Monthly Minutes - September 2008

District Manager's Report top

Marnee Elias-Pavia advised that the budget consultations will be held this month for fiscal year 2010. This year Community Board 11 will be meeting with Economic Development to discuss issues relating to 86th Street between Bay Parkway and 23rd Avenue. On this segment of 86th Street, on the north side we have fruit vendors who have stoopline permits. There have been issues relating to the size of the stands that these store have and we need the City, in particular Economic Development to be the lead agency in clearly defining the boundaries for these stoopline permits.

In addition, the Administrative code has omitted the exemption of 86th Street between Bay Parkway and 23rd Avenue on this list of streets restricted to general vending. We will request that Small Business Services correct this typographical error.

A motion was made by Antonio Troia to call upon the Economic Development Corporation to clearly define the boundaries on the north side of 86th Street between Bay Parkway and 23rd Avenue for the purpose of stoopline permits. Seconded by Eileen LaRuffa. Unanimously adopted.

The District Manager discussed the issue of mobile food vendors on 86th Street which is restricted to general vending. These food carts setup shop on 86th Street in front of restaurants and stores, causing an unfair burden to our merchants. In addition, they have no carting and congest this busy shopping strip.

A motion was made and seconded to call upon Small Business Services to restrict 86th Street to mobile food vendors. Unanimously adopted.

Councilman Gentile suggested that for a quick resolution to this problem, that a planter, bike rack or bench be placed in locations where you want to discourage mobile food vending. The regulations prohibit food vending within a certain amount of footage from street furniture.

The Chairman thanked Councilman Gentile for his insight.

Ms. Elias-Pavia provided an update on the Owl's Head Force Main Upgrade project. The following work is in progress or expected to begin within the next month:

Installation of two large force mains along the north side of the Belt Parkway from the Verrazano Bridge to Bay 40th Street. The pipes have been installed to approximately 21st Avenue.

Installation of jacking pits, which allows portions of the sewer mains to be tunneled beneath local streets, on the east side of Bay 16th Street between 17th Court and Cropsey Avenue. This work began in August and is near completion. Another pit will be located on Bay 16th Street and Bath Avenue, and is scheduled to begin this week.

The Department of Transportation has advised us that they are in the final stages of the reconstruction of the 20th Avenue Bridge. Work is scheduled to be completed no later than October 2008.

Chairman's Report top

Mr. Guarinello happily announced that John Sprague, the Commanding Officer of the 62nd Precinct has been promoted to Deputy Inspector.

Deputy Inspector Sprague wished Howard Feuer well in his retirement and congratulated Marnee Elias-Pavia on her appointment. The Inspector reflected on the partnership between the community and the Police Department and thanked the Board for their support.

Mr. Guarinello thanked Howard Feuer for his 31 years of service to the Bensonhurst community. He stated that Howard was always a strong advocate and worked diligently on behalf of this community to ensure that its best interests were met.

The Chairman advised that there will a retirement party in Howard's honor on Thursday, November 6, 2008 at Garguilo's Restaurant. Those interested may contact Marnee Elias-Pavia.

Mr. Guarinello advised that correspondence was received from Senator Golden announcing that he will be hosting a September 11th memorial, tomorrow evening at 8PM on the 69th Street pier. The ceremony will feature a 21-gun salute, a moment of silence and inspirational speeches. The Xaverian bagpipers will also be performing.

Mr. Guarinello advised that today the Community Army Covenant was signed. Councilman Gentile signed on behalf of the Council and Assemblyman Abbate on behalf of the Assembly. The Chairman stated that this was a momentous occasion, signifying the symbiotic relationship between the community and the men and women of Fort Hamilton.

Mr. Guarinello advised that the committee assignments have been made for the 2008-2009 term, and are available this evening.

Howard Feuer top

Mr. Feuer thanked the Board for the 31 years of service to the Bensonhurst community and allowing him to manage in his manner. He also acknowledged the Board for their unanimous decision in appointing Marnee Elias-Pavia to the position of District Manager.

Mr. Feuer thanked Susan Grossman, of the office staff, as well as members of the press for treating him well.

Moment Of Silence top

The Chairman requested a moment of silence in memory of Anthony Neglia, who passed a way over the summer recess. Tony was a long serving board member of Community Board 11, as well as the President of the 86th Street Merchants Association.

Public Portion top

Brooke Rothenberg, a producer for News 12 Brooklyn, introduced herself and advised that they are always interested in community participation and are available to discuss any issues that the community may have.

Angelo Siciliano announced that the Aidone Association is holding their annual dinner on September 19th. This year they are honoring Jeanette Givant, District Leader 47th AD, and Police Officer Steve Agosta, of the 62nd Precinct. If anyone is interested in participating they may contact Mr. Siciliano.

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

Minutes top

A motion was made Antonio Troia to accept the minutes of the June 12, 2008 meeting. Seconded by Bart Allegretti. Unanimously adopted.

Assemblyman Abbate top

The Assemblyman congratulated Marnee Elias-Pavia on her appointment. He further congratulated Inspector Sprague on his promotion and the work he has done in the community.

Assemblyman Abbate advised that he has spent the summer in the community working with local groups, associations, and residents on issues of concern.

Councilman Gentile top

The Councilman welcomed everyone back from the summer recess. He congratulated Inspector Sprague and Marnee Elias-Pavia on their promotions.

Councilman Gentile announced that in late June the Council was able to preserve the budgets of the Community Boards.

The Councilman reported that the Bath Beach rezoning plan, which Community Board 11 endorsed, has been submitted to the Brooklyn Office of City Planning. The Department of City Planning has stated they are short of personnel to conduct this type of rezoning but they will review the plan and would respond at the end of the month. The Councilman stated that he will be vigilant and provide updates on this matter.

Councilman Gentile advised that in commemoration of September 11th, he has brought "Brooklyn Remembers" posters that list the names of all those victims that were lost on September 11, 2001.

Parks Committee Report top

Eileen LaRuffa, Chairperson of the Parks and Libraries Committee reported that the committee has met with Katy Rosa, Parks Department District Supervisor for Community Board 11. Issues were discussed and addressed regarding our parks.

A motion was made by John Raffaele to adjourn. Seconded by Joe DiSanto. Unanimously adopted

Attendance top

Present
• Albert Campanelli
• Albert Milone
• Angel Geraldi
• Angelo Siciliano
• Antonio Troia
• Barbara Parisi
• Bart Allegretti
• Charles Farrauto
• Donald Clark
• Dr. Joseph Caruana
• Eileen LaRuffa
• Ella Nigro
• Frank Naccarato
• Frank Segreto
• Gerald Bertuna
• Jerry Chiapetta
• John Raffaele
• Joseph DiSanto
• Kalman Talbak
• Laurie Windsor
• Louisa Verito
• Mafalda DiMango
• Man Wai Lau
• Maria Campanella
• Msgr. David Cassato
• Nicholas Miraglia
• Rabbi Gary Pollack
• Richard DiNapoli
• Rosa Casella
• Rosalee Manitta
• Shirley Fineman
• Stanley Roher
• Thomas Colasanto
• William Guarinello

Absent
• Anthony Mallozzi
• Camillo Messina
• David Gordon
• Leonard Beninson
• Raymond Mollica
• Sarra Fronshtein
• William Hongach

Excused
• Corrado Manfredi
• Iris Chiu
• Louis Crispiano
• Ross Brady
• Steve Balasiano
• Vincent Nativo

Guests
• Al Fazio (Assemblyman Peter Abbate)
• Brooke Rothenberg (News 12 Brooklyn)
• Elliot Kramer (Councilman Recchia)
• Harold Egeln (Brooklyn Daily Eagle)
• Howard Feuer
• Jeffrey Schwartz (Brooklyn Public Library)
• Katy Rosa (Parks Dept.)
• Louise Martini (Senator Golden)
• Lucretia Regina-Potter (Republican District Leader 49th AD
• Michelle DiMeglio (Bay News)
• Rudolf Rainer (ICL)
• Sal D'Alessio