Monthly Minutes - April 2011

Public Hearings top

I. BSA Calendar# 1069-27-BZ
6702 New Utrecht Avenue

The applicant seeks an extension of term for a previously granted variance, which has been in effect since March 6, 1956, for the maintenance of an auto laundry, simonizing room and office. The applicant also requests an extension of time to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy.

The Chairman inquired if anyone from the public sought recognition. Hearing none, a motion was made by Bart Allegretti to close the public hearing. Seconded by Louis Crispiano. Unanimously adopted.


II. BSA Calendar# 188-78-BZ
8102 New Utrecht Avenue

The applicant seeks to modify the existing special permit for automobile repair shop to add automobile body repair and car sales.

John and Rita Barrabeccio, Ciro and Ralph DiSoma, Angelo Marro, and Anna Lui, immediate area residents, stated that they are opposed to the additional uses.

The Chairman advised the applicant's representative was present.

The Chairman inquired if anyone else from the public sought recognition. Hearing none, a motion was made by Man Wai Lau to close the public hearing. Seconded by John Garvey. Unanimously adopted.

Assemblyman Peter Abbate top

The Assemblyman congratulated the board for their work, especially on the Bay Ridge Parkway bicycle lanes. He stated that the Department of Transportation has announced that is not moving forward on the installation of bicycle lanes on Bay Ridge Parkway from Shore Road to Bay Parkway. The Assemblyman stated that the Department of Transportation should present projects to the community for input before making decisions. He further acknowledged the hard work and team effort of Council Members Gentile and Recchia and Marnee Elias-Pavia.

Assemblyman Abbate advised that the legislature passed a budget. However, it was very difficult to close the 10 billion dollar deficit. Restorations were made to senior centers and the Meals-On-Wheels program, as well as to the School Construction Authority.

In closing, the Assemblyman stated that he would continue to fight for the middle-class.

Public Portion top

Mary Placanica, representing Assemblyman Colton, is urging students and parents to take part in the anti-drunk driving campaign, "Arrive Alive Pledge" this prom season. The pledge requires families to give a no-question asked ride at any time during prom night and teens promise not to get in a car with someone who has been drinking.

Jim Capozzi, representing the FBI, made a brief presentation on InfraGuard. InfraGuard is a FBI program that collaborates with the private sector to protect the United States' cyber and physical infrastructure from hostile attacks. Anyone who is interested in participating can go to their website at www.infraguard.net.

Ray Riley, representing State Senator Martin Golden, announced that the Senator has successfully petitioned the Department of Transportation to install a traffic signal in front of Our Lady of Guadalupe. He further advised that through senate negotiations with the MTA, the X38 Midtown Express bus service will be restored this summer.

Mr. Riley announced the following community news: the Annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held on April 23 at McKinley Park; the Annual Veteran Breakfast will be held on May 26th at 9AM at the Bay Ridge Manor, and flyers are available on the table for two senior events that will take place next month.

Maya Kremen, representing Congressman Nadler, advised that the Congressman is very concerned with the FY 12 budget, in particular the Paul Ryan Plan, which would end Medicare as we know it. He will continue fighting the cuts in the budget to Medicare, education, and Medicaid. Handouts are available.

Crystal Feng, representing Comptroller Lui, announced that the Comptroller will be attending Community Board 11's next monthly meeting. He will be providing the community with an update on the issues he is addressing.

Mike Baglivo, the owner of A Federal Exterminating and Home Inspections, spoke regarding the Brooklyn Real Estate Experts Power of 10 Seminar, which will be held on April 28, 2011 at Cebu Bar and Grill located at 88 Street and 3rd Avenue, at 6:30 PM Flyers are available for those interested.

Boris Pinkus, representing the Board of Elections, advised that the agency is actively recruiting poll workers. If anyone is interested in applying they can take applications that are available this evening.

Mitchell Bass, representing the World Trade Center Monitoring and Treatment Program, advised that the program provides free, confidential and regular medical monitoring for 9/11 first responders and rescue and recovery workers. Clinics are located in Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island. He advised that there is additional literature and information available, or they can call 888-702-0630.

Tammy John, representing Brooklyn Public Library New Utrecht Branch, advised that there is an amnesty program through April 31, for all overdue materials owed to the library.

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 Sal D'Allessio. Unanimously adopted.

Minutes top

A motion was made by Antonio Troia to adopt the minutes of the March 10, 2011 meeting. Seconded by Man Wai Lau. Unanimously adopted.

Disposition Of Public Hearing top

I. BSA Calendar # 1069-27-BZ
6702 New Utrecht Avenue

Frank Segreto, Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Committee reported that the applicant is seeking to extend the term of the variance, which dates back to 1956. The subject has been operating in a satisfactory manner with no complaints on record.

A motion was made by Nick Miraglia to approve the application as presented. Seconded by Joe DiSanto. Unanimously adopted.


II. BSA 188-78-BZ
8102 New Utrecht Avenue

Mr. Guarinello stated that 8 -10 residents were present for the public hearing on this matter and they are opposed to the addition of auto body repairs and car sales to the existing use.

Mr. Segreto reported that according to the plans, the cars for sale will be placed in five (5) outdoor parking spaces, occupying the same area as those cars awaiting service or repair. Accordingly, the area should be fairly crowded and there are concerns of the possibility that the overflow will congest the abutting streets with double parking.

A motion was made by Man Wai Lau to disapprove the additional uses of auto body repair and car sales to the existing non-conforming use. Seconded by Ross Brady. Unanimously adopted.

Planning And Zoning Committee Report top

Franks Segreto reported that the board has received an application from Brooklyn Bay Center, Shore Parkway between 24th Avenue and Bay 37 Street. The applicant is seeking land use actions to facilitate the development of this parcel by replacing the existing bus storage facility with a retail use.

The proposed actions would replace the existing buildings and parking lot on the project site with a commercial retail building with a parking garage and publicly accessible open space. It is currently planned that the tenants would include a BJ's Wholesale Club and other retailers.

Approximately 2.4 acres of public waterfront access area would be provided, which would include a shore public walkway, other public access areas and an upland connection.

A public hearing is scheduled for May 16, 2011.

Bensonhurst Spirit Award top

Mr. Guarinello presented the Bensonhurst Spirit Award to Louis Shirro, a Verizon employee, who resides in our community. Mr. Shirro has exemplified the true spirit of Bensonhurst through his dedication and commitment to the residents of this community.

Chairman's Report top

The Chairman appointed the following members to serve on the 2011 - 2012 Nominating Committee: Vincent Nativo, Chairman; Bart Allegretti, Al Campanelli, Dr. Joe Caruana and Al Milone.

The Chairman discussed the recently released census results. He stated while the city is at an all-time high population with over 8.1 million people, Brooklyn only saw a 1.4% growth.

Mr. Guarinello commended our elected officials for challenging the results.

The Chairman advised that the next regular meeting of Community Board 11 will be moved to May 18th.

District Manager's Report top

Marnee Elias-Pavia advised that she met with the Department of Transportation where they advised that they are ready to make their presentation on Safe Streets for Seniors. She further stated that she has had discussions with the JCH NORC to inquire if they could host the meeting.

The District Manager reported that the Department of Sanitation will be making a special Passover collection on Monday, April 18th within the following areas: 86th Street to 78th Street from Bay Parkway to Stillwell Avenue, 61 Street - 63 Street from Bay Parkway to Stillwell Avenue, 75 Street - 85 Street from Bay Parkway to 19 Avenue.

She additionally reported on sanitation issues as they relate to street cleanliness and the abuse of corner litter baskets. She stated a conversation was held with Commissioner Termini of the Department of Sanitation, which focused on 18th Avenue and a 3-prong approach. For a trial period of experimentation, Outreach, Education and Enforcement that includes the removal of corner litter baskets would be conducted.

A resolution was made by Frank Segreto to call upon the Department of Sanitation to conduct a targeted, 3-prong approach of Experimentation, Outreach and Education and Enforcement on 18th Avenue between 65th Street and Bay Ridge Parkway, which includes the removal of the corner litter baskets for a trial period. Seconded by Joe DiSanto. Unanimously adopted.

The District Manager advised that the Department of Transportation in response to the board's request performed emergency strip paving on 86th Street between 14th Avenue to 16th Avenue. She further requested that the public call in potholes to 311 or our office.

Ms. Elias-Pavia advised that the Department of Transportation inspected 86th Street to ensure that the contractor working on the D Line rehabilitation is adhering to their roadway permits. She stated that the availability of parking spaces is vital for the commercial corridor.

The District Manager made the following announcements:

The NIA invites the community to attend a Cardiac Symposium sponsored by Maimonides Medical Center on Thursday, May 12 at 6:30 PM, at the Bay Ridge Manor, 476 76th Street.

The United War Veterans and the Brooklyn Borough President present the 144th Memorial Day Parade on May 30, 2011 on 3rd Avenue and 79th Street at 11 AM.

There will be two fundraisers to Save the Memorial Day Parade on April 21st at Longbow Pub at 7PM, and on Sunday, May 1st at Salty Dog Restaurant. All proceeds will go directly to the parade.

New Business top

Anthony Favale inquired when the curbs and sidewalk would be repaired on Shore Parkway and 15th Avenue that were damaged by the contractor performing work on the Avenue V Pumping Station project.

The District Manager advised that she would follow-up on this previously submitted request.

A motion was made by Anthony Favale to adjourn. Seconded by Frank Segreto. Unanimously adopted.

Attendance top

Present
• Bart Allegretti
• Jerry Bertuna
• Ross Brady
• Maria Campanella
• Albert Campanelli
• Rosa Casella
• Msgr. David Cassato
• Jerry Chiapetta
• Thomas Colasanto
• Louis Crispiano
• Sal D'Allessio
• Joseph DiSanto
• Charles Farrauto
• Anthony Favale
• Shirley Fineman
• John Garvey
• William Guarinello
• Man Wai Lau Vito Marinelli
• Albert Milone
• Nicholas Miraglia
• Raymond Mollica
• Rabbi Gary Pollack
• Frank Segreto
• Antonio Troia
• Laurie Windsor

Absent
• Matthew Bromme
• Donald Clark
• Sarra Fronshtein
• Eileen LaRuffa
• Kevin Ly
• Anthony Mallozzi
• Corrado Manfredi
• Rosalee Manitta
• Camillo Messina
• Ella Nigro
• James Orlando
• Angelo Russo

Excused
• Leonard Beninson
• Joseph Caruana
• Mafalda DiMango
• Paul DiSpirito

Guests
• Assembly Member Peter Abbate
• Council Member David Greenfield
• Joyce Finger - MADD
• Theresa MacDonald - MADD
• Anna Liu
• Mike Baglio
• Dan Damir Sevic
• Blesilda Yanghal
• Lucretia Regina Potter - Republican District Leader - 49th AD
• Mitchell Bass - WTC Medical Monitoring Program
• Mary Placanica - Assembly Member Colton / Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade
• Ray Riley-Senator Golden
• David Lin
• Madeline Montuore
• Christine Ruggierio
• Crystal Feng - Comptroller Liu
• Sylvia Maraia - Council Member Recchia
• Ken Lazar - Department of Buildings
• Lily Wong - Brooklyn Borough President
• Mark D'Ottavio
• Rocco Buonpane - Council Member Gentile
• Tammy John - Brooklyn Public Library - New Utrecht
• Elena Tenchikova