Monthly Minutes - October 2011

Public Hearings top

I. Mona Lisa Cafe
1476 86th Street
Brooklyn, New York 11228
Consumer Affairs License# 1271529

The applicant seeks a recommendation for the renewal of a revocable consent to operate a sidewalk cafe with 24 tables and 48 seats at the above captioned address.

The Chairman inquired if anyone sought recognition on this matter. Hearing none, a motion was made by Man Wai Lau to close the public hearing. Seconded by Eileen LaRuffa. Unanimously adopted.

II. Draft of Community Board 11's Capital and Expense Budget recommendations for Fiscal Year 2013.

The Chairman inquired if anyone from the public sought recognition. Hearing none, a motion was made by Bart Allegretti to close the public hearing. Seconded by Frank Segreto. Unanimously adopted.

Public Portion top

Lucretia Regina-Potter, Republican District Leader of the 49th A.D., on behalf of neighbors who reside on Bay 11th Street between Bath and Cropsey Avenues, spoke regarding a neighbor on the block. It was stated that there are alleged drug and illicit activities.

Andrew Gounardes, representing Citizens Committee for NYC, invited volunteer-led neighborhood groups to apply for "Love Your Block" grants. Block transformation grants range from $500 to $1,000 and include support from city agencies including the Department of Transportation, Sanitation, and Parks and Recreation to help revitalize your block. Applications are available for those interested.

Betty Bonura, a Bensonhurst resident, inquired on the procedure for opening a bottle and can redemption center. She stated that a redemption center opened two doors away from her home and she has concerns regarding odors and rodents.

Mary Placanica, representing Assemblyman William Colton, advised that since August the Assemblyman has organized three neighborhood clean-ups. She advised that drivers are needed to transport the student volunteers to various clean-up locations.

Kristian Krober, representing Councilman Vincent Gentile, announced the following events: the Columbus Day Parade, which will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2011, on 18th Avenue; the street renaming in honor of Dr. Giacomo Basciano, on Saturday, October 15th, at 1PM at the intersection of 77th Street and 14th Avenue; and the Pet Awareness Fair, at the New Utrecht Reformed Church, on Saturday, October 15th, which is part of Patrick Delaney's Eagle Scout Project. Flyers are available for all events.

An area resident requested that the Board address the garbage problem on 86th Street from 20th Avenue to 24th Avenue. She stated that there is garbage all over, especially in the open stanchions, which she believes is coming from the merchants and the contractor.

Sylvia Maraia, representing Councilman Domenic M. Recchia Jr., advised that the Councilman is aware and is addressing the issues on 86th Street. He would like to work cooperatively with the Board to develop a Business Improvement District.

Maria Campanella announced that in conjunction with State Senator Marty Golden, the second annual food drive will be held on Sunday, October 9, 2011, at the intersection of Avenue U and West 10th Street. The food will be donated to the Food Bank of NYC.

She further thanked the Board and Councilman David Greenfield for supporting the street renaming in honor of her father Angelo Campanella.

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 Nick Miraglia. Unanimously adopted.

Assemblyman Peter Abbate top

The Assemblyman stated that he was very disturbed to hear for the first time the problems the residents are encountering on Bay 11th Street. He advised that he would contact the Inspector of the 62nd Precinct to arrange a meeting.

The Assemblyman thanked the Board and the District Manager for what he hopes, was a successful meeting with the MTA. He stated that both he and Marnee Elias-Pavia, met today with the MTA and the contractor regarding garbage issues on 86th Street and New Utrecht Avenue, in association with the D Line rehab.

The Assemblyman advised that every excuse was offered regarding the cleanliness conditions. He further stated that he witnessed the contractor cleaning the work areas an hour before the meeting, in an effort to downplay the situation. He hopes to see some improvements following the meeting.

He additionally questioned work that was performed at the stations that was not presented in the original proposal. He was concerned that monies were used to install lamp poles in front of the stations that turn red or green to signify whether you can purchase a metro card. He stated that the money would have been better spent by painting all of the columns instead of just the columns that were repaired.

In closing, the Assemblyman stated that he will be back in Albany at the end of the month, and he stressed the importance of job creation.

Minutes top

A motion was made by Bart Allegretti to adopt the minutes of the September 8, 2011 meeting, amended to reflect the correct meeting date as September 8, 2011, and Tom Colasanto marked as present. Seconded by Paul DiSpirito. Unanimously adopted.

Chairman's Report top

Mr. Guarinello advised that the New York City Council approved the ULURP application for the Brooklyn Bay Center, located at 1752 Shore Parkway.

The Chairman announced that SUNY Downstate at Bay Ridge will be conducting free prostate screenings for men 40 and older, through the end of the month, on Monday through Saturday from 10 AM-8PM. Flyers are available.

Disposition Of Public Hearings top

I. Mona Lisa Cafe
1476 86th Street

Frank Segreto, Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Committee, reported that the applicant is seeking a recommendation for the renewal of a revocable consent to continue operating a sidewalk cafe. There are no changes to the application.

A motion was made by Man Wai Lau to approve the application as presented. Seconded by Matt Bromme. Unanimously adopted.

II. Draft of Community Board 11's Capital and Expense Budget recommendations for Fiscal Year 2013.

The District Manager advised that in response to discussions with Inspector Rooney, it has been requested to add security lighting and cameras around the 62nd Precinct.
Eileen LaRuffa requested that item #4 be moved to #2 .

The Chairman inquired if there were any other amendments. Hearing none, a motion was made by Sal D'Alessio to approve the draft of Community Board 11's Capital and Expense budget recommendations for fiscal year 2013 as amended. Seconded by Nick Miraglia. Unanimously adopted.

District Manager's Report top

Marnee Elias-Pavia began her report by thanking Assemblyman Peter Abbate for coordinating today's meeting with the Metropolitan Transit Authority and the contractor regarding the D line Rehabilitation project. She stated that the remaining open columns along the corridor have become a dumping ground for garbage. In addition, she believes and it has been reported, that when the contractor works on the open columns they do not bag all of the garbage, it is thrown in the street. She has requested that the garbage be properly bagged, and particular attention be paid to the work areas that the Department of Sanitation mechanical brooms cannot gain access to.

The District Manager requested that in addition to contacting the Community Board regarding 86th Street and New Utrecht Avenue, that residents contact 311 and lodge a complaint.

She further stated that the Department of Sanitation advised at the budget consultations that they plan to maintain 2 day per week garbage collection and street cleaning operations. In addition, they plan to hire an additional 250 workers before the winter.

The District Manager advised that Chief Fox, of Patrol Borough Brooklyn South, has been promoted to Chief of Transit. She has met with Chief Thomas Chan, the new Commanding Officer of Patrol Borough Brooklyn South, who looks forward to maintaining the relationships that has been built with the community.

Marnee Elias-Pavia reported that she attended a meeting at Borough Hall with the Brooklyn Postmaster. She advised that there was an acknowledgement of many issues and no solutions. Residents who have issues with the postal service were advised to file complaints.

The District Manager advised that the Department of Transportation has responded to the Board's resolution regarding the Safe Streets for Seniors Program, which the Board supported with the exception of lane reductions on both Stillwell Avenue and Avenue P.

The agency is now proposing to move forward with the implementation of the roadway narrowing without installing concrete islands.

A motion was made by Eileen LaRuffa to oppose the roadway narrowing on Stillwell Avenue and Avenue P. Seconded by Al Campanelli. Unanimously adopted.

Mr. Guarinello reminded the Board that we are advisory in nature and the Department of Transportation may move forward with this plan regardless of Community Board 11's position.

There was discussion regarding "day lighting", which is the removal of parking spots on corners to increase visibility, and the feasibility of instead placing a restriction of certain height vehicles on parking at corners.

A motion was made by Man Wai Lau to call upon the Department of Transportation to study the feasibility of placing a height restriction on vehicles parking at corners instead of restricting all parking for "day-lighting". Seconded by Matt Bromme. Unanimously adopted.

Marnee Elias-Pavia addressed the question at the public portion of the meeting regarding redemption centers. She stated that at last month's meeting the Board discussed the issue of redemption centers and directed the District Manager to contact the Department of Environmental Conservation regarding community notification. She further advised that we have contacted the Department of Buildings for a determination of the appropriate zoning and use groups for redemption centers.

There was discussion regarding redemption centers and a follow-up report will be given when received.

New Business top

Claudio DiMeo advised that he works in a local high school and one of the graduation requirements is community service. He would be happy to coordinate any community projects.

Stan Roher made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by John Garvey. Unanimously adopted.

Attendance top

Present
• Bart Allegretti
• Ross Brady
• Matthew Bromme
• Maria Campanella
• Al Campanelli
• Rosa Casella
• Louis Crispiano
• Sal D'Alessio
• Claudio DeMeo
• Mafalda DiMango
• Eric DiNapoli
• Paul DiSpirito
• Charles Farrauto
• Shirley Fineman
• John Garvey
• William Guarinello
• Eileen LaRuffa
• Man Wai Lau
• Vito Marinelli
• Al Milone
• Nicholas Miraglia
• Raymond Mollica
• Vincent Nativo
• Rabbi Gary Pollack
• Stanley Roher
• Antonio Troia
• Sonia Valentin
• Laurie Windsor
• Robert Yee

Absent
• Warren Chan
• Steve Chung
• Donald Clark
• Anthony Favale
• Anthony Mallozzi
• Vito Marangelli
• Camillo Messina
• James Orlando
• Barbara Parisi

Excused
• Leonard Beninson
• Gerald Bertuna
• Dr. Joseph Caruana
• Msgr. David Cassato
• Jerry Chiapetta
• Tom Colasanto
• Joseph DiSanto
• Marc D'Ottavio
• Yoketing Eng
• Tim Law
• Salvatore Rao

Guests
• Sylvia Maraia - Councilman Recchia
• Lucretia Regina-Potter
• Mary Placanica - Assemblyman Colton
• Catherine Steinberg
• Andrew Gounardes - Citizens Committee for NYC
• Lily Wong - Borough Present's Office
• John Orlando - Senator Golden
• Sandy Roher
• Kristian Krober - Councilman Gentile
• Betty Bonura
• Lucille and Andrew Santano