March 4^th 2010

Community Board 2 Monthly Meeting

Attendance

Terri Adams Andrew Anzalone

Kate Brennan Anna Bridge

Jean Carubia Bernard Callegari

Barbara Coleman Joseph Conley

Stephen Cooper Emilia Crotty

Mary English Richard Gundlach

Anne Hart Marvin Jeffcoat

Mohammed Choudhury Jewel Tom Kalamaras

Dominic Lippolis Gregory Matos

Donald McCallian Dorothy Morehead

Patrick Murray Moitri Chowdhury Savard

Regina Shanley David Shin\Carol Terrano

Al Volpe Robert Wilkanowski

Absentees

Alyson Baker Diane Ballek

Aida Bartolome Thomas Casey

Bessie Cassaro Lisa Deller

Rev. Joseph Jerome Ellen Kang

Marie Konecko Sheila Lewandowski

Rita Manton Gertrude McDonald

Taina Hernandez McShane Golam Mehraj

Patrick O’Brien Goksel Secilmis

Community Board 2 Staff

Debra Markell Kleinert, DM

Mary Ann Gurrado, CB 2 Staff

Guests

Alberto Alvarez Myra Hellerstein

Edwin Park James Armstrong

James Bray Tim McNamara

Justin Park George Calle

Sean Ticona Luis Ticona

M. Dan Bach Andy Towler

Representatives; World of Art Paul Aaronson

Thomas Hutch Tara Miskovsky

Evan M. O’Neil Melissa Rosales

Soshini Jeyakumar Rose Tibaldi

Janine Regosin Jean Tahlee

Richard O’Connor Lillia Panych

John Edebohls Meghana Sawant

Tania Damiano Christopher Sanchez

John Roho Antoine Guerrero

Yun Kang Tiffany Callegar

Kaitlyn Kilmetis, Queens Tribune

Sam Goldman Times Newsweekly

Thomas Coban, Queens Gazette

Jeremy Walsh, Times Ledger Newspaper

CB2 Liaison, Welland Fuller, Assemblywoman Markey’s office

CB2 Liaison, Joe Kenton, Councilperson Van Bramer’s office

Agenda

Mr. Stephen Cooper, 1^st Vice-Chairperson of Community Board 2, called this Meeting to order.

Mr. Cooper introduced and welcomed Mr. Welland Fuller of Assemblywoman Marge Markey’s office and Mr. Joe Kenton of Council Member James Van Bramer’s office, which were in attendance at this Meeting.

Pledge of Allegiance

Comments by Public Officials/Guest Speakers

Mr. Joe Kenton, Council Member, James Van Bramer’s Office

Mr. Kenton announced that the Council Member would be hosting an Open House on Saturday, March 6^th at 2 pm. This event would be held at the Council Member’s office, 47-01 Queens Boulevard, Sunnyside. Mr. Kenton said he would be available at this Meeting to offer more information, directions, etc.

Presentations

Queens County Medical Society, Dr. Paul Aaronson, President

Dr. Aaronson introduced his colleague, Ms. Janine Regosin, Executive Director of the QCMS. On behalf of the entire organization, Dr. Aaronson thanked Community Board 2 for the opportunity to speak at this Meeting.

Dr. Aaronson offered a brief summary of the Queens County Medical Society’s history.

The Queens County Medical Society has been in service for over 200 years. This organization is dedicated to physician special advocacy, as well as dedicated to promoting public health and patient interest. This organization also serves as a resource and liaison to the community.

The Dr. Aaronson stated that the organization was present at this Meeting to reconnect and re-establish ties with the community. This organization set a goal to speak at any Community Board that would have them.

Dr. Aaronson spoke about various issues confronting physicians that practice in the borough of Queens.

1. The physician’s in Queens are struggling financially. The current economic stresses are making private practices in Queens almost unsustainable to operate. More and more physicians are leaving the community or leaving the borough and some have retired. It is becoming difficult to replace those physicians lost with the most qualified physicians.

One of the reasons for this problem is reimbursement. Dr. Aaronson spoke about Medicare reimbursements in Queens. Physicians receive Medicare reimbursements at an average of 3-4% less than physicians practicing in Brooklyn and the Bronx. The reimbursements received in Queens are much less than those received in Manhattan. Dr. Aaronson spoke about the strategies that the HMO’s and Managed Care companies follow in order to not reimburse physicians.

Dr. Aaronson spoke about the continued increase of expenses that physicians are faced with. The cost of living expenses as well as the cost of health insurance for the physician’s employees. Malpractice insurance has increased over 50% during the last decade while reimbursements and decreased.

Dr. Aaronson spoke about concerns for the next decade with regard to physicians operating a practice while the above-mentioned concerns becoming increasingly more difficult to face. There will not be viable private practices operating in the borough of Queens. All health care would be offered through hospital-based clinics or government-based clinics.

Dr. Aaronson explained that this organization would be heading to Albany in an effort to fight for these issues and advocate for local physicians. He added that physicians have also been advocating for collective bargaining rights. Dr. Aaronson is hopeful that the community would have an understanding of what physicians in Queens are contending with during these times. Dr. Aaronson asked for support from the community.

Dr. Aaronson spoke about principles that physicians in Queens continue to adhere to with regard to Health Care Reform. One of the principles that Dr. Aaronson spoke about was prohibiting any outside Agency interfering with the Doctor-Patient relationship. Physicians believe that this is sacred and should always be preserved.

2. Dr. Aaronson spoke about physicians who do leave Queens to practice in other communities. He explained that a community’s loss of medical services is not the only component that is at risk.

Dr. Aaronson spoke about a report released this month by the State Medical Society, a parent organization of Queens County Medical Society. The study focused on the economic impact of private practices throughout New York State and each of the five boroughs of New York City.

The discoveries of this study were quite striking. Private medical offices are a strong component of the economic engine that drives this county, this borough, this City and the State. This is part of the Health Care Reform equation that often gets ignored. Dr. Aaronson spoke about how health care spending is very stimulative to the economy and that health care spending should be protected.

Dr. Aaronson spoke about statistics within Queens County for 2008 as compared to other industries;

Offices of physicians are ranked:

o 3^rd in the number of business establishments, and;

o 11^th in employment, and;

o 5^th in personal income, and;

o 12^th in corporate sales.

Dr. Aaronson reiterated the importance of private practices for Queens and how private medical practices are part of the economic engine of Queens.

Dr. Aaronson stated that he wanted to share this data with the community but also to announce to the community that the Queens County Medical Society is a resource for not only physicians, but for patients, as well. There is a referral system available for patients. Dr. Aaronson and Ms. Regosin brought a directory for the Attendees that list the physicians who are members of the QCMS. There are a lot of public health initiatives that the QCMS would be happy to share with people. Dr. Aaronson stated that there is a website, as well.

Dr. Aaronson was called to the hospital for a medical emergency and was unable to remain at this Meeting to entertain questions from Board Member.

PS 1, Yun Kang, an update on Jackson Avenue Lighting Project

Approximately a year ago, representatives from PS 1 came before the Community Board to discuss a project proposed to enhance the Jackson Avenue entrance of PS 1.

PS 1 has been working on the design for approximately four years. The visual aspect was offered at this Meeting. The construction would begin in September 2010.

The main gates of the Jackson Avenue entrance were discussed. The project would transform this area into the entrance for the museum. This entrance would have a front desk for visitor services.

Mr. Conley stated he wanted to refresh the memories of the representatives of PS 1 and the representatives of the DEC.

The Community Board has complained about the wall erected on Jackson Avenue before the entrance was created. The aesthetics of this concrete wall have been an issue for the Community Board. Mr. Conley spoke about the amount of money being spent on this project. The lighting proposed for the entrance does not address the concrete wall. Mr. Conley stated that this is disturbing to the Community Board since the wall has been a discussion for approximately 6 years.

The response to Mr. Conley’s comments was that this design is a solution because it does not call attention to the wall. This is an economical and elegant solution. It would actually set apart PS 1 and provide a reference when walking by at night. The representative of DCA told Mr. Conley that a great amount of serious work was put into this project.

Mr. Conley stated that the comments offered were from a gentleman whom neither he nor any member of Community Board 2 had ever met with. Mr. Conley also stated that the amount of input applied to this project from the community has been zero. Mr. Conley stated that the amount of tax dollars being spent on this project is troubling, especially when nobody considered the voice of the community. A representative of DCA stated that the cost for this project is minimal. The current cost of this project has been estimated at $186,000.

Mr. Conley said that since it has been announced at this Meeting that construction would begin in September, the contract has been awarded and the community would be stuck with this design.

Mr. Cooper explained that for years there has been friction between PS1 and the community as a result of this wall. The wall offers the impression of shutting out the community from PS 1. Mr. Cooper explained that the Community Board has continually asked PS 1 to make the community feel a part of or included with PS 1. The requests of the community to make the wall more welcoming to the community have been ignored. Now this presentation communicates the message that PS 1 will continue to ignore the community’s request to modify the wall and spend $186,000 of the community’s money on a project that the community was not consulted about. The response was that alternatives are expensive and difficult to maintain. Mr. Cooper again explained that this is not a discussion of whether the community’s or Community Board’s ideas have been followed-through, but the discussion is about whether the community’s ideas were heard and considered. Instead, a process has been conducted by PS 1 that excluded the neighborhood, the community and the Community Board.

Mr. Conley offered a summary of the debate about the concrete wall.

Before the concrete wall was erected, there was fence that allowed people to see into the courtyard and enjoy the art. PS 1 decided they wanted to keep out the “dirt and grit”. The cost of this wall has cost ten’s of thousands of dollars. The Community Board has been complaining since the day construction began on the wall.

Mr. Conley announced that the Community Board would write a letter to the Mayor’s office expressing opposition to the proposed project. Since there is a contract that has already been awarded, the letter would also discuss how the community has not been consulted on this project. PS 1 came before the Community Board discussing different design options. The Community Board offered recommendations. PS 1 never returned before the Board to discuss the next phase of the proposal. PS 1 just went ahead and awarded a contract for construction on a design chosen solely by PS 1.

Mr. Conley explained that the height of the wall would be illegal anywhere else in this City. He questioned whether this is the best design that this world class institution could provide for the community. The wall influences the elimination of the community from PS 1. He said that should a wall like this be built by any other institution or business, objection from the community would certainly arise.

Questions from Board Members were entertained.

Con Edison, Terry Bonavolonta: Energy Efficiency

Ms. Bonavolonta announced that Con Edison is “back in the energy efficiency business.”

Con Edison offers two programs.

1. Small businesses. Con Edison would come into your establishment to conduct an Energy Survey.

2. Heating and Cooling Rebate Program. Con Edison would offer a rebate to home owners that switch from oil energy to gas energy.

Ms. Bonavolonta spoke about other Programs that must be approved by the Public Service Commission. Ms. Bonavolonta encouraged the Attendees to visit Con Edison’s website, www.coned.com and click on the “Power of Green” and “Energy Efficiency” to view the programs offered.

Ms. Bonavolonta entertained questions from Board Members.

Public Comment

Jim McNamara

Mr. McNamara is a resident of Sunnyside and a New York City Fireman.

Mr. McNamara came before Community Board 2 in September 2009 to discuss with regard to tactics that the FDNY was practicing with regard to reducing and/or eliminating services.

Mr. McNamara inquired about whether the Community Board is receiving regular updates and announcements from the FDNY with regard to firehouse closings for training and other important issues regarding interrupted services. Ms. Markell Kleinert stated that the Community Board offices receive updated information periodically and representatives attend the District Services Cabinet Meetings.

Mr. McNamara reminded Ms. Markell Kleinert that at the September Community Board Meeting, he left a series of questions and inquires for Ms. Markell Kleinert to address with the FDNY at the next District Services Cabinet Meeting. Mr. McNamara asked if those questions were answered at the DSC Meetings. Ms. Markell Kleinert stated that there has not been a representative of the FDNY in attendance at a DSC Meeting since Mr. McNamara was in attendance in September.

Ms. Markell Kleinert stated that FDNY was invited to attend the next DSC Meeting. The series of questions would be addressed at that Meeting. Mr. Cooper stated that a report would be available for Mr. McNamara after the next DSC Meeting next month. Mr. McNamara wanted to clarify how often the DSC Meetings are hosted. Ms. Markell Kleinert told Mr. McNamara the Meetings are hosted monthly. Mr. McNamara explained that he submitted the series of questions 6 months ago.

Mr. Cooper asked Mr. McNamara to resubmit the list of questions to the Board offices. Mr. Cooper asked Mr. McNamara to send a copy of the list of inquiries to his e-mail address as well.

Mr. McNamara entertained questions from Board Members.

Justin Park

Mr. Park has expressed concerns to the Community Board with regard the sale of flowers on sidewalks along Roosevelt Avenue in Woodside. He spoke about the sale of flowers without the submission of a receipt to the consumer. Mr. Park stated that the merchants selling these flowers do not pay taxes. Mr. Park spoke about contacting the Department of Consumer Affairs, and the Mayor’s Office.

Mr. Cooper explained to Mr. Park that Mr. Joseph Conley, Chairperson of Community Board 2 and the District Manager met with the Department of Consumer Affairs with regard to this issue and Consumer Affairs has visited the site(s) under discussion with the DCA.

The merchant has been issued summonses. There is a 200 Foot Rule that applies to street merchants. If the merchant is operating within the 200 foot perimeter, no violations have been committed. Legislation must be reviewed and modified by the City Council. These locations are being monitored regularly. It was recommended that Mr. Park arrange a meeting with, Joe Kenton of Council Member James Van Bramer’s office.

Mr. Cooper explained to Mr. Park that the Community Board office is working to rectify this issue.

Sean Ticona

Mr. Ticona was in attendance at this Meeting as a representative of Boy Scouts Troop #65. Mr. Ticona spoke about a Health and Safety Camp in Astoria that he is organizing. The camp would be hosted in the gymnasium of St. Joseph’s School, 28-46 44^th Street, Astoria.

This idea was developed as a result of the lack of knowledge a community could have regarding basic health and common health risks. Mr. Ticona spoke about the need for to become trained in first aid, recognizing the signs of a heart attack, stroke or high-blood pressure. Mr. Ticona stated that the community should be prepared. He also spoke about seminars offered by the Red Cross, the NYPD and the FDNY and about various activities for children.

Mr. Ticona asked for assistance with information or ideas, and advertising that would help to make this Fair a success. Mr. Ticona offered flyers to the Attendees at this Meeting. Mr. Ticona is hopeful for a minimum of 500 registrants.

Mr. Ticona entertained questions from Committee Members.

Louis Ticona

Mr. Ticona was inaudible.

M. Dan Bach

Mr. Bach is a resident of Arris Loft, Long Island City.

Mr. Bach spoke about newly added signs by the Department of Transportation regarding the modification of parking patterns on Court Street. Mr. Bach spoke about how these signs have made it illegal for anyone to go in and out of the building. Mr. Bach stated that this is a problem of the residents. There have been NO STANDING signs added along the street; including weekends.

Mr. Bach stated that this modification was due to the Court House next to this building. He recognized the need for parking for the Court House Monday through Friday however; he suggested that parking should be made available for residents on the weekend.

Mr. Conley told Mr. Bach that the Community Board offices sent a letter to the Department of Transportation in order to help to correct this issue.

Andy Towler, Water Taxi Beach

Mr. Towler was in attendance to discuss several requests made by the Community Board and Long Island City residents with regard to Water Taxi Beach’s modifications to its method of operation and respect for the quality of life in the area.

Mr. Towler spoke about signage posted by the Water Taxi Beach management. He explained how one of these signs showed a map of the surrounding street along with a request that the patrons of the Water Taxi Beach exit the area via Borden Avenue for two blocks; turn left onto Vernon Boulevard; which would direct patrons to the No. 7 train.

Mr. Towler spoke about a sign posted that asks the patrons to respect the neighbors and residents of Long Island City upon leaving the establishment and about signage posted at the main gates of the establishment regarding zero tolerance of drugs on the premises.

The Water Taxi Beach made a promise to the community about the addition of a new and professional security system located on Borden Avenue at the front gate. This was added as a pro-active measure in preventing any activities that might disturb the WTB’s closest neighbor, the Waterfront Crab House.

Mr. Towler stated that, in the past, these modifications were successful. The establishment has employed the same security company for the last two years. The Water Taxi Beach continues to enforce policies that have been in place for years. Mr. Towler explained that the Water Taxi Beach anticipates a successful summer season for 2010.

Mr. Towler entertained questions from Board Members.

Mr. Conley spoke to Mr. Towler on behalf of Mr. O’Brien and the City Services and Public Safety Committee. Mr. O’Brien, Chairperson for this Committee, was not in attendance at this Meeting. He told Mr. Towler that the Community Board has heard these promises in the past and that he was hopeful that the Water Taxi Beach would actually deliver on those promises this year. Mr. Conley told Mr. Tower that the Community Board would hold the WTB to their promises.

Representative for World of Work

The representative explained that this program, located in Jackson Heights has been designed to assist those who have lost their jobs, as many people have during the recent economic downturn. This program assist with writing resumes, interview skills and proper attire for dress code, assistance with applying for jobs, job expectations, time management, healthy interaction with co-workers, etc. Flyers and brochures were distributed.

Attendance

Present; 27 – Absent; 16

A Quorum was present at this Meeting.

Approval of Minutes

Mr. Conley asked for approval of February’s Minutes.

A Motion was made to approve the Minutes for Community Board 2’s February Monthly Meeting. The Motion was Seconded. The Minutes were unanimously approved. Sheila Lewandowski’s comments were added to a revised edition of the Minutes.

Chairperson’s Report

Representative for CAU, Mayor’s Office

Mr. Conley introduced the Mayor’s office new representative Ms. Claudia Filomena, CAU.

April 2010 Community Board Meeting

The April 2010 Community Board Meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, April 8^th in observance of Holy Thursday on April 1^st.

Sunnyside/Woodside Rezoning

Mr. Conley spoke about a well attended Meeting on February 24^th. He said that follow-up Meetings would be scheduled.

Roosevelt Ave. Flower Stands

Mr. Conley stated that he has met with the Department of Consumer Affairs regarding the placement of flower stands along the sidewalks on Roosevelt Avenue. Mr. Conley and a representative of the Department of Consumer Affairs visited the site under discussion, and the DCA issued fines to those operating from the flower carts.

The DCA explained the law of Stoop Lines to Mr. Conley. The DCA explained the renting of space in front of the stores and paying rent to the landlord. The City needs proof of this action; hearsay is not acceptable proof.

Mr. Conley asked the DCA to address the receipt issue; a consumer must be given a receipt. He said that he had spent a lot of time with the representative of the DCA. The DCA plans to revisit and re-inspect these sites. Apparently, this problem is City-wide.

Signage Replacement on 58^th Street

The Department of Transportation would replace the damaged and defaced signage under the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway Viaduct, Laurel Hill Boulevard and 58^th Street.

Ms. Terrano stated that a letter she has received explained that the tickets were dismissed in court due to the lack of signage. Mr. Conley explained that he original existing signs that were damaged would be replaced which would then enable the NYPD to enforce the law.

District Manager’s Report

There were no reports offered at this Meeting.

City Planning Report

Penny Lee spoke about an upcoming meeting regarding the City’s Comprehensive Waterfront Plan. A notice was distributed to Board Members.

The Department of City Planning is in the process of updating the Comprehensive Waterfront Plan. The DCP is responsible for updating the Comprehensive Waterfront Plan every ten years.

The first City-wide Public Meeting has been scheduled for April 8^th, 6 pm -8:30 pm at Murray Bergtraum High School, 411 Pearle Street, New York. There would be individual borough meetings scheduled, as well.

This would be discussed at the next Land Use Committee Meeting.

Dolphins in Newtown Creek

This information was published in the Daily News on March 4. The dolphins are being monitored and appear healthy.

Sunnyside/Woodside Rezoning Meeting

Penny Lee thanked all who attended this Meeting. The DCP has been reviewing the comments submitted by the community. The DCP would be in attendance at the March 18^th Land Use Committee Meeting to continue this discussion.

Committee Reports

Veteran’s Committee

New York City/ICL Contract

Mr. Jeffcoat announced that the Veteran’s Committee spoke is in receipt of a copy of the contract between New York City and ICL. The contract would be reviewed at the next Veteran’s Meeting on March 15^th. A report would be submitted to the Community Board.

St. Alban’s Forum

This event was cancelled due to snow. Mr. Jeffcoat would contact Councilperson Sanderman’s office to reschedule a Meeting. Mr. Jeffcoat would keep the Community Board apprised of the next scheduled date.

Mr. Jeffcoat would forward information about a doctor at the Sunnyside Veteran’s Clinic to Councilperson Sanderman.

City Services and Public Safety Committee

Mr. O’Brien was not in attendance at this Meeting. Mr. Conley encouraged Board Members to review the Minutes for the February Meeting.

Mr. Conley spoke about the long hours the City Services and Public Safety Committee spend reviewing Liquor License Applications. The Minutes reflect the volume of work that the Committee dedicates to the issues. Mr. Conley commended the Committee for their dedication.

Transportation Committee

La Guardia College/Community Board 2 Traffic Monitoring Study

Community Board 2 Member and Transportation Committee Member, Emelia Crotty announced that there would be a Traffic Monitoring Study scheduled to be conducted in April along Van Dam and Thompson Avenue. Ms. Crotty stated that this is a complicated intersection. The study would focus on moving violations during the morning and evening rush hours as well as pedestrian behavior.

A recruiting meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, March 23^rd, 6 pm at La Guardia Community College.

This study is a combined effort of La Guardia Community College students and staff, and Community Board 2 Transportation Committee Members.

Bus Stop Realignment for the Q60

Mr. Conley spoke about a meeting with the MTA that was scheduled and cancelled. Mr. Conley rescheduled the meeting but the MTA wrote a to Councilperson Van Bramer’s office. Mr. Conley explained that a meeting is imperative and the MTA must conduct a walking tour to better understand the plight of the senior community particularly. Mr. Conley stated that the distance between the bus stops should remain the same but it is a question of where the bus stops begin and end. Mr. Conley spoke about a bus stop on 37^th Street; the senior center is on 39^th Street. Mr. Conley would continue to work with the MTA.

Survey on 48^th Street

The Transportation Committee has submitted a request to the Department of Transportation to conduct a survey on 48^th Street. The Committee is waiting for a response from the DOT regarding this request.

Alignment on 43^rd Street

Mr. Conley stated that the Committee is working on this issue.

Bicycle Racks

There has been no response by the DOT to the Community Board regarding this issue. The Community Board contacted the DOT about bicycle racks in the fall 2009.

The Community Board asked the DOT to survey Jackson Avenue near the Mid-town Tunnel due to the increasing volume of cyclists that travel into the area from Brooklyn. The Community Board asked for the installation of additional racks since the cyclists have been securing their bicycles on lamp posts, street signs, fences etc.

Mr. Conley entertained questions from Board Members.

Land Use Committee

Ms. Deller was not in attendance at this Meeting. Mr. Conley asked Board Members to review the Minutes.

Health and Human Services Committee

Ms. Terrano spoke about the Committee scheduling site visits and address some important issues.

Ms. Terrano stated that the Committee has been working to meet with a representative of ACQC but has not been able to schedule a meeting. Ms. Terrano hopes to have more information at the next Community Board Meeting.

Ms. Terrano reminded Board Members to review the brochures introducing free health screenings, assistance to stop smoking, etc. that are offered by the Library.

Ms. Terrano spoke about the American Cancer Society. The ACS is concerned about women who are not receiving a Mammogram over the age of 40. Finances should not prohibit women to receive screening since there are programs. Early detection of cancer is a cure for cancer.

Environment Committee

Ms. Morehead did not offer any reports at this Meeting.

Old Business/New Business

Board Member, Barbara Coleman spoke about the power of a Community Board. Ms. Coleman’s comments were inaudible.

This Meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted by:

Cheryl Sinnott

The next Community Board 2 Monthly Meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, April 8^th 2010. This is the second Thursday of the month. This modification has been made in observance of Holy Thursday.