Monthly Minutes - November 2012

Public Portion top

Vanessa Modafferi, representing Councilman Gentile, advised that due to the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy to the petroleum infrastructure, effective 6AM, November 9th, an odd-even license plate system for gas purchases will be instituted to reduce wait times and lines at gas stations.

She further announced that the community clean-up scheduled for this Saturday has been cancelled. Instead, working with Councilman Recchia, the volunteers will go to Coney Island to assist with recovery efforts in the aftermath of the storm. If anyone is interested in volunteering, please call Councilman Gentile's office at 718-748-5200.

Ms. Modafferi advised that the Councilman is collecting baby supplies, toiletries, cleaning supplies and non-perishable food for relief efforts.

In closing, it was further announced that the Bensonhurst Greenmarket will be open every Sunday until November 18th.

The Chairman inquired if anyone else from the public sought recognition. Hearing none, a motion was made by Sal D'Alessio to close the public portion of the meeting. Seconded by Laurie Windsor. Unanimously adopted.

Minutes top

A motion was made by Vincent Nativo to accept the minutes of the October 11, 2012 meeting. Seconded by Al Milone. Unanimously adopted.

Moment Of Silence top

The Chairman requested a moment of silence for those who lost their lives during Hurricane Sandy.

62nd Precinct top

Deputy Inspector James Rooney, the Commanding Officer of the 62nd Precinct, reported that since the storm the command has been working 12 hour shifts with no days off. Some of the additional manpower has been sent to the 60th and 61st Precincts, which suffered devastating losses.

He further stated that we were very lucky in Bensonhurst compared to other neighborhoods. However, there was significant flooding to the homes in the vicinity of 25th and 26th Avenues and there was devastating damage to the sea wall along the promenade.

Deputy Inspector Rooney advised that there are 25 gas stations within the confines of the command and only 2 or 3 at any one time have fuel. He stated that there have been several arrests at the gas lines, in addition to arrests made for siphoning.

Chairman's Report top

Mr. Guarinello thanked all of the first responders for their tireless efforts during Hurricane Sandy.

The Chairman thanked everyone for bringing non-perishable food donations to assist Reaching Out Community Services in their relief efforts.

Mr. Guarinello thanked Marnee Elias-Pavia for her work during the storm. He stated that she has been out there and in constant communication with the agencies on behalf of our community.

The Chairman discussed the issue of the lack of fuel at local gas stations and the state of transportation. He stressed the importance of the general public receiving accurate and realistic information from the Mayor and Governor. While their efforts to re-open the tunnels and subway system have been herculean, people need to know the facts. He stated that last week residents were told that fuel would be delivered and the shortage would resolve itself. Today, we are not in any better shape; if this is going to be long term then the residents should be informed.

Mr. Guarinello spoke regarding the proposed outpatient chemical dependency program One World Counseling, 1990 McDonald Avenue. He stated that according to the application filed with the Offices of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services, the program will be designed specifically for Alternative to Incarceration, parole and/or probation and Mentally Ill Chemically addicted populations.

A motion was made by Man Wai Lau to oppose the proposed chemical dependence treatment service at 1990 McDonald Avenue. Seconded by Bart Allegretti. Unanimously adopted.

Assemblyman Abbate top

The Assemblyman thanked the first responders for their efforts during Hurricane Sandy. He responded to the issue of the information being shared between government and the residents. He stated that some of the information, as it relates to the flooding of the tunnels, are simply unknown at this point due to the fact that flooding never before occurred in these areas.

The Assemblyman advised that part of the problem with the gasoline shortage is that people are panicking and purchasing gas to keep their tanks full and not because there is a need. He further stated that he is concerned about the amount of people in this area that are filing-up gas containers and storing the fuel.

Councilman Gentile top

Councilman Gentile thanked all those who made a contribution, donation or volunteered in the recovery effort. The Councilman invited all those who are interested to join him and Councilman Recchia this Saturday in Coney Island where there will be a clean-up.

He further advised that he has contacted the Governor's office to provide a complete picture of the gas situation within our neighborhoods. He additionally requested that the MTA waive tolls for Hurricane Sandy relief workers driving in from Brooklyn to help those in Staten Island. However, they just don't seem to understand the issues at hand and have denied the request.

Councilman Greenfield top

Councilman Greenfield recognized and thanked the first responders for their service during Hurricane Sandy.

The Councilman stated that for the past week he has been calling upon the Mayor and Governor to implement gas rationing. He stated that this was a logical approach to panic buying that should have been instituted last week. However, he is pleased that the problem has been recognized by City and State government; and now efforts should be focused on a federal level.

Councilman Greenfield advised that there would be a Participatory Budgeting session this Thursday, at PS 205, 6701 20th Avenue at 7PM. He urged everyone interested to attend and be part of the decision making on how $1 million dollars would be spent. The Councilman further advised that every neighborhood in the 44th district would be funded for at least one project.

District Manager's Report top

Marnee Elias-Pavia opened her report by commending the local elected officials for their leadership in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. She stated that she witnessed firsthand the devastation in Coney Island and the work that Councilman Recchia is conducting to provide relief in the area.

The District Manager thanked Deputy Inspector Rooney and his officers for their work during the storm. She stated that the seawall suffered significant damage at 17th Avenue and Bay Parkway. The precinct erected a temporary barrier around the area and police officers have been assigned to those locations.

Ms. Elias-Pavia advised that Caesar's Bay Shopping Center was damaged and were advised by management that engineers were making assessments. She stated her concerns regarding the economic impact this could have on the community as the only stores that have re-opened following the storm are Pizza D'Amour and TD Bank.

The District Manager advised that the Mayor has made an announcement that there would be changes to refuse collection to ensure Department of Sanitation crews continue to provide 24 hour per day clean-up services to State Island, south Queens and southern Brooklyn for storm debris. We have not received any schedule changes as of today; however recycling collections have been suspended indefinitely.

She additionally reported that notice was received from the Department of Consumer Affairs that Kon Café, located at 2001 Stillwell Avenue, has reapplied for a sidewalk café. The applicant originally applied in April 2012, and a public hearing was held and a resolution was unanimously adopted to approve. However, due to administrative issues the Department of Consumer Affairs is requiring that the process begin anew.

A motion was made by Man Wai Lau to waive the public hearing and approve the application as originally submitted. Seconded by Vincent Nativo. Unanimously adopted.

A motion was made by Eileen LaRuffa to adjourn. Seconded by Paul DiSpirito. Unanimously adopted.

Attendance top

Present
• Bart Allegretti
• Gerald Bertuna
• Matthew Bromme
• Maria Campanella
• Msgr. David Cassato
• Steve Chung
• Louis Crispiano
• Sal D'Alessio
• Eric DiNapoli
• Paul DiSpirito
• Yoketing Eng
• Charles Farrauto
• Shirley Fineman
• Yonah Glatzer
• William R. Guarinello
• Eileen LaRuffa
• Man Wai Lau
• Tim Law
• Vito Marangelli
• Vito Marinelli
• Albert Milone
• Raymond Mollica
• Vincent Nativo
• Sonia Valentin
• Laurie Windsor
• Victor Wong
• Robert Yee

Absent
• Ross Brady
• Albert Campanelli
• Warren Chan
• Jerry Chiapetta
• Don Clark
• Claudio DeMeo
• Mafalda DiMango
• Marc D'Ottavio
• Anthony Favale
• John Garvey
• Anthony Mallozzi
• Michael Marks
• James Orlando
• Barbara Parisi
• Antonio Troia

Excused
• Dr. Joseph Caruana
• Rosa Casella
• Vincent Chirico
• Tom Colasanto
• Louis Crispiano
• Nicholas Miraglia
• Rabbi Gary Pollack
• Sal Rao
• Stan Roher