Monthly Minutes - May 2012

Public Portion top

Charles Michaels, representing Assemblyman Colton, advised that in conjunction with Councilman Greenfield, a clean-up was held this past Sunday on Bay Parkway from 61st Street to 86th Street.

Mr. Michels further advised that the Assemblyman 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.

Dominick Melilo spoke regarding the increase in population and quality of life issues. He expressed concern regarding the sale of the catering hall on 18th Avenue and Rutherford Place and the possible change of use and the impact on parking.

Kristian Krober, representing Councilman Gentile, spoke regarding the Mayor's proposed budget cuts to the Department of Youth and Community Development, which would eliminate over half of the after school programs citywide. Parents and residents were urged to contact the Mayor to protest these cuts. The Councilman will continue to fight for these programs.

Louise Martini, representing Senator Golden, spoke regarding new automobile fraud legislation that has recently passed the Senate. She further advised that the Senator has co-sponsored legislation that will increase the ability of law enforcement to prosecute crimes related to damaging property, or stealing religious items at any house of worship.

Ms. Martini advised that the Senator is alerting local residents to two scam attempts brought to his attention which sought to obtain personal information for the purposes of fraud. He urged residents not to give personal information.

Liam McCabe, representing Congressman Grimm, spoke regarding closures of US Postal Service mail processing facilities, the consolidation of postal routes and post office closures, and the effect this has on our communities. The Congressman has joined a bi-partisan effort to restructure the postal service.

Mr. McCabe further advised that the Congressman believes the new federal commuter tax benefits are unfair, in that bicyclists receive a lesser amount than motorists. He is fighting for equal benefits.

He further advised that the National Blue Alert Act that Congressman Grimm introduced has passed the House. This bill would distribute information nationwide when a law enforcement officer is injured or killed thereby helping to catch the suspects in the crime.

Jane Carey, representing Councilman Greenfield, thanked all of the volunteers that participated in the Bay Parkway clean-up. She further advised that the Councilman, who is Chairman of the Subcommittee on Senior Centers, will be holding a public hearing next week on the budget. The Councilman will continue to fight for senior services.

Libby Garafalo, a neighborhood resident, spoke regarding quality of life issues in regard to the construction of the Italian American Cultural Community Center located on 18th Avenue and Benson Avenue.

Peter Cipriano inquired about the funding for the Out of School Time programs and questioned where the funding would come from.

Sgt. Cangiano, representing Chief Banks of the NYPD Community Affairs Unit, spoke regarding the programs that are available to the community. Written material was distributed and the public was encouraged to speak with him if there were any questions.

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 portion of the meeting. Seconded by Sal D'Alessio. Unanimously adopted.

Minutes top

A motion was made by Dr. Caruana to adopt the minutes of the April 18, 2012 meeting. Seconded by Man Wai Lau. Unaimously adopted.

Chairman's Report top

Mr. Guarinello thanked Eileen LaRuffa for her work in having tonight's meeting hosted by St. Finbar.

The Chairman addressed the issues brought before the Board at the public portion of the meeting. He stated that there were no applications filed with the Department of Buildings for the former catering hall on 18th Avenue and Rutherford Place and he urged the residents to keep in contact with the office. Regarding the Italian American Cultural Center, the residents were advised that complaints would be forwarded to the appropriate agencies and the residents should contact the office.

Mr. Guarinello addressed the Out of School Time budget cuts and stated that in all of his years as a service provider these were the most draconian cuts. The Chairman has confidence that the leadership in the city council would make some type of restorations to these important programs.

The Chairman discussed the implementation of a community based response to acts of hate within the community. He reported that recently, pages of the Quran were found in the street. The Police Department expended a tremendous amount of resources and performed an excellent job in determining that this was not an act of hate but done by a emotionally disturbed person. However, it provided an opportunity for a cross section of community based groups, community leaders and religious leaders to come together as one community.

The Chairman thanked the leadership of the Muslim American Society Youth Center for their insight and support.

Mr. Guarinello advised that new photo id cards will be issued at the June meeting. The staff will be available beginning at 7PM.

Nominating Committee Report top

Vincent Nativo, Chairman of the Nominating Committee, presented the following slate of Officers for the 2012-2013 term:

William R. Guarinello - Chairman
Laurie Windsor - 1st Vice Chairperson
Shirley Fineman - 2nd Vice Chairperson
Man Wai Lau - Secretary
Nicholas Miraglia - Treasurer

A motion was made by Sal D'Alessio to accept the report of the Nominating Committee. Seconded by Dr. Caruana. Uanimously adopted.

Assemblyman Peter Abbate top

The Assemblyman discussed the newly enacted budget, which increased funding for education, transportation and health. He voiced his concern regarding program cuts when State funding has been increased. The Assemblyman further stated that the focus now has to be on jobs and he will continue to work on getting people back to work.

In closing, he stated his concerns with the Postal Service.

Parks Committee top

Eileen LaRuffa, Chairperson of the Parks Committee, reported that Grow/NYC Greenmarket is seeking the board's support in opening a farmers market at Milestone Park, on Sundays starting on July 8th through November 18th, 2012 from 8:00 AM - 3:30PM. The farmers would park curbside and set up tents next to their truck on 18th Avenue between 81st and 82nd streets.

The Parks Committee has met to discuss the proposal and supports the plan.

A motion was made by Matt Bromme to approve the request to open a Greenmarket at Milestone Park as presented. Seconded by Man Wai Lau. Unanimously adopted.

Mr. Guarinello thanked Councilman Gentile and the Parks Committee for their work on bringing a Greenmarket to the community.

District Manager's Report top

Marnee Elias-Pavia, District Manager, reported that the Department of Transportation has started component rehabilitation of the 15th Avenue Bridge over the LIRR at 61st Street, which is the boundary line of our district. Work at this location will require the closure of one-half of the bridge. However, two-way traffic will be maintained, and a pedestrian walkway will be maintained on the opposite side of the bridge. The project will run until August 31, and work will be done Monday through Friday, 7 AM through 6PM.

The District Manager proved an update on the D-line rehabilitation project. The column work has been completed, and the contractor is starting to take up barricades and removing the compressors. The bulk of the remaining work is at the Bay Parkway station to complete the elevator installation. Those barricades will remain in place until the elevator has been inspected and certified to be put in service. Completion is anticipated for the end of May.

She further advised that the Department of Environmental Conservation has requested that we announce that through funding provided by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), they will be implementing a community-based screening program for toxic air pollutants. The purpose of the Community Air Screen program is to conduct air quality surveillance at the community-level with the help of local community groups and interested citizens.

DEC will provide the sampling equipment, train people on how to use the equipment and work with the community to determine the best location and time period for sampling. All air sampling equipment will be returned to the DEC offices in Albany for analysis of the samples and interpretation of the results.

If anyone is interested, they can contact the Community Board office for information on how to apply.

The District Manager advised that the 5th Annual Shred Fest at Bensonhurst Park will be held on Sunday, May 20, 2012 from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 PM.

Ms. Elias-Pavia announced that this morning she spoke to 12 new police officers assigned to the 62nd Precinct, which brings the total of 32 new police officers since the beginning of the year.

New Business top

Stan Roher spoke regarding the recent violations issued for cracked sidewalks in the community. He stated that it was unfair that homeowners are cited for small cracks.

The Chairman advised Mr. Roher to meet with the District Manager to discuss the issue.

Sonia Valentin spoke regarding the amount of illegal curb cuts being installed in the community.

The Chairman concurred and stated that the board has previously adopted resolutions on this matter regarding the proliferation of illegal curb cuts.

A motion was made by Sonia Valentin to contact the Mayor to advise him of the negative effect illegal curb cuts have on the quality of life in the community. Seconded by Eileen LaRuffa. Unanimously adopted.

A motion was made by Sal D'Alessio to adjourn. Seconded by Maria Campanella. Unanimously adopted.

Attendance top

Present
• Matthew Bromme
• Maria Campanella
• Dr. Joseph Caruana
• Rosa Casella.
• Msgr. David Cassato
• Steve Chung
• Tom Colasanto
• Louis Crispiano
• Sal D'Alessio
• Claudio DeMeo
• Mafalda DiMango
• Eric DiNapoli
• Joseph DiSanto
• Paul DiSpirito
• Charles Farrauto
• Shirley Fineman
• John Garvey
• William Guarinello
• Eileen LaRuffa
• Man Wai Lau
• Tim Law
• Vito Marangelli
• Vito Marinelli
• Al Milone
• Nicholas Miraglia
• Raymond Mollica
• Vincent Nativo
• Rabbia Gary Pollack
• Antonio Troia
• Sonia Valentin
• Laurie Windsor
• Robert Yee

Absent
• Bart Allegretti
• Leonard Beninson
• Gerald Bertuna
• Ross Brady
• Albert Campanelli
• Jerry Chiapetta
• Donald Clark
• Marc D'Ottavio
• Anthony Mallozzi
• Camillo Messina
• Barbara Parisi

Excused
• Warren Chan
• Anthony Favale
• James Orlando

Guests
• Charles Michaels - Assemblyman Colton
• Domenick Melilo
• Kristian Krober - Councilman Gentile
• Jo Ben Fanti
• C. Chambers - NYC Greenmarket
• C. Celvone - NYC Greenmarkets
• Louise Martini - Senator Golden
• Sylvia Maraia - Councilman Recchia
• Lorraine Mazzola
• Lily Wong - Brooklyn Borough President
• Jane Carey - Councilman Greenfield
• Mel and Libby Garafalo
• Liam McCabe - Congressman Grimm
• Abdullah Campos - Muslim American Society