Monthly Community Board Meeting

2/23/2010
7:00 p.m.


Middle School 61
400 Empire Blvd 
Brooklyn NY  11225

Contact: Pearl Miles
1-718-778-9279
bk09@cb.nyc.gov

Agenda:
1. Introduction of Dr. William L. Pollard, President of Medgar Evers College of the City University of New York.

2. Public Hearing on a request received from the Alliance of Panamanian Organizations in the United States of America (APOUSA) for the co-naming of a portion of Franklin Avenue – between Fulton Street and Empire Boulevard – “Avenida Republica de Panamá”, in commemoration of the 106th Anniversary of the Independence of Panama and Panamanian Americans significant contributions to the social, political and cultural fabric of Brooklyn.

3. Public Hearing on application by Moshe M. Friedman, P.E., to the Board of Standards and Appeals under Calendar No. 333-09-BZ, filed pursuant to §72-21 of the Zoning Resolution to waive Sections 24-11 – Floor Area & Lot Coverage; 24-521 – Height; 24-34 – Front Yard; 24-35 – Side Yard; 24-521 – Sky Exposure Plain; to allow the extension to an existing school at 348-350 Troy Avenue aka 1505-1513 Carroll Street, block 1406 Lot 44, in an R4 Zone.

4. Public Hearing on the agencies’ responses to Community Board 9’s FY 2011 Capital and Expense Budget Requests.

BUSINESS SESSION:

a) Minutes of the January 2010 Meeting
b) District Manager’s Report
c) Committees’ Reports
d) Chairman’s Report

ADJOURNMENT

Public Session:

Public Hearing on application by Moshe M. Friedman, P.E., to the Board of Standards and Appeals under Calendar No. 333-09-BZ, filed pursuant to §72-21 of the Zoning Resolution to waive Sections 24-11 – Floor Area & Lot Coverage; 24-521 – Height; 24-34 – Front Yard; 24-35 – Side Yard; 24-521 – Sky Exposure Plain; to allow the extension to an existing school at 248-350 Troy Avenue aka 1505-1513 Carroll Street, block 1406 Lot 44, in an R4 Zone.

Mr. Moshe M. Friedman using a power point presentation informed that the building in discussion is an existing school building. In order to fulfill the problematic needs of the school they would like to finish off the second floor and add a third floor, making it a three story building. Constructing a third floor would not block any of the pre existing buildings as they do not have windows on the side of the school building. A third story would accommodate preschoolers who are registered for the next school year. The school has an elementary school, junior high school and a high school. This extension would allow for such space.

Questions and Answers

Dr. Mason - building schools are commendable, but why not add more space at this time. Why ask for an inch when you can have a yard? Why go up one story when in the future you might need more space? Mr. Friedman - the second floor is only partially done. What they are doing is to complete the second floor and add a third story, at the end of construction there will be a full three story which is thirty thousand square feet, projected for approximately five hundred students. That is the projection over the next couple of years.

Theopia Green said she is a neighbor, she lives on the block. She would like to know the difference between an R4 and R6? Mr. Friedman - an R4 Zone is a low density residential zone, R6 is a higher density residential zone.

Theopia Green - What do you mean by high density and low density? Mr. Friedman - for the most part you don’t have apartment buildings in an R4 zone. In an R6 it’s mostly apartment buildings. Theopia Green - you said that there is a six story building next to your building. I am not aware of such a building. Mr. Friedman - the building is on Carroll Street, right next door. Theopia Green - how do you plan to build this next building? Mr. Friedman - on top; we are building up the existing walls. Theopia Green - will you build on the lot next door? Mr. Friedman - that is not our lot, we are not building on that lot we are building a story and a half. We are going to complete the second floor and build a third floor.

Dwayne Nicholson - inaudible. Mr. Friedman - the existing structure prior was the social security building. When the school came into use it became a conforming use, because the school is a conforming use in the R zones.

Community Resident - what about parking? Answer - there is no need for parking. The teachers walk to school.

A representative speaking on behalf of the school informed that she was from Boston; she is a school administrator and is pleased that they are trying to build more educational facilities. This will help to upgrade our communities. Education is the key; it is a beautiful building. We need more of its kind. We don’t need more bars and clubs. We need more schools of its kind in Brooklyn.

Ruby Hodge - how long will the construction take? Answer - as soon as possible. There is no guarantee, we have to get it through the Community Board, Board of Standards and Appeals; we hope that by the summer we could begin the construction process. We hope to get the super structure in over the summer. The school has to use the building in September they do not want the construction to take a long time. The outer structure should be completed by the beginning of September.

Community Resident - Is the design fitting the building code? Answer – yes, it is energy compliant as mandated by the Federal Government.

Rollins - what does it mean by section 72-21? Answer - 72-21 of the zoning resolution is the section that permits you to go for a variance; section 24 is the actual zoning section for community facilities requirements. Section 24 means we are seeking a variance to build up. We would like to add special areas such as a science lab, library, etc. There are children on the waiting list which we cannot accommodate due to the space of the present building.

Dr. Mason - Even though you will be going up only one and a half floors, make sure that you have representation from the community as far as economic development is concerned.

Pearl Miles informed that the ULURP Committee discussed the matter and the recommendation is to support the application. The Committee did not find anything that would have a negative impact on the community.

Dr. Mason thanked Mr. Friedman for his presentation.

Public Hearing on the agencies’ responses to Community Board 9’s FY 2011 Capital and Expense Budget Requests.

Acting Chair Dr. Marco Mason informed that the requests were distributed to Board members via email. This is the opportunity to discuss the agencies responses and how we as community members can make these agencies aware of our dissatisfaction, and the needs of our community.

Rosemarie Perry, Chairperson of the public safety committee addressed the responses to the following capital and expense requests:

Page 2 priority 4 - this repeats itself every year. It is an item that certainly needs to be taken care of on many levels. Our police precinct doesn’t have adequate parking space, therefore, it leads itself to double parking and poses a danger to pedestrians and motorists. We do not agree with the agency’s response.

Page 13 priority 35 - the Fire Department, this is a contingent on FY 2011 budget allocation. We would like to bring this to the attention of our elected officials to make this a priority. This is extremely necessary especially in the case of a power outage or other emergencies so that we can be safe.

Page 15 priority 2 in expense - personnel for 71 Precinct. We can use more coverage of personnel within the 71 Precinct. All this depends on budgeting. We need to make our voices heard so that when the next graduating class comes out they will realize that we need more coverage in the 71 precinct.

Page 18 priority 11 - Fire Department issues. In our community there are many landmarked homes, homes over 100 years old. We also have many apartment buildings. It is important that they fund ten thousand fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. By law they should be installed in our homes for safety. They can be expensive.

Page 18 priority 12 - CPR Kits. We need to have training on how to use CPR kits. This is important. We don’t need to have it after the emergency. We want to be protective of our children, seniors, everyone. We never know when we will need them.

Page 18 priority 13 - program on education. This is a program like the CPR and smoke alarm kits. It is essential for us to have it.

Page 20 priority 19 - Restore Fire Marshals. We would like for the fire marshals to be restored to full strength. Without fire marshals we are sending the wrong signals to arsonists and the investigation of fires. We have to look at the architecture in our community, the structures, etc, and see that we need fire marshals assigned to our community.

Page 21 priority 22 - Public Safety Education Teams - Fire Department. These are programs brought to senior centers, block associations, on how to respond in a fire situation, how to get out safely from smoke, not just fire. It is important to have it funded.

Page 21 priority 23 - improve staffing for fire safety programs. This goes also with education. It is important to have this funding in place.

Theopia Green requested an explanation for capital budget page 3 item 9 - Acquire city owned property at 1110 Eastern Parkway for a community center. What block is it? Pearl Miles - the block between Utica and Schenectady Avenues where there is a Rainbow shop store. It used to be the Pierre Toussaint Center owned by St. Mary’s Hospital which is now closed. The building is vacant. For years we as Board members had been advocating for a community center. This building is a possibility. It is a new item to the budget. Theopia Green - which agency owns the property? Pearl Miles it is probably under the jurisdiction of the Department of Citywide Administrative Services

Balberg - If we come together on the public safety issues we will send a strong signal that they are important.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation - Mr. Arturo Garcia.

Mr. Garcia informed of the educational opportunities with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the camping program that is in session every summer for 6 weeks; as well as the camp locations across the state

DEC camps have been in existence for over 60 years. They provide amazing opportunities for young people ages 12-17 years. Basically, it is split up into 12-14 year old and 15-17 year old age range. There are four facilities across the state: Camp DeBruce in the Southern Catskills, Pack Forest in the Adirondacks, Camp Colby in Saranac and Camp Rushford in the Genesee River Valley

Cost for camp is $325 per week, which includes food and everything. There is also a scholarship program. The camp focuses on teaching ecology within the environment where it is located, such as fresh water ecology in the lake, forest ecology and human ecology. All these activities are new to the youths of New York City. There is also archery, night hikes, boating, camping, fire building and all the things associated with nature. The camp helps to build lifelong skills that broaden the students’ horizons which help their experiences for the future. The people involved are conservational officers and rangers that work with the youths. Alumni/past students of the program return to be counselors. Counselors are in the ratio of one counselor to eight youths. Counselors must have two years of college education. Registration is now open to youth groups, community based organizations, etc. Starting next week Saturday (February 27) children who would like to participate in the program should file applications.

Up until last week there was something called the diversity program, this program provided free scholarships to camp for underserved youths of New York City. Unfortunately because of the state’s budget crisis that program has been suspended for this summer. It is hopeful that it will be open up again and that there will be money for next summer. If interested in the program, please call so that you will be given information, and will be able to discuss how perhaps in the future your organization can take advantage of this type of scholarship program. There are six one week sessions. The program begins June 27th and ends August 7th.

There will be free buses (transportation) from New York City to the camp site. For further information contact Arturo Garcia (718) 482-7287, 2010 camp registration applications are available at tonight’s meeting or contact www.dec.ny.gov

Dr. Mason thanked Mr. Garcia for his presentation

Public Hearing on request received from the Alliance of Panamanian Organizations in the United States of America (APOUSA) for the co-naming of a portion of Franklin Avenue between Fulton Street and Empire Boulevard – “Avenida Republica de Panamà”, in commemoration of the 106th Anniversary of the Independence of Panama and Panamanian Americans significant contributions to the social, political and cultural fabric of Brooklyn.

Representing APOUSA was Velma Armstrong, chairperson for the co-naming of this portion of Franklin Avenue and the immediate past President of the Alliance of Panamanian Organizations.

Ms. Armstrong informed that they submitted the application because they felt that Panamanians have contributed significantly, not only to the City of New York, but especially to Brooklyn in particular. The migration of Panamanians began in the 1930’s and reached its peak about the 1980’s. Franklin Avenue became the epi-center for Panamanians. There are a number of businesses from Fulton Street to Empire Boulevard; there are restaurants, clubs, hardware stores, law offices, CPA, all Panamanian-owned businesses along that strip of Franklin Avenue. Her belief is that not only have Panamanians made an impact on the economy of Brooklyn, but also a significant contribution to Brooklyn.

Mr. Phillips, a member of APOUSA, informed that along with the businesses developed on Franklin Avenue, the independence day parade takes place on the second Saturday in October and attracts over 25,000 people each year. The celebration has been ongoing for about 14 years. The celebration takes place on President Street between Franklin Avenue and Washington Avenue. People from all over the United States participate in the parade. It is their hope that the Board will see this co-naming in a positive light.

Mr. Frederick Thomas explained that the group started out in 1993, in 1996 the parade began. People came in from Washington State, California, Florida, etc., a board was then introduced. There are many people who attend and spend money in the area. The parade is a celebration, it is very quiet, no police action involved. Many people have suggested the co-naming of Franklin Ave as Avenida Republica de Panama. Tonight that is why they are here before the community board to ask that Franklin Avenue be co-named Avenida Republica de Panama. He hopes that the Community Board 9 will grant them that opportunity.

Questions and Answers

Theopia Green- Is Dr. Charles Russell a member of your organization? Yes.

Brenda Scott - To my understanding co-naming is done for a deceased individual. Her contention is based on the board’s own criteria for co-naming a street. This is being done to commemorate the 106th Anniversary of Panama instead of an individual. This City is made up of several groups which have all done remarkable things for the City. Dr. Mason – under our co-naming procedures, we have stipulated the criteria for individuals. We did that deliberately. Instead of stipulating the criteria for individuals and the criteria for the non-individuals we left that open so that for you the community in times like this, we can evoke it. There is nothing precluding us to deal only with the issues of individuals. This is your opportunity to act.

Mr. Phillips said that co-naming was introduced as a matter of celebrating the contributions of the many people who contributed socially, culturally, politically and economically to the City of New York.

Ruby Hodge said I live in the area, the band practices in the park, as a community person I see nothing wrong with the co-naming of Franklin Avenue in our district.

Stuart Balberg said, seventy years ago my grandparents and others had businesses over on that block on Franklin Avenue, they contributed to the building up of Franklin Avenue. He thinks co-naming could be a positive for the area.

Community resident - is every block going to have the name Avenida Republica de Panama? Pearl Miles - they would only put two signs up, one at either end of the designated area. The signs will be place underneath the existing street name sign.

Dr. Mason - the organization that wants the co-naming will work with the Department of Transportation to design and install them. There are certain guidelines to be followed. When this is done it will be contracted. Franklin Avenue will remain and the new name will be added at the bottom.

Sam Marmulzsteyn - what contributions have they made to Community board 9?

Dion Ashman - I think that in terms of the social, cultural, economic and political contributions, they have impacted the area in Community Board 9.

Business Session:

The business session began at 8:45 pm with 34 members present.

Minutes

The minutes for the January 2010 meeting was presented for correction and adoption. A motion was made by Carl Morgan and seconded by Jannie Johnson to accept the minutes as presented.

District Manager's Report:

We are now in tax lien sale period. If you are a property owner and owe taxes, non-payment of water, sewer, charges, etc, contact the Department of Finance to pay the amount owed. May 7th 2010 is the deadline. For further information call 212-504-4339 or 212 863-5300. Representatives from the Department of Finance will be at 210 Joralemon Street on April 8th 2010, first floor, from 5:00pm - 7:00pm to help.

The city council will hold a meeting at the Brooklyn Museum on the transit budget cuts. The proposed cuts will affect student metrocards, access-a-ride, buses, B23, B37, B51, B71, B75, B77 in Brooklyn; BX 27 and BX 28 in the Bronx. There will be reduced services on the trains B, D and L. Time of the meeting is 6:00 pm.

The proposed supported housing project at 805 - 815 New York Avenue is expected to begin construction soon. This project was supported by Community Board 9 when it came before the board in 2008.

Medgar Evers College will host the film “The Tulsa Race Riot 1921” in the college auditorium on Thursday, February 25th 2010 at 6:30 pm, in celebration of Black History month. All are invited.

Assemblyman Karim Camara has moved his office to 1216 Union Street.

Committee Reports:

There were no committee reports.

Board Chairman's Report:

Dr. Marco Mason reported on the following:

A proposal for the formation of a not-for-profit organization “Friends of Community Board” 9 was submitted to the Executive Committee for consideration. There will be budget cuts for all community boards. Community Board 9’s budget will cut from approximately $190,000 to $160,000. It is important for boards to look elsewhere for funding to fill the gap. The purpose of this organization would be fund raising.

Members of the Executive Committee will be the designated officers of the organization.

Theopia Green said this is the first time that we are hearing about this venture.

District Manager Miles - what we are doing is to put some form of instrument in place to counteract the budget cuts that are certain to take place and with which we are always being faced.

Theopia Green - we need to study it.

Dion Ashman - I think it is a creative idea. If anyone doesn’t agree, then they should give a solution to the problem.

Eleanor Rollins - I sit on a couple of non-for-profit organizations. This is serious. A copy of the plan should be sent to every member of the board for study. At the board meeting it should be the only item on the agenda for discussion.

Pearl Miles – there is no plan to give you to study. The proposal is before the board, if the board votes to move forward on this then it will be put in motion. The first step is and the question is, does the board want to form this kind of organization? If yes, then all the necessary paperwork to form the organization will have to be done.

Dr. Mason - the budget will be cut that is expected, that is why a not-for-profit organization is so important.

Jannie Johnson - I am a member of the Executive Committee, you need to file now, don’t wait for later.

Ruby Hodge - the discussion should be, “do you agree with the suggestion? That should be the discussion.”

Dr. Mason - the item will be voted on this session.

Voting Items

 Application by Moshe M. Friedman P.E. to the Board of Standards & Appeals to allow for the extension of the school located at 248-350 Troy Avenue aka 1505-513 Carroll Street, block 1406 lot 44, in an R4 zone. A motion to support the application was made by Rabbi Speilman and seconded by Stuart Balberg. Voting 31 yes, 1 no, 1 abstention, motion carried.

 FY 2011 Capital Responses - motion was made by Rosemarie Perry and seconded by Denise Thomas that the board should send a strong statement to the agencies and elected officials that the responses to the FY 2011 capital requests were not acceptable. Voting was unanimous – 32 yes

 FY 2011 Expense Budget Responses – motion by Rosemarie Perry seconded by Denise Thomas that the board should send a strong statement to the agencies and elected officials that the responses to the FY 2011 expense requests were not acceptable. Voting was unanimous – 32 yes.

 Co-naming of Franklin Avenue from Eastern Parkway to Empire Boulevard “Avenida Republica de Panama.” Motion was made by Carl Morgan seconded by Dion Ashman that the Board accepts the proposal presented by APOUSA for the co-naming of Franklin Avenue from Eastern Parkway to Empire Boulevard “Avenida Republica de Panama.” Voting: 22 yes, 6 no, 4 abstentions.

 Forming a not-for-profit organization “Friends of Community Board 9.” Motion made by Jannie Johnson seconded by Carl Morgan to accept the proposition presented to the board by the District Manager to form the Friends of Community Board 9 not for profit organization.

Discussion on the motion - Theopia Green - I understand that the same people on the Executive committee will be the officers of the organization. Dr. Mason - that is a constitutional guarantee. Voting: 25 yes, 4 no, 3 abstentions.


Announcement

Dion Ashman, Chair, Youth Committee announced that the “speak out” scheduled for February will be postponed to a later date.

Members Present:
Alejandro, Jenay Ashman, Dion Balberg, Stuart Clarke, Aldith Daniels, Julian Davis, Leslie F. Foster- Golding, Shelia Gill, Joan Green, Theopia Gross, Rabbi Nochum Hackett- Vieira, Tessa I. Hershkop, Aron Hodge, Ruby Hutto- Lucas, Brenda Jean-Baptiste, Maurice Johnson, Jannie Lawerence, Demetrius N. Morgan, Carl Marmulzsteyn, Samuel Mason, Dr. Marco Nicholson, Dwayne Perry, Rosemarie Roachford, Romania Roberson, Myrtle Robinson, Karlene Rollerson- Blackett, Mary Rollins, Eleanor Scott, Brenda Sperlin, Chanina Speilman, Rabbi Joseph St. Clair, Victoria Straker, Yvonne Thomas, Denise Welch, Jacqueline Williams, Evelyn

Members Absent:
Brown, Rev. Phyllis- Sick Carter, Gwen Cetera, Michael Dease, Geraldine Goldstein, Jacob- Millitary duty Hamilton- Gonzales, Sylveta Katz, Yaakov Y Mann, Denise Martin, Jr, Allan Nicolas, Frank Rose, Roosevelt

Officials & Agency Reps Present:
Hon. Marty Markowitz - Ann Marie Adamson Hon. Eric Adams - Reuven Lipkind Hon. Karim Camara Medgar Evers college - Dr. William H. Boone Kings County Hospital - Debra Lesane Hon. Letitia James - Alfred Chiodo Hon. Yvette Clarke - Ron E. Thomas

Adjournment: The Meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted by: Community Board 9

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