Monthly Minutes - November 2008

Assemblyman Abbate top

The Assemblyman thanked the community for re-electing him to office. He advised that next Tuesday there would be a special session in Albany to address serious budget shortfalls. He will provide further updates as they become available.

Public Portion top

The Chairman inquired if anyone from the public sought recognition. Hearing none, Barbara Parisi made a motion to close the public portion of the meeting. Seconded by Bart Allegretti. Unanimously adopted.

Minutes top

Man Wai Lau made a motion to adopt the minutes of the October 16, 2008 meeting. Seconded by Frank Segreto. Unanimously adopted.

Chairman's Report top

Mr. Guarinello introduced and welcomed Paul DiSpirito, who was appointed to Community Board 11 by Borough President Markowitz.

The Chairman advised that Councilman Eric Gioia, Chair of the Council's Committee on Oversight and Investigations is here tonight to make a presentation to the Board.

The Chairman announced that the 62nd Precinct Community Council will meet on Tuesday, November 18th at 7:30 PM at the precinct located at 1925 Bath Avenue. The Council is requesting that those who attend bring a toy, which will be distributed to the children of the community.

Mr. Guarinello reported that the Parks Committee held a meeting on November 3rd to discuss the City Council's new standards and procedures for street renaming. The committee will present a report and its recommendations at the next meeting.

Presentation top

Councilman Eric Gioia, who represents the Queens communities of Woodside, Sunnyside, Maspeth and Astoria, advised that he is present this evening to request that that board members reach out to community residents to inform them about food stamps. He stated that not enough people are applying for the federal food assistance program. There are 1.9 million New Yorkers eligible to receive assistance, but only 1.1 million apply, leaving 800,000 eligible people that have not applied. The income criterion is $24,000 a year or less, and if you have children, you are probably eligible to receive aid.

The Councilman urged those in attendance to circulate the information to promote awareness of this program. If anyone has any questions they can contact the Councilman at 718-383-9566.

District Manager's Report top

Marnee Elias-Pavia advised that notification was received from the Department of Sanitation that beginning this Monday, November 17th; they will begin the night plow snow operation. When the Department is not handling snow and ice situations, night shift Sanitation Workers will collect household refuse and recycling. This year section 2, bounded by 78th Street to 68th Street and Bay Parkway to 14th Avenue, will have night garbage and recycling collection.

The District Manager reported that on October 30th, she attended the DOT Academy, a proactive outreach workshop, which outlined the functions of the Department of Transportation.

The presentation included an overview of the Safe Street for Seniors Program of which Bensonhurst is a focus area. The study area is one of the largest in the Borough that includes the Naturally Occurring Retirement Community bounded by 77th Street to 86th Street and 21st Avenue to 23rd Avenue.

Ms. Elias-Pavia reported that she had concerns whether the Department of Transportation had a master plan and whether Bay Parkway from Shore Parkway to 61st Street would be included, which the Board listed in its budget priorities. She was advised that the consultant was working on the project and the Board would have an opportunity to review it upon completion.

The District Manager reported that the Community Board office has received complaints from some of the businesses on 18th Avenue regarding an exceptional amount of Building Department complaints filed through the 311 system. Upon quick research of the area, it was found that almost every building on 18th Avenue from Bath Avenue to New Utrecht Avenue has a similar broadly defined complaint. In addition, since January 2008 there were approximately 280 complaints registered.

There was discussion regarding this issue and the District Manager was directed to contact the Mayor's Community Assistance Unit and other appropriate agencies to address the possible misuse of the 311 system.

Ms. Elias-Pavia acknowledged Starbucks for their community involvement, particularly their collection of food for Reaching Out Food Pantry, at their stores on 65th Street and 86th Street.

The District Manager reminded the public that the Department of Sanitation will not be making special collections for leaves this fall. Residents should place their leaves with their regular garbage for collection. No special leaf bags or brown bags need to be used.

A motion was made by Frank Segreto to adjourn. Seconded by Jerry Chiapetta. Unanimously adopted.

Attendance top

Present
• Al Campanelli
• Albert Milone
• Angel Geraldi
• Angelo Siciliano
• Antonio Troia
• Barbara Parisi
• Bart Allegretti
• Camillo Messina
• Charles Farrauto
• Frank Naccarato
• Frank Segreto
• Gerald Bertuna
• Iris Chiu
• Jerry Chiapetta
• Joseph DiSanto
• Laurie Windsor
• Louis Crispiano
• Man Wai Lau
• Maria Campanella
• Msgr. David Cassato
• Nicholas Miraglia
• Paul DiSpirito
• Rabbi Gary Pollack
• Rosa Casella
• Rosalee Manitta
• Ross Brady
• Shirley Fineman
• Thomas Colasanto
• Vincent Nativo
• William Guarinello

Absent
• Anthony Mallozzi
• Corrado Manfredi
• David Gordon
• Ella Nigro
• Joseph Caruana
• Kalman Talbak
• Leonard Beninson
• Raymond Mollica
• Richard DiNapoli
• Sarra Fronshtein
• Steve Balasiano
• William Hongach

Excused
• Donald Clark
• Eileen LaRuffa
• John Raffaele
• Louisa Verito
• Mafalda DiMango
• Stanley Roher

Guests
• Alice Wong (Brooklyn Borough President)
• Andrew Santano
• Elliott Kramer (Council Member Recchia)
• Jo Blanda
• Katy Rosa (Department of Parks)
• Kenneth Lazar (Department of Buildings)
• Lucille Santano
• Lucretia Regina-Potter (Republican District Leader)
• Ron Greenberg
• Sal DAlessio
• Senja Francipani (NIA)
• Stephen Witt (Courier Life)