spoke about day laborer issues at this location and said the community has grown frustrated with activity at this location. He reported that he had been in contact with the Mayor’s office about this issue.
Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce
The annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Sabba Park on Queens Boulevard and 50th Street has been scheduled for Tuesday, December 1st, 6 pm.
Sunnyside Shines Bid
A Holiday Lighting has been scheduled for Thursday, November 19th, 6 pm on Queens Boulevard and 40th Street.
Community Board 2 Volunteer, Blanche Klein
Mrs. Klein began volunteering at the Community Board offices when she turned 80 years young. The Community Board staff contacted all elected officials, included the Mayor’s office announcing Mrs. Klein’s milestone birthday of 90 this past October.
The staff hosted a birthday party for Mrs. Klein and amoung the guests was Assemblywoman Marge Markey. Mrs. Klein was honored with proclamations from elected officials at this event.
Blanche had the time of her life at her birthday celebration! Congratulations, Blanche!
Annual Toy Drive
The Community Board offices will be collecting toys for needy children.
Borden Avenue Bridge
The bridge remains closed and there is no updated information to report.
James Van Bramer’s Election to the City Council
Mr. Conley stated that the Community Board’s loss is the community’s gain. The Board would be saying good-bye to Board Member James Van Bramer but welcoming Councilperson-Elect James Van Bramer to the District!
Councilperson-Elect Van Bramer stated that it was a tremendous honor to serve with the Board Members of Community Board 2. Councilperson-Elect Van Bramer was a Board Member for 3 ½ years. The Councilman-Elect spoke about the dedication and hard work that each of these volunteers offer to their communities.
The Councilperson Elect stated that Community Board 2 is extremely fortunate to have Mr. Joseph Conley as their Chairperson. Councilperson-Elect Van Bramer spoke about the wonderful members of the community that attend these Meetings and share their thoughts and concerns for positive direction of their community.
Councilperson-Elect Van Bramer would resign as a Board Member in December 2009 but would attend Community Board 2 Monthly Meetings as Councilperson. Councilperson-Elect Van Bramer plans to work closely with the community and civic organizations of the area.
New Board Members
Mr. Conley announced that Community Board 2 would have new Members added to the Board.
Fiscal Year 2011 Community Board 2
Capital Budget Priorities
Mr. Coney explained to Board Members that on the current list of priorities there may be listed an agency response or there may be an occasional comment regarding an item’s funding status. Mr. Conley explained that the Community Board would not dismiss those items in the future. Any items that are listed with a Fiscal Year other than 2011 could continue to be listed as a high priority for Community Board 2.
Community Board 2 Member and Environment Committee Chairperson, Dorothy Morehead submitted a written request for the modification of various priorities for the abovementioned Budget. Mr. Conley read those requests to Board Members. Ms. Morehead’s request was to remove Priority No. 1 and No. 2 from the Budget due to the Agency’s Response of Not Funded.
Ms. Markell Kleinert explained to Board Members that the DEP has stated to Community Board 2 that items not funded by this Agency are considered Not Chronic. The Agency determines Chronic by the volume or number of 311 telephone calls received about an issue; the number of calls must be “excessive” in order to have it’s priority be elevated to a status of chronic. Telephone calls to 311 should be made as needed about important issues so that the City understands an item’s significance. Reporting specific addresses are a factor, as well.
Priority #’s 1 thru 5
The first five items within this Budget remain as is.
Priority #’s 6 thru 10
# 6 Becomes #10
# 8 Has been removed from the Capital Budget Priorities.
# 9 Becomes # 8
Initial # 10 Becomes # 9
By a show of hands, Board Members approved the first ten modifications and items for this Budget.
Priority #’s 11 thru 15
# 11 has been removed from the Capital Budget Priorities.
# 12 Becomes # 6
Motion was made and Seconded to add an item into #11 slot. Motion was inaudible.
# 30 Becomes # 12
Priority #’s 16 thru 20
A Motion was made and Seconded to accept these modifications and items from # 11 thru 20. These items have been approved.
Priority #’s 21 thru 25
The items, # 16 thru # 25, would remain as is.
Priority #’s 26 thru # 32
# 30 Becomes Funding for the Dog Run at Torsney Park
Mr. Conley asked for a Motion from Board Members with regard to amendments to recommendations for the Capital Expense Budget Priorities 2011.
A Motion was made to accept these modifications and recommendations to the above mentioned 32 items. The Motion was Seconded. By a show of hands, the Motion was unanimously approved.
Fiscal Year 2011 Community Board 2
Expense Budget Priorities
Priority #’s 1 thru #5
# 5 Becomes # 3
# 4 Becomes # 6
# 6 Becomes # 4
# 3 Becomes # 10
# 10 Becomes # 5 Language has been modified. “Increase fund to DFTA to meet growing demands for day care programs for seniors, including Alzheimer’s Programs to establish a baseline.”
Priority #’s 6 thru #10
# 4 Becomes # 6
# 6 Becomes # 4
Language for # 7 has been modified. “For continued support at St. Mary’s Senior Center in Hunters Point.”
A Motion was made and Seconded to approve the first ten items on the Expense Budget Priorities for 2011. This Motion was approved.
Priority #’s 11 thru #15
Priority #’s 16 thru #20
Priority #’s 20 thru # 25
# 20 Has been removed for the Expense Budget Priorities
# 21 Becomes # 20
# 22 Becomes # 21
# 23 Becomes # 22
# 24 Becomes # 23
# 25 Becomes # 24
# 26 Becomes # 25
Priority #’s 26 and # 27
# 26 Becomes # 25
# 27 Becomes # 26
A Motion was made to accept these modifications and recommendations to the above mentioned 27 items. The Motion was Seconded. By a show of hands, the Motion was unanimously approved.
District Manager’s Report
There was no report offered at this Meeting.
City Planning Report
Newtown Creek BOA
Penny Lee spoke about the Newtown Creek BOA (Brownfield Opportunity Area).
Ms. Lee reported that the Steering Committee for the Newtown Creek BOA had selected a consultant to undertake the required study and nominating application for the state's Brownfield Opportunity Area program. Work should begin on the project in early 2010, after the contract with the consultant is negotiated.
Committee Reports
Health and Human Services Committee
Ms. Terrano was not in attendance at this Meeting. Ms. Manton offered an update for Board Members. The Committee had an on site visit at Hour Children. Information regarding this organization was provided within the Board Member’s Packets.
Mr. Conley reminded Board Members that Minutes for the last Health and Human Services Committee Meeting were in their Monthly Packets.
Environment Committee
EPA Testing
Ms. Morehead spoke about the possibility of Newtown Creek becoming a Super Fund Site. The EPA is meeting with a community in Brooklyn. Brooklyn residents have expressed more interest in Newtown Creek than residents in Queens since the Queens side of the Creek is essentially businesses. There are plans for an EPA meeting in Queens. The thirty-day comment period expires on December 23rd 2009.
The EPA has established that the Creek is extremely polluted. Ms. Morehead has inquired about the standards that would be used to clean up the Creek. Currently, the standard level is for a fish to be able to swim through the Creek with added aeration.
Ms. Morehead stated that it has been discovered that people are actually eating fish from this Creek. Therefore, the level in which the water would be cleaned-up should reach the level for edible fish. Ms. Morehead was pleased with this information.
Contracted Gas Company
Ms. Morehead announced that the contracted gas company that was planning to conduct gas drilling near the New York City Watershed has decided not to drill. However, the leases could potentially be sold and drilling could still be a possibility and New York City’s water supply is still at risk.
Additional meetings and demonstrations are scheduled.
Ms. Morehead entertained questions from Board Members.
Veteran’s Committee
Fort Hood Tragedy
Mr. Jeffcoat asked for a moment of silence in memory of those killed and injured at Fort Hood in Texas as well as those who are killed in battle every day.
ICL Proposals
Mr. Jeffcoat announced that the ICL is planning to create a Public Health Clinic that would occupy a portion of the Borden Avenue Shelter space. ICL has offered to brief Community Board 2’s Health and Human Services Committee.
Mr. Jeffcoat stated that when ICL came on board, renovations were made to the Shelter. ICL stated that there would not be enough space to provide much deserved privacy for the residents nor would ICL be able to maintain enough beds for the Veterans at the completion of the renovations. Mr. Jeffcoat stated that he was hopeful that the Health and Humans Services Committee would discuss this at their scheduled meeting.
Mr. Jeffcoat said that although it is clear that Health Services are needed within the neighborhood, Mr. Jeffcoat is concerned that this space is not utilized for the needs and benefit of our Veterans. Mr. Jeffcoat compared the Borden Ave. shelter with the Shelter in St. Albans.
Christmas Party for Borden Avenue Residents
The Veterans Committee is coordinating this event with ICL. Mr. Jeffcoat would provide details such as the date and venue at a later date.
Legislative Breakfast
Mr. Jeffcoat announced that a Breakfast has been scheduled at the 369th Armored Regiment in Jamaica on November 13, 2009 at 9:00 am. Mr. Jeffcoat would provide further details as he receives them.
VA Press Release
Mr. Jeffcoat spoke about a VA Press Release announcing that the VA plans to aggressively diagnose unseen wounds that often lead to homelessness; sever isolation, depression, dysfunctional behavior, and substance abuse. Mr. Jeffcoat expressed the essential need for this treatment for our Veterans.
Statistics
Mr. Jeffcoat offered an updated list of statistics at the Borden Avenue Shelter.
ICL-BAVR Status Report YTD
271 New Admissions
7 Re-instated Residents
209 Residents Places into Suitable Housing
103 HUD VASH Vouchers Holders Placed in Suitable Housing
104 Residents have an Axis I Diagnosis
Military Statistics
75 Residents from the Vietnam War Era
6 Residents from the Korean War Era
2 Residents from the Lebanon War Era
9 Residents from the Persian Gulf War Era
17 Residents from the Iraqi War Era
3 Residents from the Desert Storm Era
City Services and Public Safety Committee
Graffiti Clean-up Bill
Mr. O’Brien spoke about a recently passed Bill with regard to graffiti clean-up. The City would now contact a property owner requesting the graffiti be removed. Should the property owner not respond to the request within 50 days, the City is now authorized to enter the property to clean the graffiti without permission from the property owner.
Mr. O’Brien entertained questions from Board Members.
GLC Entertainment; the Adult Establishment
Mr. O’Brien stated that Mr. Conley organized a Press Conference. Councilperson-Elect James Van Bramer, Assemblywoman Cathy Nolan and NY1 and the Daily News were in attendance. The Community Board has communicated with the State Liquor Authority with regard to this establishment.
The State Liquor Authority hosts a Hearing before the Full SLA Board. To date, this Application has not appeared on the SLA calendar. Mr. O’Brien stated that the Hearing could be as early as November 18th 2009. Mr. O’Brien intends to attend this Hearing to testify in opposition of this Application.
Mr. O’Brien said that he would keep Board Members apprised of any developments.
Mr. O’Brien entertained questions from Board Members.
Hunters Point Applications
There are several new Liquor License Applications that have come before the City Services and Public Safety Committee Meeting.
Land use Committee
- Vote on Consumer Affairs Application, 43-45 40th Street, Sunnyside
A Motion was made to Approve this Application. The Motion was Seconded.
All were in favor by a show of hands with none opposed and no abstentions.
Chairperson present but not voting
- Vote on Consumer Affairs Application, 57-20 Woodside Avenue, Woodside
A Motion was made to Approve this Application with the stipulation of 24 seats and hours of outdoor operation cease at 10 pm Sunday thru Thursday and 11 pm Friday and Saturday. Service for patrons must be within the area of the Café. The Motion was Seconded.
All were in favor by a show of hands with none opposed and no abstentions.
Chairperson present but not voting
- Vote on Consumer Affairs Application, 46-26 Greenpoint Avenue, Sunnyside
A Motion was made to Approve this Application. The Motion was Seconded.
All were in favor by a show of hands with 4 opposed and no abstentions.
Chairperson present but not voting
Hunters Point South Open Space
Ms. Deller discussed the recent presentation offered to the Land Use Committee with regard to this Project. Ms. Deller commended the design. Ms. Deller offered a summary of the Presentation and said that a Public Meeting would be held in November in Long Island City to present this project to the community.
Transportation Committee
Q60 Bus Stops
Mr. Conley stated that this is a continued discussion for Community Board 2. A member of the community, Mr. Ira Greenberg, sits on the MTA Board. Mr. Conley has requested a Walking Tour of Queens Boulevard within the Community Board 2 District with Mr. Greenberg and his colleagues. The Tour is to establish the realigning of the bus stops.
Idling Law
This law has recently been passed with regard to idling trucks, buses and cars.
East Side Access
Ms. Deller spoke about a presentation offered at the Land Use Committee with regard to the retaining wall.
The color of the wall is under consideration.
Leaf Blowers
A Board Member complained about the noise from these tools.
Mr. Conley spoke about a letter discussing environmental impact.
This Meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted by:
Cheryl Sinnott
The next Community Board 2 Monthly Meeting and Public Hearing has been scheduled for Thursday, December 3rd 2009.
