Meetings - Minutes
March 5th 2009
Community Board 2 Monthly Meeting and Public Hearing
Attendance
| Alyson Baker | Kate Brennan |
| Jean Carubia | Bessie Cassaro |
| Barbara Coleman | Joseph Conley |
| Stephen Cooper | Lisa Deller |
| Mary English | Richard Gundlach |
| Anne Hart | Marvin Jeffcoat |
| Rev. Joseph Jerome | Mohammed Choudhury Jewel |
| Tom Kalamaras | Ellen Kang |
| Marie Konecko | Sheila Lewandowski |
| Dominic Lippolis | Gregory Matos |
| Gertrude McDonald | Dorothy Morehead |
| Patrick Murray | Regina Shanley |
| Regina Shanley | Carol Terrano |
| James Van Bramer | Al Volpe |
| Robert Wilkanowski |
Absentees
| Andrew Anzalone | Diane Ballek |
| Aida Bartolome | Thomas Casey |
| Rita Manton | Patrick O’Brien |
| Goksel Secilmis |
Guests
| Dave Arnold | Welland Fuller |
| Councilperson Gioia’s ofc. | Assemblywoman Markey’s ofc. |
| Randy LaFargue | Brooke Surafran |
| Betsy Gotbaum’s ofc. | Bernard Callergari |
| John Dougherty | Santos Rodriquez |
| Eddie Jorge | Leonardo Anselino |
| Salvatore Anselino | Brent O’Leary |
| Tara Glasser | Anna Thea Bridge |
| Tom Paino | George Sempepos |
| Sara Chang | Sharon Gensler |
| John Miles | Dan Rendrick |
| Eric Baard | Anastasia Economides |
| Moses Gates | Marin Tockman |
| Dan Bach | Luke Adams |
| Pat Tommey | Julie Lawrence |
| Gary O’Neill | Alyssa Bonilla |
| Arthur Cronson | Jim Condes |
| Lynne Serpe | Marin Tockman |
| Todd Dale | Frank Corrode |
| John Edebohls | Jef Harmatz |
| Sam Goldman | Jeremy Walsh |
| Vincent De Martino | Dan Jacoby |
| Mandy Ikert | Penny Lee |
Community Board 2 Staff
| Mary Ann Gurrado |
Agenda
Pledge of Allegiance
Comments by Public Officials/Guest Speakers
Dan Jacoby, Community Liaison of Senator Onorato’s office offered his assistance to the community and said he could be reached at: (718) 545-9706.
Public Hearing
City Planning is proposing a Special Long Island City Mixed Use District Zoning Text Changes in (N 090304 ZRQ) to Improve the Quality of Hunters Point Sub-District and the Queens Plaza Sub-District
Mr. Conley invited attendees that wished to speak in favor or opposition of this item to come forward. There was no response. Mr. Conley closed this portion of the Agenda.
BSA Application
In the Matter of BSA Application 173-08 BZ 42-59 Crescent Street Northeast Corner of the Intersection of Crescent Street and 43rd Avenue, Block 430, Lots 37 and 38 for a 12 Story Hotel Building Containing 99 Hotel Rooms; Contrary to Bulk Regulations
Mr. Conley asked if there were any Attendees who wished to speak in favor or opposition of this item.
Mr. Todd Dale, legal counsel for the Applicant spoke with regard to this Application. Mr. Dale explained that the subject site consists of two tax lots, number 37and 38, at the northwest corner of Crescent Street and 43rd Avenue. The site is irregularly shaped. The total floor area is approximately 4,400 square feet. The current zoning is M1 5 R73 district. The location is currently vacant.
In 2006, after the rezoning of the Special District, the owners worked with the DOB and obtained an approved plan for an As-of-Right 9 story, 22 unit residential building. After development began, the owners concluded that it would not be feasible to continue construction of the proposed structure and the owners attempted to sell the property. Two contracts for the sale of the property were reached. One contract was actually signed however the buyer reconsidered. Since the attempts to sell the property were unsuccessful, the owners decided to develop plans for an As-of-Right hotel. The original plans were for a seven story, 56-room hotel. The owners later concluded that this would not be a feasible project either.
The Applicants and their representatives have come before the Land Use Committee and the Full Community Board at this Meeting seeking the approval of a BSA Application for the development twelve-story 99-room hotel. This proposed hotel complies with all bulk requirements within the underlined Zoning District with the exception of the floor area.
Mr. Dale offered a visual presentation for the Attendees and explained that the hotel would have hotel facilities in the cellar. A lobby would be constructed on the first floor with retail space. Floors 2 through 10 would contain 11 hotel rooms each. The 11th floor would be a partial floor that would include a lounge area and roof top garden. The 12th floor would be utilized for mechanical space. The top two stories are set back to minimize any impact on the height. The sought Variance is to develop beyond the permitted floor area.
There are several factors that affect this site. The site is irregularly shaped. Mr. Dale compared the proposed plans with a local Comfort Suites Hotel. That hotel offers 90 rooms and the size of that hotel is approximate to the proposed development.
This lot is a comer lot, however since the rezoning there have been no plans for development of any other similar lot. Mr. Dale discussed the 42-story building across the street currently under development.
The Applicant has researched other lot sizes in the District; this is the only site with an irregular shape. There are other factors, which Mr. Dale said justify the BSA variance. There are seven different subway lines that run within the vicinity. Mr. Dale spoke of the required additional costs that are associated with the development of a site when subway lines are present. Mr. Dale spoke of the overpass as well and related how the overpass is detrimental to the development to residential projects and stated these issues are what influenced the Applicants’ choice to discontinue the plans to develop a residential building on the site.
The site has been vacant and would likely remain vacant without the approval of this Application. The development of this site would enhance the block.
Mr. Dale stated that this project is in character with the neighborhood and meets all the required finds for the Variance Application. He noted that a neighbor had spoken in favor of this project at the last Land Use Committee.
Mr. Conley asked if there were any other Attendees who wished to speak with regard to this Application. There were no speakers. Mr. Conley closed this item on the Agenda.
Presentation by Commissioner McCarthy of the Department of Transportation on Jackson Avenue at the Pulaski Bridge Pedestrian Improvements
Mr. Conley introduced Commissioner McCarthy of the Department of Transportation. He explained that the Commissioner’s attendance at this Meeting is the third meeting she has attended to discuss this item. Mr. Conley thanked Commissioner McCarthy for her attendance and patience.
Commissioner McCarthy asked for a show of hands, of those who were present for this presentation at other Committee and thanked the Community Board for her invitation to this Meeting.
Pulaski Bridge Pedestrian Safety Improvements
For a number of years, the DOT has received complaints about the dangers of this intersection. The DOT’s Traffic Planning Division has surveyed the location and has offered suggestions to improve pedestrian safety.
Commissioner McCarthy explained that the DOT would continue to receive suggestions and recommendations from the Community Board and constituents. Since this is a Safety Improvement Project for pedestrians, the DOT would like to begin modifications as soon as possible. The DOT would like to begin making these changes within the next two months.
Commissioner McCarthy offered a visual presentation for the Attendees.
Commissioner McCarthy spoke of the traffic coming into Long Island City from Brooklyn. The survey revealed that there is no painted crosswalk across the foot of the Bridge. Pedestrians cross at the foot of the Bridge to access a bus stop and a subway station. This is a dangerous area for pedestrians due to the high volume of traffic.
The DOT has proposed to create a new signalized plan and new refuge areas should pedestrians not completely travel from one side of the street to the other in time before a signal change. A pedestrian crosswalk would be painted for high visibility. Better access to the bus and subway would be provided.
Right turns off of the Bridge onto Jackson Avenue would be made from an exit to 11th Street. That would be right turn only. Commissioner McCarthy spoke of the traffic on 49th Avenue. The one block between 11th Street and 11th Place would head east bound, one way.
A protected signal phase would be provided for pedestrians crossing Jackson Avenue on the east side of the Bridge exit. A separate traffic signal phase would be provided for motorists to avoid any conflict between turning traffic and the pedestrians.
Commission McCarthy spoke about refuge items for pedestrians. There was discussion of an island in the center of the intersection should a pedestrian become caught in between signals. This would be added on both sides of Jackson Avenue, at the base of the Pulaski Bridge and as motorists turn onto the Bridge from Jackson Avenue heading toward Brooklyn.
Commissioner McCarthy spoke of the change residents of the area, particularly 49th Avenue, would experience from these modifications. Residents should expect the circulation pattern to change. Instead of being able to enter from 49th Avenue, motorists must travel an extra block down and an extra block over onto 50th Avenue to reach the one-way block headed east bound (11th Street and 11th Place).
The DOT must eliminate seven parking spaces along Jackson Avenue in order to accommodate for the increase turning movements. To mitigate the reduction in parking spaces, the DOT has added five back in angle parking spaces on the one-way street at 49th Avenue.
The DOT also plans to create green refuge area at this location. Commissioner McCarthy spoke of low vegetation that would not interfere with visibility from the Bridge.
Commissioner McCarthy spoke of a Level of Service Analysis. This was discussed while viewing this data. The level of service is analyzed in three categories, AM, Mid-Day, and PM. The level of service is rated from A through F; F represents total gridlock with no traffic moving. The Level Ratings for this location before construction begins:
- The DOT’s Level of Service Analysis at the foot of the Pulaski Bridge was rated at Level C. Each three categories of the day were analyzed at that level. o
- The southwest of the Bridge was rated at Level C in the AM and the remainder of the day decreased. o
- The eastside, on 49th Avenue, was rated at Level E in the AM. As the day progresses the location was rated Level B during Mid-Day and Level C during the PM hours.
The projected Level Ratings after construction has been completed:
- The traffic engineers have projected that the major intersection would remain the same.
- The west, approaching the Bridge toward Brooklyn, the Mid-Day and the PM would decrease.
- On the east side, on 49th Avenue, the AM traffic rating should decrease from an E Level to a C Level and the Mid-Day and PM hours would remain as a B Level and a C Level respectively. This is due to the right turning vehicles that would be exiting onto their own lanes.
Commissioner McCarthy spoke of the actually count of vehicles currently turning off the Bridge at this location. This information is available on the DOT’s website. This information provided on the website is the criteria used to conduct the survey.
Commissioner McCarthy stated that if the Community Board was willing to approve this project presented by the DOT and there were no negative comments from the community, the DOT were prepared to begin construction in April 2009. This anticipated date was based on an approval in February. At this time, should there be no oppositions filed, the DOT could begin construction in late April or early May 2009.
Commissioner McCarthy entertained questions from Attendees. Mr. Conley explained that issues discussed by Attendees are issues that must be brought before the MTA.
A Committee Member spoke of the pedestrian accident statistics over a 13-year period. The Committee Member explained that a restaurant owner at that location is opposed to a change. Mr. Conley explained that those who have voiced their opinions for change are residents in the area. The area is anticipating a great increase of residents in future years. Pedestrian safety must be improved.
Commissioner McCarthy commented about the accidents statistics. During the PM period, there are 746 vehicles turning. Commissioner McCarthy expressed concern for safety going forward.
Mr. Conley explained that this has been a study conducted by the DOT for months. Mr. Conley spoke about the south west corner of Jackson Avenue and 11th Street; there is a new apartment building under development. There are approximately five new apartment buildings being developed near Manetta’s restaurant. There is a new building being developed near the Old Queens Towne Hall and there is residential construction at the intersection of Jackson Avenue and Vernon Boulevard. This area has always been problematic and Mr. Conley is grateful that the DOT is moving quickly on this matter.
Ms. Deller inquired about the signal changes during evening and nighttime hours versus day-time hours. The Land Use Committee recommended this at a prior meeting. The DOT can make this possible; however, a survey must be conducted after the construction has been completed in order to determine the proper signal changes needed in the area.
Mr. Conley thanked Commissioner McCarthy for her informative presentations at all three meetings.
Presentation by Philip Glotzer from ACQC to Discuss the Second Chance Housing Proposed Grant Program on Drop in Centers
Mr. Glotzer introduced himself. Mr. Glotzer offered an outline of ACQC and its six facilities in Queens; two of which are located in Long Island City. One site is located on 11th Street and the second site is located on Hunter Street. ACQC serves 5,500 clients and is the largest provider of HIV services in Queens.
Mr. Glotzer spoke ACQC’s application to operate a homeless program at a proposed Drop-In Center on 11th Street. This application has been submitted to the NYC Department of Homeless Services. The Center would service post-correctional clients as well as those who are in need of housing.
The Application was submitted by ACQC however ACQC may not be the operator of this Center. Mr. Glotzer stated that ACQC has had a close relationship with Community Board 2 over the years. Community Board 2 was the first Board to approve the Syringe Exchange Program in Queens. That program has been operating for over 6 years.
Mr. Glotzer spoke of the increasing homeless population especially since the economy has begun to suffer. The City is cutting back dramatically on the supportive programs for those who are in danger of becoming homeless.
Two of the ACQC sites are losing funding as of June 30th 2009 and the new homeless program proposed at this Meeting is expected to begin on July 1st 2009.
The Center opens from 7:30 am to 8:30 pm seven days a week. The clients are sent to shelters that are operated by churches and synagogues throughout Queens during the evening hours. ACQC is responsible for finding a location for their clients for the evening hours. The goal is to help clients stay off the street and to find permanent housing. The programs offers case management, education; licensed mental health professionals and a licensed physician’s assistant on site. In the interim, provisional or temporary housing via a shelter, internet searches or in YMCA locations would be the means to locate housing.
This goal of this program is to help prevent an increase in homelessness. The Borden Avenue Shelter asks their clients to leave first thing in the morning. Mr. Glotzer spoke of the noticeable increase of homeless people in the area of Long Island City during the day. Those individuals have nowhere to go. The proposed Center that Mr. Glotzer would provide a place for the homeless to go since it is a day program. The Center would hold up to 40 clients. Mr. Glotzer also spoke about a City provision that would require the Center to remain open 24 hours for extreme weather emergencies. The City has allowed for up to 70 nights. Sleeping accommodations would not be provided. Mr. Glotzer understands that this issue can be controversial.
Mr. Glotzer mentioned the three locations that were identified with a high volume of homelessness. Long Island City, Jamaica and Far Rockaway are being considered for the Center
Mr. Glotzer entertained questions.
A Committee Member asked for a definition of a term that Mr. Glotzer used, “Post Correctional”. Mr. Glotzer stated that it means, “After Incarceration”. The Committee Member asked if that meant that the individuals would be on probation or parole. Mr. Glotzer said that they were. The Committee Member inquired about sex offenders becoming part of this program. Mr. Glotzer stated that he could not be aware of the crimes the individuals have committed. The Committee Member insisted that this information must be explained because it appears that the community is being misled. Acronyms should also be excluded from future presentations.
A Committee Member asked what the proximity of other homeless shelters would be from the Center, what type of relationship does ACQC has with the Borden Avenue Shelter and where did the data arrived from that determined that Long Island City has a high volume of homelessness.
Mr. Conley said that Mr. Glotzer would remain to answer questions in the back of the room.
Public Comment
Marin Tockman, Transportation Alternative
Ms. Tockman submitted a proposal to Mr. Conley with regard to the Jackson Avenue Improvement Project. Mr. Conley asked Ms. Tockman to give a brief presentation of her proposal for the Full Community Board before the Board votes on this item.
Ms. Tockman said that she is a resident of Greenpoint and an advocate for safer streets throughout the City. She spoke about long-term issues to safely cross over the Pulaski Bridge. Ms. Tockman urged the Community Board to request that the Department of Transportation allocate funds for long-term safety improvement along the Pulaski Bridge. She said that the currently Pulaski Bridge pedestrian pathway is shared by cyclists and pedestrians and is overcrowded. This problem would increase overtime as the residential population of Long Island City and Greenpoint continues to rise.
She explained that vehicle traffic is three lanes wide on either side of the Bridge and vehicle traffic often weaves in and out of the pedestrian/cyclist lane. However, Ms. Tockman stated that the car lanes are unutilized. The Department of Transportation conducted a survey in 2007 revealing that the Pulaski Bridge showed the lowest amount of vehicle crossing over a Bridge in the City.
The group, Transportation Alternatives, is requesting that Community Board 1 in Brooklyn and Community Board 2 in Queens recommend to the Department of Transportation to reallocate the bridge space to develop a safer and protected pedestrian walkway and a two way bicycle.
Ms. Tockman offered material with regard to the Transportation Alternative proposal. She recommended that the DOT and The Community Board consider long term approaches to the repair of the Pulaski Bridge. This would benefit both Queens’s residents as well as Brooklyn residents.
Mr. Conley asked if there were Attendees who would like to comment on this issue. Attendees offered comments. The comments were inaudible.
Luke Adams
Mr. Adams is a resident of the area for 40 years and lives on 47th Avenue between 42nd and 43rd Street. Mr. Adams spoke about the current lack of parking along Skillman Avenue. He said that he frequents the restaurants and shops along Skillman Avenue and has experienced frustration in searching for parking and expressed concern for the businesses along Skillman Avenue.
Mr. Adams encouraged the Community Board and Commissioner McCarthy work together to find a solution to the parking and pedestrian crossing issues on Skillman Ave.
Commissioner McCarthy recently spoke at a meeting at the Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce. This issue was discussed and opinions were in favor and opposition. The DOT does not necessarily remove parking space unless a sight issue or safety issue has been compromised. Parking meters were also discussed. The DOT plans to survey all options. The DOT is in favor of traffic calming in this area. The DOT has researched angle parking for Skillman Avenue. The DOT has determined that this would not be a solution for that location. Commissioner McCarthy offered to discuss the various reasons at a later date. The streets around Skillman Avenue are an issue. The meeting at the Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce discussed the possibility of adding parking meters. Commissioner McCarthy explained that meters would be an option in front of businesses but not in front of residential buildings.
Commissioner McCarthy stated that she is willing to come before the Community Board in the future to discuss this issue. Mr. Conley thanked Commissioner McCarthy.
A Committee Member spoke about the advantages of installing Muni-Meters. Currently, there are parking meters that are not working on Skillman Avenue. Cars park at the broken meters and the cars remain parked at those spots all day.
Commissioner McCarthy responded Muni-Meters for the Community Board 2 District area are on a waiting list. Commissioner McCarthy could not offer a date for the installation of Muni-Meters.
Mr. Gary O’Neill
Mr. O’Neill and his wife, Catherine are business owners on the corner of 50th Street and Skillman Avenue. As of January 2009, the business has been operating for 6 years.
Mr. and Mrs. O’Neill were in attendance at this Meeting on behalf of small business owners along Skillman Avenue. Many others, he said, wish they could be in Attendance but are working at their places of business.
Mr. O’Neill spoke about the ongoing road safety discussions within the neighborhood, in particular, the proposal to remove specific parking spaces to improve visibility along Skillman Avenue. The business owners along Skillman Avenue continue to hope for safe streets and safe crosswalks for residents and pedestrians along Skillman Avenue. Mr. O’Neill spoke of the collected consensus from the residents and merchants of the area. He said that over a period of four or five days, the neighborhood has compiled approximately 450 signatures from residents, merchants and patrons of the area in opposition of the proposal to eliminate parking spaces.
Mr. O’Neill spoke of The Safer Skillman Organization and its founder, Angus, who has helped bring on about well-needed changes in the neighborhood. The addition of the traffic lights has encouraged the slowing down of traffic along Skillman Avenue, and Mr. O’Neill, has commended Angus for that fact. However, removing two to three parking spaces on specific corners along Skillman Avenue, which may be safer for pedestrians, would have a negative effect on the small businesses in the area.
Mr. O’Neill said that on the home page of www.SaferSkillman.org there is a picture of a white van tried to race through the light and drove right through Mr. O’Neill’s front door. Gratefully, there were no injuries. He asked if anyone believed that this driver would have stopped at a stop sign when given more visibility. Mr. O’Neill believes that the driver would have increased speed.
From a business standpoint, Mr. O’Neill said that every parking spot is essential. The availability of parking spaces in the area allows patrons to frequent the businesses along Skillman Avenue.
Mr. O’Neill stated that there are other solutions to improve pedestrian safety than removing parking spaces. More traffic lights are needed. From 45th Street to 52nd Street there are more than 60 businesses that employ more than 400 people. Road safety and the enhancement of the local business should be the goal of the community and Community Board 2.
Julie Lawrence
Ms. Lawrence a resident of Williamsburg, Brooklyn spoke about the Pulaski Bridge. Ms. Lawrence spoke about the high volume of vehicular and pedestrian traffic and stated that there is no respect between vehicular and pedestrians along the Bridge. Ms. Lawrence spoke about the need for safety on the pedestrian lane.
Alyssa Bonilla, Sunnyside Shines
Ms. Bonilla was in attendance to introduce herself and her organization, Sunnyside Shines BID. Ms. Bonilla is the new Executive Director of this organization. Ms. Bonilla is eager to become acquainted with the constituents of the area.
Ms. Bonilla explained that a BID (Business Improvement District) is an organization keeps an area clean, beautiful and inviting and support the struggling small businesses.
Ms. Bonilla announced that Sunnyside has been selected to participate in the Department of Transportation Temporary Pedestrian Street Closing. This project is to encourage communities to close off streets to create plazas for pedestrians. This is part of the Mayor’s NYC Environmental Improvement Programs to bring open space to communities. Sunnyside does not have much open walking therefore 46t Street near the Arch has been selected for five afternoons in August 2009. It is the responsibility of the BID to provide programming for families of the neighborhood. This is also an opportunity for business operators to expand onto the sidewalks. No outside vendors would be present.
The Sunnyside Shines BID has submitted an Application to the Community Board and is hopeful for approval.
Arthur Cronson, Con Edison
Mr. Cronson represents Con Edison’s Queens Public Affairs. Mr. Cronson was invited to this Meeting to speak about an incident that occurred on Skillman Avenue and 46th Street on Monday, March 2nd 2009. Assemblywoman Cathy Nolan asked Mr. Cronson to offer a report to the community regarding the three smoking manholes in the neighborhood.
Mr. Cronson stated that this incident occurred at approximately 1:00 pm in the afternoon. He reminded the Attendees that this incident occurred during a snowstorm.
Mr. Cronson explained that this incident was a consequence of salt seeping into the manhole. Salt is extremely corrosive and the slightest damage to a cable can be detrimental.
Con Edison is prepared for such emergencies during the winter months. Mr. Cronson stated that Con Edison continues to do their best to maintain good service.
Mr. Cronson entertained questions from the Attendees.
Jim Condes
Traffic Signal Installation on the Long Island Railroad Trestle
Mr. Condes spoke about the traffic signal installed by the DOT at 39th Avenue and 58th Street in Woodside. Mr. Condes expressed gratitude to Commissioner McCarthy.
Removal of Z Bricks
The brick were finally moved from two crossings at Roosevelt Avenue and 61st Street. Mr. Condes asked that the DOT fill in the crevices.
Newsracks
Mr. Condes stated that the newspaper racks are as dirty as ever and believes that the owners of those racks have no intention of cleaning them.
Mr. Conley responded to Mr. Condes and announced that Ms. Gurrado of Community Board 2 received notice from Hoy that the newspaper plans to remove their Newsracks from 50th to 61st Street.
Woodside Political Representation
Mr. Condes spoke of the lack of political offices in Woodside. The closest political offices are the offices of Councilperson Eric Gioia.
Mr. Condes stated that the Woodside Civic Association has not hosted a meeting in years. The Woodside residents are not given the opportunity to meet with their local politicians. Woodside residents should be given the opportunity to address and discuss issues pertaining to the neighborhood with their local politicians.
Lynne Serpe
Ms. Serpe was in attendance to speak about the Pulaski Bridge as well as the Urban Art Program. The Urban Art Program provides public Art within DOT property within the Pulaski Bridge. The Transportation Alternative approached Ms. Serpe last year to discuss ways to make the Bridge a more attractive place.
A request was submitted to local area artists seeking partnerships on the Urban Art Program. A final Application would be submitted on March 20th.
Moses Gates
Mr. Gates spoke in support of a separate lane for cyclists on the Pulaski Bridge. Mr. Gates stated that the walkway is very crowded. The roadway is underutilized. Mr. Gates also requested that no parking spaces be eliminated.
Attendance
Present-29; Absent-7
A Quorum was present at this Meeting.
Approval of Minutes
A Motion was made to approve the Minutes for the February 2009 Community Board 2 Monthly Meeting and Public Hearing. The Motion was Seconded. The Motion unanimously approved the Minutes for the February 2009 Community Board 2 Monthly Meeting and Public Hearing.
Chairperson’s Report
Removal of Newspaper Racks
Mr. Conley spoke about Ms. Mary Ann Gurrado’s persistence with regard to this item. The Newspaper Racks have been an issue in Woodside for many months. Hoy contacted the Community Board and has agreed to remove their newspaper racks.
A Committee Member thanked Mary Ann for the removal of a rack in front of St. Sebastian’s Church.
Playgrounds to Parks
Ms. Gurrado represented the Community Board at P.S. 199 for this meeting. This project involves Grades 3-5. The students were asked to help create open parks space designs.
The Community Board wrote a letter to the Borough President and other elected officials requesting an increase in the Budget for this project. Mr. Conley was happy to announce that the Borough President has included this project in her Budget.
Mr. Conley thanked Ms. Gurrado for her efforts on this project. Mr. Conley also thanked the students of P.S. 199.
Transportation Issues within Hunters Point
Mr. Conley spoke about moving forward with planning for the park in Hunters Point South. A local subcommittee meeting will be scheduled to begin working on programming for this site.
Borough President and Queens West
Mr. Conley announced that a meeting regarding the park has been scheduled with the Borough President and Queens West representatives. The discussion would include 48th Avenue. Mr. Conley said that there are approximately 11 park police officers to cover all of New York City. This is not a sufficient number. Signs would be added at the park stating that the park closes at dusk. Maintenance of the park would also be discussed.
Street Fairs in Sunnyside
Mr. Conley spoke about a meeting hosted at the Community Board offices regarding the Street Fairs along Greenpoint Avenue. The meeting focused on improving the events and enhancing community involvement.
Community Board 2 has asked the Applicants, Sunnyside Community Services, the Lions Club, Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce and the Kiwanis Club more become more involved and make the Street Fairs a community event. The merchants’ input is essential as well. The modifications under discussion would take place in 2010.
Closing of St. John’s Hospital and Mary Immaculate Hospital
Mr. Conley stated that the lack of health care for our community is very serious. He the Mayor’s office have scheduled a meeting with Mt. Sinai Hospital to discuss providing some space for a medical facility.
Mr. Conley spoke about a letter to the State Health Commissioner. When the hospitals were slated to close, $18 million dollars in funding was distributed to other hospitals in Queens in preparation of the closing of these two facilities. No funding was distributed to Mt. Sinai of Queens and this fact is very disturbing. Mt. Sinai services our area.
Bridge Tolls
A Committee Member asked what the Community Board’s position is on the pending new tolls on the Bridges in the City. Mr. Conley stated that, to date, the Community Board has not taken a position.
District Manager’s Report
City Planning Report
Mr. Conley stated that a summary of the ULURP Applications was to be inserted into the Board Member’s packets with regard to this presentation. The summary was not added to the packet but the presentation would summarize the information for the Board Members.
The Application is for a series of unrelated but fairly difficult text amendments for the Special Long Island City Mixed Use District.
Penny Lee offered a visual presentation while referring to renderings.
- The first change is proposed for the Hunters Point Sub-District. Buildings are to be uniformly lined along the street.
- The second change affects the Queens Plaza Sub-District. This change only affects one particular block, which is the site of the former Queens Plaza Municipal Parking Garage (42nd Road, 28th Street, Queens Plaza South and Jackson Avenue). This change is to allow for but not require a set back of any new building on that block to allow for planting. The set back would allow for five feet back from the street line. (Tishman Speyer is the developer of this site.)
- The third change affects the Court Square Sub-District. This change affects three blocks within that area. o This change stems from an improvement that Citibank is currently required to build in association with the development of their second building on 44th Drive and Crescent Street. The current text states that the developer on that block is required to build an enclosed connection to the underground G train and the above elevated No. 7 line at 45th Road. Elevators are currently being built for the G Subway Line/No. 7 Subway Line transfer. A handicap accessible elevator would be located at the 45th Road area of the station.
- The next change refers to establishing height and set-back provisions
Queen Plaza Improvement Project
Penny Lee spoke about bids received for the Queens Plaza Improvement Project. Meetings are scheduled for mid-March to review construction.
Committee Reports:
- Land Use
Vote on Proposed Special Long Island City Mixed Use District Text Amendment (N090304 ZRQ)
A Motion was made to Approve the Text Amendment. The Motion was Seconded.
| In Favor 21 | Opposed 0 | Abstention 2 |
Chairperson present but not voting
- Vote on BSA Application 173-08 BZ Located at 42-59 Crescent Street, Long Island City
A Motion was made to Oppose this Application. The Motion was Seconded.
| In Favor 18 | Opposed 0 | Abstention 0 |
Community Board 2 Chairperson, Joseph Conley recused himself from this vote.
Co-Chairperson, Stephen Cooper was present but not voting.
- Vote on Jackson Avenue Improvement Department of Transportation Project
A Motion was made to Approve this Project. The Motion was Seconded.
Mr. Conley stated that Mr. Paino offered a recommendation that the pedestrian crossings that come off the Bridge should be enhanced at Jackson Avenue and 11th Street. There was discussion about changing the signalization at certain times of the day and night to favor pedestrians. Mr. Conley suggested that weekend signalization should be customized as well. The Board also spoke about planting visual barriers at the right turn on Jackson Avenue. The long-term plan would be recommended and encouraged for the DOT to survey; especially the improvement of the bicycle and pedestrian traffic on the Bridge from Jackson Avenue and cross over to Brooklyn.
| In Favor 21 | Opposed 3 | Abstention 1 |
Chairperson present but not voting
Health and Human Service Committee
Chairperson for this Committee, Mrs. Carol Terrano, reported that there are two Meetings scheduled for the month of March for this Committee. Ms. Terrano would offer updated reports for those Meetings at the April Community Board 2 Public Hearing and Monthly Meeting.
Environment Committee
Chairperson for this Committee, Ms. Dorothy Morehead, did not submit a report for this Committee at this Meeting.
Veteran’s Committee
Chairperson for this Committee, Mr. Marvin Jeffcoat, welcomed Board Members to join the Veteran’s Committee. Recently, a Committee Member has stepped down for personal reasons.
Mr. Jeffcoat spoke of the importance that the Veteran’s Committee within the area. The Committee would continue to support the Veteran’s of the Borden Avenue Shelter and provide the services that are needed.
Borden Avenue Veteran’s Committee
The next Committee Meeting has been scheduled for Monday, March 16th, 6 pm at the Community Board Offices.
Community Advisor Board Meeting
The next Meeting for this Committee and ICL has been scheduled for Wednesday, March 18th at 6:30 pm. Mr. Jeffcoat spoke about a number of requests that the Committee has submitted to ICL. The reports submitted by the ICL in response to the Committee’s concerns have been sporadic.
Mr. Jeffcoat provided the phone number for anyone wishing to contact the shelter; (718) 784-5690.
City Services and Public Safety Committee
The Chairperson for this Committee, Patrick O’Brien, was not in attendance at this Meeting. No report was offered.
Old Business/New Business
No reports were offered.
This Meeting was adjourned. The next Community Board 2 Monthly Meeting and Public Hearing has been scheduled for Thursday, April 2nd 2009.
Respectfully submitted by: Cheryl Sinnott
