Community Board 2, Queens

September 8^th 2011

Community Board 2 Monthly Meeting and Public Hearing

amended copy*

Attendance

Terri Adams Andrew Anzalone

Diane Ballek Jean Carubia

Bessie Cassaro Barbara Coleman

Stephen Cooper Emilia Crotty

Lisa Deller Don Dodelson

Mary English Brian Flynn

Kenneth Greenberg Richard Gundlach

Anne Hart Tom Kalamaras

Ellen Kang Marie Konecko

Sheila Lewandowski Guadalupe Marzana

Gertrude McDonald Dorothy Morehead

Patrick Murray Patrick O’Brien

Evan O’Neil Moitri Chowdhury Savard

Regina Shanley David Shin

Lauren Springer Carol Terrano

Karolina Tosi Nick Troya

Al Volpe

Absentees

Sandra Bigitschke Kate Brannan

Anna Bridge Bernard Callegari

Joseph Conley David DeCicco

Rev. Joseph Jerome Mohammed Choudhury Jewel

Luis Jimenez Dominic Lippolis

Rita Manton Gregory Matos

Donald McCallian Taina Hernandez McShane

Norberto Saldana Robert Wilkanowski

Community Board 2 Staff

Debra Markell Kleinert, DM

Mary Ann Gurrado, CB 2 Staff

Guests

Claudia Filomena, CAU, Mayor Bloomberg’s office

Matthew Lerch, representative for Senator Gianaris

David Longshore, representative for Assemblyman Den Dekker

Joe Kenton, representative for Councilman Van Bramer

Sam Goldman, Times Newsweekly

Jason Banrey, Queens Tribune

Holly K. Emma Lorraine Werdann

John & Margaret Gawley Catherine Wojciechowicz

Lisle M. Noll Eugene A. Petrk

Gustavo Romero Lara Adler

Scott Eidler M. Dan Bach

Christina Choi Dorothy Endel

Jessica Diaz Gina Marie Del Prado

Steve Hofstetter Suyin So

Ciaran Staunton Alex Fong

Nick Griffin Kerem Halbrecht

Dorothy Kominsky

Agenda

In Chairperson Conley’s absence, Board Member, Mr. Stephen Cooper, Chaired this Meeting.

Pledge of Allegiance

Comments by Public Officials and Guest Speakers

David Longshore, Assemblyman Den Dekker’s office

Mr. Longshore extended greetings offered from the Assemblyman. Assemblyman Den Dekker was in attendance at a 9/11 Memorial Event and was unable to attend this Meeting. Mr. Longshore entertained questions and concerns that would later be introduced to the Assemblyman.

Joe Kenton, Councilperson Van Bramer’s office

Mr. Kenton announced invited Attendees to the unveiling of the Boulevard of Bravery on 65^th Street and Queens Boulevard, 12; 30 pm, September 9^th 2011.This ceremony is in honor the firefighters who lost their lives on September 11^th 2011. Mr. Kenton entertained questions and comments.

Presentation b James G. Capozzi; US Department of Justice; Federal Bureau of Investigation

Agent Capozzi spoke about the Intraguard Program, which he leads. He explained that the goal of the program is to keep infrastructure safe from attack. Infrastructure includes water, food, energy and transportation. He stated that the FBI is responsible for protecting our infrastructure and they are seeking assistance from the private sector and citizens with special areas of expertise such as technology and various language proficiencies to participate in this program. Agent Capozzi entertained questions and comments.

Public Comment

Presentation of Central Queens Academy Charger School Opening in Community School District 24 in the fall of 2012

A packet outlining the proposed Charter School was distributed to Attendees at this Meeting.

This presentation offered an outline of:

o School Vision

o The Need

o Mission and Plan

o Financial Information

o Academy Team

o Community Assistance

ü This Academy would open in the fall of 2012

ü The Academy would focus on the English Language Learner Achievement Gap

ü The first charger school servicing Community School District 24

ü Small, inclusive, safe, welcoming, diverse school environment

ü K-12 vision (starting grades 5-8)

The mission of the Central Queens Academy Charter School is to prepare middle school students for success in education, the workforce and the community through a school that integrates literacy, high standards-based academics and culturally responsive supportive services.

The school will lay the foundation for students to be able to graduate, attend the competitive high school of the choice and go on and excel in college.

This Academy would provide 6 Key Design Elements:

· Whole school focus on literacy

· High academic standards

· Caring and competent teachers

· More time in school

· Social and emotional learning

· After school enrichment activities

A timeline regarding student enrollment and staffing was discussed as well as the role of partners, advisors and keys supporters. Comments and questions were entertained.

Christina Choi, Korean Community Services

Ms. Choi was in attendance to promote Smoke-Free Policies. She said of 5000 HS students that smoke, 1/3 would die of smoking related illnesses. Ms. Choi entertained questions and comments.

Nick Griffin

Mr. Griffin spoke about an Architecture Work Shop in Long Island City on Saturday, September 17^th, 9 am at PS 1. Elected Officials, Members of the Community Board would be in attendance. This workshop is for the support of Open Public Space.

Mr. Griffin encouraged local residents to become involved in this Project. Flyers were provided at this Meeting. Mr. Griffin entertained questions and comments.

Lara Adler

Ms. Adler is a resident of Sunnyside. She spoke about a local group, which is seeking to acquire of a plot of land for the conversion to a public/community garden space in Sunnyside Gardens. Ms. Adler requested a Letter of Support from Community Board 2 for a grant application the group is submitting to the North Star Foundation.

Dorothy Kominsky

Ms. Kominsky did not offer comments from the podium; which provides a microphone. Ms. Kominsky’s comments were inaudible.

Steve Hofstetter

Mr. Hofstetter spoke about the lack of comedy clubs in Queens. Mr. Hofstetter is seeking space for the operation of a comedy club in Long Island City. Mr. Hofstetter entertained questions and comments.

Board Meeting

Attendance

Present-33; Absent-19

A Quorum was Present at this Meeting

Approval of Minutes

A Motion was made to approve the June 2011 Community Board 2 Monthly Meeting and Public Hearing Minutes. The Motion was seconded. The Minutes were unanimously approved.

Chairperson’s Report

Mr. Cooper requested a Moment of Silence in honor of the 10^th Anniversary of the September 11^th’ fallen heroes.

Capital and Expense Items

Mr. Cooper reminded Board Members to review the documents enclosed within Board Members’ Monthly Packets in June. The items would be reviewed in October.

Illegal Vendor Operations along Roosevelt Avenue from 46^th Street to 52^nd Street, Woodside

Mr. Cooper stated that Mr. Conley, the Health Department, the NYPD and the Department of Consumer Affairs conducted a review and survey of this area. The DCA issued summonses and carts and merchandise were removed. Department of Consumer Affairs enforcement would continue.

Illegal Street Hails and Parking Enforcement

Mr. Conley and the NYPD met with the Taxi and Limousine Commission regarding illegal activity by livery cabs drivers at 46^th Street and Queens Boulevard as well as Van Dam Street. TLC would continue to monitor and enforce behavior of drivers. The TLC has issued summonses to the livery taxis.

Board Members discussed similar violations within their neighborhoods. There was discussion as to the street parking rules and regulations for vehicles that operate with commercial license plates.

Woodside BID

In July, Mr. Conley conducted a Steering Committee Meeting for the Woodside BID.

Picardia Latina, 38-12 65^th Street, Woodside

A Hearing hosted by the State Liquor Authority was held regarding this location. The owner’s Liquor License has been revoked and the restaurant has been closed.

Gypsy Rose

Mr. Cooper announced the Public Hearing hosted by the City Services and Public Safety Committee Meeting on August 3^rd.

Board Member, Gertrude McDonald

Congratulations were offered to Gert on the celebration of her 95^th Birthday.

Landmarks Commission

Mr. Cooper updated the Board on the Landmark Commission’s position during the summer months, to allow applicants to present their proposal at a Landmark Commission hearing without first presenting to the Community Board. He said that the Landmarks Commission decided that communication with Community Board 2 over the summer months was unnecessary since the Community Board and its Committees are not in session during July and August. Mr. Conley has been in contact with the Chairperson of the Landmarks Commission in regard to this matter.

Hunters Point Residents and Businesses

Mr. Coney and Board Member, Terri Adams were instrumental in helping to evacuate and provide shelter to the LIC community during Hurricane Irene.

District Manager’s Report

Debra Markell Kleinert, District Manager reported the following:*

FDNY Attendance

Representatives of the FDNY have been in attendance at the Community Board 2 District Services Cabinet Meetings.

Hart Playground

St. John’s Bread of Life has moved to the new location.

Subway Interruptions and Closings

The Community Board 2 website continues to update information from the MTA regarding subway interruptions and closings.

City Planning Report

There were no Reports offered at this Meeting.

Committee Reports

Health and Human Services Committee

There were no Reports offered at this Meeting.

Land Use Committee

Ms. Deller spoke about the playground Ms. Adler discussed at this Meeting. This playground is across the street from the Phipps Houses in Sunnyside. This location was sold to a private developer. A group of Sunnyside residents, including Ms. Adler would like to acquire the site and develop a community garden.

Assemblywoman Marge Markey received a letter from Sunnyside Garden resident, Herb Reynolds regarding this Project. The Assemblywoman contacted the Community Board offices to discuss support from Community Board 2.

A Motion was made to write a Letter of Support with regard to this Project and Application for this Community Board organization. The Motion was seconded.

Transportation Committee

No report was offered for this committee. The next Transportation Committee Meeting has been scheduled for September 20^th 2011.

City Services and Public Safety Committee

Gypsy Rose Gentleman’s Club,

Mr. O’Brien spoke about a Public Hearing in August regarding the Gypsy Rose Gentleman’s Club, 42-50 21^st Street, Long Island City. The Committee unanimously voted in opposition of this location and it’s Application. Elected Officials have also voiced opposition with regard to this location. According to Mr. O’Brien, to date the SLA has not scheduled a Hearing. Mr. O’Brien said that he would continue to monitor the scheduling of another Hearing.

Lapchi Restaurant, Roosevelt Avenue, Woodside

This location on Roosevelt Avenue is seeking to expand Hours of Operation as well as operate as a Cabaret establishment. Mr. O’Brien explained that the Board was opposed to this Application and that the Committee would continue to monitor the progress of this establishment’s application submissions,

Environment Committee

The next Environment Committee Meeting has been scheduled for September 22^nd 2011.

Old Business/New Business

Street Flooding near the BQE

Ms. Terrano described a problem with street flooding near the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway from 65^th Place to 68^th Street. She said that the streets and residents suffer from severe flooding after a rainstorm.

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 6^th 2011