Minutes of Community Board 11’s General Meeting
Held on September 11, 2003 at the
Sephardic Home, 2266 Cropsey Avenue.

Table of Content
Public Hearing	Attendance
Public Portion
Minutes
Chairman's Report
District Manager's Report
Assemblyman Abbate

William R. Guarinello, Chairman of Community Board 11 requested a moment of silence in memory of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, as well as The Chairman named the following residents from Community Board 11 who we have memorialized with a street re-naming:  Andrew Abate, Vincent Abate, Laura Gilly, Firefighter Joseph A. Mascali, Firefighter Jimmy Riches, and Frank Pershep. 

Public Hearing

BSA Calendar # 722-68-BZ
Speedstar Motors, Inc.
388-392 Kings Highway
Brooklyn, New York 11223

The applicant seeks the following:

1. To legalize the use from a wholesale storage and packaging establishment to automotive repair, sales and warehouse.

2. The relocation of the existing 6 foot solid wall to the property line.

Carmine Guiga representing the Kings Place Block Association advised that Speedstar Motors stores vehicles on Kings Place from 8:00 A.M. to 6 P.M.  taking away valuable parking spaces from the residents.  In addition, the applicant sells automobiles and stores the vehicles on Kings Place.  Mr. Guiga requested that this practice be stopped.

The Chairman advised that these issued would be addressed.

Mr. Guarinello inquired if anyone from the Public sought recognition on this matter.

Hearing none, a motion was made by Dr. Joe Caruana to close the Public Hearing.  Seconded by Don Clark.  Unanimously adopted. 


BSA Calendar # 722-68-BZ
Speedstar Motors, Inc.
388-392 Kings Highway
Brooklyn, New York 11223

Frank Segreto, Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Committee reported that the applicant is seeking to legalize the automotive repair shop.  The original application that was presented included the relocation of the existing 6 foot wall to the property line.  The applicant’s attorney has since confirmed that there are no plans to move the wall.

Mr. Segreto advised that he has inspected the premises and has found no underground lifts for the automobiles which reduce environmental concerns.  In addition, District Manager Howard Feuer has visited the site and discussed that issue of storing vehicles on Kings Place.  The applicant claims these vehicles are not his and has agreed to not park cars off-premises and provide Community Board 11 with a list of his dealer plates.  The applicant has agreed to the inclusion of these provisions in the application.

A motion was made by Dr. Joe Caruana to approve the variance with the following conditions:

a)      the applicant will provide Community Board 11 with his dealer plate numbers;

b)      the applicant will not park any vehicles on Kings Place.

c)      the applicant agrees to amend his application before the Board of Standards and Appeals.

The motion was seconded by Victor Allegretti.  There was discussion regarding Board of Standards and Appeals procedure.  The motion was carried with 1 abstention.

Public Portion

Mr. Groccia, a resident of 23 Avenue and 81 Street, questioned the City’s new policy of collecting recycling bi-weekly.  He stated that this policy should be stopped.

Javier representing the Bay Parkway Day Laborers Committee’s Job Center located on Bay Parkway at the waters’ edge reminded residents that workers are available from Monday through Saturday, 7:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.

Mr. Guarinello inquired if anyone from the Public sought recognition.  Hearing none, a motion was made by Carlo Scissura to close the Public Portion of the meeting.  Seconded by Frank Segreto.  Unanimously adopted. 

Minutes

A motion was made by Victor Allegretti to accept the minutes of the June 12, 2003 meeting with an amendment reflecting Stan Roher’s presence.  Seconded by Man Wai Lau.  Unanimously adopted.  

Chairman’s Report

Mr. Guarinello reported that Brooklyn Remembers, Inc., the non-profit organization that was formed to build a memorial for those who died on September 11^th from Districts 10 and 11, have selected 5 proposals.  The five proposals are on display for public comment, in Bay Ridge at Long Island Commercial Bank through September 22^nd.  The exhibit will then be on display in Bensonhurst at Commerce Bank, 1630 Shore Parkway on September 24^th through October 8^th.  At the conclusion of this public review the members of Brooklyn Remembers will select the finalist.

Mr. Guarinello advised that donations are still needed.

The Chairman advised that committee appointments for the 2003/2004 term have been made and are available.

Mr. Guarinello announced that Captain Conceicao of the 62^nd Precinct has been promoted to Deputy Inspector and is happy to report that he is remaining at the 62^nd Precinct. 

District Manager’s Report

Howard Feuer advised that the Department of Health has been spraying to prevent the transmission of West Nile Virus.  Mr. Feuer advised the public to monitor news reports for the spraying schedule since there is not enough advance notice for the Community Board to advise the residents.

The District Manager advised that the City of New York’s 311 system is available to residents that have non-emergency situations or questions, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.   Those who utilize the system should always remember to document the reference number so that follow-ups can be made.

Mr. Feuer stressed that the Community Board would like to see this program become a success.

Mr. Feuer advised that the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has initiated the World Trade Center Health Registry.  The registry is a comprehensive and confidential survey that will track the health over the next 20 years of those directly exposed to dust, debris and fumes from the World Trade Center site on September 11^th and the ensuing weeks and months.  Those who would like to enroll can do so at 1-866-NYCWTCR or online at nyc.gov.

Mr. Feuer reported that the Department of Transportation initiated a truck route study to coordinate engineering, educational, informational and enforcement efforts so that trucks remain on designated truck routes until reaching their destination and so they do not inappropriately utilize residential streets. 

Since the business community is heavily reliant on trucking their input is integral to the truck route study’s success and we are asking that merchants participate.  A short survey is available and we ask that those who have a business in our community to please take part in the study.  The survey is also available online at www.nyc.gov/dot.

Mr. Feuer advised that the Legislature has increased the fines and penalties for trucks being off the designated truck route.

The District Manager reported that the reconstruction of the sanitary and storm sewers and the installation and testing of the 36 inch water main on Cropsey Avenue is in its final stage.  The Department of Transportation will begin the process of curb to curb restoration of Cropsey Avenue from Bay Parkway to Bay 50 Street. 

Assemblyman Abbate

Assemblyman Abbate advised that legislation has been signed permitting siblings who wish to serve in the Fire or Police Department a credit of 10 points on their exam. In the past this was only given to children that have lost a parent in the line of duty.

Assemblyman Abbate advised that after meeting with the Santa Rosalia Committee he will report at the next Community Board meeting his recommendations for the 18 Avenue Feast. 

On motion the meeting was adjourned.