Minutes of Community Board 11’s General Meeting
Held on June 7, 2005 at the
Holy Family Home, 1740 84th Street.

Table of Content
Public Portion
Minutes
Moment of Silence
Chairman's Report
Election of Officers
District Manager's Report
New Business
Attendance

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

Public Portion

The Chairman inquired if anyone from the public sought recognition.  Hearing none, a motion was made by Corrado Manfredi to close the public portion of the meeting.  Seconded by Frank Segreto.  Unanimously adopted.  

Minutes

A motion was made by Man Wai Lau to accept the minutes of the May 12, 2005 meeting.   Seconded by Frank Segreto.  Unanimously adopted.

Moment of Silence

The Chairman requested a moment of silence in memory of Isabella Manfredi, mother of Joe Manfredi.  Mr. Guarinello extended condolences on behalf of the Board to the Manfredi family.

Chairman's Report

Mr. Guarinello thanked members of Community Board 11 for attending a meeting hosted by Congressman Fossella the previous night.  The meeting was comprised of members of both Community Boards 10 and 11 to discuss issues affecting our communities. 

The Chairman stated that one of the issues raised was the vehicular traffic that passes through the streets of our community due to the Verrazano Bridge. The Congressman acknowledged this issue and requested ideas to address this matter.

In addition, there was discussion regarding reduced tolls for full time college students and/or full time employees who reside in Brooklyn and commute to Staten Island.  The feeling was that daily tolls are expensive for students and employees and a discount will provide an incentive to students and employees to commute to Staten Island.

A motion was made by Man Wai Lau to have the appropriate agencies study the issue of providing the same toll discounts that Staten Island residents receive for full time students and employees that commute from Brooklyn to Staten Island.  Seconded by Frank Segreto.  Unanimously adopted.

Mr. Guarinello stated that Congressman Fossella plans to schedule these meetings in the future in order to hear concerns that face the community.  Mr. Guarinello urged Board Members to attend the next meeting.

The Chairman reported that Brooklyn Remembers, Inc. held the dedication of the “Beacon” on May 16, 2005 on the American Veterans Memorial Pier.  The “Beacon” is a memorial dedicated to those from Brooklyn who lost their lives on September 11^th. 

Louis Crispiano personally thanked Mr. Guarinello for the time and effort that he volunteered to make this memorial a reality. 

Mr. Guarinello accepted the commendation on behalf of the Brooklyn Remembers committee.  Mr. Guarinello acknowledged Howard Feuer and Tony Troia.  Mr. Troia donated all of the electrical work, which amounted to over $30,000.

Mr. Guarinello advised he serves on the Fort Hamilton Task Force.   The task force was formed to prevent the closure of the Fort Hamilton Army Base.   The Chairman was pleased to announce that Fort Hamilton was not included on the Pentagon’s list of bases that will be closed.  He advised that there is still work to do since the Base Realignment and Closure Commission begins their review of the Pentagon’s recommendations.

The Chairman announced that the following people have been appointed to serve on Community Board 11:  William Hongach, James Lee and Anthony Mallozzi.

Mr. Guarinello advised that a request has been received from the family of Corporal Joseph Basile, a World War II hero, to rename 81^st Street and 16^th Avenue in his honor.

The Chairman advised that the request would be referred to the Parks and Libraries Committee for review.

Mr. Guarinello stated that in the aftermath of September 11^th, street naming requests for victims of 9/11 were fast tracked but moving forward all requests will sent to committee for review.

Election of Officers

The Nominating Committee presented the following slate of Officers for the 2005/2006 term at the meeting of May 12, 2005:

                                                Chairman – William Guarinello
                                                Vice President – Ella Nigro
                                                2^nd Vice President – Corrado Manfredi
                                                Secretary – Shirley Fineman
                                                Treasurer – Louisa Verito

The Chairman inquired if there were nominations from the floor.  Hearing none, a motion was made by Antonio Troia to accept the slate of officers as presented by the Nominating Committee.  Seconded by John Raffaele.  Unanimously adopted.

District Manager's Report

Howard Feuer, District Manager congratulated the newly elected Officers. 

The District Manager reported that on 86^th Street between 20^th Avenue and Stilwell Avenue, as well as 23^rd Avenue in the 80’s, there are preparations being made for a large Capital Project that will begin sometime next year.  A contractor for KeySpan Energy is performing the preliminary work.  The contractor is doing poor work, people are falling, and merchants have received notices of claim.  We have contacted the Department of Design and Construction and met with them regarding these issues. 

Don Clark made a resolution authorizing Howard Feuer to take whatever means necessary to resolve the issues relating to the construction on 86^th Street.  Seconded by Frank Segreto.  Unanimously adopted.

Anthony Neglia stated that the merchants on 86^th Street are having a tough time and the construction is an added burden.  He also stated that on June 12, 86^th Street will be closed to vehicular traffic for a street festival.

The District Manager advised that the 17^th and 20^th Avenue Bridge Reconstruction Project will begin very shortly.  The 18^th Avenue Bridge was completed on schedule.

Mr. Feuer advised that he and Mr. Guarinello are serving on the Dyker Task Force, which was formed to respond to issues affecting the residents near Dyker Park.    One of the problems are the volley ball games that are organized between the soccer and baseball fields.  The leagues do not have permits and they are barbecuing, drinking and selling their wares in the park.  

The task force is working with both the 62 and 68 Precincts in an effort to address these issues.

Mr. Feuer reported that the Department of City Planning adopted a resolution supporting Community Board 11’s position in the Bensonhurst Rezoning.  The Board adopted a resolution at last month’s meeting to amend the plan in the area bounded by West 5th Street, West 3rd Street, and Avenue O to 65^th Street from an R4a to R5B. 

Mr. Feuer advised that the City Council’s Committee on Land Use will hold a public hearing on the Bensonhurst Rezoning, which could possibly take place on June 15, 2005.  Mr. Feuer added that there is a stated Council meeting on June 23, 2005, and he hopes that the matter will be voted on. 

New Business

Mr. Guarinello advised that the merchants of New Utrecht Avenue need the support of the Community Board.   The lighting in the area needs to be upgraded, as well as other needed improvements. 

Mr. Feuer recommended that a New Utrecht Avenue Task Force be formed.  Mr. Guarinello named Tony Troia as Chairman and advised those interested in serving on the committee to contact Mr. Troia.

Man Wai Lau advised that the new timing of the traffic signals on Bay Parkway is causing traffic flow problems. 

Man Wai Lau reported that in a story printed on May 25, 2005 in one of the local papers it was stated that in the past 20 days there were 53 burglaries within the confines of the 62^nd Precinct.

Sgt. Calabrese advised that burglaries rates rose but overall crime rates have dropped.  The Sgt advised that residents have to do more to better protect their homes and the 62^nd Precinct has a program to educate residents on how to better safe guard their homes.

A motion was made by John Raffaele to adjourn.  Seconded by Antonio Troia.