Monthly Minutes - December 2012

Public Portion top

Sara Steinweiss, representing Councilman Vincent Gentile, advised that the Council authorized an interest-free extension on the next property tax bill for residential properties severely damaged by Hurricane Sandy, or in need of extensive structural repairs before re-occupying. The grace period will postpone payments due on January 1, 2013 to April 1, 2013.

Dilia Schack, representing Councilman Domenic M Recchia Jr., advised that the district office has reopened after being damaged by Hurricane Sandy. On behalf of the Councilman, she thanked everyone who volunteered to assist those who were affected by the storm.

In closing, Ms, Schack advised that there was a holiday toy drive underway if anyone was interested in donating.

Mary Placanica, representing Assemblyman Colton, advised that the Assemblyman hosted a Veteran Appreciation Night to honor local veterans for their service. She wished everyone a happy and healthy holiday season.

Maya Kremen, representing Congressman Nadler, advised that the Congressman has urged the US Environmental Protection Agency and Federal Emergency Management Agency to test for mold and environmental toxins present in homes and workplaces as a result of Hurricane Sandy.

In addition, Congressman Nadler has called upon the Mayor to improve access to the federal Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, so that as many residents as possible who were affected by the storm can benefit from this federal resource.

Jane Carey, representing Councilman Greenfield, advised that the Councilman introduced legislation that would suspend alternate side parking and meter regulations on the Friday following Thanksgiving.

Ms. Carey stated that there was a fatal accident at the intersection of Quentin Road and West 5th Street and the Councilman is addressing additional traffic calming measures at the intersection.

In closing, Ms. Carey advised that participatory budgeting is in the delegate phase and suggested projects are being reviewed. She urged everyone to participate.

Joe, representing Congressman Grimm, advised that they are providing assistance with FEMA and SBA applications. He additionally advised that the Congressman has requested that FEMA fund a mission assignment that would provide the Army Corps of Engineers with the necessary resources to repair the Shore Parkway Sea Wall. However, the request must be made by the City and State governments.

The Chairman inquired if anyone else from the public sought recognition. Hearing none, a motion was made by Nick Miraglia to close the public portion of the meeting. Seconded by Louis Crispiano. Unanimously adopted.

Minutes top

A motion was made by Matthew Bromme to accept the minutes of the November 8, 2012 meeting. Seconded by Paul DiSpirito. Unanimously adopted.

Chairman's Report top

Mr. Guarinello thanked Paul DiSpirito for donating this evening's collation.

The Chairman commended Councilman Greenfield for introducing participatory budgeting to the community. He thanked Claudio DeMeo, Marnee Elias-Pavia and Laurie Windsor for volunteering as budget delegates.

Mr. Guarinello applauded Councilman Recchia and his staff, as well as all of our elected officials in storm affected areas for their extraordinary work.

The Chairman addressed the issue relating to the Shore Parkway seawall. He stated that where the storm wall was erected in the area of 69th Street to the Verrazano Bridge, it did well during the storm.

He stressed the importance of building a seawall for the remainder of the span to protect the infrastructure and highway, which is a vital route for emergency responders.

The Chairman reported that immediately following Hurricane Sandy the Fort Hamilton Army base served as a staging area and provided support for the National Guard. He further stated that this type of response and operation at Fort Hamilton has reaffirmed what the Fort Hamilton Citizens Action Committee outlined in the white paper submitted to the Defense Base Closure and Realignment (BRAC) Commission.

Assemblyman Abbate top

The Assemblyman stated that the Belt Parkway was a vital transportation link and advised that he would request that the Assembly Transportation Committee submit a request to FEMA to fund a mission assignment to provide resources to repair the Shore Parkway seawall.

He further advised that due to redistricting his district office has relocated to 6604 17th Avenue.

District Manager's Report top

Marnee Elias-Pavia reported that the New York City Police Department, Office of the Chief of Transportation, advised that they have initiated an enforcement operation in response to the Board's resolution regarding overnight parking of commercial vehicles. They will be summonsing and towing commercial trucks and vehicles on an ongoing basis.

The District Manager advised that notification had been received from the Department of Consumer Affairs that an application had been filed to open a gaming café. She explained that a gaming café is a place where, for a fee charged directly or indirectly, persons are provided access to three or more computers or electronic devices in which game software has been installed.

After conferring with the Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Committee a request was sent to the Department of Consumer Affairs Legal Division requesting clarification of whether a gaming café with more than 10 devices is considered an amusement arcade.

The District Manager stated that amusement arcades are limited to certain zoning districts by special permit, which allows for community input.

She further advised that the Department of Sanitation announced that they would be conducting a snow drill training exercise today and tomorrow, which is a simulation of an actual snow storm.

New Business top

Eileen LaRuffa advised that she has received complaints of strong paint odors coming from the collision shop on Bay 19th Street between Bath and Benson Avenues.

A motion was made by John Garvey to adjourn. Seconded by Matthew Bromme. Unanimously adopted.

Attendance top

Present
• Bart Allegretti
• Matthew Bromme
• Albert Campanelli
• Rosa Casella
• Msgr. David Cassato
• Jerry Chiapetta
• Vincent Chirico
• Tom Colasanto
• Louis Crispiano
• Sal D'Alessio
• Claudio DeMeo
• Eric DiNapoli
• Paul DiSpirito
• Marc D'Ottavio
• Shirley Fineman
• John Garvey
• Yonah Glatzer
• William Guarinello
• Eileen LaRuffa
• Tim Law
• Vito Marangelli
• Vito Marinelli
• Al Milone
• Nicholas Miraglia
• Vincent Nativo
• Rabbi Gary Pollack
• Antonio Troia
• Sonia Valentin
• Victor Wong

Absent
• Maria Campanella
• Steve Chung
• Don Clark
• Yoketing Eng
• Anthony Favale
• Anthony Mallozzi
• James Orlando
• Barbara Parisi
• Sal Rao
• Robert Yee

Excused
• Gerald Bertuna
• Ross Brady
• Dr. Joseph Caruana
• Mafalda DiMango
• Charles Farrauto
• Man Wai Lau
• Dr. Raymond Mollica
• Stan Roher
• Laurie Windsor