Meetings - Minutes

January 8th 2009
Community Board 2 Public Hearing and Monthly Meeting

Attendance

Andrew Anzalone	Alyson Baker
Diane Ballek	Kate Brennan
Jean Carubia	Thomas Casey
Bessie Cassaro	Joseph Conley
Stephen Cooper	Mary English
Richard Gundlach	Anne Hart
Marvin Jeffcoat	Rev. Joseph Jerome
Tom Kalamaras	Ellen Kang
Marie Konecko	Sheila Lewandowski
Dominic Lippolis	Gregory Matos
Gertrude McDonald	Dorothy Morehead
Patrick Murray	Patrick O’Brien
Goksel Secilmis	Regina Shanley
David Shin	Carol Terrano
Al Volpe	Robert Wilkanowski
Debra Markell Kleinert, District Manager	MaryAnn Gurrado, CB 2 Staff

Absentees

Aida Bartolome	Lisa Deller
Rita Manton	Michael McSweeney
James Van Bramer

Guests

Joseph Allegro	Jim Condes
New Yorkers/ Dept. of Peace Vito Rak	Assembly Member Den Dekker
Janet Arroyo	Assembly Member Michael Den Dekker
Laura Heim	AIA Queens Fatima Coleman, Queens TA
Dan Jacoby	Democracy for NY Martha Ayon, Comptrollers Office
Alexandra Patino	NYC Family Justice Welland Fuller, Assmb. Markey
Manny Perez

Agenda

Pledge of Allegiance

Comments by Public Officials/Guest Speakers

Assemblyman Mike Den Dekker
Mr. Conley welcomed Assemblyman Mike Den Dekker to this Meeting.

Assemblyman Den Dekker who was elected to the New York State Assembly on November 4th 2008 introduced himself, as well as, the Community Liaison for his office, Manny Perez. The Assemblyman said that he was once an employee of the Department of Sanitation and has worked within the neighborhoods of the District. He said that he was honored to be at this meeting and that he would have a representative from his office at all the Community Board Meetings.

Assemblyman Den Dekker spoke of New York State’s current economic crisis. To date, the State is approximately $15 billion short in covering all of the expenses in next year’s budget. New York State has identified 40 “shovel ready projects”, that may be eligible to be funded as part of the proposed $750 billion dollar Federal stimulus package. These projects would also create new jobs. Assemblyman Den Dekker said that he would keep the community apprised on this issue.

The Assemblyman outlined the geographic areas of the City that he represents. In Community Board 2, his district runs from the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway to Roosevelt Avenue and 52nd Street.

Presentation by the New York City Family Justice Center, Alexandra Patino, Esq.
Ms. Patino spoke about a current project that the Mayor’s office has recently launched in Queens; the New York City Family Justice Center. This Center, which opened on July 21, 2008, has been created for victims of domestic violence who either reside in Queens or have been victimized in Queens. The facility is located in Kew Gardens near Borough Hall.

There are 21 not-for-profit City Agencies located at the Center, including legal assistance, law enforcement and the District Attorney’s office. Visitors are assisted in finding housing, crisis counseling, and case management, support groups, etc. To date, they have served over 1700 clients and more than 3,300 visitors. There is a children’s center on site so that children do not need be present when a parent may be discussing their personal situations.

Ms. Patino said that she can be reached on her direct telephone number; (718) 575-4545 and offered brochures for the Attendees. The facility is opened Monday thru Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.

Mr. Conley encouraged all to learn more information about this Center.

Public Comment

Joseph Allegro, New Yorkers for a Department of Peace and Nonviolence
Mr. Allegro asked the Attendees to respond by a show of hands, if anyone has ever been affected by conflict, abuse or violence.

Mr. Allegro spoke about a Bill, HR808, in the House of Representatives called Department of Peace and Nonviolence. This Bill would create a Cabinet Level Department of Peace with a Secretary of Peace who would bring a voice for the power of peace to the table in Washington.

The Bill also creates a Peace Academy, which would bring programs to schools from the elementary grade to post-graduate level on non-violence resolution, community conferencing, etc.

Within the New York City Council, a City Council Resolution, 627 supports the Federal Bill, R808. Currently, there are 37 cities across the country that has passed similar legislation. Some of those cities are Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit and Los Angeles. There are also 70 Congressional Co-sponsors of the Bill.

This Department would provide institutional assistance and funding to successful, existing programs such as the New York City Family Justice Center. Mr. Allegro encouraged all Attendees to contact their City Councilperson as well the local Congressman to express support of the two Bills discussed during this presentation.

Mr. Conley asked for a website for the Attendees to review this item further. Mr. Allegro provided literature in which there are many website addresses as well as telephone numbers. Mr. Allegro also offered his telephone number (917) 837-2016. He said that Mr. Kevin Fagan is the local contact for this District and that Mr. Fagan’s contact information is provided in the literature.

Mr. Allegro entertained questions from Board Members.

Janet Arroyo, the New York City Coalition for a Smoke Free City-Youth Initiatives
Ms. Arroyo explained that this organization has launched a new project working with youth to educate the tobacco industry about the impact that the tobacco advertisements have on our children. This organization encourages the tobacco industry to eliminate, not just drastically reduce tobacco advertisements within communities. Ms. Arroyo offered photographs of tobacco advertisements along the routes children take to and from school daily and noted that these advertisements are influential to children. Ms. Arroyo spoke of tobacco advertisements within close proximity to the candy children buy in candy stores.

Ms. Arroyo spoke of the involvement that the youth would have within this campaign. They would also offer a presentation discussing the success of this campaign within the community.

Ms. Arroyo spoke of support that this organization is seeking from the Community Board and she entertained questions from Board Members.

Laura Heim, AIA Queens
Ms. Heim introduced herself and said that the local community may be familiar with her for her efforts to the designate Sunnyside Gardens as a Landmark. Ms. Heim announced that, in part due to those efforts; she has been elected President of the Queens Chapter of the American Institute of Architect. The American Institute of Architect is the voice of the Architecture profession of the Unites States.

Ms. Heim said that as part of her outreach she would be accessible to discuss any issues that need to be addressed. She can be contacted at (718) 360-4959.

Mr. Conley congratulated Ms. Heim.

Ms. Heim entertained questions from Board Members.

Jim Condes

Maintenance of News Racks along Roosevelt Avenue, Woodside
Mr. Condes testified that the maintenance of the news racks along Roosevelt Ave. has been severely neglected. He added that he has attempted to address this issue for over a year and while Community Board 2 and Councilman Gioia have written letters to the Department of Transportation expressing concern and seeking maintenance of the racks there has been no improvement. Mr. Condes stated that this issue is “past the letter writing stage”.

Mr. Condes spoke of a local newspaper that discontinued circulation recently. He said that this organization was “the worst of the worst” and did not provide maintenance. Mr. Condes stated that the racks provided for that newspaper would continue to erode.

The news racks are littered with debris and trash deposited by pedestrians and regularly, do not have up-to-date newspapers, he said. Mr. Condes spoke of the survey of the racks that he and a representative from Councilman Gioia’s office conducted. Photographs were taken of the violations. Mr. Condes stated that several summonses were issued as a result of these violations. Mr. Condes said that he is not confident that the summonses would rectify the situation.

Mr. Condes asked that Councilman Gioia and Community Board 2 communicate on behalf of the community requesting resolution to this issue. Mr. Condes entertained questions from Board Members.

Vito Rak
Mr. Rak introduced himself and wished all Attendees a, “Happy New Year”.

Recognition of Community Board 2 at the Sunnyside Community Center
Mr. Rak spoke about recognizing Community Board 2 at the venue that hosts the monthly Meeting with a banner.

Deteriorating Property of the LIRR
Mr. Rak reminded the Community Board of the LIRR underpass issue he has presented at past Meetings. He said that the location continues to sustain cracks and water leaks and expressed his concern for pedestrians. Mr. Rak added that while he understands that the LIRR is a difficult Agency to communicate with, it is important that the Community Board continue to work to resolve this problem. The areas of concern are located at 57th Street, 56th Street at 38th Avenue and 39th Avenue.

Martha Ayon, City Comptrollers Office
Ms. Ayon spoke about the Mayor’s FY09 Budget. She said that the Budget gap has been forecast to be $1.9 billion dollars in FY09 and decrease to $1.5 billion dollars in FY 2010. It is anticipated to drop to as much as $5 billion dollars in the fiscal year 2011. Ms. Ayon offered the website, www.comptroller.nyc.gov for more information. Ms. Ayon spoke about funding for senior centers. The presentation was inaudible.

Ms. Ayon spoke about funding for the MTA. Ms. Ayon spoke of a proposed fee for vehicles driven by residents of New York City. A Committee Member expressed concern that those who utilize our roads and do no reside in New York City would not be responsible for paying this additional fee.

Public Hearing

Proposed Citywide Bicycle Text Amendment to the zoning resolution to require indoor bicycle parking in new multi-family residential buildings, community facilities and commercial buildings (N 080078 ZRY)
There were no presentations offered in favor or in opposition of this item at this Meeting.

Attendance
32 Present; 5 Absent

Approval of Minutes
A Motion was made to approve the Minutes for Community Board 2’s December Meeting. The Motion was seconded.

The Minutes for the December 2008 Meeting were unanimously approved.

Chairperson’s Report

MTA
Mr. Conley spoke about the drastic change that the community is experiencing with regard to bus service. He informed member about a Meeting at the Borough President’s office to discuss this issue. He said that what the MTA has done to this community as well as other communities is shameful. Mr. Conley stated that the Community Board would continue to work to improve bus service and No. 7 subway service.

Mr. Conley and Board Members spoke about this issue further. Mr. Conley said that he had spoken with the Speaker and the DOT Commissioner and requested communication when there are modifications to the bus routes. Mr. Conley offered several different examples of changes that did not make sense and expressed concern about the bus stop near the senior center.

New Sub-Committee for the Transportation Committee
Mr. Conley announced that a new sub-committee would be created for the Transportation Committee of Community Board 2. Beginning on Monday, January 12th 2009, the sub-committee would begin to meet. The Agenda would discuss traffic, parking, buses, subways, etc. After a series of meetings, (approximately 6 months), the Community Board would seek input from the community.

Street Fairs on Greenpoint Avenue, Sunnyside
Mr. Conley said that Greenpoint Avenue is closed four times per year for street fairs. He spoke about arranging a meeting with the merchants and the organizations that run the street fairs, since the merchants have expressed that the street fairs have had a negative effect on business. The meeting would address possible modifications to improve the quality of the street fairs and to generate more business. Mr. Conley stated that it was unclear whether the Sunnyside BID would be in attendance.

Borough President’s State of the Borough
This event has been schedule for Tuesday, January 13th at Queens College.

Borden Avenue Bridge
Mr. Conley announced that the Borden Avenue Bridge has been closed and is undergoing emergency repairs. A survey was conducted by the DOT, which issued an emergency shutdown order. The roadway west bound on the Bridge is in need of repair. The DOT must notify the Community Board and the community of the traffic detours.

Queensboro Bridge
Mr. Conley spoke about the upcoming of construction on Ramp G.

Traffic Signal at the intersection of 43rd Avenue and 51st Street
Mr. Conley announced that this project should be completed by April 30th 2009.

The Brooklyn-Queens Expressway Project
All phases of this project have been completed.

The Kosciuszko Bridge Project
This is going to be a major project within the community. Mr. Conley stated that an update would be brought to the Full Board.

Department of Sanitation Issues
Recycling collection in Winfield Gardens has been changed from pick up in the alleyways. Out of the 255 people who live in Winfield Gardens, 14 residences did not put their garbage at the curb. The DOS stated that this was successful.

Digital Television
Starting February 17th 2009 those without cable service will not receive television reception. Applications for converter boxes are available.

Newsracks
Mr. Conley spoke about the news rack outside the Community Board office that was essentially a trash bin. With Ms. Gurrado’s persistence, the news rack was finally removed.

The Community Board began a campaign in 2001 to address the issue of the lack of upkeep of news racks. Mr. Conley took photographs and forwarded them to the editors of the newspapers. Mr. Conley suggested that Mr. Condes revive this campaign and do the same.

Day Laborers

There has been an increase in the number of unemployed day laborers loitering in the community. Mr. Conley stated that this issue was addressed last spring/summer. The police department was contacted and two arrests were made at the common location where day laborers congregate. The area is on Roosevelt Avenue and 69th Street. The Laborers now congregate in groups of three. The police cannot act on a group of three, only a crowd of people. Neighbors have been complaining of feeling insecure and unsafe when the laborers are in the area. Residents have visited the Community Board office and the Mayor’s office has become involved. The Community Board has argued that the laborers also have rights. They have been victims of gang attacks, reneging of wages for a days work by those who have hired them, and other issues.

There have been several meetings held to discuss this issue. Mr. Conley stated that the Mayor’s office would continue to work with the Community Board on the issue.

District Manager’s Report

Website for Community Board 2, Queens
Ms. Markell offered an update for the Attendees on how to find all the information offered on the website, www.queenscb.org

Ms. Markell explained that visitors need to click onto the above website, which is the Borough President’s office, and then click onto CB2. The calendars, announcements, and other information would be found. More details would go directly into CB2’s website.

DDC Project; 54th Avenue and Maurice Avenue

This project has begun and is scheduled for approximately November or December 2009. Water mains would be shut off in January and February. The Community Board offices would be notified when this would occur.

City Planning Report

Queens Plaza Elevated Train
Penny Lee announced that the El is slated to be painted. This project is in the design phase and is expected to begin in the fall. The color of paint is under discussion. Currently, hunter green paint has been chosen. Suggestions have been offered for a different color such as gray.

The painting would occur at about the same time that Queens Plaza would be under construction. This has brought up concern about possible conflicts. Ms. Lee said she would update the Board as this project moves forward.

Waterfront Zoning Public Access Requirements
The DCP have referred changes to this text. This would be discussed at the next Land Use Committee Meeting in January and a Public Hearing is expected to be scheduled for February.

Indoor Bicycle Parking
In 2001, Community Board 2 adopted the first Indoor Bicycle Requirement in the City. At that time, indoor bicycle requirements only applied to office space. Since 2001, the City has tried to improve the bicycle infrastructure of the City and increase the number of bicycles driven citywide.

Residential buildings that have less than 10 units are exempt;
Larger multi-family buildings are required to provide bicycle parking for 50% of the existing units;
Commercial uses are required to provide one space for every 7,500 square foot of floor area;
Hotels and Retail uses are required to provide one space for every 10,000 square foot of floor area;
Entertainment uses are required to provide one space for every 20,000 square foot of floor area;
Public parking garages are required to provide one space for every 10,000 square foot of floor area;
Universities and Colleges are required to provide one space for every 5,000 square foot of floor area. This requirement allows for outdoor space as well.
Manufacturing uses is the only category that is exempt from this requirement unless the space has been converted from manufacturing to residential.
Art studios do not require this provision.
Hospitals are required to provide one space for every 10,000 square foot of floor area.
Houses of Worship and Industrial uses do not have a requirement.
Other uses have a one space per 10,000-foot requirement.

The indoor bicycle space is not considered as floor area.

Penny Lee addressed questions that were discussed at the December Land Use Committee Meeting.

Different standards for bicycle parking at schools were discussed. The Department of City Planning’s Zoning Commission is prepared to review all recommendations that are addressed to the Commission from all Community Boards.

A Committee Member inquired about whether there would be a cost for parking bicycle parking. This would be decided at the discretion of the landlord. Although, a survey was conducted on a significant number of locations that already provide bicycle parking. There may be two locations that actually charge a parking fee for bicycles. Bicycle parking does not require a large space.

This Committee Member inquired about insurance for bicycle parking. The parking facilities are locked and secure locations.

This requirement applies to new developments and locations are over a specific size. Not-for profit locations are required to provide space for parking.

Penny Lee entertained questions.

The location of the area for parking for bicycles and how the bicycle owner accesses that location is left to the discretion of the landlord, Ms. Lee said.

Mr. Conley stated that the Community Board would recommend that the bicycle parking provision require that elementary schools and high schools provide more parking spaces for students.

Art galleries are exempt. Conversions to residential use would be required to provide bicycle parking space.

A Committee Member spoke about the current development of buildings that are not required to provide this space. As bicycle transportation increases, there was concern expressed the anticipated growth of bicycle parking needs along sidewalks. The DOT is working to provide bicycle racks on sidewalks, at subway stations as well as increase bicycle parking at parking garages.

Committee Reports

Veteran’s Committee

Proposed Syringe Exchange Program
Mr. Jeffcoat spoke about the proposal of a syringe exchange program at the Borden Avenue Shelter. Mr. Jeffcoat disagrees with this proposal.

Crime Statistics for the Last Cycle
The NYPD has stated that there were no crimes reported during the last cycle, which involved any individuals from the Shelter.

Current Census
There are 213 men and 17 women currently reside at the Shelter. There have been 92 residents placed into suitable housing; 4 residents have returned.

Staff Training
The Staff would undergo CTI Training (Critical Timing Intervention).

Clothing Drop Box
Mr. Jeffcoat stated that there is a drop box at the entrance of the Shelter for donations.

Christmas Party
The Shelter hosted a successful Christmas Party on December 23rd.

Statewide Budget Cuts
ICO has expressed fiscal concern due to the statewide budget cuts. An organized group is expected to travel to Albany to speak in opposition of this item.

Resident Status
ICO was unable to provide Mr. Jeffcoat information regarding the status of residents that resided at the Shelter prior to the renovations.

Accuracy of the Minutes
ICO would focus on the accuracy of the Minutes recorded at meetings.

Community Advisory Board (CAB) Participation
Mr. Jeffcoat announced that anyone who is interested in applying for this Board, to please contact the ICO staff and request an Application.

Scheduled Meetings
The next Veteran’s Committee Meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, January 20th, 6 pm at the Community Board offices.

The next CAB Meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, January 21st, 6:30 pm at the Borden Avenue Shelter, 21-10 Borden Avenue, and Long Island City.

Mr. Jeffcoat entertained questions.

Suicide and Crisis Telephone Number
(800) 273-TALK

Mr. Jeffcoat also stated that should anyone know a Veteran in crisis to contact him.

City Services and Public Safety Committee
Mr. O’Brien did not have any updated information to report; Mr. O’Brien recommended that Attendees review the Minutes for December 2008.

Mr. O’Brien thanked all for their support and prayers after the passing of his Mother in December.

The next City Services and Public Safety Committee Meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, January 13th 2009.

Land Use Committee

Vote on Proposed Citywide Bicycle Text Amendment

(N 080078 ZRY)
A Motion was made to approve this Proposal, as amended, with the provision to increase the size of the bicycle parking for schools by 50%. The Motion was seconded.

In Favor 28 Opposed 3 Abstentions

Chairperson present but not voting

Health and Human Services Committee
Ms. Terrano, Co-Chairperson, did not have information to report at this Meeting. Ms. Terrano expects to offer an extensive report in February that would discuss a visit to St. John’s Hospital. Community Board 2 Member, Ms. Rita Manton, is also a Co-Chairperson for this Committee.

Environment Committee
Ms. Morehead did not offer a report for the Committee at this Meeting. Ms. Morehead has recently returned to the Community Board Meetings after recovering from pneumonia. Welcome back, Dorothy!

Waste Transfer Station
Mr. Conley stated that the Community Board would meet with Ms. Morehead to offer an update on the Waste Transfer Station.

Old Business/New Business

Reverse a Vote
Board Member, Sheila Lewandowski, inquired as to whether she could reverse her decision on her vote for the Proposed Citywide Bicycle Text Amendment.

Ms. Lewandowski expressed concern about the lack of public notice for the Hearing and the lack of public attendance.

Mr. Conley said that to announce a Public Hearing, a Public Notice is issued to the City Record as well as the newspapers. Although it is not common, there have been times that the newspapers do not announce the Public Hearing.

Mr. Conley made note of the Board Member’s decision to reverse her vote on the issue.

This Meeting was adjourned.

The next Community Board 2 Public Hearing and Monthly Meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, February 5th 2009.

Respectfully submitted by:
Cheryl Sinnott

Votes

January 8th 2009
Community Board 2 Public Hearing and Monthly Meeting

Proposed Citywide Bicycle Text Amendment to the zoning resolution to require indoor bicycle parking in new multi-family residential buildings, community facilities and commercial buildings (N 080078 ZRY)
A Motion was made to approve this Proposal, as amended, with the provision to increase the size of the bicycle parking for schools by 50%. The Motion was seconded.

In Favor 28 Opposed 3 Abstentions 0

Chairperson present but not voting