Monthly Minutes for the year 2007
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Archived Monthly Minutes

Minutes of Community Board 11’s General Meeting and Public Hearing
Held on May 10, 2007 at the
Holy Family Home, 1740 84th Street.

Table of Content
Public Hearings
Public Portion
Minutes
Disposition of Public Hearings
Chairman's Report
Nominating Committee
District Manager's Report
Attendance

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

Public Hearings

I.                    ULURP Application # C960535 MMK
CEQR# 99DOT007K
NYC Department of Transportation
Division of Bridges

In the matter of an application submitted by the Department of Transportation, pursuant to Sections 197-c and 199 of the New York City Charter for an amendment of the City Map involving the change in legal grades in Kings Highway Bridge between West 7^th Street and West 8^th Streets, any acquisition or disposition of real property related thereto.

Mr. Guarinello inquired if anyone from the public sought recognition on this matter.  Hearing none, a motion was made by Corrado Manfredi to close the public hearing.  Seconded by Louis Crispiano.  Unanimously adopted.

II.                 ULURP Application # C960515 MMK
CEQR # 99DOT008K
NYC Department of Transportation
Division of Bridges

In the matter of an application submitted by the Department of Transportation, pursuant to Sections 197-c and 199 of the New York City Charter for an amendment of the City Map involving the change in legal grades in Avenue P Bridge between West 7^th Street and West 8^th Street, and any acquisition or disposition of real property related thereto.

Mr. Guarinello inquired if anyone from the public sought recognition on this matter.  Hearing none, a motion was made by Stan Roher to close the public hearing.  Seconded by Corrado Manfredi.  Unanimously adopted.

Public Portion

Michelle Rosenthal announced that she has opened Curves of Bensonhurst, a women’s only gym, located at 7203 20^th Avenue.  The gym is currently offering a fitness study, which includes blood pressure testing, body fat calculations, height and weight measurements, and a computerized printout is supplied.  In addition, there will a Smoking Cessation support group for women, as well as the participation in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.  There is literature available for those interested.

Sonia Molina, representing Health Plus advised that they are the largest provider of free and affordable health insurance for those who qualify.  They are offering free health workshops for community based organizations, with over 30 topics relating to health.  Literature is available.

Ilan Kayatsky, representing Congressman Nadler’s office, advised that the Congressman is currently working on legislation that calls for compensation for those whose health was adversely affected from September 11^th. 

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

Minutes

A motion was made by Tony Troia to accept the minutes of the April 12, 2007 meeting.  Seconded by Bart Allegretti.  Unanimously adopted.

Disposition of Public Hearings

Frank Segreto, Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Committee reported that the Kings Highway and Avenue P Bridges were completed by the City about 4 years ago.  Based on the drawings submitted by the NYC Department of City Planning, the result of the work on the Avenue “P” Bridge was four tenths of a foot, approximately a 5” increase in the height of the bridge over its approximate 130’ span.  The result of the work on the Kings Highway Bridge was no change in the maximum height.  The grade does not decrease as quickly as it used to by a few inches going from W. 7^th Street to W. 8^th Street.

A motion was made by Stan Roher to approve the amendments to the City Map involving the change in legal grade for the Kings Highway and Avenue P Bridges between West 7^th and West 8^th Streets.  Seconded by Man Wai Lau.  Unanimously adopted.

Chairman’s Report

Mr. Guarinello advised that Howard Feuer, our District Manager, is home and recovering from extensive back surgery.

The Chairman introduced and welcomed Captain Elias Nikas, the new Commanding Officer of Transit District 34.

Captain Nikas advised that his command include three train lines within the confines of the 62^nd Precinct, and the biggest concern is the children and school dismissals.  The Captain stated that if anyone had problems or concerns they should contact his office at 718-714-8406.

Captain Sprague, Commanding Officer of the 62^nd Precinct advised that the fireworks season is upon us, and the Police Department will be enforcing the “No Tolerance” policy.  The Captain advised that residents should call 911 if they observe anyone setting off fireworks. 

Mr. Guarinello thanked the Captain for attending our meetings. 

The Chairman reported that the 62^nd Precinct Community Council will be meeting on Tuesday, May 15^th at 7:30 PM, at the Precinct located at 1925 Bath Avenue.  Chief Philip Banks III, Executive Officer of Patrol Borough South will be the guest speaker.

Mr. Guarinello reported that vacate orders to 82 and 84 Bay 22 Street, due to structural stability problems. 

Ken Lazar representing the Department of Buildings advised that as of today, 50% of the exterior shoring is completed, and the interior shoring is done.  The vacate order will remain in effect until all of the interior shoring is completed.  The Department of Buildings is working with the residents in an effort to remove their personal belongings. 

The Chairman reported that the Department of Design and Construction has entered into the design phase of the 17^th Avenue Pedestrian Bridge, over the Belt Parkway.  The new Bridge will provided ADA access.  Pictures of the existing and proposed bridge are on display in front for those who are interested.

Mr. Guarinello stated that the new bridge design is modern, and will allow those people that utilize wheel chairs the ability to use the waterfront.  Updates will be given as they become available.

Nominating Committee

Richard DiNapoli, Chairman of the Nominating Committee presented the following slate of Officers for the 2007/2008 term: 

                                                            Chairman – William R. Guarinello
                                                            1^st Vice Chair – Shirley Fineman
                                                            2^nd Vice Chair – Corrado Manfredi
                                                            Secretary – Ella Nigro
                                                            Treasurer – Louisa Verito 

District Manager’s Report

Marnee Elias-Pavia, Assistant District Manager presented the following report in Mr. Howard Feuer’s absence.

Marnee Elias-Pavia discussed the issue of the “moving” signs posted on every pole throughout our community.  The Department of Sanitation was notified on numerous occasions of the signs and they are still being posted.

A motion was made by Tony Troia to call upon the Department of Sanitation to aggressively enforce the “No Posting Law”.  Seconded by Joe MAnfre4di.  Unanimously adopted.

It was reported that Community Board 11 receives many complaints regarding flyers, menus, circulars, and business cards placed on their stoops and sidewalks.  The residents complain that it causes a mess on their properties and are afraid of receiving summonses, and some worry that it is an invitation to burglars when they pile up.

A bill has been introduced by Councilmember Felder, which would make it illegal for anyone to place unsolicited printed materials; such as circulars, menus, or business cards on properties that display a small sign that says they do not wish to receive them.

A motion was made by Stan Roher to support the legislation introduced by Councilmember Felder regarding the distribution of unsolicited materials.  Seconded by Richard DiNapoli.  Unanimously adopted.

The Board was advised that the Department of Transportation has recently installed “No Standing Anytime” parking signs on Bay Parkway near Caesar’s Bay Bazaar.  Approximately 40 parking spaces were eliminated, which makes it difficult for motorists to park their cars, use the recreational area, and promenade nearby.

A motion was made by Frank Segreto to call upon the Department of Transportation to restore the parking spaces that were eliminated by the “No Standing Anytime” parking signs.  Seconded by Shirley Fineman.  Unanimously adopted.

It was reported that today, Community Board 11 received notification that the School Construction Authority proposes to create an addition to the existing 490 seat Public School 229, located at 1400 Benson Avenue.