Monthly Minutes for the year 2006
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Archived Monthly Minutes

Minutes of Community Board 11’s General Meeting and Public Hearing
Held on April 09, 2006 at the
Holy Family Home, 1740 84th Street.

Table of Content
Public Portion
Minutes
Department of Education
Chairman's Report
District Manager's Report
Attendance

Public Portion

Dan Murphy, from Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes’ Office, introduced Karen Steppler, the new prosecutor for the Bensonhurst Area.

Ms. Steppler advised that she is the new executive and she is in charge of all crimes that take place within the 62^nd Precinct.  She further stated that she is available to all residents who have crime related issues at 718-250-2137.

Mr. Steve Lawitt, Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration for the School Construction Authority, addressed the public regarding the 13 billion, 5 year Capital Plan that calls for 2 new schools within Community Board 11, the addition of 66,000 new seats,  and renovations for existing schools.  Mr. Lawitt stated that 6 1/2 billion dollars has been raised by the city and the remainder of the monies depends on state funding.  The State Court of Appeals has ordered the State of New York to provide these funds to the city schools.  The Governor has since appealed the court’s order. 

Mr. Lawitt advised that without the state funding there would be no new projects in New York City.

Larry Kalman, from the Department of Parks and Recreation, introduced himself and advised that he is the Parks Manager for Community Board 11.  He further advised that the Department of Parks is seeking lifeguards for the beaches and pools within the city.  There are brochures and flyers available and anyone interested can contact him at 718-946-1373.

Bob Capano, representing Congressman Fossella, advised that United Arab Emirates would be relinquishing control of the American ports to an American company. 

Mr. Capano advised that Congressman Fossella, in conjunction with New York City Office of Emergency Management (OEM) Commissioner Joseph Bruno, officials of the Department of Small Business Services, and CERT1 will host an emergency preparedness forum for small business owners during a meeting of the Merchants of 18th Avenue.  The meeting will be held on Monday, March 13^th at Danza’s Restaurant at 6205 18^th Avenue at 10 AM.

Helen DeGennaro, a resident of 83^rd Street between 16^th and 17^th Avenues, spoke regarding an illegally parked van that is parked on the block every evening. 

Mr. Guarinello asked that the 62^nd Precinct officer, who was present, resolve the issue.

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

A motion was made by Joe DiSanto to accept the minutes of the February 8, 2006 meeting. Seconded by Tom Colasanto.  Unanimously adopted

Carlo Scissura, President of Community Education Council 20 thanked Mr. Lawitt for his presentation. 

Mr. Scissura presented a motion that calls upon the Mayor and the School Construction Authority to move forward on the construction of a new primary/intermediate school with a total capacity of 1,117 seats, to be known as PS/IS 237, located  at 50 Avenue P; and the addition of 300 seats at New Utrecht High School regardless of state funding. Seconded by Man Wai Lau.  Unanimously adopted.

Assemblyman Abbate concurred that the City of New York deserves the money for public education as awarded by the courts.  He advised that for the last 5 years the Democratic majority of the Assembly has appropriated additional funds in the budget for education specifically for New York City.  Last year the Assembly voted for 1.5 billion dollars for public education, which is now being litigated in the courts.  This Monday the Assembly will be proposing1.8 billion dollars for the upcoming budget. 

Louisa Verito stated that this upcoming Tuesday is State Education Lobby Day, and she will be in attending.

The Chairman thanked Mr. Lawitt and the Mayor’s Office for attending tonight.

William Guarinello advised that the Fire Department has announced that the Department of Citywide Administrative Services will be holding an Open Competitive Firefighter examination next winter.  The filing period will begin this summer and information can be obtained by calling 311 or the offices of Community Board 11.

Howard Feuer reported that Community Board 11 has received a request to rename 72^nd Street and 17^th Avenue in honor of Josephine Diana.  A petition signed by all of the residents was submitted with the request.

Carlo Scissura stated that Josephine Diana was a wonderful person and moved that 72^nd Street and 17^th Avenue be renamed in her honor.  Seconded by Jerry Bertuna.  Unanimously adopted.

Mr. Guarinello advised that he entertained this request due to the fact that the entire block made the street renaming request. 

The District Manager advised that another request was received to rename 86^th Street and Bay 26^th Street in memory of Herb Berman.  Mr. Berman was the publisher of the Brooklyn Graphic newspaper.  He was committed and dedicated to the community.

A motion was made by Joe DiSanto to rename Bay 26^th Street and 86^th Street in honor of Herb Berman.  Seconded by Louis Crispiano.  Unanimoulsy adopted.

Howard Feuer advised that there has been a delay in the start of the rehabilitation of the 20^th Avenue Bridge.  The Department of Environmental Protection made design changes and the job project is anticipated to begin at the end of the month.

The District Manager reported that New York City Transit will be closing Bay 41 Street between Benson Avenue and 86^th Street on March 14^th, with back-up dates of March 21^st and March 28^th, to vehicular traffic for crane operation between 9AM and 3PM.

Mr. Feuer advised that a follow-up meeting is scheduled with the new operators of Nelly Bly Amusement Park and the Department of Parks.  An update will be provided at next month’s board meeting.

The District Manager announced that Brooklyn Borough Commissioner Lori Ardito will be moving on to a new position with the Department of Transportation as the Lower Manhattan Borough Commissioner effective March 13, 2006.  Our new Borough Commissioner is Mr. Joseph Palmieri.

Mr. Feuer discussed the articles and television reports regarding funeral homes.  Unfortunately, every time these news reports air they show a picture of Danny George Funeral Home located on Bath Avenue.  Mr. Feuer advised that the George Family are fine people, who sold the business and have nothing to do with the current owners.

A motion was made and seconded to acknowledge that the George Family have been upstanding members of the Bensonhurst Community and have made significant contributions to the neighborhood.  Unanimously adopted.

The District Manager advised that  a traffic signal will be installed at the intersection of 63^rd Street and 20^th Avenue.

Mr. Feuer advised that last night he attended the 86^th Street Merchants meeting.  There was discussion regarding the double parking summonses that have been issued on 86^th Street.  Mr. Feuer stressed that 86^th Street is not a place where motorists can double park due to the lack of visibility and crosswalks.  Pedestrians are placed in harms way due to these double-parked vehicles.