October 6th 2011
Community Board 2 Monthly Meeting and Public Hearing Meeting Minutes
Attendance
Andrew Anzalone Sandra Bigitschke
Jean Carubia Bessie Cassaro
Barbara Coleman Stephen Cooper
Emilia Crotty Lisa Deller
Don Dodelson Mary English
Brian Flynn Kenneth Greenberg
Richard Gundlach Anne Hart
Rev. Joseph Jerome Tom Kalamaras
Ellen Kang Marie Konecko
Sheila Lewandowski Dominic Lippolis
Gregory Matos Gertrude McDonald
Dorothy Morehead Patrick Murray
Patrick O’Brien Evan O’Neil
Norberto Saldana Moitri Chowdhury Savard
David Shin Lauren Springer
Carol Terrano Al Volpe
Robert Wilkanowski
Absentees
Terri Adams Diane Ballek
Kate Brennan
Bernard Callegari Joseph Conley
David DeCicco Mohammed Choudhury Jewel
Luis Jimenez Rita Manton
Guadalupe Marzana Donald McCallian
Taina Hernandez McShane Elliot Park
Nick Troya Penny Lee
Community Board 2 Staff
Debra Markel Kleinert, DM Mary Ann Gurrado
Guests
Matthew Lerch, Senator Gianaris’s office
Ed Babor, Congresswoman Maloney’s office
Joe Kenton, Councilman Van Bramer’s office
Thomas Cocan,
Jason Pafundi,
Daniel Reynolds Holly Emma
Kara Grippen Mary Collins
Lillian Gerdts Rose Tibaldi
Lisle Noll Amit Noor
Rizwan &Kelly Pureshi Matt Quigley
William Garrett Chana Bregman
Erik Lindstrom Dee Jay Bankhead
Michael Halpin Kathleen Cahill
Yangchen Doukar David Anderson
Mira Dhu Colleen Kavanagh
Gina Marie Del Prudo Diana Albornoz
Rebecca Henely Peter Fontant
Matthew Lerch Ed Babor
Steve Hofstetter Jacob Morvay
Josh Rinesmith Maria Petkanas
Issa Foster Kirti Gandhi
Yohanna Salib
Agenda
Board Member, Stephen Cooper Chaired this Meeting in Joseph Conley’s absence.
Pledge of Allegiance
Comments by Public Officials/Guest Speakers
Mr. Cooper introduced Mr. Matthew Lerch, Senator Gianaris’s office, Mr. Ed Babor, Congresswoman Maloney’s office and Mr. Joe Kenton, Councilman Van Bramer’s office to Attendees.
Public Comment
Repair of the
There will be a Presentation on the Repair of the
Mr. Gandhi of Gandhi Engineering introduced himself and his colleagues. These guests were in attendance to offer a presentation for the repair of the
Mr. Gandhi stated that this Contract is overseen by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation; Gandhi Engineering is the consultant. The total estimated cost of this Project is $4.63 million dollars. This site is directly across the River from the United Nations Building.
An aerial view of the existing pier, which was shown by Google in 2010, was offered for Board Members’ viewing. The scope of this Project includes the demolition and replacement of the existing pier deck and the sewer outfall. The pier was built circa 1913 and the sewer outfall was built circa 1919. The construction of a new substructure was discussed.
The visual presentation illustrated the placement of benches on the newly constructed pier. This was requested by Community Board 2. This includes the addition of 1964 World’s Fair benches with recycled plastic slots. Other site furnishings were viewed. The furnishings replicate the 1964 World’s Fair furniture in
Mr. Cooper spoke about the unauthorized restriction of the pier to the public by the previous owners of the Water’s Edge Restaurant. Mr. Cooper spoke about the recent Community Board 2 requested modification regarding the proposal of the street furniture, etc. on the pier. The Community Board recommended the addition of permanent and stationary art sculptures to be placed in the center of the pier deck. The addition of the artwork would discourage the Restaurant from crafting any party settings that would suggest to the public that the pier was not an open community space. Mr. Cooper asked for an update regarding this request. The response to Mr. Cooper’s inquiry and to Board Member with regard to the addition of the art sculptures was, “……..we have some issues”.
The addition of signage was discussed. Removal bollards were also discussed.
Mr. Cooper confirmed that there would be no gate closing-off the pier.
The Water’s Edge Restaurant would be responsible for the maintenance of the pier after construction has been completed.
The date of the start of construction was discussed. The function of the sewer was discussed.
Ms. Deller asked Applicant to clarify the agreement between the Water’s Edge Restaurant and the New York City Parks Department regarding the use of the pier by the Restaurant. That information was not available at this Meeting but would be forwarded to the Community Board.
Bicycle parking on the pier was not included within the design of the newly constructed pier. A recommendation was made for the addition of bicycle parking on the pier.
Steve Hofstetter and Jacob Morvay
Mr. Hofstetter and his business partner, Jacob Morvay were in attendance to offer a presentation regarding a proposed Comedy Club,
Each of the Applicants are members of the community. The Applicants are striving to make the community a more desirable and better place to live.
Ms. Deller inquired about any apartments above the proposed space. The owner of the building resides in the apartment above the Club. The Applicants are assembling a soundproof interior for this space. There is a rear yard however the Applicants do not intend to utilize the space for business operations.
The Applicants have been reaching out to members of the community to inform them of their proposed establishment.
Nicholas Lyrg-Bugenski
Mr. Lyrg-Bugenski was in attendance to discuss parking in Sunnyside and
Mr. Lyrg-Bugenski spoke about the increased residential development in
Mr. Lyrg-Bugenski offered to provide a slide show with photographs of cars that remain parking for an extended and unacceptable period of time. Mr. Lyrg-Bugenski stated that such cars are only moved when filming is conducted in the area.
There was discussion of the pros and cons of alternate side parking.
Collecting petition signatures was recommended to Mr. Lyrg-Bugenski. Contacting 311 with these issues was also recommended.
Ruth Hossain
Ms. Hossain spoke about how she is a victim of a financially crippling scam regarding Water Meters and Billing. Ms. Hossain was in attendance to bring awareness of this scam as well as seeking assistance with her issue.
Brent O’Leary
Mr. O’Leary is a representative of the Boys and Girls Club of Sunnyside.
Mr. O’Leary spoke about how he and his current partner have formed this club after realizing the lack of facilities in which children can attend for activities. A Committee has been formed.
This organization is operating from the basement of St. Theresa’s. Each Friday evening there are approximately 60 children in attendance to participate in basketball, volleyball, dance lessons, guitar lessons, movie night gatherings, etc. Light refreshments are also provided.
This program has been well-received. This summer, the Sunnyside location was able to provide 10 children with the funding needed for busing to the
Mr. O’Leary announced the second annual dinner dance, Saturday, November 5th, 7pm. This event’s theme is once again, Dancing with the Community of Stars. This event is a competition with food and open bar. Mr. O’Leary announced that admission is $60 per ticket/$100 per couple. Flyers for this event have been provided for Board Members in their Monthly Packets.
Public Hearing
Consumer Affairs Application
In the Matter of an Application for a Consumer Affairs License, Renewable Revocable Consent, License for a Renewal of an Unenclosed Sidewalk café with 12 Tables and 24 Seats, 46-02 Skillman Café LLC, d/b/a Claret’s Wine Bar, 46-02 Skillman Avenue, Sunnyside.
There have been no complaints filed with the Community Board or the 108th Precinct regarding this location.
The Applicant was in attendance and offered a brief presentation for this Application.
And
BSA Calendar,
BSA Application for a Special Permit from the BSA to allow the Operation of a Physical Culture Establishment (Fitness Center) on the Ground Floor of the Building at the Premises.
This Application has been filed for operation of a Physical Fitness Establishment on a portion of the first floor of an existing building. A category of fitness equipment accessible at this operation was offered.
All fitness centers operating in
The Hours of Operation was discussed. The Hours of Operation would be designed to accommodate those with unusual employment schedules versus the characteristic 9-5 agendas. This establishment offers affordable membership fees. Registration fees begin at $10.
Planet Fitness is a Club Chain that prides itself as a “judgment-free zone”. There are other locations in the Borough of Queens.
Ms. Deller asked about parking for club members. There is parking offered within the public parking garage inside the building that the facility would operate and there is a municipal lot across the street from the facility.
And
BSA Calendar 56-02/20 Broadway; Calendar # 789-45 BZ
BSA Application to Waive the Rules of Procedures to Extend Tie to Obtain a Certificate of Occupancy and Extend the Term of the Variance
Mr. Cooper reminded Board Members that this Applicant was before the Community Board approximately 10 years ago regarding the same Application.
Mr. John Ronan was in attendance to offer a presentation for this Application.
The owner of the property retained Mr. Ronan and his engineering firm to extend to Terms of the Zoning Variance in order to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy for the use of a gasoline service station.
At the last Land Use Committee Meeting, the Committee expressed great concerns regarding the requests made by the Committee to the Applicant 10 years prior with regard to the addition of landscaping on this site. At the time of the last Land Use Meeting, this request has not been met. The Land Use Committee inquired about the delay.
Mr. Ronan reported at this Meeting that the landscaping has been completed and photographs were offered for Board Members’ viewing. Mr. Ronan spoke about the Applicant’s sincere effort to keep the site clean.
Since the Applicant has been operating without a Certificate of Occupancy, Board Member, Mr. Gundlach asked how the Applicant could be operating for business without the proper documents.
Mr. Cooper offered a brief summary for Board Members and Attendees of the initial discussions between the Applicant and the Land Use Committee regarding the requested addition of landscaping. Mr. Cooper explained that the fact that it took the Applicant 10 years to conform to the Community Board’s request for landscaping to be added to this site is a problem.
The Applicant’s representative spoke about the request for the addition of a canopy was approved by the Community Board 10 years ago has never been erected. The approved plans showed a canopy and since the canopy was not added, the C of O was denied by the Department of Buildings. This was explained that the absence of a canopy on the site in conjunction with the submitted approved plans is the reason for the denial of the Certificate of Occupancy.
Public Meeting
Street Renaming Procedures
Review and Discuss Street Renaming Process and Procedures
Mr. Cooper offered a summary of the means of motivation for the current discussions by the Land Use Committee and the Full Board with regard to the formation of reorganized and restructured criteria and guidelines for Street Renaming Process and Procedures. These new guidelines are to be abided by when such Applications come before Community Board 2.
Mr. Cooper announced that this item would be postponed from this Agenda. There are details within the proposed guidelines that require further review and discussion. Mr. Cooper recommended that Board Members receive a copy of the proposed criteria and guideline draft. The Board Members have been asked to review the proposed outline and be prepared to vote on this plan at the November Community Board 2 Monthly Meeting and Public Hearing.
To receive Public Comment on Community Board 2’s Capital and Expense Budget Priorities for Fiscal Year 2011
Board Meeting
Attendance
Present-34; Absent-16
A Quorum was in attendance at this Meeting
Approval of Minutes
The Minutes for the September 2011 Community Board 2 Monthly Meeting and Public Hearing have been unanimously approved.
Chairperson’s Report
Mr. Cooper offered the following updates for Board Members and Attendees:
ü Community Board 2 attended the Street Renaming of the Boulevard of Bravery. This event was held in front of Rescue 4 at 65th Street and Queens Boulevard on September 9th for a September 11th Event.
ü Chairman Conley attended the Press Conference at
ü Announcement:
Sunnyside Shines is sponsoring A Taste of Sunnyside on October 18th. It will be held at the Sunnyside Community Services location. There are two sessions scheduled but tickets must be purchased. Tickets can be purchased at the Sunnyside Shines offices on
ü Announcement:
Dancing with the Community Stars has been scheduled for Saturday, November 5th at St. Teresa’s Auditorium. This annual fundraiser is hosted for the Sunnyside/Woodside Boys and Girls Club. Chairman Joseph Conley will be one of the Community Stars at this event. Information has been provided within Board Members’ Monthly Packets.
ü Announcement:
Sunnyside Services Gala will be hosted on October 20th
ü The Community Board 2 offices are collecting candy for the Annual Halloween Drive. Candy would be accepted through October 24th. The Community Board offices would also be collecting canned good for various food pantries through November.
ü Congratulations to Officer Youseff of the 108th Precinct. Officer Youseff is currently in training as a Sergeant. The Community Board thanked Officer Youseff for his service to the 108th Precinct community.
ü Community Board 2 wrote a Letter of Support to the Department of Transportation for safety improvements at
ü The Department of Transportation advised Community Board 2 that installation of “No Right Turn” signage for vehicles over 40 feet on
ü Chairman Conley has spoken with elected officials and is currently choosing a date to meet and discuss flooding issues in the
· Vote on Fiscal Year 2012 Capital and Expense Budget Priorities for Community Board 2.
Fiscal Year 2013 Community Board 2 Capital Budget Priorities
Within the first 10 Items of the Fiscal Year 2013 Budget Priorities, the following revisions were recommended:
Items 1 – 10:
· Item No. 2 Would Become Item No. 3 AND Item No. 3 Would Become Item No. 2
· Item No. 5 should read:
Reconstruct Hunters Point Streets. All side streets including; 11th Street,
There were discussions for the development of a health facility or hospital within the District.
A Motion was made to approve the above recorded revisions to the Fiscal Year 2013 Community Board 2 Capital Budget Priorities for the first 10 Items. The Motion was Seconded. By a Show-of-Hands, the first 10 Items, with revisions recorded, was approved.
Items 11-20:
A Motion was made to approve the Fiscal Year 2013 Community Board 2 Capital Budget Priorities for Items 11 - 20. The Motion was Seconded. By a Show-of-Hands, these Items were approved.
Items 20 -36:
A Motion was made to approve the Fiscal Year 2013 Community Board 2 Capital Budget Priorities for Items 20 - 36. The Motion was Seconded. By a Show-of-Hands, these Items were approved.
Fiscal Year 2013 Community Board 2 Expense Budget Priorities
Board Member, Sheila Lewandowski requested modifications regarding policies followed within the Department of Buildings. Ms. Markell Kleinert stated that this is a continued discussion at the District Service Cabinet Meetings. A series of recommendations have been offered by the Community Board for more stringent inspections.
This Item became a lengthy discussion among Community Board 2 Members. Concerns were expressed that the inspectors of the Department of Buildings are not forceful enough during inspections.
Items 1 – 20:
A Motion was made to approve the Fiscal Year 2013 Community Board 2 Expense Budget Priorities. The Motion was Seconded. By a Show-of-Hands, these Items were approved.
Items 11 – 20:
Ms. Deller stated that Item No. 17: Provide Additional Funds to Increase Code Enforcement Inspectors and Emergency Repair Inspectors at HPD has been satisfied.
Item No. 18 Becomes Item No. 11
Item No. 11 – Item No. 19 Becomes Items No. 12 – Item No. 18
Item No. 20 would be Removed. Item No. 21 and Item No. 23 Becomes Item No. 20 and Item No. 21.
A Motion was made to approve the Fiscal Year 2013 Community Board 2 Expense Budget Priorities. The Motion was Seconded. By a Show-of-Hands, these Items were approved.
Item No. 21 – Item 24
A Motion was made to approve the Fiscal Year 2013 Community Board 2 Expense Budget Priorities. The Motion was Seconded. By a Show-of-Hands, these Items were approved.
Accept nominations of Officers; Vote for Community Board 2 Officers would be held on November 3rd 2011.
Mr. Cooper discussed the procedures for this Item. Voting would take place during the November Monthly Meeting.
District Manager’s Report
Debra Markell Kleinert offered the following announcements:
ü Reminder:
ü Reminder:
Canned food items would be accepted at the Community Board offices through the month of November. These good would be distributed to various food pantries.
ü The
ü
This location has been inspected. The Mayor’s offices and the Department of Buildings have determined that this location must be sealed. The Community Board offices await a date for the sealing of this location.
ü The Community Board offices try to update the website often; www.cb2queens.org The Community Board’s newsletter can also be found on the website. The Community Board office is working to eliminate the use of paper in lieu of continuous Budget cuts. Community Board offices within the City are working as a Queens Delegation. Initially a letter to the Community Boards stated that the Community Boards were exempt from Budget cuts until 2015. Recently, a letter was written stated that the Community Board are not exempt from this Budget cut. Ms. Markell Kleinert commended the Community Board 2 staff and this Budget cut would affect everything at the Community Board 2 offices. Updates would be offered continually.
City Planning Report
ULURP Applications
The Department of City Planning anticipates an active year with regard to ULURP Applications.
There are three upcoming ULURP Applications for site selections.
1. Department of Sanitation Vehicle Processing Facility
2. Technical Services Division Headquarters for the FDNY
3. The
These Applications are currently under review by the Department of City Planning.
Zoning Text Modifications
The Department of City Planning is reviewing Sidewalk Café zoning. The Text is under review to legalize existing operations of Sidewalk Cafes within a Special Zoning District. Both the Sunnyside Gardens Special District as well as the Long Island City Special District would be part of this review process and modification.
Proposal to Create Special Sign Regulations for the
This Application has been discussed briefly at a Land Use Committee Meeting. This Application is being filed by Jet Blue.
Modifying Zoning Text to Accommodate for Series of Sustainable Building Technologies
The Department of City Planning would be filing Applications for this item. The DCP staff is currently under training for this item.
Two
The Water Taxi on Newtown Creek would offer two educational tours at 10 am and 1 pm. The vesicles would leave from ferry landing at the end of
Application filed by Tishman Speyer, EDC and DCAS
This Application filed over the summer by Tishman Speyer, EDC and DCAS to decrease the number of parking spaces in the garage has been approved by City Council.
This Project has been winding down. The Millstones have been moved back to the park. Maintenance for the Millstones has begun and placement of the stones into the park was discussed.
Red Oak Trees
Red oak tree placement was discussed. A number of the trees that were planted in the park have died over the summer. The trees were removed and new trees would be planted during the fall planting season, which begins on October 15th. Construction of the park is expected to be completed this fall.
Renderings and photographs of
There was discussion of the addition of a bicycle lane.
Committee Reports:
Environment Committee
Walking Tour of Dutch Kills
Ms. Morehead announced that there would be a tour offered. There would be a fee of $5. Mr. Mitch Waxman would be conducting this tour. Ms. Morehead would forward the date of this tour to the Community Board offices. Ms. Morehead spoke about the railroad lines, which Mr. Waxman is very familiar. Discussions to utilize the rails for the transportation of materials would be discussed on this tour.
September Environment Committee Meeting
Ms. Morehead offered an update of discussions from this Meeting. This Meeting discussed the hydro-fracking process and the chemicals utilized during the drilling process. Safety issues were discussed.
Ms. Morehead spoke about the recycling of the water used during the drilling process as well as prohibiting the use of toxic chemicals during the drilling process. Ms. Morehead explained that there are many safer, non-toxic chemical that could be substituted. Our energy policy was created without the knowledge of the American people during the Bush Administration. Ms. Morehead stated that the chemicals utilized and the energy policy that has been developed must be disclosed to the public.
Ms. Morehead requested a Letter of Support to our Federal Officials from Community Board 2 regarding:
1. The elimination of the use of toxic chemicals
2. Companies not draw on entirely fresh water systems but recycle the vast amount of water that would be utilized during the drilling process
3. Repair the infrastructure within the local counties that would experience property damage during the drilling process.
A Motion was made to approve the Letter of Support to Federal Officials. The Motion was Seconded. A unanimous show of hands approved this Motion.
Health and Human Services Committee
A Report for the September Meeting was not recorded.
Land Use Committee
Vote on Repair of the
A Motion was made to approve the Design of the Pier along with the requested addition of Art Sculptures. The Motion was Seconded.
The Motion was unanimously approved via a Show-of-Hands by Community Board 2 Board Members.
Chairperson present but not voting
Co-Chairperson, (acting Chairperson), present but not voting
Vote on the Consumer Affairs License, Renewable Revocable Consent License, for a Renewal of an Unenclosed Sidewalk Café with 12 Tables and 24 Seats, 46-02 Skillman Café LLC, d/b/a Claret’s Wine Bar
A Motion was made to Approve this Application. The Motion was Seconded.
In Favor 30 Opposed 0 Abstentions 1
Chairperson not present
Co-Chairperson, (acting Chairperson), present but not voting
Vote on BSA Application for a Special Permit from the BSA to Allow the Operation of a Physical Culture establishment (
A Motion was made to approve this Application. The Motion was Seconded.
In Favor 30 Opposed 0 Abstentions 0
Chairperson not present
Co-Chairperson, (acting Chairperson), present but not voting
Vote on BSA Application 56-02/20 Broadway, Calendar # 789-45 BZ, to Waive the Rules of Procedure to Extend Time to Obtain a Certificate of Occupancy and Extend the Term of Variance.
A Motion was made to Oppose this Application. The Motion was Seconded.
In Favor 30 Opposed 0 Abstentions 0
Chairperson not present
Co-Chairperson, (acting Chairperson), present but not voting
Vote on Street Renaming Process and Procedures
This item was Tabled.
Transportation Committee
The Chairperson for this Committee was not in attendance at this Meeting to offer a report.
City Services and Public Safety Committee
A Report for the September Meeting was not recorded.
This Meeting has been adjourned.
Respectfully submitted by:
Cheryl Sinnott
The next Community Board 2 Monthly Meeting and Public Hearing has been scheduled for Thursday, November 3rd 2011
