Monthly Minutes - November 2011

Public Hearings top

BSA Calendar # 188-78-BZ
8102 New Utrecht Avenue
Block 6313 Lot 31

The applicant seeks to re-open and amend the terms of a previously granted permit to allow the use of car sales comprised of five (5) parking spots and auto body repair.

John, an area resident, stated that he was opposed to any auto bodywork.

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 hearing. Seconded by Tom Colasanto. Unanimously adopted.

Public Portion top

Cathy SantoPietro, a resident of 80th Street between 16th and 17th Avenues, spoke regarding rats. She stated that since the MTA started excavating the columns along New Utrecht Avenue she has had rats in her home. The columns have not yet been repaired and rats have been observed running in and out of the open holes. She further added that she has spent approximately $10,000 to remediate the issue, and is seeking assistance in this matter.

Mr. Fitzroy, representing Walmart Free NYC, spoke regarding his coalition's mission to preserve local businesses.

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 Tom Colasanto. Unanimously adopted.

Minutes top

A motion was made by Tony Troia to accept the minutes of the October 6, 2011 meeting. Seconded by Lou Crispiano. Unanimously adopted.

Chairman's Report top

Mr. Guarinello advised that he and Marnee Elias-Pavia, District Manager, attended a ribbon cutting ceremony at American Stock Transfer, located at 62nd Street and 15th Avenue. Instead of relocating, they committed to investing in our community and currently employs over 400 local people.

The Chairman reported that the street renaming ceremony for Tony Neglia took place this morning on the corner of 86th Street and Bay 34th Street. He thanked Councilman Recchia for introducing the legislation to the City Council. The Chairman further acknowledged how difficult it is to get approvals for street renamings with the new legislative process in effect.

Assemblyman Peter Abbate top

The Assemblyman addressed the rodent problem that was discussed at the public portion of the meeting. He stated that this was the first time that he was hearing about this problem, and would look into the issue.

He provided an update on various issues and in closing acknowledged and thanked all the veterans for their service to our country.

Councilman Vincent Gentile top

The Councilman provided an update on several issues pertaining to the community. He discussed the matter before Community Education Council 20 regarding the rezoning proposal to relieve school overcrowding at PS 200.

The Councilman advised that due to recent events in south Brooklyn he has arranged free self-defense training classes to help further empower the women of Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst and Bath Beach. The classes were well attended by the community.

He further advised that the Wounded Warriors would be at St. Athanasius on Sunday, November 13th at 11 AM. The Councilman thanked all the veterans for their service to our country.

Inspector James Rooney top

The Commanding Officer of the 62nd Precinct provided a report to the Board regarding crime statistics, which are showing a decrease compared to this time last year.

He further announced that Medal Day would be held on Saturday, November 12th at the Cotillion Terrace at 10AM.

Disposition Of Public Hearings top

Frank Segreto, Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Committee, gave a report regarding 8102 New Utrecht Avenue. He stated that the proposed changes would revitalize the owner's business, which in turn, would foster revitalization of this commercial corridor.

Following discussion, a motion was made by Man Wai Lau to approve the subject application with the conditions that there be no double parked cars and all body work be conducted inside of the building. Seconded by Vito Marinelli. The vote was 35 in favor, 2 opposed. Motion approved.

District Manager's Report top

Marnee Elias-Pavia, District Manager, reported to the Board that correspondence was received from the MTA requesting a waiver from the holiday construction embargo for work on 86th Street, in conjunction with the D line rehabilitation project.

Following discussion on the D line rehabilitation project, a motion was made by Nick Miraglia to grant the waiver with the following conditions: No vehicles or equipment are to be parked on the streets or sidewalks; no material to be stored on the street or sidewalk; no lane closures or removal of parking spaces; the contractor agrees to work within the barricaded open columns only; at no time will the contractor impede or disallow pedestrian traffic, merchant deliveries or other commercial activities: and the Department of Transportation agrees to rescind the waiver if the contractor fails to comply with any of the provisions set forth. Seconded by Tony Troia. Unanimously adopted.

Ms. Elias-Pavia announced that she has met with Commissioner Parvizi and Andrew Olsen of the Mayor's Office regarding the open columns on 86th Street. They further discussed the redesign of the column barriers to prevent accumulating garbage within the open column. She thanked the Commissioner for touring the area.

The District Manager reported that she met with Olga and Chaim Lipshutz, the owners of the Haym Solomon Home, located at 2300 Cropsey Avenue, regarding the rooftop addition for the relocation of the physical and occupational therapy facility, recreation area, and offices. The addition does not require any Community Board action.

She further reminded the Board that there would be no garbage or recycling collection tomorrow in observance of Veteran's Day. Recycling should be placed out for next week's collection day.

Ms. Elias-Pavia discussed an article that the Independent Budget Office released titled, “Less Trash, Less of it Recycled”. She stated that the article cited that the diversion rate is based upon the weight of the recyclable materials and does not take into account the effect of the redeemable bottle deposits that are removed from the bags before collection. She will be submitting comments to the Independent Budget Office.

Parks Committee top

Eileen LaRuffa, Committee Chairperson, reported that the committee has made a recommendation to support the requests to rename 71st Street and 21st Avenue, in honor of Mr. Robert Cohen, who was Principal of PS 247 for 30 years; and 82nd Street and 15th Avenue, in honor of Karen Barone, who was a community activist.

The Chairman advised that public hearings will be scheduled.

A motion was made by Al Milone to adjourn. Seconded by Tom Colasanto. Unanimously adopted.

Attendance top

Present
• Ross Brady
• Matthew Bromme
• Maria Campanella
• Al Campanelli
• Dr. Joseph Caruana
• Msgr. David Cassato
• Warren Chan
• Jerry Chiapetta
• Steve Chung
• Tom Colasanto
• Louis Crispiano
• Sal D'Alessio
• Claudio DeMeo
• Eric DiNapoli
• Joseph DiSanto
• Paul DiSpirito
• Yoketing Eng
• Anthony Favale
• Shirley Fineman
• John Garvey
• William Guarinello
• Eileen LaRuffa
• Man Wai Lau
• Tim Law
• Vito Marangelli
• Vito Marinelli
• Albert Milone
• Nicholas Miraglia
• Vincent Nativo
• James Orlando
• Rabbi Gary Pollack
• Salvatore Rao
• Frank Segreto
• Antonio Troia
• Sonia Valentin
• Laurie Windsor
• Robert Yee

Absent
• Leonard Beninson
• Jerry Bertuna
• Rosa Casella
• Donald Clark
• Marc D'Ottavio
• Camillo Messina
• Barbara Parisi

Excused
• Bart Allegretti
• Mafalda DiMango
• Charles Farrauto
• Raymond Mollica
• Stanley Roher

Guests
• Louise Segreto
• Jake Adler - Councilman Greenfield
• Hilary Lambert
• Jean Trentacosta
• Kenneth Lazar - Department of Buildings
• Ramona Pontone
• Sylvia Maraia - Councilman Rechhia
• Lily Wong - Brooklyn Borough President's Office
• Andrew Olson - Mayor's Office
• Lucretia Regina-Potter - Republican District Leader 49th AD
• Ned Berke - Bensonhurst Bean
• Robert Fernandez - Bensonhurst Bean
• Anna Liu
• Vera Brenner - Bramson ORT College
• Ari Kagan - Comptroller Liu
• Kela Rosario - South Beach Psych Center
• Ibrahim Mossallah - MAS Youth Center
• Cathy SantoPietro
• Eric Palatnik
• Anthony Berardi
• Susan Grossman - CB 11