Monthly Minutes for the year 2008
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Archived Monthly Minutes

Minutes of Community Board 11’s General Meeting and Public Hearing
Held on February 13, 2008 at the
Holy Family Home, 1740 84th Street.

Table of Content
Public_Hearing
Public Portion
Minutes
Disposition_of_Public_Hearings
Chairman's Report
Assemblyman Abbate
District Manager's Report
Attendance

The meeting was opened with Eileen LaRuffa having the honor of leading the Pledge of Allegiance.

Public Hearing

In response to the release of the FY2009 Preliminary Capital and Expense Budget Submissions.

The Chairman inquired if there were any amendments, additions or discussion regarding the agency responses to Community Board 11’s Capital and Budget Priorities and Requests for fiscal year 2009. 

Hearing none, a motion was made by Bart Allegretti to close the public hearing.  Seconded by Mafalda DiMango.  Unanimously adopted.

Public Portion

Mary Placanica, representing Assemblyman William Colton, advised that anyone wishing to register to vote must have the application postmarked by Friday, in order to vote on primary day.

In addition, Ms. Placanica advised that she has provided on behalf of the Assemblyman, the 2008 alternate side parking calendar and a listing of important numbers that residents should know. 

Ms. Placanica announced that a law was recently passed prohibiting the placement of unwanted solicitations on private property.  Homeowners who do not wish to receive solicitations have the responsibility of posting a small sign on their property, which she has available for those interested.

Ms. Placanica advised that Assemblyman Colton is awaiting a briefing schedule regarding the Southwest Brooklyn Marine Transfer Station.  Mr. Joel Kupferman, the attorney that is working with Assemblyman Colton on this matter, has submitted an application for an environmental protection declaration for a hazardous site.

Bob Capano, the Brooklyn Director for Congressman Vito Fossella, advised that the congressman in partnership with Assemblyman Colton, has requested that the Department of Defense conduct a formal investigation into the 1954 barge capsize in Gravesend Bay, which was carrying live explosives.

The Assistant Secretary of the Navy has advised Congressman Fossella that a team is being assembled to investigate the possibility of live explosives in Gravesend Bay and a report will be provided by March 5, 2008.

Mr. Capano reported that Congressman Fossella, along with Senator Golden and Councilman Gentile, led an effort to the State Department of Health regarding Victory Memorial Hospital.  Last week the State Department of Health announced that Dobb’s Ferry Hospital in Westchester County was given a reprieve from closure.  Our elected officials have requested that the State consider Victory Memorial Hospital, which has more emergency room patients. Other local hospitals already suffer from overcrowding.

Ilan Kayatsky, representing Congressman Nadler, advised that the FISA Act allows the federal government to gather intelligence on potential terrorist threats both within and outside the country.  Over the last seven years, it is the Congressman’s opinion that this law has been abused.  There is an amendment to the FISA Act which calls for authorization before surveillance wiretapping is conducted.

There is literature available for those interested.

Joe Mancino, representing Councilman Vincent Gentile, advised that he has signs available for property owners who do not want unsolicited flyers placed on their property.  He thanked Assembly Members Abbate and Colton for supporting this legislation.

Mr. Mancino advised that the $400 rebate and the 7% property tax cut is still in place in the City Budget.  These items are still subject to negotiation but Councilman Gentile is committed to supporting it.

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 Man Wai Lau.  Unanimously adopted.

Minutes

A motion was made by Louisa Verito to accept the minutes of the January 10, 2008 meeting.  Seconded by Tony Troia.  Unanimously adopted.

Disposition of Public Hearing

The Chairman inquired if the Board had any amendments, additions or statements on the agency responses to the capital budget priorities and requests. 

Hearing none, a motion was made by Tony Troia to accept the responses as received.  Seconded by Vincent Nativo.  Unanimously adopted.

Chairman’s Report

William R. Guarinello thanked our elected officials for their efforts in keeping Victory Memorial Hospital opened.  He further advised that a meeting will be held this Friday with elected officials and the Board of Trustees.  

The Chairman advised that there will be a major health care crisis if Victory Memorial closes.  The neighboring hospitals that are receiving diversions are severely overcrowded and patient care is suffering.

Mr. Guarinello stated that he hopes that the State Department of Health provides Victory Memorial Hospital the same consideration it provided to Dobb’s Ferry Hospital.

The Chairman discussed the issue of the illegal posting of “moving flyer” signs posted on utility poles.  Mr. Guarinello urged residents to remove these signs when they see them, and to take pride in their block.   He stated that he hopes that if residents are vigilant it will deter the advertiser from posting.

The Chairman advised that Community Board 11 has received a request from Rocco Locisano, the owner of Casa Calamari, to rename a street in our community in honor of his son Francesco.  The request will be forwarded to the Parks and Libraries Committee for review.

Assemblyman Abbate

Assemblyman Abbate discussed the issue of Victory Memorial Hospital.  He further explained that Dobb’s Ferry Hospital is a small facility that does not provide the level of service as Victory Memorial Hospital. 

The Assemblyman advised that the State is in the middle of the Budget process.   The Governor has submitted a 21-day amendment, which gives him 21 days to make changes in the budget.  There have been cuts, but the Assemblyman is hopeful that the City will fare well.

Assemblyman Abbate stated that he was aware that the Community Boards have received budget cuts.  He has submitted to the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee a grant of $2,000 for Community Board 11, which will be confirmed in April when the Budget is finalized.  This is the first time a State grant has been awarded to a Community Board.

The Assemblyman announced that the Assembly passed legislation that authorizes the New York Racing Association to continue to operate Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park and Saratoga Raceway.  This legislation provides support to local economies throughout New York State.

Mr. Guarinello thanked Assemblyman Abbate and Councilmember Gentile for their support to Community Board 11.

District Manager’s Report

Marnee Elias-Pavia, Assistant District Manager reported that the Department of Transportation has approved the installation of muni-meters along the center-parking island on Bay Parkway between Shore Parkway and the water.

The Assistant District Manager reported that she met with representatives from the United States Census regarding the decennial census and the American Community Survey.  The American Community Survey fills the gaps between each 10-year census and is sent to a small percentage of our population on a rotating basis;  helps determine how more than $300 billion per year is distributed;  informs decisions on policies, programs, and services for communities.  The public was urged to complete these forms and was assured that the information is confidential.

The 62^nd Precinct Community Council will hold their monthly meeting on Tuesday, February 19^th at 7:30 PM, at the 62^nd Precinct.

The Department of Environmental Protection has begun the Avenue V sewer main upgrade construction project, which is currently being implemented to improve water quality of Coney Island Creek.  This work is a key part of the Mayor’s NYC Plan2030 to open 90% of the city’s waterways to recreational use by 2030.

There was discussion regarding the newly installed green street on 14^th Avenue at Poly Place, and the difficulty cars have navigating the turn.

Marnee Elias-Pavia welcomed the newly opened 7-11 store on 20^th Avenue and 74^th Street, and thanked them for providing tonight’s collation, as well as Starbucks Coffee.

The Assistant District Manager thanked Assemblyman Abbate for his support to Community Board 11.

A motion was made by Eileen LaRuffa to adjourn.  Seconded by Frank Segreto.  Unanimously adopted.