Monthly Minutes - June 2011

Public Portion top

Joan Gentile, a resident of 69th Street and 18th Avenue, spoke regarding the fruit store on the corner. She stated that she has filed complaints regarding the filthy conditions and the blocked sidewalk. She further stated that the street sweeper does not come through the area.

Hasiba Rashid, representing the Council of People's Organizations, spoke regarding the targeting of youth by tobacco companies. She further stated that due to new federal guidelines, tobacco companies could only advertise their products in local stores and pharmacies. Ms. Rashid encouraged the public to contact their elected officials to tell them to support limiting tobacco industry marketing to youth.

Lynda Thompson, representing the New York City Fire Department, advised that the Wounded Warriors Project Ride would take place on July 21st. As in the past 5 years, the finish line will be on 18th Avenue and 70th Street. Fliers were left for those interested in attending.

Ms. Thompson thanked Marnee Elias-Pavia for her assistance in helping resolve an issue on 18th Avenue pertaining to a new fruit store.

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 Laurie Windsor to adopt the minutes of the May 18, 2011 meeting. Seconded by Louis Crispiano. Unanimously adopted.

Award Presentations top

Mr. Guarinello, on behalf of Community Board 11, presented Certificates of Appreciation to the 62nd Precinct Explorers for their participation in, "It's My Park Day", which was held on Saturday May 21st at Bensonhurst Park.

The District Manager thanked Police Officer Pierre, 62nd Precinct, Mohamed Badran, Ashley Chow, Khalil Elmeniawi, Antoinette Gecevice, Anthony Gecevice, Travis Lopez, Philip Ramos and Hong Yang for volunteering and participating in community projects.

On behalf of Borough President Marty Markowitz, the Chairman distributed perfect attendance awards for the 2010/2011 term.

Chairman's Report top

William Guarinello thanked Paul DiSpirito for donating this evening's collation. He further acknowledged his continued generosity and good food.

The Chairman introduced and welcomed newly appointed board members: Warren Chan, Dr. Steve Chung, Claudio Demeo, Eric DiNapoli, Marc D'Ottavio, Sal Rao and Sonia Valentin.

Mr. Guarinello thanked Denise Daniello of Holy Family Home for the hospitality afforded to Community Board 11. He presented a new flag to the home.

The Chairman advised that a request was submitted to rename 82nd Street and 15th Avenue in honor of Karen Barone. The matter will be submitted to committee.

Mr. Guarinello discussed the new traffic changes in the vicinity of Bay Ridge Parkway at 7th Avenue and the impact they have on the residents of the Bensonhurst community. He further added that with traffic conversions of the blocks of 79th Street and 77th Street it makes it difficult for residents of Bensonhurst to travel into Bay Ridge.

A motion was made and seconded to contact the appropriate agencies to advise them of the impacts these traffic changes have made on our residents. Unanimously adopted.

Assemblyman Peter Abbate top

The Assemblyman thanked everyone for participating in the rally to save the firehouse Engine Co. 284, at 1157 79th St. He stated that this firehouse is on the list of closures, due to city budget cuts that will be released July 1st. He hopes that there will be restorations to the Fire Department to avert the closure of firehouses.

The Assemblyman provided an update on his work in Albany. He advised that no new taxes were passed in the Assembly.

Nominating Committee top

At the May 18, 2011 meeting, the Nominating Committee presented the following slate of officers for the 2011/2012 term:

Chairman - William R. Guarinello
1st Vice Chair - Frank Segreto
2nd Vice Chair - Shirley Fineman
Secretary - Man Wai Lau
Treasurer - Nicholas Miraglia

The Chairman inquired if there were any nominations from the floor. Hearing none, a motion was made by Joe DiSanto to accept the slate of officers presented by the Nominating Committee. Seconded by Louis Crispiano. Unanimously adopted.

District Manager's Report top

Marnee Elias-Pavia advised that members of the Brooklyn No. Detachment 217 of the Marine Corps League and VFW Post 107 has requested our assistance in Operation Shoe Box. Their goal is to send shoe boxes filled with personal and comfort items to individual military members serving our country in Afghanistan. She requested that if anyone is interested in participating, we have a list of needed items, which can be dropped off at our office.

The District Manager reported that the Department of Sanitation has responded to the Board's resolution regarding the sanitary conditions on 18th Avenue. They have advised that they will begin the pilot project on 18th Avenue between 65th Street and Bay Ridge Parkway on Monday, June 13, 2011 and will continue for one month. The pilot project will consist of a three-prong approach of Experimentation, Outreach and Education that includes the removal of the corner litter baskets.

Ms. Elias-Pavia addressed the issue brought before the Board at the public portion of the meeting regarding the fruit store on 18th Avenue and 69th Street. She advised that she met with Inspector Rooney today, and this issue was discussed. She further stated that she is confident that the matter will be resolved.

The District Manager advised that the Planning and Zoning Committee has scheduled a meeting to open a dialogue with the property owners on 15th Avenue regarding the proposed commercial overlay. The meeting will be held next Thursday evening at Holy Family Home at 7PM.

On motion the meeting was adjourned.

Attendance top

Present
• Bart Allegretti
• Gerald Bertuna
• Ross Brady
• Matthew Bromme
• Maria Campanella
• Albert Campanelli
• Dr. Joseph Caruana
• Rosa Casella
• Msgr. David Cassato
• Thomas Colasanto
• Louis Crispiano
• Sal D'Alessio
• Marc D'Ottavio
• Mafalda DiMango
• Eric DiNapoli
• Joseph DiSanto
• Paul DiSpirito
• Yoketing Eng
• Charles Farrauto
• Anthony Favale
• William Guarinello
• Man Wai Lau
• Tim Law
• Vito Marinelli
• Nicholas Miraglia
• Barbara Parisi
• Stan Roher
• Frank Segreto
• Antonio Troia
• Sonia Valentin
• Laurie Windsor
• Robert Yee

Absent
• Warren Chan
• Donald Clark
• Anthony Mallozzi
• Vito Marangelli
• Camillo Messina
• Al Milone
• Raymond Mollica
• James Orlando

Excused
• Leonard Beninson
• Shirley Fineman
• John Garvey
• Eileen LaRuffa
• Vincent Nativo
• Rabbi Gary Pollack

Guests
• Lynda Thompson
• Joan Gentile
• Ms. Hasiba Rashid - Council of People's Organizations