Monthly Minutes - April 2010

Public Hearing top

HeartShare Human Services
131 Bay 19th Street

In the matter of the interest and intent of HeartShare Human Services under the auspices of the New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities to establish two 7-bed Intermediate Care Facilities for 14 individuals.

The proposed program provides housing, meals, recreation and 24-hour supervisory and residential staff in a homelike environment for 14 autistic children from the community.

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

Pledge Of Allegiance top

The meeting of Community Board 11 was opened with Michael Allegretti having the honor of leading the pledge.

Public Portion top

A representative from Brooklyn Public Library announced that English Second Learning courses will begin in April, and registration is taking place at the Dyker Library. Announcements of additional programs were presented. Flyers are available for those interested.

Michael Allegretti, a congressional candidate, advised that he has spoken with many residents and merchants regarding the health care bill. He had found that many people are confused, and if anyone has questions, they should contact him.

Val Henry, representing Downstate Medical Center, announced that Downstate has opened an urgent care center at Victory Memorial Hospital.

Mary Placanica, representing Assembly Member Colton, announced that the District Attorney's Office, on April 29th, will make a presentation on internet safety. She further announced that the Assemblyman would be promoting a "prom pledge". This pledge calls for teens that drink at prom festivities to call their parents for a ride home, thus preventing drinking and driving.

Ms. Placanica further discussed the importance of participating in the census.

Ken Lazar, representing the Department of Buildings, announced the annual, no penalty, retaining wall program, which runs until June 1st. Those interested can request through 311 an inspection of their retaining walls.

Michael Sciaraffo, representing Council Member Gentile, announced that the Councilman testified at the MTA Hearing regarding service reductions. Since that time, the MTA announced service reductions but there will be no elimination of service.

He further announced that the Mayor's proposed FY 2011 budget calls for drastic cuts to libraries. The Councilman is working very hard to restore these funds and keep the libraries open. Petitions are available for those interested.

Mr. Sciaraffo invited the public to participate in AARP's Complete Streets week. This program surveys dangerous intersections for pedestrians. The results of these surveys are then forwarded to the Department of Transportation for review.

Mr. Sciaraffo reported that the Councilman is pleased to announce three bills that are being introduced to the Council, which will protect veteran and nonprofit organizations. The first bill allows religious, fraternal or charitable organizations to address and remedy certain health code violations before any fine is issued, giving them a chance to avoid costly fines. The second bill would establish a veteran's resource center in every borough of New York City. Each center would be easily accessed by public transportation and provide veterans with information on services and benefits available to them. The third bill would make veterans organizations exempt from the payment of fees relating to fire department permits, inspections, and performance tests. Organizations will still need to correct deficiencies, but would not be required to pay fees associated to permitting or inspections.

Mike DiSanto, a candidate for State Senate, spoke regarding a proposed plan to revitalize south Brooklyn. He stated that this plan would cut taxes for home repairs and restorations and reduce energy bills, as well as address cuts to senior health care. He additionally discussed budgetary cuts to programs in the 2009-2010 budget.

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 of the meeting. Seconded by Eileen LaRuffa. Unanimously adopted.

Minutes top

John Garvey made a motion to adopt the minutes of the April 8, 2010 meeting. Seconded by Frank Segreto. Unanimously adopted.

Disposition Of Public Hearing top

Mr. Guarinello advised that Frank Segreto, First Vice Chair, will be chairing this portion of the meeting. The Chairman advised that he has a professional interest in the matter before the board, and recused himself from all discussion regarding this application.

Frank Segreto, First Vice Chair, advised that the proposed site is a 3-story vacant building, previously utilized as a convent for St. Finbar Roman Catholic Church. A site evaluation has been conducted by an independent architect and has been determined suitable for use as a community residence. The building is attached to the HeartShare School; is a Department of Education Contract School that services the educational needs of children aged 5 through 21 with autism and mental retardation.

The proposed community residence would consist of two 7- bed Intermediate Care facilities for 14 individuals. The prospective residents are children, both male and female, from the community diagnosed with autism. The program would provide housing, meals, recreation, and 24-hour supervisory and residential staff in a homelike environment. Additionally, the children will attend six hours of program at the HeartShare School.

In addition, the Site Selection Committee has reviewed the application and recommended approval of the application.

Mr. Segreto inquired if anyone sought recognition on this matter. Hearing none, a motion was made by Mafalda DiMango to approve the proposed community residence at 131 Bay 19th Street as presented. Seconded by Jerry Bertuna. The motion was 29 in favor, 0 opposed, 3 abstentions: Dr. Joe Caruana, William Guarinello, and Antonio Troia. Motion approved.

Award Presentation top

Mr. Guarinello requested that Shirley Fineman and Rabbi Pollack join him in the presentation ceremony.

Rabbi Pollack advised the board that this past January, in response to the devastating earthquake in Haiti many people from the Bensonhurst community inquired what they could do to help. He stated that many people donated money or clothing, and some with their medical training. Tonight we will recognize Drs. Gary, Mark, and Seth Sherman from the community who donated their skills.

Mr. Guarinello presented to Drs. Gary, Mark, and Seth Sherman, a certificate of appreciation for their humanitarian efforts and unselfish service in providing medical care to Haitian Earthquake victims.

Rabbi Pollock, on behalf of COJO of Bensonhurst, presented Dr. Gary Sherman, Dr. Mark Sherman, Dr Travis, and Dr. Justin with plaques recognizing their humanitarian work.

Rabbi Pollack thanked Mr. Bruce Wexler for donating the plaques to COJO.

Assembly Member Abbate top

The Assemblyman reported that the New York State budget has a 9 billion dollar shortfall, which was due April 1st. He stated that the budget has not been completed because the legislature does not agree with some of the Governor's proposals. It is the Assemblyman's hope that when a budget is adopted the cuts to libraries, education and health care will not be as drastic as proposed. He further stated that costs saving measures are being investigated.

Sixty Second Precinct top

Deputy Inspector Rooney advised that crime is down 9.5%. He advised that an arrest has been made involving 30 burglaries in commercial establishments.

The Deputy Inspector urged residents, with the warm weather approaching, to take preventative steps to prevent burglaries.

Chairman's Report top

Mr. Guarinello appointed the following to serve on the 2010-2011 Nominating Committee: Vincent Nativo - Chairman, Bart Allegretti, Al Campanelli, Dr. Joe Caruana, and Angelo Russo.

The Chairman advised that as of yesterday, the Bensonhurst community's response rate to the 2010 Census is 43%. He stressed the importance of a high response rate and urged the community's participation.

The Chairman reported that last month the Parks Committee gave a report supporting the requests to co-name the northwest corner of 77th Street and 20th Avenue, in memory of Angelo Campanella; and the southwest corner of Bay 34th Street and 86th Street, in memory of Tony Neglia. The committee requested that the matter be brought before the board at this month's meeting in order to provide a comment period, of which no comments were received.

A motion was made by Bart Allegretti to support the Parks Committee recommendation in regard to the street co naming requests as presented. Seconded by Tom Colasanto. The motion was adopted with 31 in favor; Maria Campanella abstained.

District Manager's Report top

Marnee Elias-Pavia provided an update on the 86th Street commercial corridor. She stated that the Community Board received notification that the newly revitalized 86th Street Merchants Association will be holding their first meeting on April 27th.

She congratulated Council Member Domenic M. Recchia and the Mayor's Community Affairs Unit for the focus and resources that were, and are being given, to revitalize the 86th Street commercial corridor.

The District Manager reported that the contractor for the Avenue V Force Main Project is making the final restoration of the entrance ramp to the westbound Belt Parkway. In addition, they are grading the area on the north side of the Belt Parkway from Fort Hamilton to Bay 16th Street in preparation for spring planting.

She further reported that the Department of Transportation has advised that traffic signals were approved for the intersections of 17th Avenue and Bay Ridge Avenue and 17th Avenue and 85th Street. Installation should be completed by July 31st.

There was discussion of the newly installed pedestrian refuge islands on Stillwell Avenue at Bay Parkway, and the affect on vehicular traffic.

A motion was made by James Orlando to call upon the Department of Transportation to present future calming projects to the Board for review. Seconded by Bart Allegretti. Unanimously adopted.

The District Manager advised that she met with Transit and the 62nd Precinct to conduct an onsite walkthrough of 86th Street from 26th Avenue towards Bay Parkway. The purpose of the walkthrough was to identify needs of the merchants during column work associated with the rehabilitation of the D Line.

She further advised that she has requested that Transit attend the meeting of the 86th Street Merchants Association to present the project plans, and the merchant's need for loading zones.

In addition, she attended the MTA Arts for Transit, Artists Selection Panel for the West End Line Subway Stations. The panel selected finalists to create proposals for artwork in conjunction with the rehabilitation of the stations in Community Board 11.

New Business top

Maria Campanella thanked the Board for the street renaming recommendation. She further advised that she has produced a song devoted to her father.

On motion the meeting was adjourned.

Attendance top

Present
• Bart Allegretti
• Leonard Beninson
• Jerry Bertuna
• Maria Campanella
• Al Campanelli
• Dr. Joseph Caruana
• Msgr. David Cassato
• Jerry Chiapetta
• Donald Clark
• Thomas Colasanto
• Louis Crispiano
• Salvatore D'Alessio
• Mafalda DiMango
• Joseph DiSanto
• Paul DiSpirito
• Charles Farrauto
• Shirley Fineman
• John Garvey
• William Guarinello
• Eileen LaRuffa
• Man Wai Lau
• Camillo Messina
• Albert Milone
• Nicholas Miraglia
• Vincent Nativo
• James Orlando
• Rabbi Gary Pollack
• Stan Roher
• Frank Segreto
• Antonio Troia
• Laurie Windsor

Absent
• Steve Balasiano
• Iris Chiu
• Sarra Fronshtein
• Kevin Ly
• Corrado Manfredi
• Kalman Talkbak

Excused
• Rosa Casella
• Anthony Favale
• Angel Geraldi
• Anthony Mallozzi
• Rosalee Manitta
• Barbara Parisi
• John Raffaele
• Angelo Russo
• Angelo Siciliano

Guests
• Elizabeth Ridler - BPL Highlawn Branch
• Michael Allegretti
• Ramona Pontone
• Katy Rosa - Parks Department
• Louise Martini- Senator Marty Golden
• Val A. Henry - UHB
• Downstate Medical Center
• Lucretia Regina-Potter - Republican District Leader-49th AD
• Mary Placanica- Assembly Member Colton
• Sandy Roher
• Michael Sciaraffo - Council Member Gentile
• Elliot Kramer - Council Member Recchia
• Lucille Santano
• Andrew Santano
• Kenneth Lazar - Department of Buildings
• Hisham Morgan - Muslim American Society