Meetings - Minutes

February 5th 2009
Community Board 2 Public Hearing and Monthly Meeting

Attendance

Andrew Anzalone	Alyson Baker
Diane Ballek	Kate Brennan
Jean Carubia	Joseph Conley
Lisa Deller	Mary English
Richard Gundlach	Anne Hart
Marvin Jeffcoat	Rev. Joseph Jerome
Mohammed Choudhury Jewel	Ellen Kang
Dominic Lippolis	Gregory Matos
Gertrude McDonald	Michael McSweeney
Dorothy Morehead	Patrick Murray
Patrick O’Brien	Regina Shanley
David Shin	Carol Terrano
James Van Bramer	Al Volpe

Community Board 2 Staff

Debra Markell Kleinert, DM

Mary Ann Gurrado, CB2 Staff

Absentees

Aida Bartolome	Thomas Casey
Bessie Cassaro	Barbara Coleman
Stephen Cooper	Tom Kalamaras
Marie Konecko	Sheila Lewandowski
Rita Manton	Goksel Secilmis
Robert Wilkanowski

Guests

Rosemarie Fogarty, US Census Bureau	Robert Adams, NYSDOT
RoseAnn DeRiso, Manetta’s	Marion Molno
Capt. M. Cass, FDNY	P. Wayne Mahlkoe, Sen. Monserrate
Amanda Ikert, DCP	Rose Tibaldi
Mary Tibaldi	Carmen Espinal, Girl Scouts/Greater NY
Dr. Don Dodelson	Gilbert Maddoch
Manny Perez, Assemb. Den Dekker	Adam Levine, NYSDOT
Welland Fuller, Assemb. Markey	E. Delaney, Councilmember Crowley
Bishop Gerasmos	Dave Arnold, Councilmember Gioia
Matt Quigley	Martha Ayon, NYC Comptroller’s office
Tyler Greve	Deidre Feerick
Emilia Crotty	Moitri Savavd
Penny Lee, DCP	Rachel Amar
Tom Paino	Sam Goldman
Mark Christie	Walter Parcicio
David Rosaso	Lynn Bergewdani

Agenda

Pledge of Allegiance

Comments by Public Officials/Guests Speakers

P. Wayne Mahlkoe of Senator Monserrate’s Office
Mr. Mahlkoe is Senator Monserrate’s Deputy Chief of Staff. This is the first Community Board 2 Meeting he has attended since his office began to oversee this District.

Mr. Mahlkoe discussed several issues that are being addressed in Albany. He said that the Senate majority has been changed over from Republican to Democratic. The Senator recently voted on the Governor’s proposed cuts for the current fiscal year in attempt to balance the Budget. The Senate is currently involved in budget negotiations and will be holding hearings on the upcoming Budget for the next fiscal year, which begins on April 1st.

Mr. Mahlkoe spoke about the economy and said that there is an estimated $13.8 billion dollar deficit.

Mr. Mahlkoe offered the District office address for Senator Monserrate: Senator Monserrate District Office, 32-37 Junction Boulevard, Flushing, New York (718) 205-3881.

Mr. Mahlkoe introduced Andrea Espinoza, a staff member from Senator Monserrate’s office. Ms. Espinoza has been assigned to be the Senator’s Community Board 2 representative. Mr. Mahlkoe entertained questions from Board Members.

Mr. Conley introduced additional elected official representation at the Meeting:

Mr. Manny Perez for Assemblyman Michael Den Dekker;
Mr. Welland Fuller for Assemblywoman Marge Markey;
Ms. Elizabeth Delaney for Councilperson Elizabeth Crowley; and
Mr. David Arnold for Councilperson Eric Gioia

Presentation by Robert Adams, NYS Department of Transportation
Mr. Adam Levine, Public Affairs Director of the New York State Department of Transportation introduced himself to the Attendees. He said that this was his first visit to a Community Board 2 Public Meeting but is familiar with Community Board 2 through the office’s many correspondences. Mr. Levine left contact information for his office located at Hunters Point Plaza.

Kosciuszko Bridge Project; Update

Mr. Robert Adams provided an update on the Kosciuszko Bridge Project and spoke about the Environmental Impact Phase. The final Environmental Impact Statement will identify the alternatives selected for the design phase of this project.

Mr. Adams said that hard copies of the EIS would be available for review at the Community Board 2 offices as well as two Queens Public Libraries branches; the Grand Avenue branch in Maspeth and the Greenpoint Avenue branch in Sunnyside.

Mr. Adams entertained questions from Board Members.

Ms. Martha Ayon, NYC Comptroller’s office.

Ms. Ayon offered an update spoke about recent proposed budget cuts and the Comptroller’s opposition of the MTA fare hikes. The proposal would affect 87 bus routes, 23 subway lines and 196 station booths.

Ms. Ayon also spoke about the Mayor’s budget cut proposals that would affect small businesses, the proposed layoff of teachers, the Department of Buildings’ unpaid fines and the proposed closing of hospitals. She said that these are some of the issues the Comptroller is currently working to address.

Presentation by Roland Miletti, FDNY, Fire Safety Education

Captain Michael Cass has been assigned to the Fire Safety Education Unit. Captain Cass was prepared to explain what programs are available to the community. Captain Cass spoke about classes, programs and lectures that are available seven days a week in all five boroughs. These presentations are free of charge. The presentations are offered to all organizations, centers and schools. Captain Cass offered contact information: (718) 281-3870. Captain Cass distributed information to the Attendees.

Captain Cass reminded all that a working smoke detector is essential in all homes. He recommended that residents test the detectors monthly and change the batteries twice a year. A carbon monoxide detector and an emergency exit plan are also essential.

Captain Cass entertained questions and distributed 9-volt batteries to all the Attendees for their smoke detectors.

Ms. Rose Fogarty, Information Services Specialist for the Regional Office of New York of the United States Census Bureau

Ms. Fogarty distributed information about the 2010 Consensus at this Meeting.

Ms. Fogarty explained how the U.S. Census Bureau conducts a Census. Ms. Fogarty stated that this Census would be conducted differently than in the past.

The Bureau refers to a master address file. This file has all addresses in the United States, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa and the Northern Marianna Islands.

The Bureau then requests a postal sequence file from the United States Postal Service. This file would help the Bureau to update or upgrade the master address file.

The Bureau also seeks assistance from local government for the elimination of addresses that no longer exist.

The Bureau then mails a questionnaire to every address on file. In the past, the Bureau requested that every household complete the questionnaire and mail it back to the Bureau.

Ms. Fogarty referred to the questionnaire as a short form. The questionnaire would only have 7 to 10 questions. The questions are standard. The long form used to ask approximately 50 questions. Those questions are currently asked on a monthly basis through the American Community Survey. The Bureau surveys 250,000 households per month and 3 million households per year. The data is combined over a ten-year period however the data is posted every year.

Ms. Fogarty stated that any information submitted to the Bureau is kept confidential and private by law. All of the data collected is distributed in statistical format.

The most important reason for a Census is counting the population for the House of Representatives. Ms. Fogarty spoke of the potential loss of two seats in New York State within the House of Representatives. The Bureau encourages all to participate in this Census.

The Bureau is currently offering employment. Ms. Fogarty spoke of the announcements of job opportunities advertised within the Community Board 2 District and said that these announcements have proven to be very successful. The Bureau has tested 26,000 applicants for employment. Job advertisements are posted on the Bureau’s website.

Ms. Fogarty represents 19 counties in New York and 18 million people in this area. The Bureau covers a large territory in New York State.

The questionnaire would be mailed in March of 2010. The Bureau expects the responses to be forwarded by July 2010. Should the responses not be returned by July 2010, representatives of the Bureau would begin to inquire door-to-door. The results of this Census must be on the President’s desk by December 31st 2010. The data would then be submitted to the States by March 2011.

Mr. Conley inquired about the hours that the temporary staff would be working. There is a concern for those in the community who work multiple jobs as well as weekend employment. Ms. Fogarty explained that the fieldwork and the canvas opportunities match. This phase is expected to extend for 13 weeks. That would be conducted during the daytime. The next phase, after the questionnaire is mailed out, should the response be low, representatives would then approach households door-to-door. Questionnaire Assistance Sites are also available.

Ms. Fogarty entertained questions from Board Members.

Public Comment

Carmen Espinal, Girl Scouts of Greater New York
Ms. Espinal spoke about current opportunities with the Girl Scouts and distributed information to Attendees. Her contact information was made available.

Ms. Espinal spoke about how the Girl Scouts are seeking volunteers in many different capacities. The GSGNY are hopeful that this community would become more involved. Ms. Espinal spoke about teaching leadership skills. The GSGNY begin from the age of 5 through high school graduation.

Dr. Don Dodelson, Friends of Hunters Point Library at Queens West
Dr. Dodelson spoke of the new proposed library at Queens West. Friends of Hunters Point Library have been working on this proposal for many years. Dr. Dodelson asked if the DCP and the Community Board were aware of this library. Mr. Conley stated that the DCP and the Community Board are aware that the Queens West Library has been renamed to the Hunters Point Library.

Dr. Dodelson stated that the organization has become a Friend’s Group. This is unprecedented, especially since the library has not been developed. Dr. Dodelson spoke of the location of the library across the river from the United Nations Building. He said that the community has the opportunity now to be involved in what the library will become.

Dr. Dodelson stated that the Community Board should contact the organization with regard to fundraising or media expertise.

Dr. Dodelson entertained questions from Board Members.

Mr. Conley spoke about the Community Board’s ongoing participation in this process. He said that the Board had asked for a library on that site in 1988 and that the Borough President has secured $5 million dollars for the development of the library. The Community Board is researching whether that funding is still available. He also said that he believes that the incentive funds that were paid to Met Life by the City of New York to relocate into Queens should be repaid. The debate of the environmental clean up cost for the proposed library has been a continued discussion. Mr. Conley has met with NYSDEC with regard to the methods of clean up and has also spoken to Queens Library system regarding the design of the building.

Mr. Conley said that Citibank had a small satellite library that was one of the busiest systems per square foot. The Community Board is aware of the need for this library and continues to work on this Project.

Dr. Dodelson said that community input is essential to the completion of the library. Dr. Dodelson offered his contact information (718) 340-8407.

Mr. Gilbert Maddoch

Borden Avenue Project
Mr. Maddoch inquired about whether pedestrian and bicycle traffic has permitted. Mr. Conley said that he has not been informed of this issue.

Harlem RBI
Mr. Maddoch is a coach for this organization. Harlem RBI is rejuvenating baseball within the inner cities. Mr. Maddoch said that he is working to bring baseball back into Queens. The organization is called Diamonds in the Rough. Mr. Maddoch is searching for parks or baseball diamonds that have not been maintained. Donations would be applied to restore the ball fields. Mr. Maddoch also stated that volunteers are needed.

Bank of New York
Mr. Maddoch also said that he is employed by the Bank of New York and has developed a financial literacy series within the schools; Financially Literate Youth (FLY). Teachers are working to develop a curriculum. Mr. Maddoch stated that assistance for this project is needed as well. Mr. Maddoch would also like to develop a financial literacy program for parents and asked if anyone with experience in banking or investments would assist.

Mr. Aparicio
Mr. Aparicio spoke about having photographs taken of his house by the Department of Buildings. He said that he has received large fines for the interior of his home and the pool in his yard.

Mr. Aparicio claimed that he was arrested and issued summonses because he is Spanish. He said that he and his family have been harassed.

Mr. Conley explained that Mr. Aparicio received summonses because violations must have been discovered by the Department of Buildings.

Owner of the Copper Kettle Resturant
A representative spoke in opposition of the proposed decrease in parking spaces on the corners along Skillman Avenue. He stated that there are several small businesses that are opposed as well. He explained that his clientele travels from all areas of Queens, as well as the Bronx, Staten Island. There is currently a great deal of double-parking on Skillman Ave.

He requested that the Community Board support an increase in parking not a decrease.

Public Hearing

Department of City Planning is proposing a Citywide Waterfront Text Amendment to the zoning resolution, which will primarily modify design regulations for public access areas to waterfront properties. The proposed changes will generally apply to new residential and commercial developments on waterfront lots in medium and high-density zoning districts, and to commercial and community facility developments on waterfront lots in lower density residential and manufacturing districts (N090239 ZRY). The purpose of the text amendment is to improve the quality of waterfront public access areas and allow for greater design flexibility. This proposal will ensure the development of inviting spaces on waterfront properties that are accessible to the public, thereby improving everyone’s enjoyment of the waterfront.

Penny Lee explained that the DCP adopted zoning regulations for all 576 miles of the City’s waterfront in 1993. From 1993 to the present, developments have been built for residential and commercial uses with varying densities. Public access requirements do not apply to manufacturing uses.

The DCP Zoning and Design Division has been surveying the way waterfront developments have changed overtime. Public access requirements to the water have also been surveyed. Gantry Plaza State Park and the Silvercup access design were included in this study.

In 1993, when the rules were put into effect, the DCP tried to anticipate site conditions along the waterfront without analyzing how development would occur. Generic design standards were adopted for public access but the requirements were uniform.

The DCP is not changing the premise of the waterfront zoning; property is not being added to provide public waterfront access. However, the design standards for waterfront access would become more flexible should this text change be approved. The bulk standards would not change.

Currently the waterfront access requirements apply to zoning lots of bodies of water 100 feet wide or wider. Should the body of water narrow to less than 100 feet upstream it is not required to provide public access. The text would read that when the narrowing of a body of water is man-made then the waterfront public access rules would also apply to the zoning laws. Gates and fences along the shore would no longer be required.

Penny Lee entertained questions.

Consumer Affairs Application

In the matter of renewal of an application for Consumer Affairs License for an Unenclosed Sidewalk Café, 13 tables with 27 seats at Manetta’s Fine Food Corp., 10-76 Jackson Avenue, Long Island City, New York.
There were no Attendees to speak in favor or in opposition of this Application.

Attendance
Present, 26; Absent, 11
A Quorum was Present

Approval of Minutes
A Motion was made to approve the Minutes for January 2009. The Motion was seconded. The Minutes were unanimously approved.

Chairperson’s Report

Sad Announcement
Mr. Conley announced that the community lost an icon in the District, Buster Sabba. Mr. Sabba was very involved with issues throughout the community as well as publishing the Woodside Herald.

In addition, Joe Ruzalski recently passed away. Mr. Ruzalski was a dedicated member of the United 40’s Association. Mr. Ruzalski was involved with the Kosciusko Bridge Project as well as the Waste Transfer Stations.

Mr. Conley requested a moment of silence in memoriam of these two gentlemen.

A Memorial Service for Joe Ruzalski has been scheduled for February 21st, 1pm at the Knights of Columbus Hall.

Engine 258 on 47th Avenue between Vernon Boulevard and 11th Street
The FDNY has not announced any determinations of which, if any, engine houses would close.

Day Laborers
In January, Mr. Conley met with members of the City to discuss this issue. A survey of the community was conducted with the NYPD and a representative who works with the day laborers. A location is currently being sought in the Woodside area for day laborers to gather. A church on Roosevelt Avenue and 69th Street is being considered. Mr. Conley asked if anyone is familiar with the pastor at that church, to speak on behalf of the community and request permission to schedule a meeting.

The Community Board and the NYPD have received many complaints about the increasing number of individuals waiting for work as well as the behavior of men loitering on the streets. The laborers have been congregating on Broadway down to 69th Street in Maspeth.

The Community Board, the NYPD and the Mayor’s office are attempting to get the community’s attention on the issue.

Many considerations in providing a designated site for day laborers to congregate including, the rights of day laborers and the ability of people to obtain information. Mr. Conley spoke about helping the day laborers and the population in our community to know what their rights are.

Corner of Roosevelt Avenue and 69th Street
The Community Board has been receiving complaints regarding this location. Mr. Conley requested dates, times and the most accurate information possible from constituents. This information was submitted to the NYPD. As a result of the information offered, the NYPD conducted three raids and made a number of arrests within buildings in that area.

DOT Workshop in Hunters Point
Mr. Conley spoke about creating more parking, parking turnover, etc. A walk through survey was conducted. Information would be brought back to the Community Board in May. The item would be voted on and submitted to the Speaker of the City Council.

The intersection of Jackson Avenue and 11th Street has been a location under discussion. This is a dangerous location. There is a proposal that is to be brought before the Land Use Committee and the Transportation Committee. The Full Board would vote on this item in March.

Street Fairs
The Community Board signs off on several street fair applications within the community. Mr. Conley spoke about the increased requests for street fair applications on Greenpoint Avenue.

Mr. Conley has attended these events to learn how they are conducted and has spoken with the merchants. The merchants have voiced opposition to these events and stated that the street fairs have had a negative economic impact on the businesses.

Mr. Conley has contacted the four groups that sponsor these events and stated that modifications must be made. All merchants must be included within the fair’s events. The fair should be a community event.

Fairview, the operator, has agreed to review the current format. A suggestion of moving the fair from Greenpoint Avenue to another location was offered.

On Site Meeting with DOT

A tour was conducted with DOT to provide a clearer understanding for the specifics of the Community Board requests.

Cell Tower on Laurel Hill Boulevard and 48th Street
The BSA decided not to review the Community Board’s recommendations. The Applicant agreed to create a design that would camouflage the towers. The BSA told the Applicant to continue with the first design, which would not camouflage the towers. Mr. Conley wrote a letter to the BSA requesting a meeting.

The Applicant has agreed to come before the Land Use Committee. The Applicant continues to make an effort to be a good neighbor. The Land Use Committee would explain that the building is an eye sore for the community. Mr. Conley referred to the building as a “cell phone farm”.

P.S. 199
A site meeting was held to discuss the design of schoolyards. This item would come back for a public vote.

Newspaper Rack Locations
Mr. Condes has requested rack locations. The Community Board is waiting for that information.

Funding for Refurbish the Civil War Monument
Mr. Conley stated that more funding is needed. He continues to request the required funds.

District Manager’s Report

27-28 Thompson Avenue
A site visit was conducted with Assemblywoman Nolan’s office and Councilperson Gioia’s office at this location. The Community Board has received complaints regarding trash and rodents in the garage at this address. The location is not being utilized properly. Consumer Affairs was contacted and summonses were issued. The Department of Health, the Department of Buildings and Department of Sanitation were also notified.

Courthouse
The courthouse has complained that the trash baskets on the corners are not collected nor emptied on the weekends. The Department of Sanitation was notified.

DEP
There has been a dirty water issue in Woodside and the Board staff called 311. The DEP investigated. A regulator was in need of repair. The DEP reported to the Community Board that the problem was corrected. Should the conditions reoccur, the Community Board staff should be contacted.

Waste Transfer Station
This issue would be brought to the Land Use Committee.

Winfield Gardens Recycle Collection
The Community Board staff has not received any more complaints about the recycle collection. The Department of Sanitation has changed the collection process from the alleyway to curbside.

Extension
Digital television conversion has been extended from February 17th to June 12th. The extension is due to the shortage of converter box coupons and the shortage of converter boxes.

Mr. Conley spoke about a letter he wrote with regard to this conversion. The advertisement announces that the converter box coupons can be printed on line; not all residents have a computer. Mr. Conley also stated that the converter boxes should be free since residents are being forced to switch. Mr. Conley expressed concern for the seniors.

City Planning Report

Jackson Avenue Street Scape Project
This Project is underway. Penny Lee inquired as to whether there were any issues that the community wanted to report with regard to the construction.

Queen Plaza
This Project went back out to bid on January 20th. The DCP hopes that they will receive decent bids and begin construction in the spring. The bids are due February 20th.

Queens Plaza Elevated Structure
The DCP is scheduled to meet with the DOT regarding the painting project for this structure in the fall.

Zoning Text Amendment Public Hearing
Information would be offered by the DCP in March. This is related to the Long Island City Special District.

The tape stopped recording.

Committee Reports

Environment Committee
The report for this Committee was not recorded.

Veteran’s Committee
Portions of this presentation were not recorded.

Mr. Jeffcoat spoke of donations for the Borden Avenue Shelter.

City Services and Public Safety Committee

Mr. O’Brien spoke about a presentation offered by the Safer Skillman Avenue organization at the January City Services and Public Safety Committee Meeting.

The organization spoke about safety issues for pedestrians at particular intersections along Skillman Avenue. They proposed that certain parking spaces be eliminated on the north side of Skillman Avenue and 52nd Street. After hearing the presentation, the Committee agreed that there are problems with safety issues. However, the elimination of parking spaces would not be the Committee’s approach to a solution. Other possibilities should be explored. Mr. O’Brien stated that a traffic light would be the logical solution.

The DOT conducted a study of several intersections along Skillman Avenue last spring. Those studies would not be repeated before 18 months. Mr. O’Brien would contact the DOT to inquire about the intersection of 52nd Street and Skillman Avenue. That intersection was not surveyed last spring. Mr. O’Brien would inquire about a traffic light addition at this location. A traffic light would best accommodate pedestrian safety as well as preserving parking spaces in the area.

The organization went before the Committee seeking support with regard to the elimination of parking spaces on Skillman Avenue. The Committee explained that other alternatives would be researched and the Committee would contact the DOT.

Liquor Licenses along Roosevelt Avenue
Mr. O’Brien discussed how the SLA has been focused on the voice of the City Services and Public Safety Committee of Community Board 2. Mr. O’Brien spoke about two locations on Roosevelt Avenue.

53-22 Roosevelt Avenue
This was a location a problem for the community. Mr. O’Brien reported that the State Liquor Authority has cancelled the liquor license for this establishment.

53-16 Roosevelt Avenue
This location has not filed for the renewal of a liquor license. The City Services and Public Safety Committee has complained about this establishment and the location has received a significant amount of summonses over the years.

Mr. O’Brien spoke of a third location that filed for an on premise liquor license last spring. The establishment is on the same block as the sites mentioned above. The City Services and Public Safety Committee testified in opposition to the issuance of the Application due to the 500 Foot Rule. To date, the SLA has not made a determination on that hearing. The establishment has been operating on monthly temporary permits. Mr. O’Brien spoke of a liaison at the SLA, Mr. David Christian, explained that a hold has been issued on the Application. A decision would not be met until the State Liquor Authority comes before the City Services and Public Safety Committee.

Common Ground
This organization contacted the City Services and Public Safety Committee. Common Ground provides social services to the homeless. The organization responded to an RFP from the Department of Homeless Services to place a drop-in center in Queens. The center would provide services for the street homeless. Services would include social services in an effort to find permanent housing.

The locations that are preferred are within the Community Board 2 District. Currently this is only a proposal; no contracts have been drawn. Mr. O’Brien spoke with Common Ground representatives and learned of the actual addresses being sought. The addresses are: 33-20 43rd Street and 37-20 56th Street.

This would be brought before the Full Board. The addresses being considered are in close proximity of residential areas. The RFP discusses the importance of having drop-in centers close to public transportation. The addresses are not near public transportation.

Mr. Conley and Mr. O’Brien have surmised that this District does not have a large homeless population. Mr. Conley also noted that this proposal in not actually a drop-in center but a pick-up and bring-to center. Mr. Conley stated that the District already houses a homeless shelter and a prison, etc. The Community Board would be opposed to this proposal.

Mr. O’Brien added that this center would not open for operation until 8:30 in the evening to accommodate the homeless during inclement weather.

A Committee Member spoke of a letter received from Mr. Phillip Watson at ACQC. This organization is applying for a grant to create a drop-in center at 44-61 11th Street. This center would be opened seven days per week from 7:30 to 8:30. Mr. Watson has requested a meeting with the Community Board to discuss this issue. Mr. Conley stated that this address is not near public transportation and explained that the area does not have a homeless problem.

Mr. O’Brien explained that the deadline for these proposals was January 15th 2009. These organizations are reaching out to all Community Boards seeking placement.

Land Use Committee

Presentation by the Department of Transportation
Ms. Deller reported that at the January Land Use Committee Meeting, Commissioner McCarthy of the DOT discussed the dangerous intersection at the entrance and exit of the Pulaski Bridge.

The DOT has proposed eliminating right turns from the Bridge, motorists would exit from the service road, vehicles from 11th Street and 49th Avenue would turn right only, pedestrian islands would be added, and 49th Avenue would allow for one way traffic headed east for one block only; 49th Avenue would be a two way street otherwise.

Ms. Deller encouraged comments or input from constituents that could be submitted to the DOT. The DOT has expressed great concern for improving safety at this location.

Mr. Conley spoke of a presentation offered by the DOT in Hunters Point on February 2nd. Mr. Tom Paino was in attendance and offered good suggestions. Mr. Conley told the Attendees that the presentation is available on the DOT’s website. Mr. Conley would circulate a copy to the Board Members. The DOT would be invited to the next Community Board Meeting and this would be voted on.

Review Avenue Transfer Station
Ms. Deller said that this item has been a concern of the Community Board for a long time. The location is an existing site that is owned and operated by Waste Management and they plans to expand the location. Sanitation trucks would deliver the waste to the transfer station, unload it and transport the trash through Community Boards 2 and 5 and load it onto a train.

Mr. Conley has calculated that there would be a 90% increase of sanitation traffic in and out of that location.

The Department of Sanitation is planning to come before the Community Board to discuss truck routes. Mr. Conley would like to discuss trucks utilizing 48th Avenue. Delivery of construction material would also be discussed.

Vote on Manetta’s Unenclosed Café with Tables and Chairs

A Motion was made to approve this Application. The Motion was seconded.
In Favor 25 Opposed 0 Abstention 0

Chairperson present but not voting

Ms. Deller offered a summary of the Citywide Text Amendment. She noted that this Amendment does not address parking issue and does not apply to Hunters Point South, which is a State project.

Vote on Proposed Citywide Waterfront Text Amendment

A Motion was made to approve this Amendment. The Motion was seconded.

In Favor 22 Opposed 2 Abstention 1

Chairperson present but not voting

Annabel Basin
Ms. Deller recommended that the Land Use Committee and the Environment Committee work together on this issue.

Health and Human Services Committee
Ms. Terrano offered a report for this Committee. She spoke of a site visit to St. John’s Hospital in October. One of the issues discussed, was the use of the emergency room for primary care. This has been proven to be a great expense. Those who have utilized the emergency room for illnesses such as a head cold have been encouraged to utilize the facilities along Queens Boulevard and develop a relationship with a primary care physician.

Designated Stroke Center
Ms. Terrano explained that should someone suffer a stroke as a result of a blood clot, it is imperative to receive medication within three hours. St. John’s Hospital and Elmhurst Hospital have these centers.

Coronary and Vascular Unit
Ms. Terrano said that this Unit is excellent however the Unit is not permitted to insert stents.

Ms. Terrano spoke highly of this hospital and the staff. She said that this hospital is in danger of closing and spoke of the need of a hospital in the area. This is a great problem. Ms. Terrano suggested writing to our elected officials.

Upcoming Site Visit
The next site visit has been scheduled for March 18th at the Queens Boulevard Extended Care Facility.

Ms. Terrano invited Board Members to join the Committee. The Health and Human Services is a small Committee and additional members are needed.

This Meeting was adjourned.

The next Community Board Monthly Meeting and Public Hearing has been scheduled for Thursday, March 5th 2009.

Respectfully submitted by:
Cheryl Sinnott