MIDDLE SCHOOL 61 AUDITORIUM - 7:00 P.M.
400 EMPIRE BOULEVARD
BROOKLYN, NY 11225

Elected Officials/Agency Representatives Present

Kirsten John Foy - Hon. Kevin Parker
Stacy Frazier - Hon. Carl Andrews
Philip Laufer - Hon. Clarence Norman
Yvonne McKenzie - Hon. Marty Markowitz
Janet Minto - Hon. James E. Davis
Jose Santos - NYC Parks
Eli Slavin - Hon. Major Owens

PUBLIC SESSION

Rev. Connis M. Mobley, Community Service Representative, New York City Central Labor Council, will discuss advocacy and community service programs sponsored by the CLC.

Rev. Mobley in addressing the meeting informed that he represents Bryan McLaughlin, President of the New York City Central Labor Council. The Council is a parent body for 400 unions from the five boroughs of New York which engulfs 1.5 million working people on a daily basis. As President, Bryan McLaughlin's vision is to champion the rights and interests of all working people by building strong relationships with community groups in the area, by establishing community contacts and a database that will help in bridging economical, religious and other community organizations. As the Community Service Representative, Rev. Mobley said that the Community Assistance Unit services a diverse community of New York City through a variety of community service programs. One of such is having a union career day where they go to high schools and colleges to present an opportunity for information based on what the labor movement is about and the different careers that students could venture into.

There is also another union career day of caring which deals with community services such as neighborhood clean ups, companionship for the elderly, assisting in soup kitchens and working with certain shelters. There is also union summer camp for over forty years in service. Over 50,000 children have been sent to summer camps throughout the State of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania. Also services to workers and their families, union and non-union members as well. Services are provided in education and other programs. Lastly in trying to provide other services into the community there is a database of over 750 volunteers at our disposal for recruiting, training and placement for different organizations.

Chairman Goldstein thanked Rev. Mobley for his presentation and reminded the members that there are fliers at the back of the room on the programs provided by the Central Labor Council's activities. For further information the office can be contacted at 212-604-9552 Ext. 221.

BUSINESS SESSION

The business session began at 7:30 p.m. with 24 members present.

Minutes of February 2003 meeting

Due to the lack of a quorum, the minutes will be entertained later in the meeting.

DISTRICT MANAGER'S REPORT

The District Manager - Pearl Miles made the following announcement: Applications are available to block associations for funding from the Citizens Committee, due April 28, 2003. The Mollie Parnis Dress Up Your Neighborhood Awards and the New Neighborhood Partners Grants of up to $1,500 for volunteer projects that bring new immigrants and long time residents together.

Ms. Miles wished everyone a Happy Easter and a Happy Passover.

COMMITTEES' REPORTS

Environmental Protection Committee - Beverly Slater

See written Report. Highlighted presentation by Mr. Aaron H. Bennish, PhD in Nuclear Engineering discussed the safety and concerns pertaining to the NYC Campaign to Close Indian Point. Mr. Bennish felt that the issues are vastly misrepresented.

Economic Development Committee - Carl Morgan - see written report

Education and Youth Committees - Joan Gill/Jannie Johnson - see written report

Transportation Committee - Constantine Hall

Mr. Hall informed that the next committee meeting will be on April 8th instead of April 2, 2003 at the Community Board 9's office at 7:00 p.m.

Housing Committee - Daniel Matthew

Mr. Matthews reported on the Tax Lien Sale deadline May 12th 2003. Anyone whose house is on the list should do the following: contact Community Board 9's office to see the listing. Access the website www.nyc.gov/finance. Once the website is checked, it will give you the listing according to the street address. It will not give information on the amount owed.

On April 3rd at Boys and Girls High School there will be a forum which will be held by the Brownstoners of Bedford Stuyvesant along with the Department of Finance and Department of Transportation. They will be able to give information as well as work out voluntary agreement on how to go about paying off the lien. Boys and Girls High School is located at the Utica Avenue and Fulton Street 6 - 9 p.m., April 3, 2003.

Chairman Goldstein apologized for his absence from the January and February 2003 meeting due to the fact he was called way on military duties. He is cognizant of the fact that many of us have family members in the service at this time. As an army chaplain, he offered a word of prayer for the successful ending of the war and the safe return of our relatives back home.

Chairman Goldstein added that he has seen the list. It is an extensive list for Community District 9. There are many private homes on that list. Unfortunately some people felt that once the mortgage is paid off they are not responsible for the taxes. The owner is responsible for the taxes. There are many properties on the list, two and three family homes. Secondly, even if all taxes are paid and you receive summons for sidewalks, sanitation tickets, etc, all those things are put on your taxes. The mere fact that you have paid the property taxes does not mean that you are free from other monies that you may have incurred through the city finances. He strongly suggests listening to Mr. Matthews. If you received a letter in the last five months, a certified or registered letter from Finance and you ignored it, it would be in your best interest to take the necessary action as requested, to negotiate with the Department of Finance. The city is not out to get your property, but to retrieve that which you owe. Someone asked, how much is interest rate charged? The interest rate is 18.5%. This is factored into what is owed the city. One has until May 12th 2003 to work out the details with the City Department of Finance. This year the City needs money. They will move on your property. This is serious, it cannot be overemphasized.

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

Chairman Goldstein reported on the following.

• Condolences to Samuel Marmulzsteyn on the passing of his mother.
• The Chairman was informed by the Borough President's office that due to the backlog the appointments will be made next month. The reply will be mailed to board members.
  
• There are all types of potholes in the streets of numerous sizes and shapes. Some are very dangerous. He fell in one, lucky he was not hurt. If you see a pothole, please call the board office; tell the exact location of the potholes. Please call in missing signs to avoid accidents. Please call in defective street lights immediately. This is for our safety and our physical well being. The Community Board will take quick action once you give the exact location.

District Manager added that the City has a 311 exchange. This is for non-emergencies, for example, potholes, street lights, abandon cars, complaints. All District Managers have been invited by the Mayor's office and the Commissioner to tour the command center for 311. This will take place on Friday.

The Chairman acknowledged the following representatives:

Yvonne McKenzie, Borough President Marty Markowitz
Phillip Laufer - Assemblyman Clarence Norman
Stacy Frazier - State Senator Carl Andrews
Eli Slavin - Congressman Major Owens
Able Pierre - Councilwoman Yvette Clarke

Minutes of February 2003 meeting

Motion to accept the minutes as reported was made by Mr. Carl Morgan and seconded by Mr. Daniel Matthews.

Adjournment

Chairman Goldstein reminded everyone that next month's meeting will be on April 29th 2003 due to the Passover and Easter holidays, the schools will be closed and most people will be out of the city. April 29th will be the 5th Tuesday of the month. The Chancellor of the NYC Board of Education Joel Klein will be present to answer questions on the fate of the high schools in our district.

A motion to adjourn was made by Carl Morgan and seconded by Maurice Jean-Baptiste.

The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Shelia M. Foster -Wai
April 15, 2003