Amended Copy
September 10th 2009
Community Board 2 Monthly Meeting and Public Hearing
Attendance
Terri Adams Andrew Anzalone
Alyson Baker Diane Ballek
Kate Brennan Anna Bridge
Jean Carubia Thomas Casey
Joseph Conley Emilia Crotty
Lisa Deller Mary English
Richard Gundlach Anne Hart
Marvin Jeffcoat Tom Kalamaras
Ellen Kang Marie Konecko
Dominic Lippolis Rita Manton
Gregory Matos Donald McCallian
Gertrude McDonald Golam Mehraj
Dorothy Morehead Patrick O’Brien
Moitri Chowdhury Savard Regina Shanley
Carol Terrano James Van Bramer
Robert Wilkanowski
Absentees
Aida Bartolome Bernard Callegari
Bessie Cassaro Barbara Coleman
Stephen Cooper Rev. Joseph Jerome
Mohammed Choudhury Jewel Sheila Lewandowski
Patrick Murray Lois Saldana
Goksel Secilmis David Shin
Al Volpe
Guests
Anthony Williams Robert Buttner
Shawn Wells George Baruzi
Anthony Conti Peter Lampert
Jean Martin Emily Miller
Rose Tibaldi Willie Belden
Erik Lindstrom Kim Wesley
Ann Marie Carroll Brent O’Leary
Karen Ann Ceccolini J. Miller
Sabine Heinlein Tom Paino
Ana Rodriquez Vinnie Rotomaro
Chris Costanzo Pat Engelhart
Erik Andersen K. Kelly
Bart Humphreys Wei Lung Lu
Catherine Herzog Billy Rydstson
David Rosasco John Edebohls
Alyssa Bonilla David Conway
Michele Viera James Shea
Sam Goldman Billy Rudston
M. Molaro Shawn Slevin
Jim McNamara Anthony Agridiano
Marty Towey Angelo Maragos
Dorothy Kominsky Mark Wilensky
Alicia Rouault
Ed Babor, Congresswoman Maloney;
Manny Perez-Assemblyman DenDekker;
Randy LaFargue, Public Adv. Gotbaum;
Welland-Fuller Assemblywoman Markey;
E. Delaney, Councilperson Crowley
Community Board 2 Staff
Mary Ann Gurrado
Joan Bergman
Agenda
Pledge of Allegiance
Mr. Conley requested a moment of silence in memory of:
¯ the Anniversary of the September 11th attacks
¯ Mr. Larry Vigelio, former Community Board 2 Member and active member of the community.
¯ Mr. Martin Trainor, long time Community Board 2 Member and active member of the Woodside community.
Comments by Public Officials/Guests Speakers
Public Comment
Shawn Slevin, Swim Strong Foundation
Ms. Slevin was in attendance representing the Swim Strong Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that is focused on teaching children to swim.
Ms. Slevin said that she had coached swimming at St. Sebastian’s for over 38 years.
She spoke about drowning being the second largest cause of death for children. She said that in addition to swimming lessons the Foundation also focuses on health and nutrition and provide classes in Water Polo, Rowing, etc. Many of these sports have college scholarships attached.
Ms. Slevin said that programs are offered for young people ages 5-23 and provided literature to the Attendees. Ms. Slevin offered her website to the Attendees; www.theswimstrongfoundation.org
Ms. Slevin entertained questions from Board Members.
Jim McNamara, FDNY
Mr. McNamara is a New York City Fireman. He provided testimony related to the removal of fireman from their assigned locations to supplement protection at the U.S. Open and other events. He added that Members of Engine 325 was taken out of service and were relocated to a Fire House in College Point to provide coverage since the FDNY Members of that College Point Fire House were assigned to provide protection at the U.S. Open.
Mr. McNamara listed a number of occasions where fire department coverage had been compromised:
- De Kalb Avenue fire in Brooklyn on September 3rd. Three buildings burned to the ground. Two of the first four Engines that would have responded to that location were closed for the day.
- 59-10 39th Avenue fire in Woodside on July 9th 2009. He explained that people were trapped inside that building due to window bars that covered the windows. Ladder 63 is the closest Fire House to that location and the Ladder Company was closed on July 9th.
- 30-70 48th Street fire. There were four people removed from this burning building. The closest Ladder Company, Ladder 117, was closed for the day.
Mr. McNamara asked Community Board 2 what mechanisms are in place to hold the City and the FDNY accountable. He said that the Community Board 2 is the first line of defense and accountability.
Mr. McNamara spoke about the Daily Training Schedule sheets that are issued by the FDNY each day. This schedule identifies the Companies that are going out of service. He asked if those schedules are submitted to the Community Board offices daily from the FDNY. Mr. McNamara insisted that those schedules must be communicated with the Community Boards. Mr. McNamara inquired about reports submitted at the Monthly District Cabinet Meetings.
Mr. McNamara stated that the Bloomberg Administration should come before our communities and explain why it is acceptable for the City of New York to deny protection to our communities; protection that tax payers have already funded.
Mr. McNamara explained that over the last three years, he has been personally involved in situations where human beings have actually burned to death due to these denied services. Mr. McNamara stated that services are denied in communities and neighborhoods where “nobody cares.”
Mr. McNamara attributed this problem to the absence of a Fire Fighters Union and the absence of active investigative press.
Mr. McNamara entertained questions from Board Members.
Anthony Agridiano, United Brotherhood of Carpenters – Local 45, Queens
Mr. Agridiano is currently investigating several construction projects in Long Island City to identify whether employees at these sites are union members.
The United Brotherhood of Carpenters has asked the Community Board to assist with monitoring the workers hired at the construction projects and to support enforcement.
Mr. Agridiano entertained questions from Board Members.
Marty Towey
Mr. Towey is a resident of Long Island City. He was in attendance to discuss the lack of ample parking for the NYPD is this area. He said that the NYPD continues to monopolize street parking in the area and that as a result he has been forced to park as far as 10 blocks from his home.
Mr. Towey visited the 108th Precinct to discuss this issue. The NYPD currently has 85 reserved parking spots in the Hunters Point area; 33 are on 50th Avenue and 12 reserved parking spots are in front of Mr. Towey’s building. Mr. Towey offered an observation that there are not 85 people at a given shift inside the 108th Precinct. Mr. Towey also stated that he has observed PBA cards, loose leaf with had written notes stating NYPD, Vehicle, etc. that is left inside windshields to be used as authorized parking plaquards.
Mr. Towey presented Board Member, Terri Adams with a petition.
Mr. Conley agreed that this is a growing problem and has requested a meeting with the Captain of the 108th Precinct to resolve this issue.
Mr. Towey entertained questions from Board Members.
Dorothy Kominsky
Ms. Kominsky was in attendance to discuss politics and candidates running for Councilperson. Mr. Conley asked Ms. Kominsky not to discuss her opinions about politics at this Meeting. Mr. Conley recommended that Ms. Kominsky speak about quality-of-life issues, etc. Ms. Kominsky graciously agreed.
Mark Wilensky
Mr. Wilensky is a member of the Sunnyside/Woodside Lions Club and has been a basketball coach in the area for over 30 years. He was in attendance at this meeting in order to advocate for a Boys and Girls Club for the neighborhood.
Mr. Wilensky explained that new condominiums and co-operative apartments are not needed any longer in the area. The youth of the area need a Boys and Girls Club. He stated that children needs sports, a place to safely socialize and learn.
Mr. Wilensky complained that 43rd Street park has only one basketball court. It is the only basketball court in the area.
Mr. Conley spoke about the Board’s continued advocacy for a Beacon School Program in the community. He told Mr. Wilensky that the Community Board will continue to work to bring an after school sports and youth facility to the area.
Alicia Rouault, Citizens Committee for New York City
Ms. Rouault was representing Citizens Committee for New York City. This is a non-profit organization, which provides small grants to volunteer and community groups. Ms. Rouault was in attendance to reach out to neighborhood groups and said that their grant application deadline is September 30th 2009. Literature was offered to the Attendees at this Meeting.
Mollie Parnis Dress Up Your School Award
This is funding for students and their PTA Board to obtain grants that range from $500-$3,000. The funding can be applied to any project students and PTA Committees wish however, the project must benefit the improvement of the school. For further information visit their website at citizensnyc.org.
Catherine Herzog
Ms. Herzog was in attendance to discuss noise and traffic issues on 48th Street. She spoke about two newly installed manhole covers on 48th Street and said that the noise made by trucks traveling over these covers is very disturbing. She also reported that late night drag racing takes place on this street.
Ms. Herzog entertained questions from Board Members.
Alyssa Bonilla, Sunnyside Shines, Business Improvement District of Sunnyside
Saturday Program; Summer Street Program
Ms. Bonilla thanked the Community Board staff and Chairperson Conley, for the issuance of permits that allowed Sunnyside Shines to host the Summer Street Program on Saturdays during the month of August. The Program was successful.
Housewarming for New Sunnyside Shines Offices
An art show would be hosted on October 2nd 2009 from 6 pm – 8 pm. There are over 200 entries from the neighborhood. The website is: sunnysideshines.org
David Rosasco, Woodside Civic Association
Mr. Rosasco spoke about the triangle park located at 59th Street and 34th Avenue. He said that this park was formerly owned by Carvel, which sold the site to a construction company, Sonner. The construction company intended to build a two-story, two-family building.
The Department of Buildings originally denied a permit for construction on this site.
Mr. Rosasco explained that the Board of Standards and Appeals has approved this Application for construction. The BOA approved the construction of a two-story, two-family house with a cellar. The BOA stated that that site would be able to sustain that type of building.
The owner of the site has placed boards around the location to begin construction.
Mr. Rosasco said that the construction would destroy a community park and that Residents are asking the Community Board to write a letter to the Board of Standard and Appeals requesting that the case be reopened and reconsidered.
Mr. Conley spoke about contacting the Department of Buildings requesting a Stop-Work-Order and a review of plans. A Public Hearing had been held in the past. Residents were in opposition to this project. A Letter of Objection was written by the Community Board to the BSA. Mr. Conley stated that the BSA denied this Application early 2009.
Mr. Rosasco entertained questions from Board Members.
Tom Paino
Mr. Paino is a resident of Hunters Point and was in attendance representing a group of residents concerned about the John Murray Playground.
Mr. Paino said that there is $2.1 million dollars funded by the City, including $850 million from the Queensboro President’s office to refurbish and improve the park.
Phase 1 of the project will improvement the comfort station, (a new building) and the entry way and other features for children.
Neighborhood residents recently learned that the Phase 2 project scope of work calls for artificial turf being used. He said that the Hunters Point residents are opposed to this addition sighting health issues.
Residents have written a letter to Mayor Bloomberg; the Commissioner of the Parks Department responded to that letter. A copy of that letter will be submitted to the Community Board.
The Hunters Point residents are inquiring about how this money would be applied to the playground and are asking for a Meeting with the Parks Department via the Community Board.
Mr. Conley offered an update for this project. He said that initially, the issue was brought before the Land Use Committee; it was then introduced to the City Services and Public Safety Committee and will eventually be brought back before the Land Use Committee.
Mr. Conley entertained questions from Board Members.
Attendance
Present; 34: Absent; 13 A Quorum was Present at this Meeting
Approval of Minutes
A Motion was made to approve the Minutes for the June 2009 Community Board 2 Monthly Meeting and Public Hearing. The Motion was Seconded. The Minutes were unanimously approved.
Chairperson’s Report
Congratulations!!
Mrs. Carol Terrano is celebrating her 10th Anniversary as a Board Member of Community Board 2. Thank you, Carol!
Rehabilitation of the Borden Avenue Bridge
The Bridge will not open as scheduled due to the discovery of contaminated soil during excavation. The project has now been slated to be completed by Spring 2010.
Van Dam Street and Thompson Avenue
The Community Board has requested a longer timing for the green light at this location. This request has been granted. The Department of Transportation would make these revisions at that crosswalk.
Speed Bumps
The DOT has also informed the Community Board that the community’s request for the addition of speed bumps in Sunnyside has been approved. Speed bumps are to be added on 40th Street between Skillman Avenue and 43rd Avenue.
Capital and Expense Budget Priorities
Board Members received the annual Capital and Expense Budget Priorities for Community Board 2 in their June 2009 Member Packet. Mr. Conley urged Board Members to review the information and come prepared to offer new suggestions or re-prioritizing of existing items. Board Members would vote on these items.
Community Board 2 Website
Mr. Conley has asked Board Members to utilize this site more often. www.cb2queens.org. A calendar has been added to the site, as well.
Primary Day
Mr. Conley urged all to vote on Tuesday, September 15th 2009.
District Manager’s Report
There was no report offered at this Meeting.
City Planning Report
Penny Lee provided the City Planning Report. She said that since the resignation of Mandy Ikert, any questions regarding zoning, planning and DCP questions in general, Mr. Tom Smith and Penny Lee would be the contact for Hunters Point, Long Island City, (212) 720-3261. Mr. Smith would be the contact for Woodside and Sunnyside, (718) 286-3182. Mr. Smith would be in attendance at the September 2009 Land Use Committee Meeting for Community Board 2.
Queens Plaza Parking Lots
These lots at the intersection of Queens Plaza, Jackson Avenue and Northern Boulevard, are now closed as part of the construction for the Queens Plaza Pedestrian Improvement Project.
According to Ms. Lee, permits continue to be applied for by the contractor. This project is expected to last 24 months. Traffic enforcement agents have been budgeted and assigned to the area. A Budget Resident Engineer would be managing the contractor. A community liaison has also been hired and assigned to communicate updates with Community Boards 1 and 2.
No. 7 Line
The elevated tracks within the Queens Plaza area, along the No. 7, line are to be painted.
Jackson Avenue
The construction work is expected to be completed in the summer 2010.
Committee Reports
Health and Human Services Committee
Ms. Terrano spoke about a recent meeting she attended with ACQC. Ms. Terrano asked Board Members to refer to the Minutes within their packets. Ms. Terrano spoke highly of members of ACQC.
Closing of St. John’s Hospital
Ms. Terrano spoke about the lack of funding that forced the hospital to close. She spoke about $30 million dollar funding from New York State for the improvement for Health Care Services in Queens. This would assist the expansion of the emergency room at New York Hospital, Queens and offer some assistance to Elmhurst Hospital. Ms. Terrano stated that this is not enough.
Ms. Terrano spoke of the serious need for a hospital in this area. Elmhurst hospital is inundated with patients.
Ms. Terrano spoke of the abuse of emergency rooms for primary care by those who do not have health insurance.
Ms. Terrano entertained questions from Board Members.
Mr. Conley spoke of increased housing in the area which would lead to the increase in population. Health care is going to be a large issue for Community Board 2.
Swine Flu
Ms. Terrano explained that the Swine Flu vaccine would initially be made available health care workers, NYPD, FDNY, DOS, teachers and young children.
Environment Committee
Ms. Morehead spoke about the 54th Avenue reconstruction project.
BOA Newtown Creek Grant
Ms. Morehead announced that BOA funding has been released.
Lower East Side Ecology Center
There is an event scheduled for September 12th, 10 am - 4 pm, 119 West 23rd Street, New York. Electronic waste would be collected.
Sunnyside Community Services
Sunnyside Community Services also accepts donations of electronic waste. The SSC receives donations in return.
Ms. Morehead said that some computer companies, such as Dell, have also begun recycling programs.
Power of Community
A presentation would be offered on September 17th, 8pm at 12-21 Astoria Boulevard, Astoria. The presentation will discuss Cuba’s survival on cheap oil.
Veteran’s Committee
Mr. Jeffcoat announced the next meeting has been scheduled for September 21st, 6 pm.
VFW Daniel’s Post
A yard sale has been scheduled for October 10th from 11 am – 4 pm. Donations would be offered to the VFW Welfare Fund.
Senator Addabbo
A block party and BBQ would be hosted on Saturday, September 12th in Howard Beach by the Senator. This event is offered to all veterans of Queens County.
All are welcome. Contact Mr. Jeffcoat for RSVP information.
City Services and Public Safety Committee
Mr. O’Brien spoke about the decrease in Borough-wide crime. Mr. O’Brien also spoke of statistics in the District. Crime is down in the area according to the 108th Precinct.
July 2009 Public Hearing in Long Island City
Mr. O’Brien spoke of a Public Hearing at St. Mary’s Church with regard to Liquor License Applications, renewal Applications and new Applications.
One location that drew much concern from the community, 47-10 Vernon Boulevard, Long Island City, requires a continuation of discussion.
A second Public Hearing has been scheduled at St. Mary’s Church on Tuesday, September 29th at 6:30. Mr. O’Brien encouraged the City Services and Public Safety Committee Members attendance at this meeting. This meeting would address Lounge 47 and its existing Liquor License and pending Liquor License Application.
New Application in Long Island City
10-09 50th Avenue, Long Island City. This establishment would operate as a restaurant/bar.
Proposed Adult Entertainment Establishment at 42-50 21st, Long Island City
This type of establishment was proposed to operate at the very bottom of the pedestrian ramp of the Queensboro Bridge.
The Applicant withdrew the original Application after opposition to this proposal came from the community and the City Services and Public Safety Committee. The Applicant told Mr. O’Brien that he would withdraw this proposal and spoke to the press stating that the proposal had been withdrawn.
Mr. O’Brien was recently contacted by the Applicant’s representative explaining that the State Liquor Authority instructed the Applicant to come before the City Services and Public Safety Committee to discuss an On-Premise Liquor License for an Adult Entertainment Establishment. Apparently, the Applicant has decided to pursue the operation of and Adult Entertainment Establishment in Long Island City.
Mr. O’Brien contacted local officials. Mr. O’Brien said that the Applicant’s approach to this matter consists of conduct of disingenuous actions during the summer months, when Committees are not in session. Had the City Services and Public Safety Committee not write a Letter of Denial to the State Liquor Authority, the SLA would not have sent the Applicant back before the Committee. The Community Board in turn would not have known of the Applicant’s intentions.
Mr. Conley and Mr. O’Brien plan to operate a campaign in opposition to this application including media attention. Mr. O’Brien spoke about a Press Conference that would include elected officials, business owners, residents in the region, etc.
Mr. O’Brien stated that this was an attempt to bypass the public process and preclude the Community Board, the community and all interested parties from having a voice in this matter. Mr. O’Brien explained to the Applicant in May 2009 at a City Services and Public Safety Committee Meeting that the Community Board would stand up and do all possible to intercept this Application.
This campaign would be well publicized. Mr. O’Brien and Mr. Conley would keep Board Members apprised.
Land Use Committee
Ms. Deller announced the scheduled date for the next Land Use Meeting. The Meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, September 16th. Ms. Deller outlined the Agenda for this Meeting.
Sunnyside/Woodside Rezoning Applications would be discussed at Land Use Meetings during the fall/winter months.
Ms. Deller entertained questions.
Transportation Committee
The next meeting has been scheduled for September 22nd 2009. Mr. Conley announced that he would add speeding issues along Queens Boulevard to the Agenda.
Old Business/New Business
Parked Cars on Open Space in Flushing Meadow Park
Community Board 2 is opposed to this practice. There is such a lack of open space in the area; parking in the park limits open space further. Mr. Conley would add this to the Community Board 2 Monthly Meeting Agenda to discuss with the Borough President. Use of funds collected for this parking would be discussed.
Idling Trains in Hunters Point
Mr. Conley spoke about LIRR trains ideling in this area. Anti-idling laws are currently being written by the MTA to bring before the State Legislature.
Commercial License Plates
A Board Member stated that it is illegal for vehicles with commercial licenses plates to park along the streets in residential areas. Off-street parking should be provided by Base Stations for taxi cabs that are not yellow cabs. The laws must be modified.
Mr. Conley stated that this issue is a matter of enforcement.
Ticket Blitz
Mr. Conley stated that this practice is currently active and very aggressive. Mr. Conley encourage those who believe that they have been unfairly issued tickets, the summons should be fought.
Board Member, Al Volpe
Mr. Volpe has had surgery and is currently resting at the Queens Extended Care Facility. Mr. Volpe would not be in attendance at Board and Committee Meetings for several weeks, but continues communication with the Community Board offices via telephone.
Get well soon, Al!
Board Member, Robert Wilkanowski
One Way Conversion
Mr. Wilkanowski spoke about the continued discussion for this modification at 49th Avenue and 5th Street. The details Mr. Wilkanowski’s comments were inaudible.
Speed Bump
Mr. Wilkanowski expressed concern for the need for a speed bump in Long Island City. The location was inaudible. Mr. Conley stated that this must be discussed at a Public Hearing. The Department of Transportation would be notified.
Four Way Stop Sign
Mr. Wilkanowski expressed the need for a four way stop sign on 49th Avenue and 5th Street in Long Island City.
This Meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted by:
Cheryl Sinnott
The next Community Board 2 Monthly Meeting and Public Hearing has been scheduled for Thursday, October 1st 2009.
