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 September 14, 2007 at the
Holy Family Home, 1740 84th Street.

Table of Content
Pledge of Allegiance
Public Portion
Public Hearings
Minutes
Disposition of Public Hearings
Captain John Sprague
Chairman's Report
Assemblyman Peter Abbate
District Manager's Report
Attendance

Mr. William Guarinello, Chairman of Community Board 11 opened the meeting by welcoming the board back after the summer recess. 

The Chairman thanked Eileen LaRuffa and St. Finbars for the use of the Confraternity Center for tonight’s meeting. 

Pledge of Allegiance

Barbara Parisi, a member of Community Board 11, had the honor of leading the pledge.

Public Portion

Adeline Michaels, representing Concerned Citizens of Bensonhurst spoke regarding the proposed Southwest Brooklyn Marine Transfer Station as it relates to increased truck traffic. 

Ms. Michaels advised that both she and her husband have been involved with the Port Authority transportation study regarding goods movement.  She stated that transportation is going to increase from 2012 though 2030. 

In addition, she participated in an air quality study, which was conducted on April 30^th, on 18^th Avenue and 86^th Street.   

Ms. Michaels advised that there is a petition circulating this evening, which calls upon the Department of Environmental Conservation to hold a public hearing on the proposed Marine Transfer Station. 

Ramona Pontone, a resident of 18^th Avenue between Cropsey Avenue and Shore Parkway, stated that Ranco International, located on Cropsey Avenue between 18^th Avenue and Bay 17^th Street has rats and graffiti.  Ms. Pontone requested the Board’s assistance.

John Alfke, Vice President and Brooklyn Regional Manager of Apple Bank addressed issues associated with the Santa Rosalia Feast.  He stated the following: 

 “The sponsors for this festival have not properly monitored the conduct of this festival and have allowed through their own inaction to permit this festival to be controlled by street vendors;

The community board has rubber-stamped approval of this festival without any restrictions to the needs and public safety of both the businesses and residences within the perimeter of 75^th Street to 67^th Street, and 17^th Avenue to 19^th Avenue; 

The garbage and conditions on 18^th Avenue: the garbage condition during this 2 week period are deplorable and not being addressed by the sponsors of the festival, a requirement of the Mayor’s Community Assistance Unit – Street Activity Permit Office; 

Street vendors have been allowed to block crosswalks 24 hours a day for the duration of the festival with their booths and vehicles with no ramifications; 

I had counted at least eight fire hydrants that were blocked by street vendor booths that not allow the mandatory clearance on either side of the hydrant.  Vendors have also attached garden hoses to fire hydrants – both matters are a violation of city code;

Numerous vendors have extended their booths/rides not only into pedestrian crosswalks, but have also restricted access to half the width of the sidewalk.  This has blocked emergency access, pedestrian safety issues, and difficulties for businesses to receive deliveries.

The businesses have lost any staging area to have their commercial refuse placed for over-night pick-up.

Vendors have been allowed to openly operate their booths as early as 11:00 AM”.

Vito Pietanzo, a resident near the 61st Street district boundary of Community Board 11, spoke regarding illegal construction.  He stated that 2062 and 2072 received violations for illegal construction.  Mr. Pietanzo requested that Community Board 11 assist in this matter.

Mr. Guarinello advised that Community Board 11 would advocate on behalf of the residents who reside with district 11 on any illegal construction issues.

John Buckholz, representing Councilman Vincent Gentile, presented Community Board 11 with a grant check for $1,500.

Mr. Guarinello thanked Councilman Gentile for his continued support to Community Board 11.

John Buckholz advised that the Councilman is working on a “down zoning plan” for the Bath Beach section of Community Board 11.  He further advised that community input is sought and would be happy to speak to residents after the meeting or in the office.  Those interested can contact him at 748-5200.

A resident of Bay 8^th Street spoke regarding the issue of down zoning.  He stated that behind his home there were two one-family homes, which were demolished and replaced with five, 3-family homes.  This development has affected the quality of life for area residents.  He further recommended that developers mail a notice to all area residents advising them of development projects. 

A resident of Bay 8^th Street addressed the issue of residents putting out their garbage on Friday afternoon for Monday’s collection.

Mr. Guarinello advised that Sanitation Enforcement would be notified.

A representative of the 78^th Street Block Association spoke regarding a food pantry that is opening on New Utrecht Avenue and 77^th Street.  He stated that he is concerned regarding Quality of Life issues including who operates and funds the pantry.

A resident spoke regarding the special zoning district in Community Board 12 and voiced his concerns regarding overbuilding in Community Board 11.

Maria Salazar,  representing the Day Laborer Job Center, spoke of the services provided by the Bay Parkway Job Center. She also  advised that there were issues associated with the lease agreement.  .

Sal Traina, an 18^th Avenue merchant, requested that the Board address the issues that were previously expressed regarding the Santa Rosalia Feast.

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 Louis Crispiano.  Unanimously adopted.

Public Hearing 

BSA Calendar No. 159-07-BZ
2402 86^th Street
Block 6864  Lot 37

The applicant seeks a special permit to allow the legalization of a physical culture or health establishment in a commercial (C8-2) zoning district.

The Chairman inquired if anyone from the public sought recognition on this matter.  Hearing none, a motion was made by Frank Segreto to close the public hearing.  Seconded by Louis Crispiano.  Unanimously adopted.

Minutes

A motion was made by Ella Nigro to accept the minutes of the June 14, 2007 meeting.  Seconded by Tony Troia.  Unanimously adopted.

Disposition of Public Hearing

Frank Segreto, Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Committee, reported that the Dolphin Gym, located at 2402 86th Street, is requesting a special permit to legalize the existing use for a period of 10 years. 

This facility, a “Dolphin Fitness Center” gym, is located on the second floor of a 193’x100’ two-story building located on 86^th Street between 24^th Avenue and Bay 37^th Street.  An “Eckerd” drug store (soon to be Rite Aid) and the “Living Room Café”, a steakhouse, occupy the ground floor.

This is basically a no-frills workout facility catering primarily to free weight training and similar activities.  It is essentially open 24 hours during the week and from 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday.  There are two (2) full time staff members and ten (10) part time staff members.

Prior to this gym, a bowling alley and a bingo parlor occupied the space; accordingly, present noise levels are no higher than past usage.

The facility has been in operation for approximately four (4) years now.  It started out with ½ of the floor (the site of the bowling alley).  With the increase in demand following the closing of the “Empire” gym on 18^th Avenue, and the closing of the bingo parlor on the other half of the floor, it was able to take over the entire floor.

The gym is owned by Andrew Carino, who also owns three other “Dolphin” locations, the one at 17^th Avenue and 86^th St., in our Board area and two in CB-10.

No complaints have been lodged with CB 11 and the local Police Precinct.

Mr. Segreto recommended the legalization of the use of the premises as a physical culture or health establishment.

A motion was made by Louisa Verito to permit the legalization of the Dolphin Gym located at 2402 86^th Street, for a period of 10 years as presented.  Seconded by Ross Brady.  Unanimously adopted.

Captain John Sprague

Captain Sprague, Commanding Officer of the 62^nd Precinct, reported that there has been a 12% decline in crime reduction.  Robberies have dropped 21% following key arrests.

The Captain introduced Police Officer Jim Sparracio who is replacing recently retired Police Officer Mike Mauro in the Community Assistance Unit.

Chairman’s Report

Mr. Guarinello responded to the issues that were presented from the 18^th Avenue merchants regarding the Santa Rosalia Feast.  The Chairman advised that he would arrange a meeting with the local elected officials and the organizers of the feast to address these complaints.

The Chairman advised that the Reaching Out Food Pantry has been in existence on Bath Avenue, in close proximity to Community Board 11 for many years.  The Pantry is opening a site on New Utrecht Avenue, which is as of right.  Mr. Guarinello further stated that the pantry is well operated, and area residents probably would not be aware of its existence.  In the event there are any problems or issues with the pantry, residents are urged to call the Community Board.

Mr. Guarinello discussed the issues raised during the public portion regarding “down-zoning”.  He advised that Community Board 11 has been proactive concerning rezoning.  In addition, residents are urged to contact the Community Board if they observe questionable construction.

Mr. Guarinello advised that the public review period for Community Board 11 to act on the proposed southwest Brooklyn Marine Transfer Station has concluded.  The application is now being reviewed by the Department of Environmental Conservation.

In addition, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation published a Notice of Complete application in connection with the Department of Sanitation’s application to construct and operate the Southwest Brooklyn Marine Transfer Station.  A 30-day period, which concludes October 1^st, was set  for receipt of comments on the project.

The Chairman advised that there are petitions in opposition of the marine transfer station here this evening, and board members, if they so choose, can sign them independently.

Mary Placanica, representing Assemblyman Colton, advised that the Department of Environmental Conservation, after their public comment period, could have an administrative law judge review the application or schedule a public hearing.

The Chairman advised that Victory Memorial Hospital is awaiting the decision from the State Department of Health to permit Downstate Hospital to operate an emergency room, maintain acute care beds and nursing home.  The alternative will be that Maimonides Hospital will operate a treat and release center.  The Chairman urged those concerned to contact the Governor’s Office to express the need for an emergency room at Victory Memorial Hospital.

The Chairman announced that the 2007-2008 committee assignments have been made and are available for distribution.  Committee Chairs were advised to contact the offices of Community Board 11 to coordinate committee meetings.

Mr. Guarinello advised that Congressman Fossella’s Verrazano Narrows Task Force participated in a conference call with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority on August 21^st regarding the eastbound Verrazano Bridge work.

One lane will be closed around-the-clock eastbound to Brooklyn across the lower level for the replacement of the deck on both the Staten Island and Brooklyn bound approaches.

The Congressman reported that the reconstruction project would be completed six months ahead of schedule.

Assemblyman Peter Abbate

Assemblyman Abbate complimented Captain Sprague on a job well done.

The Assemblyman stated that there are issues that need to be addressed regarding the Santa Rosalia Feast.  He suggested the possibility of moving the feast to the Santa Rosalia Church, where it originated. 

District Manager’s Report

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

Back in May 2006 the board unanimously adopted a resolution requesting that the City Council regulate and oversee the placement of clothing collection bins on City property.

One June 27 the Council passed local law 31, and was signed by the Mayor, which makes it illegal for any publicly accessible collection bin to be placed on any city property or any public sidewalk or roadway.  We thank Council Members Gentile and Recchia for being the primary sponsors of this legislation.

Council Members Felder, Gentile and Recchia were also the primary sponsors for Intro 110, which was signed into law, calling for increased fines for dumping household and commercial waste into public litter baskets.  We hope that the increased penalties will deter people from illegally depositing garbage.

We have received an application for a special permit from Magen David Yeshiva to allow a school in an M1-1 district.  The location of the proposed pre-school is 2160-2170 McDonald Avenue.  The planning and zoning committee is reviewing the application and a public hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, October 10^th, at Seth Low Intermediate School located at 99 Avenue P.  Notices will be sent out.

Over the summer a meeting was held with DEP and their consultants regarding Owls Head 2, which is the upgrading of the Avenue V Pump Stations capacity.  This project is needed to handle the Combined Sewer System Overflow and the installation of new and larger force mains to carry storm and sanitary flows.

The route of the force mains and construction techniques were chosen to minimize impact on our residents.  The bulk of the work will be conducted on the shoulder of the Belt Parkway.

This was an initial meeting and we will provide further updates and timetables as they become available.

Verizon has contacted us regarding the installation of FIOS in our community.  They are in the planning stages and the first area to receive the service is West 7^th Street to McDonald Avenue. 

The Firehouse Circus will be performing in Prospect Park on November 3-14^th.  Discounted tickets are available.