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 May 11, 2006 at the
Holy Family Home, 1740 84th Street.

Table of Content
Public Hearing
Public Portion
Minutes
Moment of Silence
Chairman's Report
Nominating Committee
District Manager's Report
Councilman Gentile
Attendance

Public Hearing

BSA Calendar # 74-06-BZ
1416 80^th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11228

The applicant seeks:

1. A special permit to facilitate the enlargement of a single family residence in a R-4 zoning district and increase the floor area ratio from 75% to 89% pursuant to section 73-622 of the Zoning Resolution.

2. Permit the existing side yard of 4 feet that is grandfathered and consistent with the adjacent homes.

3. Permit construction 10 feet into the rear yard.

Mr. Guarinello recused himself from the Public Hearing.

Peter Mugavero, of the Planning and Zoning Committee inquired if anyone from the public sought recognition.  Hearing none, a motion was made by Stan Roher to close the public hearing.  Seconded by Joe Caruana.  The vote was 34 in favor; 1 abstention.  Motion approved.

Public Portion

Kevin Mendez, representing the Fire Department, advised that there is an upcoming exam for firefighter.  The filing period runs from August through October.  Flyers are available which include additional information.

Britta Jepsen, representing Congressman Fossella, announced that the Brooklyn District Office will be holding Glaucoma Screenings On May 22, 2006 from 10AM to 2PM, at 8505 Fourth Avenue.

Congressman Fossella will be hosting, in conjunction with District Attorney Charles Hynes and the Bay Ridge Consumer Federation, an Identity Theft Seminar on May 30^th, 2006 at 9000 Shore Road.

The Chairman inquired if anyone else from the public sought recognition.  Hearing none, a motion was made by Bart Allegretti to close the public portion.  Seconded by Nick Miraglia.  Unanimously adopted.

Minutes

A motion was made by Stan Roher to accept the minutes of the meeting held on April 6, 2006.  Seconded by James Lee.  Unanimously adopted.

Disposition of Public Hearing

Peter Mugavero, member of the Planning and Zoning Committee, advised that a request for a special permit was received from the property owner of 1416 80^th Street, to facilitate the enlargement of a single family home.  Mr. Segreto, Chairman of the committee reviewed the application and determined the changes are nominal.

Mr. Mugavero advised for the record that the applicant is William Guarinello. 

A motion was made by Don Clark to approve the application for a special permit at 1416 80^th Street.  Seconded by Dr. Joe Caruana.  The vote was 34 in favor, with William Guarinello abstaining.  Motion approved.

Moment of Silence

The Chairman requested a moment of silence for Edwin Antonucci, husband of Pat, who passed away last month and Milt Kramer’s sister who recently passed away.

Chairman’s Report

Mr. Guarinello congratulated Thomas Colasanto Jr. on achieving the Eagle Scout Court of Honor.  The presentation will be made at Saint Athanasius on June 24 at 6PM.  Thomas. who has earned the highest rank of scouting at the age of 13, has over 60 merit badges.  He also attends Community Board 11’s meetings on a regular basis.

The Chairman advised that the Brooklyn Philharmonic has invited Community Board 11 members to the performance of Freedom, on Saturday May 13^th at 8PM, at the Howard Gilman Opera House, BAM.  Those interested should contact the Community Board office for additional information.

The Chairman announced that Borough President Markowitz will be holding the “Lighten Up Brooklyn”, 2006 Block by Block Launch Party on Saturday, May 20^th from Noon to 3 PM, at Borough Hall Plaza.  Sample healthy picnic, barbecue food, and get the block-by-block guide to help your block lighten up this summer.

Nominating Committee

Richard DiNapoli, Chairman of the Nominating Committee reported that the Committee has conferred and re-nominates the present slate of Officers for the 2006/2007 term:  Chairperson – William R. Guarinello,  1^st Vice Chair – Ella Nigro, 2^nd Vice Chair – Corrado Manfredi, Secretary – Shirley Fineman, Treasurer – Louisa Verito.

District Manager’s Report

Howard Feuer, District Manager advised that City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, appointed him to the Commission on Immigrant Affairs following his nomination by Councilman Gentile.  

The District Manager advised that KeySpan has completed the installation of the sidewalks on 86^th Street.  KeySpan ripped up the sidewalks for required preparations for the Owls Head Project and the repairs that were made were not acceptable.  After Mr. Feuer contacted Mr. Catell, all of the necessary repairs were satisfactorily made. 

Mr. Feuer advised that the Department of Consumer Affairs has approved the new sidewalk café for Mezcal’s Restaurant located at 1474 86^th Street.  Mr. Feuer commended the Mayor for streamlining the sidewalk café licensing process.

The District Manager advised that Community Board 11 has received another 421-a tax exemption application for 1642 West 9^th Street.  This property originally was 2 residential homes that had a total of 3 dwelling units, and is now a 6 story, 21 unit condo, with medical offices on the first floor.  The applicant’s filing stated that these homes were underutilized and functionally or economically obsolete.

A motion was made by Louisa Verito to oppose the granting of a 421-a tax exemption at 1642 West 9^th Street.  Seconded by Ella Nigro.  Unanimously adopted.

Mr. Feuer discussed the resolution that the Board adopted regarding the contributions that Danny George Funeral Home made to the Bensonhurst Community.

Mr. Feuer read the following letter received from Daniel George:

“The feelings and sentiments that you expressed to me were heart warming and most appreciated.  We go back a long, long time, and it’s good to know that you continue to be supportive as our family has been going through a difficult and embarrassing time this past year or so.

As you know you were able to contact me on my cell phone, and when I returned home I found a copy of the April 26 issue of the Brooklyn Spectator in my mailbox, thanks to Eileen LaRuffa.  I was truly moved by the feelings expressed towards both my father and I, by the members of Community Board 11.  My Dad began our business in 1932 on 86^th Street, subsequently moving first to Benson Avenue, and then, in about 1941, to the familiar Bath Avenue location, where we continued to serve the community until I retired in 2002.  Although Dad was actually born in western Pennsylvania, he was brought by his family to Bay 13 Street in 1910.  Dad was an active and devoted member of the Bath Beach community until his death in 1980, and was one of the first members of Community Board 11.  I was born and raised on Bay 20 Street, just a half block from the funeral home, and joined my father in the business in 1962.  So, as you have said, our roots in the community are firm and deep.

On behalf of my entire family, I would like to thank the members of Community Board 11 for recognizing our family’s 70-year contribution to life in Bath Beach.  Both my Dad and I understood full well what the community had done for us, and, in our own way, we tried our very best to repay the community with honest, caring, and sensitive service.  I believe that we were able to apply our knowledge and expertise to help folks at the most difficult time in their lives.  For us, this was always both an honor and an obligation.

When I first read in the newspapers of the allegations being made against my successors at the funeral home, I was appalled.  I was also mortified to see our family name, which we had labored for 70 years to build, associated with this kind of alleged activity.  Photos of the funeral home, which still bore our name, were being splashed over all the media, and although I was never accused or even remotely connected to this horrible situation, the implications, especially among folks who did not personally know us, were certainly there.  It was extremely painful to me, to my wife, to our children, and to my sister, who still resides in the family home on Bay 20 Street.

For the past year or so I have felt ashamed to return to the community, not because of anything I did, but because of events subsequent to my sale of the business in March 2002.  I felt that people would not understand what had transpired and would, somehow, simply associate my name with these events because the corporate name “Daniel George and Son” still was prominently attached to the buildings. 

Your generous and warm spirited gesture of support has truly changed all that for me.  I can walk on Bath Avenue and sense the support and understanding of the community.  I cannot fully express to you how much this means to me and my family.

Although in the autumn of my years I am now a Staten Island resident, the old saying is true…you can take the boy out of Brooklyn, but you can’t take Brooklyn out of the boy.  The memories that I have and the values that I learned as a small boy growing up in Bath Beach are things that I shall always treasure, as are the relationships, which we developed within the community over a lifetime of service.  My family and I have been privileged to know and serve the best people in the world.  You truly are the salt of the earth and your heartfelt and vocal support of our family during this difficult time speaks volumes about who you are and what you are.

The present trials will pass, and when they are finally over and done with, the people of this community, and the members of Community Board 11, will occupy a very special place in our hearts.  Your warmth, generosity, and your support will never be forgotten.”

The District Manager advised that the anticipated construction start date for the rehabilitation of the 20^th Avenue Bridge is May 15, with construction duration of approximately 18 months.  One lane of vehicular traffic will be maintained at all times.  There will be parking restrictions along 20^th Avenue from 62^nd to 65^th Streets.

Mr. Feuer reported that the Department of Transportation will be holding meetings regarding the Truck Management and Community Impact Reduction Study Project Recommendations on Tuesday, June 6^th at Brooklyn Borough Hall from 6PM to 8:30 PM

Mr. Feuer discussed the issue of the clothing bins that are being placed on city sidewalks.  We have been researching what agency is responsible for overseeing the placement of these bins and cannot find any city regulations. 

A motion was made by Stan Roher to request that the City Council regulate and oversee the placement of clothing collection bins on city property.  Seconded by Bart Allegretti.  Unanimously adopted.

Councilman Gentile

Councilman Gentile advised that he has recommended re-appointment of Louisa Verito, Frank Segreto, Angel Geraldi and Peter Mugavero to Community Board 11. 

The Councilman advised that the new zoning proposal for Dyker Heights is moving forward and City Planning will then be looking at lower Bensonhurst. It will probably be another year or so before a plan is made for our community.

Councilman Gentile advised that he will be hosting in conjunction with the American Red Cross a seminar on emergency preparedness on May 31 at Shore Hills at 10 AM.

Being no further business, a motion was made and seconded to adjourn.