Updated Version of Amended Copy
October 1st 2009
Community Board 2 Monthly Meeting and Public Hearing
Attendance
Terri Adams Andrew Anzalone
Diane Ballek Kate Brennan
Anna Bridge Jean Carubia
Bernard Callegari Bessie Cassaro
Barbara Coleman Joseph Conley
Stephen Cooper Emilia Crotty
Lisa Deller Mary English
Anne Hart Rev. Joseph Jerome
Mohammed Choudhury Jewel Tom Kalamaras
Marie Konecko Sheila Lewandowski
Dominic Lippolis Rita Manton
Gregory Matos Don McCallian
Gertrude McDonald Golam Mehraj
Dorothy Morehead Patrick Murray
Moitri Chowdhury Savard Regina Shanley
David Shin
Carol Terrano James Van Bramer
Absentees
Alyson Baker Aida Bartolome
Thomas Casey Richard Gundlach
Marvin Jeffcoat Ellen Kang
Patrick O’Brien Lois Saldana
Goksel Secilmis Al Volpe
Robert Wilkanowski
Community Board 2 Staff
Debra Markell Kleinert, DM Mary Ann Gurrado
Guests
S. Goldman, Ridgewood Times Margaret Carlucci
Joseph Walter Mohammed Haguf
S. Topeyial Alfredo Alvarado
Jeremy Walsh Erik Lindstrom
Monty Mitchell Sabin O’Keefe
Michael San Jennifer Manley, Mayor’s ofc.
Sharon Shippy K. Van Tassel
Deirdre Feerick Penny Lee
Leroy Shippy S. Bertolo
S. Obraitis Emily Miluf
Gerald Perrin Kimberly Crewe
Manny Perez, Assemblyman DenDekker’s ofc. Ronald Duncan
W. Fuller, Assemblywoman Markey’s ofc. Lauren Renee, PS 1
Ciaran Staunton Stephen Martin
Lou Venech James Kim
Alyssa Bonilla Diane Kolack
Adriana Tandler Tom Ryan
Patricia Kline Marion Molno
Mr. & Mrs. Mark Jackson R. C. Rodriquez
Archie Price S. Baez
Windy Ling
Agenda
Pledge of Allegiance
Comments by Public Officials/Guests Speakers
Manny Perez, Representative of Assemblyman Michael DenDekker
Mr. Perez reminded the Attendees that Assemblyman DenDekker’s office is located at 33-46 92nd Street, Jackson Heights. The office has an agreement with the Latino Lawyers Association, which offers a legal clinic at the office on Tuesday evenings. Mr. Perez suggested that those interested in attending should call (718) 457-0384. Korean and Arabic speakers are available.
Public Comment
Ronald Duncan
Mr. Duncan spoke about a 14-year project. Mr. Duncan spoke about closed off pedestrian walkways on 43rd Street. Mr. Duncan stated that the contractors have closed the pedestrian walkways.
Mr. Duncan stated that he has brought this to the attention of Community Board 2, Councilperson Gioia’s office and P.O. Toro of the Community Affairs Department at the 108th Precinct, and the MTA.
Mr. Duncan complained that pedestrians are forced to walk into the street within the flow of traffic.
Mr. Cooper stated that Community Board 2 is aware of this issue and has begun communication to resolve this matter.
Lauren Renee, P.S.1 Art Center
Ms. Renee offered an introduction to P.S. 1 for the Attendees. She said that this Art Center is one of the oldest and largest not-for-profit centers in the world.
Ms. Renee spoke about three upcoming events: a book fair Friday, October 2nd through Sunday, October 4th, an event scheduled on October 25th and Community Day Saturday, October 31st 2009.
Ms. Renee entertained questions from Board Members.
Board Member, Dorothy Morehead spoke about the wall, which surrounds P.S. 1. She said that the Community Board has expressed its opposition to the barrier wall that surrounds the museum for 8 years. She added that representatives of the museum have not been receptive to the community’s desire to remove the wall. Ms. Renee stated that she has continually tried to establish a relationship with Community Board 2, to no avail.
Board Member, Lisa Deller explained that the Land Use Committee has repeatedly invited P.S. 1 to Land Use Committee Meetings. Representatives of the museum have not attended a meeting in many years.
Presentation by Ciaran Staunton on the Conversion of Barnett Avenue to a One Way Direction of Traffic, Westbound, from 48th Street to 50th Street
Mr. Staunton offered a presentation regarding the clean up of Barnett Avenue.He spoke about recognition from the New York Times and NY1 with regard to the community clean up that has taken place and he offered photographs of the improvements undertaken by the Barnett Avenue Alliance.
Mr. Staunton spoke about the one-way conversion of Barnett Avenue, westbound from 48th Street to 50th Street. He said that members of the Alliance visited every resident of the area and of the 36 residents, 30 signed a petition in favor of this plan.
Mr. Staunton read a letter from a resident who initially opposed the one-way conversion but is now in favor of this plan.
Steven Martin
Mr. Martin is a resident of Phipps in Sunnyside Gardens. Mr. Martin spoke about the Barnet Avenue Project. He spoke in favor of the one-way conversion for the concern for safety and added that seniors and children going to and from school should be the paramount priority to this plan.
Lou Venech
Mr. Venech is a resident of Sunnyside Gardens. He asked for the Community Board’s support to the Barnet Avenue proposal and spoke about stop signs, curb cuts and cross walks that are dangerous in the area.
James Kim, Queenswest Church
Mr. Kim introduced this church to the Attendees. The congregation currently meets on 44th Drive and 21st Street.
Alyssa Bonilla, Sunnyside Shines
Ms. Bonilla spoke about safety issues in Sunnyside. Ms. Bonilla reported that a streetlight located at 43rd Street and 47th Avenue has been broken since June. She said that the location is too dark and that a mugging had taken place on August 24th. She requested that the Community Board help to get the street light repaired.
Ms. Bonilla also announced that Sunnyside Shines is hosting a party to view the design submissions for their logo competition.
Diane Kolack
Ms. Kolack is a resident of Sunnyside Gardens. Ms. Kolack spoke about the broken street light and how unsafe the street is without the proper lighting.
Gerald Perrin
Mr. Perrin is the co-President of the Phipps Garden Apartment Tenants Association. Mr. Perrin spoke in favor of the Barnett Avenue Project. He said that he had originally opposed a portion of this project and is now in support of the one-way traffic conversion.
Adriana Tandler
Ms. Tandler spoke in opposition to the proposed addition of a second floor terrace on the landmark block at 21-16 45th Avenue, Long Island City. She testified that her husband is homebound and this extension would be seen from the room in which he spends most of his time.
Ms. Tandler was also concerned that other homeowners would attempt to add rear yard extensions that would destroy the existing open space on this on this block .
Jen Manley, Mayor’s Office
Jen Manley’s attendance at this Meeting was recognized.
Landmark Preservation Commission Applications LPC
LPC Application, 21-16 45th Avenue, Long Island City for Interior Alterations, Restoration Work, Replace Windows, Rooftop or Rear Yard HVAC.
Mr. Monty Mitchell, the architect for this project, offered a presentation. Mr. Mitchell described the Long Island City Preservation District as a row of four story townhouses built in approximately 1876. The proposed work is to perform a façade renovation of the exterior, a redesign of the front area way and replacement of the exiting two story addition of the rear yard of one of these homes.
Mr. Mitchell stated that the buildings on the block vary in depth from 36 feet to approximately 60 feet. The typical four-story building is 36 feet. The building under discussion has existing two-story rear yard addition that is approximately 12 feet deep and 11 feet in width. The existing addition is a two-story bedroom that was added in 1956.
The existing building has been suffering from rear structural problems. The rear yard addition shows signs of rot and the structure walls have shown signs of settlement. Mr. Mitchell offered photographs of two adjoining homes with existing additions and two four story buildings on either side. Mr. Mitchell stated that the majority of the block already has one and two story additions that have been built over time. The proposed addition is not visible from the street. Mr. Mitchell said that the Landmarks Commission prohibits modifications outside guidelines to be visible from the street.
The rear yard addition has been proposed to extend it to the full width and extend the lower floor an additional four feet. Mr. Mitchell offered photographs and renderings of the current addition and the proposed addition.
The existing footprint of the addition would be maintained and extend the first floor an additional four feet. This would increase depth and increase additional space. The basement floors are low at 7 feet.
The roof terrace would extend the entire width of the addition at 20 feet. The roof terrace would be a substantial improvement.
The building would be converted into two duplex apartments. The owner would only live in the building during the winter since he owns a house abroad.
Mt. Mitchell explained that the majority of the work would be done on the roof and that the window replacement would comply with the Landmarks Commission guidelines.
Mr. Mitchell entertained questions from Board Members.
In the Matter of an LPC Application, 47-18 Skillman Avenue for Stucco at Rear Façade
Consumer Affairs Application
In the Matter of an Application for a Consumer Affairs License for an Unenclosed Sidewalk Café with 8 Tables and 16 Seats at NOROC, LLC, 43-45 40th Street, Sunnyside
This item was tabled.
Public Hearing
To Receive Public Comment on Community Board 2’s Capital and Expense Budget Priorities for Fiscal Year 2011
Discussions for this item have been postponed until Thursday, November 5th 2009.
In the Matter of an Application for a Dual Street Naming a/k/a Martin Trainor Way on 58th Street between Roosevelt Avenue, Woodside
Mr. Tom Ryan was in attendance at this Meeting on behalf of the Trainor Family. Mr. Ryan thanked the Community Board and encouraged the approval of the dual street naming in Woodside in memory of Mr. Martin Trainor, former Board Member of Community Board 2 and life long dedicated Woodside resident.
The street is located at 58th Street between Roosevelt Avenue and Woodside Avenue. The street would be named “Martin Trainor Way”.Mr. Ryan said that the family is honored by this dedication.
Attendance
Present: 33: Absent: 11
A Quorum was present at this Meeting.
Approval of Minutes
The Minutes for the September 2009 Community Board 2 Public Hearing and Monthly Meeting was unanimously approved.
Chairperson’s Report
Board Member, Stephen Cooper
Mr. Cooper was recognized at this Meeting for his 25 years of dedication and service with Community Board 2. Congratulations, Steve!
Broken Street Light at 43rd Street and 47th Avenue
Chairperson Conley reported that he had written an email to Con Edison requesting that the streetlight located at 43rd Street and 47th Avenue be repaired. He said that Con Edison is expected to be at that sight on Friday, October 2nd.
Vote on Fiscal Year 2011 Capital & Expense Budget Priorities for Community Board 2.
Community Board 2 Board Members agreed to Table this item unit the November 5th 2009 Meeting. Mr. Conley spoke about the necessity to conduct more research since the City has indicated a lack of capital resources to fund recent budget items.
Accept Nominations of Officers. Vote for Community Board 2 Officers will be held at the November 5th 2009 Meeting.
Mr. Conley announced that the acceptances of nominations for Officers would be held at the November 5th 2009 Meeting.
Pepsi Cola Site, Long Island City
Clean up at the northern area of the Pepsi Cola site is expected to begin. Mr. Conley stated that Community Board 2 has expressed concern about truck traffic along Vernon Boulevard. The 108th Precinct would also increase its presence in the area.
48th Avenue from 69th Street to 71st Street
Traffic enforcement has been issuing summonses in this location and would begin towing vehicles shortly.
Borden Avenue Bridge
The bridge remains closed. The community has asked when the bridge would reopen.
Vernon Boulevard, 49th Avenue and 5th Street
Board Members were given a letter from the DOT stating that the flow of traffic at this location would be modified. This would not be voted on until comments are offered from the community.
Sunnyside Gardens Homeowners Guide
A Homeowners Guide for residents of the Sunnyside Gardens Landmark District has been published by the Landmarks Commission.
John Murray Park
There have been complaints regarding rodents at this location. The Parks Department is expected to bait the park again and provide additional trashcans.
Tennis Club
The club was demolished. Remediation and excavation has ceased since the expected project was cancelled. A rodent problem has developed at this location. Mr. Conley has asked the Health Department to visit this site.
Update on Triangle Park Development
Community Board 2 has been waiting for a response from BSA.
Location across from St. Sebastian Church
There was discussion about a series of trees that have died at this location. Mr. Conley stated that Community Board 2 would follow-up with the Parks Department.
District Manager’s Report
There was no report offered at this Meeting.
City Planning Report
Penny Lee spoke about the Toyota Hotel. She explained this hotel is responsible for constructing a subway improvement would occur at the intersection 23rd Street and 44th Drive. This would connect to the No. 7 subway line.
Queens Plaza Road Way Reconstruction and Open Space Project
The contractor continues to submit required documents to the City for permits. The phases of this project have not been finalized.
Newtown Creek
Ms. Lee announced that the EPA has proposed to designate a Super Fund site by the Federal Government.
Committee Reports
Environment Committee
Newtown Creek
Ms. Morehead spoke about the Super Fund Site proposal. Ms. Morehead plans to attend the first meeting regarding this proposal. The meeting has been scheduled for Friday, October 2nd. 2:30 in Brooklyn. Ms. Morehead stated that if anyone has questions that Ms. Morehead to address at the meeting.
New York Times Article
Ms. Morehead spoke about an article discussing that New York State has issued rules regarding drilling for natural gas from shale. The amount of wasted water when drilling was discussed.
Veterans Committee
Chairperson of the Veteran’s Committee, Marvin Jeffcoat was not in attendance at this Meeting. Mr. Conley asked Board Members to review the Minutes in their packets.
City Services & Public Safety Committee
Mr. O’Brien was not in attendance at this Meeting. Mr. Conley urged Board Members to review the enclosed City Services and Public Safety Committee Meeting Minutes for September 2009; which were provided within the Board Members packets.
Mr. Conley spoke about the inundation of Liquor License Applications in Long Island City. Mr. Conley spoke about the 500 Foot Rule.
Land Use Committee
§ Vote on LPC Application 21-16 45th Avenue, Long Island City
Ms. Deller offered an updated report on this Application.
She said that the Applicant had offered a presentation at the September 2009 Land Use Committee Meeting and that the Committee had voted not to oppose the Application. She said that there had been discussion about the impact on the neighbors during the meeting however, the Applicant did not indicate any opposition by neighbors to the proposal.
This project proposes expansion to the rear façade of the building and renovations to the front façade and those modifications would comply with LPC guidelines.
A Committee Member inquired about LPC concerns, if any, regarding the rooftop garden. Architect, Mr. Mitchell spoke about increased scrutiny by LPC regarding the rear yard. Prior to this current Application, LPC did not apply any pressure. The Committee Member was concerned about the modifications to the rooftop and whether that would require a permit.
Ms. Deller entertained questions from Board Members.
1. A Motion was made to Approve the renovations to the front façade of this building. The Motion was Seconded.
In Favor 31 Opposed 1 Abstention 0
Chairperson present but not voting
2. A Motion was made to Approve the addition of a top roof deck. The Motion was Seconded.
In Favor 31 Opposed Abstention 0
Chairperson present but not voting
3. A Motion was made to Approve extending the width of the rear yard extension to the property line but not the increased depth. The Motion was Seconded.
In Favor 26 Opposed 5 Abstention 0
Chairperson present but not voting
4. A Motion was made to Oppose the increase in depth of the extension. The Motion was Seconded.
In Favor 18 Opposed 8 Abstention 6
Chairperson present but not voting
5. A Motion was made to Approve the use of the Terrance Deck on the modified extension. The Motion was Seconded.
In Favor 13 Opposed 15 Abstention 1
Chairperson present but not voting
§ Vote on LPC Application 47-18 Skillman Avenue, Sunnyside
Ms. Deller offered an updated report for Board Members with regard to this Application.
A Motion was made to Oppose this Application. The Motion was Seconded.
In Favor 32 Opposed 0 Abstention 0
Chairperson present but not voting
§ Vote on Consumer Affairs Application 43-45 40th Street, Sunnyside
There were no representatives for this Application present at this Meeting. This Item has been Tabled.
§ Vote on Dual Street Naming a/k/a Martin M. Trainor Way on 58th Street between Roosevelt Avenue, Woodside
A Motion was made to Approve this Application. The Motion was Seconded.
In Favor 32 Opposed 8 Abstention 0
Chairperson present but not voting
§ Conversion into a two way street on Barnett Avenue between 48th Street and 50th Street (headed west), Sunnyside
Ms. Deller offered an update on this issue for Board Members. Mr. Ciaran Staunton and the Barnett Avenue Alliance, Mr. Joseph Conley and the Community Board joined together to improve this location. She said that a presentation had been offered at the September 2009 Land Use Committee Meeting. The Barnett Avenue Alliance has been working with City Agencies for the improvement of the playground and its retaining wall, the addition of sidewalks, etc. In order to obtain these improvements, the Department of Transpiration has recommended the conversion of traffic on Barnett Avenue.
A Motion was made that the Community Board recommend the modification of the traffic pattern along Barnett Avenue between 48th Street through 50th Street, Sunnyside, to be one way only headed westbound. The Motion was Seconded.
In Favor 32 Opposed 0 Abstention 0
Chairperson present but not voting
Transportation Committee
Mr. Conley confirmed a monthly meeting date for this Committee.
Health & Human Services Committee
The Committee did not offer a report at this Meeting.
This Meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted by:
Cheryl Sinnott
