Monthly Minutes - September 2009

Pledge Of Allegiance top

Councilman Domenic M. Recchia Jr. had the honor of leading the Pledge.

Public Portion top

Michelle Weiss, a resident of Bay 29th Street between Bath and Benson Avenues, spoke regarding a building that was being constructed that has not been completed. She stated that the sidewalk is in disrepair and there are unsanitary conditions. She further stated that she contacted the Community Board office, which was very helpful, but she requested that the issues be addressed faster.

Daniel, a Journalism student at Columbia University Graduate School, advised that he would be covering the Bensonhurst community this semester. He will be writing a story every week and looks forward to working with the community.

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

Councilman Recchia top

The councilman welcomed everyone back from the summer recess. He advised that he is working on many projects, but the one that he is most focused on is the issue related to 86th Street. The councilman advised that the city is no longer going to permit the landowners and tenants of these stores run our community. He stated there are going to be changes in how these merchants operate and the goal is not to hurt business but to make it better.

Councilman Recchia thanked the District Manager for her assistance and advised that she would elaborate on the issue of 86th Street during her report.

He further reported the opening of new schools within our community, afterschool programs, and the amnesty program for ECB summonses.

Moment Of Silence top

The chairman requested a moment of silence for Louisa Verito, longtime Treasurer of Community Board 11, and Patrina Raffaele, sister of John Raffaele, and Susan Milone, mother of Al Milone.

Minutes top

A motion was made by Louis Crispiano to adopt the minutes of the June 11, 2009 meeting. Seconded by James Orlando. Unanimously adopted.

Chairman's Report top

Mr. Guarinello advised that during the summer recess the 2009-2010 committee assignment were made and are available this evening for distribution.

The chairman advised that Councilman Gentile will be holding the street renaming ceremony for Bob Buonvino on Saturday, September 26th, at the corner of 18th Avenue and 83rd Street at 11 AM. All are invited to attend.

The chairman introduced Angelo Russo, who was appointed to Community Board 11 by the Borough President to fill a vacancy.

Mr. Guarinello requested that the Public Safety Committee meet to discuss the issue of commercial vehicles parking overnight on our streets. He further stated that this problem was a citywide issue, and although the 62nd Precinct is very responsive to the issue within our District, it is a quality of life issue that needs to be addressed.

There was discussion regarding oil trucks and vehicles with livery plates.

The chairman advised that that committee will meet to discuss these issues.

Mr. Guarinello discussed the issue of illegal curb cuts within the community. He stated that that he will request that the appropriate committees meet to investigate this issue and report their recommendations to the Board.

The chairman advised that we have received a request to rename 77th Street and 21st Avenue in honor of Angelo F. Campanella Sr., which is being referred to the Parks and Library Committee.

Assemblyman Peter Abbate top

The assemblyman advised that during the summer recess he has been working in the community. He discussed the 2 billion dollar budget deficit the state is facing, and it is his fear that since health care is the largest part of the budget, cuts may be made.

He advised that his office is always available and urged people to contact him if assistance is needed.

Nominating Committee Report top

Vincent Nativo, Chairman of the Nominating Committee, advised that due to the passing of Louisa Verito, the committee presents Nick Miraglia to fill the vacancy of Treasurer and Man Wai Lau to serve as Secretary, to serve out the term of the original selected.

A motion was made by Frank Segreto to accept the recommendation of the committee. Seconded by Louis Crispiano. Unanimously adopted.

The chairman congratulated the new officers.

Planning And Zoning Committee top

Frank Segreto, Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Committee, reported that a renewal application for a sidewalk cafe has been received by Mona Lisa Bakery, 1476 86th Street. Mr. Segreto advised that at the May meeting a public hearing was held on this application for the purpose of a modification to the license. Since there are no changes to the application, nor have there been any complaints filed, a public hearing is not warranted.

A motion was made by Man Wai Lau to approve the renewal application as submitted. Seconded by Nicholas Miraglia. Unanimously adopted.

Councilman Vincent Gentile top

The councilman advised that the Department of Transportation has modified their rules to allow parking at "T" intersections. If at those curb cuts, there are no crosswalk markings or traffic signal, parking is now permitted. The Traffic Enforcement Agents are now being trained regarding the new regulations and if anyone receives a summons at these legal parking spots he should immediately contact the councilman's office.

Councilman Gentile announces that he has sponsored a series of bills in the Council that will assist residents in adjudicating their tickets. The bills call for the ability of respondents who are appealing their tickets via the internet to be able to upload documentation online, calling upon the Administrative Law Judge to provide clear documentation on the reasons that evidence is not persuasive, and the halting of accruing penalties while a ticket is being appealed.

Councilman Gentile presented a $1,000 grant to Community Board 11 to assist with the Board's operations.

Congressman Mcmahon top

Congressman McMahon thanked the members of Community Board 11 for their work on behalf of the Bensonhurst community.

The congressman announced some of the issues that he is working on: Stimulus Funds have been obtained for the rehabilitation of the D and M lines within the District in the amount of $244 million dollars, $3.5 million dollars for the Fort Hamilton Community Club, and $70 million dollars for the 9/11 Workers Health Care Clinic Fund.

Additionally, a $5 million dollar appropriation was submitted to the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for the rehabilitation of the Shore Parkway Bike path. This will be part of the new 5-year authorization bill.

He further announced that presently there will be no closures to Brooklyn Post Offices.

Congressman McMahon addressed the issue of Health Care. He stated that his position is, reform is needed, but the current bill puts too much of a burden on small businesses and taxpayers.

The chairman thanked the congressman for attending the meeting.

District Manager's Report top

Marnee Elias-Pavia reported that at the June meeting there was discussion regarding the conditions on 86th Street, as they relate to the manner of which merchants are displaying their merchandise and general sanitation conditions.

On June 16th, the Mayor's Community Assistance Unit coordinated a multi agency response on 86th Street from 23rd Avenue to 20th Avenue to address issues of noncompliance. There were 131 summonses issued by the Department of Consumer Affairs and confiscation of produce was made to fruit stands that were obstructing the sidewalk, as well as produce displayed on crates.

A follow-up meeting was held last week with Small Business Services and the Mayor's Community Assistance Unit where a plan of action was presented. There will be extensive outreach to the merchants on 86th Street to educate the merchants on the rules and regulations associated with their business operations. This will be done by a series of educational seminars.

The District Manager thanked Councilman Recchia for the attention and support he has provided in addressing the issues on 86th Street.

Marnee Elias-Pavia reported that during the summer she met with the project engineer and community liaison of the Avenue V sewer upgrade project. The project is on schedule and is scheduled to be completed by January 2011. Bay 8th Street is scheduled to be landscaped this fall and 24-hour operations will begin on or about September 21st on work relating to jacking pit installation at Belt Parkway and Bay Parkway.

The Department of Transportation has begun work on the Bay Parkway westbound exit ramp and Bay Parkway. They are removing the triangle and making two lanes southbound and two lanes northbound and adding a traffic light.

Reaching out Community Services is conducting their first Walk for Hunger event, called "Helping Neighbors in Need" Walk-a-thon on October 3, 2009 at Dyker Park at 10 AM. For further information, call 718-373-4565

A motion was made by Frank Segreto to adjourn. Seconded by Louis Crispiano. Unanimously adopted.

Attendance top

Present
• Bart Allegretti
• Gerald Bertuna
• Ross Brady
• Maria Campanella
• Albert Campanelli
• Joseph Caruana
• Rosa Casella
• Msgr. David Cassato
• Thomas Colasanto
• Louis Crispiano
• Salvatore D'Alessio
• Mafalda DiMango
• Joseph DiSanto
• Paul DiSpirito
• Charles Farrauto
• Shirley Fineman
• John Garvey
• William Guarinello
• Eileen LaRuffa
• Man Wai Lau
• Rosalee Manitta
• Albert Milone
• Nicholas Miraglia
• Raymond Mollica
• Vincent Nativo
• James Orlando
• Angelo Russo
• Frank Segreto
• Antonio Troia
• Laurie Windsor

Absent
• Leonard Beninson
• Iris Chiu
• Donald Clark
• Anthony Favale
• Sarra Fronshtein
• Anthony Mallozzi
• Corrado Manfredi
• Stanley Roher
• Kalman Talbak

Excused
• Steve Balasiano
• Jerry Chiapetta
• Angel Geraldi
• Kevin Ly
• Camillo Messina
• Ella Nigro
• Barbara Parisi
• Rabbi Gary Pollack
• John Raffaele
• Angelo Siciliano

Guests
• Daniel Roberts
• Michele Weiss
• Franca Bove - NIA
• Elliot Kramer - Councilman Recchia
• Lucille and Andrew Santana
• Al Fazio - Assemblyman Abbate
• Michael Sciaraffo - Councilman Gentile
• Victoria Curto