Minutes of Community Board 11’s General Meeting
Held on February 12, 2004 at the
Sephardic Home, 2266 Cropsey Avenue.

Table of Content
Public Portion	Youth Committee
Minutes	New Business
Chairman's Report	Attendance
District Manager's Report
Committee Reports
Public Safety Committee

William R. Guarinello, Chairman of Community Board 11 opened the meeting. 

Public Portion

Bruce Solomon, representing Comptroller William C. Thompson Jr., advised that the Comptroller’s office has a Citizens Action Center to aid constituents with problems associated with city services or bureaucratic issues.  The telephone number is 212-669-3916.

The Chairman inquired if anyone from the public sought recognition.  Hearing none, a motion was made by Eileen LaRuffa to close the public portion of the meeting.  Seconded by Nick Miraglia.  Unanimously adopted. 

Minutes

A motion was made by Frank Segreto to adopt the minutes of the February 12, 2004 meeting.  Seconded by Man Wai Lau.  Unanimously adopted. 

Chairman’s Report

Mr. Guarinello advised that Brooklyn Remembers, Inc. received conceptual approval from the Arts Commission for the memorial monument to be erected on the 69^th Street pier in memory of Brooklyn residents who died on September 11, 2001.  The Arts Commission has requested additional information before full approval is given.  The next scheduled meeting before the Commission is on February 25^th.  Mr. Guarinello advised that he will keep the Board apprised.

The Chairman reported that State Senator Martin Golden will be honoring women in conjunction with Women’s History Month.  The Senator is inviting the community to nominate women who have performed outstanding service in their profession and/or  in the community.  Nominations must be submitted before February 27^th, to Senator Golden, c/o Women’s History Committee, 7403 5^th Avenue, Brooklyn 11209.

Mr. Guarinello advised that the Borough President has begun the annual Community Board re-appointment process.  The Chairman requested that all Board Members whose term expires in March to submit their applications for re-appointment immediately.

Mr. Guarinello announced that the agency responses to project priorities for fiscal year 2005 are available. 

District Manager’s Report

Howard Feuer, District Manager announced that not only is the Borough President re-appointing but is accepting new membership applications for those interested in serving on the Community Board.

Mr. Feuer acknowledged the presence of the Latin American Day Laborers who organize on Bay Parkway and the water’s edge.  Mr. Feuer thanked the group and advised that he has employed these workers and that they are a great resource for this community. 

Mr. Guarinello   commended the workers who organize at the Bay Parkway location and encouraged the community who do utilize these workers to use that site.

The District Manager reported that a building application has been filed at 103 Quentin Road to build a 7 story building which consists of 20 dwelling units, community facility, commercial space, and 10 parking spaces.  In addition, there is an application filed for the adjacent property located at 1671 West 10 Street.  This application proposed a 5 story building consisting of 12 dwelling units, community facility and parking for 6 vehicles.  This filing failed an audit by the Department of Buildings and we have requested that the Commissioner monitor these applications very carefully.

Mr. Feuer advised that in the next few days he and the Chairman will be meeting with the Commissioner of City Planning to discuss the down zoning of the R6 designation within Community Board 11. 

The District Manager reported that he attended a breakfast meeting hosted by Councilman Felder.  Mr. Feuer advised that Community Board 11 is fortunate to have Councilman Felder represent our community.  The Councilman is a special man who cares about our community and the people that he represents.

Mr. Feuer advised that the City will not be pursuing the project to open the back road behind the Sephardic Home.  Mr. Feuer understands that the Sephardic Home and Haym Solomon may file an application to purchase that property from the City.

Mr. Feuer advised that he attended Borough President Markowitz’

State of the Borough Address which included an announcement on the Task Force On Fiscal Equity in State and Local Policy, which was formed with Assemblyman Jim Brennan.  This task force will focus on 3 core issues:  the automobile insurance crisis, overcrowded schools, and the chronic under-funding of our hospitals and health care providers.

Howard Feuer announced that this Friday, the Borough President and his wife Jamie will welcome to Borough Hall, Brooklyn couples who have been married for 50 years or more.

Mr. Feuer advised that the Department of Transportation wil be installing a speed hump on West 5 Street between Avenue S and Avenue T and a traffic signal at the intersection of 17 Avenue and 77 Street.

Mr. Feuer advised that Police Officer DiNatale is assigned to 86^th Street on a permanent basis.  This will help alleviate parking and meter regulations. 

Committee Reports 

Public Safety Committee

Nicholas Miraglia, Chair of the Public Safety Committee reported that a meeting was held on February 25^th.  The committee met with the Police Department and discussed the parking issues that affect the commercial districts within district 11.  Discussion was held regarding vehicular speeding on Bay Parkway and radar training will be done so that this area can be monitored.

In addition, the committee discussed the traffic issues on 86^th  Street and a motion was made by Nick Miraglia to request that the Department of Transportation conduct a traffic study on 86 Street between 20 Avenue and 23 Avenue.  Seconded by Louis Crispiano.  Unanimously adopted. 

Youth Committee

Eileen LaRuffa, Chair of the Youth Committee reported that she and representatives from various community boards in Brooklyn attended a Department of Youth and Community Development meeting hosted by the Brooklyn Borough President. DYCD apologized to the readers of the Request for Proposals and for canceling the process.  In the next few months, summits will be held with 4 representatives each from Brooklyn and Staten Island. 

In addition, present programs will be extended for another 6 months until a new selection process is utilized. 

New Business

Louis Crispiano announced that he is a certified instructor for AARP and on April 21 – 22 at the Narrows Senior Center, they will hold a defensive driving course.  This course was primarily for Senior Citizens but now will be open to anyone interested in attending.  Upon completion of the course, you may be entitled to a 10% reduction on your insurance rates.

Eileen LaRuffa announced that the New Utrecht Church will be holding a Carnivale for children ages 2 -12 on Saturday, February 14^th.

On motion, the meeting was adjourned.