Monthly Minutes - January 2009

Public Hearing top

I. Bicycle Parking Text Amendment
Application # N090191ZRY

Application submitted by the Department of City Planning for a text amendment to the Zoning Resolution to require indoor and secure bicycle parking in new multi-family residential, community facility, and commercial buildings in all zoning districts.

Mr. Guarinello inquired if anyone from the public sought recognition on this matter. Hearing none, a motion was made by Angelo Siciliano to close the public hearing. Seconded by Mafalda DiMango. Unanimously adopted.

Pleadge Of Allegiance top

The general meeting of Community Board 11 was opened with Jerry Bertuna having the honor of leading the Pledge of Allegiance.

Public Portion top

Steve Witt of Courier Life Publications introduced himself and advised that he will be covering our neighborhood. He further inquired on the status of the rezoning of Bensonhurst.

Mark, representing the Bay Ridge Eagle, announced that the publication has expanded to include Bensonhurst and Dyker Heights. Lori Pedone was introduced. She will cover the neighborhoods and can be contacted regarding any stories or issues. The paper is available on newsstands.

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 top

A motion was made by Rabbi Gary Pollack to adopt the minutes of the December 11, 2008 meeting. Seconded by Bart Allegretti. Unanimously adopted.

Disposition Of Public Hearing top

Frank Segreto, Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Committee, reported that the Department of City Planning proposes a zoning text amendment to the Zoning Resolution to require indoor and secure bicycle parking in new multi-family residential, community facility, and commercial buildings in all zoning districts.

If approved as proposed, this amendment would require buildings to provide indoor, secure bike parking ,either a locked room or an anchored framework to allow for chains. It would require one (1) parking space for every two apartments and apply to new buildings, enlargements of 50% or more, and conversions.

However as proposed, there is no requirement for 1-2 family homes, houses of worship and public service and wholesale establishments. The requirement would be waived for multi-family buildings up to ten (10) units and commercial buildings depending on the square footage. Accordingly, he believes that this bill would have little impact in our community.

As a practical matter, most of these facilities would be located in the basement and access would generally be provided through freight elevators.

Mr. Segreto stated that for affordable residential developments for the elderly, the ratio of bicycle parking spaces should be lowered to reflect both the reduced need for such spaces, and the limited subsidies available for the construction of such developments. The ratio should be established by the Department of City Planning in consultation with developers of affordable residential developments for the elderly. Additionally, the New York City Economic Development Corporation provides bicycle parking spaces in garages on city-owned property at the same ratio as garages on private property.

Generally, an increase in bicycle traffic and a resulting decrease in automobile traffic is a desirable trend.

Mr. Segreto made a motion that the Bicycle Parking Text Amendment proposal be approved with the following recommendations:
1. For affordable residential developments for the elderly, the ration of bicycle parking spaces should be lowered to reflect both the reduced need for such spaces, and the limited subsidies available for the construction of such developments;

2. That such ratio should be established by the Department of City Planning in consultation with developers of affordable residential developments for the elderly; and

3. The New York City Economic Development Corporation to provide bicycle parking spaces in garages on city-owned property at the same ratio as garages on private property.

Seconded by Tom Colasanto. Unanimously adopted.

Chairman'sreport top

Mr. Guarinello advised that the New York City Council has restored the 2.5% budget cut to the Community Boards that was proposed by the Mayor as part of a citywide budget modification.

The Chairman thanked the Council Members that represent Community Board 11 for their support.

Mr. Guarinello announced that Reachin Out Community Services has requested that we announce their new online network that provides people an opportunity to donate their unwanted goods. People in need can then view the items and contact the donors via email to request the goods. The website is www.reachinout.org.

The Chairman advised that there is literature available from Council Member Gentile regarding the 2009 alternate side of the street parking suspension calendar, and a Parking Ticket Forum, which will be held on Tuesday, January 27th at 7PM, at the Bay Ridge Library located at Ridge Boulevard and 73rd Street.

Assemblyman Abate top

Assemblyman Peter Abbate advised that he is working in Albany on budgetary issues. He stated that there is a 15 billion dollar deficit in the State budget, with a 1.8 billion dollar deficit for this fiscal year, which needs to be closed by March 31st. This will be a tough task, but one that needs to be done in a fair and equitable manner.

Parking Committee Report top

Eileen LaRuffa, Chairperson, reported that the Parks Committee met for the purpose of reviewing street renaming requests using the City Council’s new standards and procedures that were implemented.

The committee recognized that this is an emotional issue to those people who requested street renaming for their loved ones. However, following the council’s guidelines, it was found that the only request that met the criteria was from the family of Frankie Loccisano.

Frankie Loccisano, a 17-year-old resident of our community, passed away after a 3-year battle against cancer. During his illness, Frankie lobbied Congress for the passage of The Conquer Childhood Cancer Act to advance medical research and treatments into pediatric cancers, ensure patients and families have access to the current treatments and information regarding pediatric cancers.

Mr. Guarinello advised that based upon the recommendation of the Parks Committee a public hearing would be scheduled on the proposed street renaming in honor of Frankie Loccisano.

District Manager'sreport top

Marnee Elias-Pavia urged everyone to get their flu shots. She advised that at the District Service Cabinet meeting a presentation was made by the Department of Health, which showed that our neighborhood was one of the lowest with residents receiving their flu vaccination.

The District Manager advised that the Department of Parks has contacted our office regarding a request to sell flowers at the intersection of Cropsey Avenue and Bay Parkway on February 8 - 15, and April 7 - 13, and May 5 - 11, from 8AM - 8PM.

A motion was made by Frank Segreto to advise the Parks Department that Community Board 11 is opposed to the selling of flowers at the intersection of Cropsey Avenue and Bay Parkway, as requested. Seconded by Eileen LaRuffa. Unanimously adopted.

Ms. Elias-Pavia advised that the Department of Sanitation began the Christmas tree curbside collection and recycling program on January 5th through January 16th. Trees must be free of lights, ornaments, and tinsel before being placed curbside for collection.

She further advised that with snow forecasted for Saturday, sidewalks must be cleared of snow and/or ice within 4 hours after the snow has stopped falling or by 11 AM if the snow stopped falling after 9 PM the night before.

In addition, complaints have been voiced from people who live on the right side of the street regarding why the City plows to the right. The District Manager explained that on 2 lane streets this is to avoid blocking the oncoming left lane with snow. On 1-way streets, plowing is done to the right to avoid ridges in the intersection. It all revolves around the fact that in our country we drive on the right side of the road.

A motion was made by Angelo Siciliano to adjourn. Seconded by Man Wai Lau. Unanimously adopted.

Attendance top

Present
• Bart Allegretti
• Gerald Bertuna
• Ross Brady
• Albert Campanelli
• Dr. Joseph Caruana
• Rosa Casella
• Msgr. David Cassato
• Thomas Colasanto
• Louis Crispiano
• Mafalda DiMango
• Richard DiNapoli
• Paul DiSpirito
• Charles Farrauto
• Shirley Fineman
• Angel Geraldi
• William Guarinello
• Eileen LaRuffa
• Man Wai Lau
• Anthony Mallozzi
• Camillo Messina
• Albert Milone
• Nicholas Miraglia
• Frank Naccarato
• Vincent Nativo
• Rabbi Gary Pollack
• Frank Segreto
• Angelo Siciliano
• Laurie Windsor

Absent
• Leonard Beninson
• Jerry Chiapetta
• Joseph DiSanto
• Raymond Mollica
• John Raffaele
• Stanley Roher
• Louisa Verito

Excused
• Steve Balasiano
• Maria Campanella
• Iris Chiu
• Donald Clark
• Sarra Fronshtein
• William Hongach
• Rosalee Manitta
• Ella Nigro
• Barbara Parisi
• Kalman Talbak
• Antonio Troia

Guests
• Lori Pedone
• Marc Hipsher
• K. Scianna
• R. Scianna
• P.O. Agosta - 62nd Precinct
• P.O. Sparaccio - 62nd Precinct
• Michael Sciaraffo - C.M. Gentile
• Lucretia Regina-Potter - Republican District Leader-49th AD
• Kenneth Lazar - Department of Buildings
• Elliott Kramer - C.M. Recchia
• David Parish - Department of City Planning
• Andrew Santano
• Lucille Santano
• Al Fazio - Assembly Member Abbate
• Dominick Colasanto
• Ron Greenberg