THE CITY OF NEW YORK

COMMUNITY BOARD 12 5910 - 13 Avenue, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11219

(718) 851-0800 FAX # (718) 851-4140 zsender@aol.com

Marty Markowitz Alan J. Dubrow Wolf Sender

Borough President Chairperson District Manager

Moshe Wieder, First Vice ChairMartin Katz, Second Vice Chair Roberta Feinstein, Secretary

Larry Jayson, Sergeant-At-Arms February 8, 2011

TO: COMMUNITY BOARD 12 MEMBERS/ELECTED OFFICALS/INTERESTED PARTIES

FROM: ALAN J. DUBROW, CHAIRMAN

RE: FEBRUARY BOARD MEETING____________________________________________________________________________________

The next meeting of Community Board 12 will be held on:

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 20117PM

AMICO SENIOR CENTER5901 – 13th AVENUE (THIRD FLOOR)

(Entrance on 59th Street)Brooklyn, N.Y.

A G E N D A

1. PUBLIC SESSION

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES

4. CHAIRMAN’S REMARKS – ALAN J. DUBROW

5. NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT – JOSHUA WEINSTEIN

6. OLD BUSINESS

7. NEW BUSINESS

8. ADJOURNSUMMARY OF COMMUNITY BOARD 12 MEETING HELD TUESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2011 AT THE AMICO SENIOR CENTER, 5901 – 13 TH AVENUE, BROOKLYN, NY @7PM______________

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT BOARD MEMBERS ABSENTSANDY ABOULAFIA TAHIR BHUTTATAMAR ABRAHAM LAN CHENYAKOV ABRAMOV RABBI BERNARD FREILICHANNA CALI MORDECHAI KATZFRED CASSERA ANDREW KOHENJACOB DASKAL LARRY JAYSONALAN J. DUBROW RAYMOND LEEJOEL EISDORFER LILY MARINELLIRABBI TZVI ENGLARD JOHN MORONIROBERT FEINSTEIN MENDEL REINERJULES FLEISCHER MORDECHAI SCHWARTZSHARON FUCHS AMY SICIGNANOJACOB HAAS, P.E. YERUCHIM SILBERRQABBI EDGAR GLUCKEDWARD HANDLER ELECTED OFFICIAL’S PRESENTRABBI CHAIM ISRAEL COUNCILMAN DAVID GREENFIELDSAMUEL MENDY ISRAEL BARRY SPITZER, REP. COUNCILMAN DOUGLAS JABLON DAVID GREENFIELDJOSEPH JACOBS PINNY RINGEL, REP. PUB. ADVOCATEMARTIN KATZ BILL deBLASIO

ABU KHALIQUZZAMAN SHARON FUCHS, REP. ASSEMBLYMAN HIKIND ELI OIRING GABBY FRIEDLANDER, REP. COUNCILMAN DR. JOAN PASTORE BRAD LANDER MORTY PUPKO JOEL EISDORFER, REP. SEN. E. ADAMS PETER REBENWURZEL ELI SLAVIN, REP. COMGRESSWOMAN ELLIOT ROSMAN YVETTE CLARKE MORRIS SENDEROVIC JULES FLEISCHER, REP. SEN. D. SAVINO DAVID SHLOMOVICH SAMUEL STOBER LIAISON’S PRESENT STANLEY SUSSMAN CAPT. RUSSO, EXEC. CAPT. 66TH PRECINCT MARGARET TOBIN P.O. O’KEEFE, 66TH PRECINCT SOL WAHBA JOSHUA WEINSTEIN COMMUNITY PRESENT MOSHE WIEDER APPROX. 17 RESIDENTS PRESENT ROCHELLE ZAMIE (NAMES ON FILE IN BOARD OFFICE) MENDEL ZILBERBERG

STAFF PRESENTWOLF SENDER, DISTRICT MANAGERLUCILLE MAURO, COMMUNITY ASSISTANCEANN MARIE HONAN, COMMUNITY SERVICE AIDEKAROL JOSWICK, CONSULTANT

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

PUBLIC SESSIONSakibeh Mustofa, from The Brooklyn Hospital Center gave a brief synopsis of a new family service opened up by the center located on 61st Street between 7th and 8th Avenues. Services provided are

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pediatrics, women’s health care, WIC as well as other services. Ms. Mustofa left brochures for the taking and said if anyone had any questions, please call her. Her number is listed on the brochure.

Jole Carliner reported that a couple of months ago, it was reported in the Minutes that she would like to see the Community Board 12 Minutes posted on the web like Community Board 14 does. She said she was misquoted. But yes, she would like to see Community Board 12 Minutes posted on the Website. What she actually wanted to say was that she wanted the Minutes of the Police Community Council meeting posted on CB12 website the same as Community Board 14 posts with their Precinct. However, she would want the Minutes to give details as to who said what.

Ms. Carliner said she would like to commend Councilman Lander for his announcements in the papers about happening in Brooklyn South particularly in the Kensington area.

Ms. Carliner spoke about bicycle lanes in this District, something which she is passionate about. She stated that Police should take more stringent action against cars parked in the designated bicycle lanes. There are more accidents caused because cyclists’ are forced to go into moving traffic due to obstacles in the bicycle lanes. Ms. stated that she supports bike lanes and hopes to see more in this District including McDonald Avenue.

Bridget Elder reported that the same problem she report last month has not changed. Last month she reported that numerous U-Haul’s are parked overnight on Church Avenue and the side streets, namely Chester Avenue, Story Street, etc. She does not believe they are allowed to park overnight but she said there are at least 15 all around that neighborhood. Mr. Dubrow referred the matter to Capt. Russo who said he would look into the matter and asked Ms. Elder to speak to him after the meeting.

Mohammed Mahab reported that there is a new Institution which his organization has opened up at 188 Dahill Road for children with disabilities - mainly PDD, autism, etc. They are a private Institution but work in conjunction with the Board of Education. If anyone has any questions or needs information, please see him after the meeting.

Ms. Sara Lampner asked the Board what happened to the private van service that was suppose to run along 16th Avenue after Transit discontinued the bus route? Mr. Dubrow said he would let Councilman Greenfield speak on that issue later in the meeting.

Abu Khaliquzzaman spoke about Bengali Language Day which will take place on February 21 st by Avenue C. Many of the Bangladeshi people will be there to pray. He thanked the 66 th Precinct and Community Board 12 for their cooperation and help as well as the restaurants and the Polish people.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

ADOPTION OF MINUTESThere being no omissions, correction or deletions, the Minutes were accepted as rendered.

CHAIRMAN’S REMAKRS -- ALAN DUBROWMr. Dubrow welcomed everyone back and wished all a Happy New Year. Also, Mr. Dubrow stated that at our November meeting he forgot to congratulate one of our board members, Lily Marinelli on the birth of aher baby girl. Congratulations once again to Lily and her family.

Mr. Dubrow introduced the Boards new Community Service Aide, Ann Marie Honan. Ann Marie took the place of Ady Matteo who went back to school to get her degree. We wish Ady well. We also have our former Assistant District Manager and now Consultant for the Board, Karol Joswick here with us tonight..

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Everyone should have received the schedule dates for the Board meetings through June. If you did not, they are on the table by Lucille.

Mazel Tov to Gabby Friedlander and her husband Ezra on the recent birth of a baby boy. Mrs. Friedlander is Councilman Lander’s liaison to this Board.

Mr. Dubrow stated that it is that time of year again to name a Nominating Committee. Mr. Dubrow appointed Joshua Weinstein, Chairman, Dr. Joan Pastore, Samuel Israel, Morris Senderovic and Mordechai Katz. Mr. Dubrow said the Committee will meet and present a slate of Officers at the February 22nd Board meeting. At that time, nominations will be taken from the floor. Elections will take place at the March 22nd meeting.

Mr. Dubrow welcomed Councilman David Greenfield and asked him to say a few words.

Councilman Greenfield welcomed all and was glad to see such a large turnout. The Councilman spoke about the City Council’s hearing concerning the lack of responses during the snow blizzard and what happened in this community. The first hearing concerned what went wrong with Sanitation. The hearing was about what happened with the MTA during the blizzard. Our community probably had the worst response in the City.

Addressed at the City Council hearing Council was what went wrong with Sanitation. Many people saw Sanitation trucks just sitting there and not working. The reason for that was because there was no manpower to drive the trucks. Through the hearings, we learned six major reason why things went so bad. They were: 1) The City did not call a snow emergency; 2) There was no accountability; 3) There was slow deployment; 4) There was no engagement of private resources such as private contractors to help; 5) There was no communication and 6) There were significant problems with the Borough and emergency responses. Councilman Greenfield related a story about a family who waited over an hour for an ambulance. Unfortunately the woman died and her remains stayed in the house for 36 hours.

Councilman Greenfield applauded the unique way this community came together. Special thanks go to Hutzolah, Shomrim Chaverim and the New York City Police Dept. Without their help, things would have been much worse.

With regard to the MTA, they were worse than the City in responses. They did not call a snow emergency either. There were trains stuck for hours. Riders had no information at all. They had no bathroom facilities, heat or electricity. In fact, in their own words, the MTA said they had a lack of decisions being made. The final thing is that they forgot about the trains being stuck, and had no reasonable excuse. It was a disaster.

Since the hearings and with the onslaught of more storms, it appears Sanitation has had a much better response.

With regard to the van service along 16 th Avenue, Councilman Greenfield said the van pilot program worked out with the TLC did not have a good response and therefore it was suspended. However, he is working with TLC to bring it back and the TLC has made an outreach to various community organizations, etc. to let more and more people know about the service once it is up and running again.

Councilman Greenfield stated that there has been significant vandalism occurring in Washington Cemetery. He, along with others as well as the 66 th Precinct are working to try and catch the culprits. Meanwhile, there is a $15,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest of these vandals

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Another incident that occurred was mounds and mounds of snow were piled against part of the fencing along Washington Cemetery. These piles were so high that the weight of them pushed the fencing down which caused numerous gravestones to topple. This is being worked on as well to correct.

Councilman Greenfield announced some legislation that is being worked on at City Council.

He introduced legislation concerning fire hydrants which would require that both sides of the fire hydrant should be painted showing where you can and cannot park. This should help prevent residents from getting unjust tickets.

He will also introduce legislation next week to provide parking permits for women who are pregnant or who are having a difficult pregnancy to park in limited areas such as No Parking or No Standing Zones. The City issues thousands of permits to elected officials, clergy, doctors, etc. so this type of permit should offer no problems as the parking is in limited spaces.

Councilman Greenfield also introduced legislation that would have DCAS waive test fees for veterans.

Councilman Greenfield stated that his Office worked a program with the Boro Park Y in giving out free flu shots to seniors or those with a health problem or anyone who has no health insurance.. Next week, Councilman Greenfield’s Office will be working with seniors, those with health problems or those who have no health insurance to get free flu shots. It is on a first come first served basis and there is a limited amount. The Office will put those who register on a list. They will then get a voucher and can go to Walgreens or Rite Aid for their free flu shot.

Councilman Greenfield reported that there recently was a ground breaking ceremony for FDR High School football field and the Kensington Library which is on the border of CB12 and CB14 is slated to open some time next summer. However, as we all know there is a shortage of cash in the City so it will be a challenge to get these projects completed.

Councilman Greenfield reported that he met with the new School Chancellor, Cathie Black and spoke on many issues concerning the community and education as a whole. They discussed both public and private schools. They spoke about tuitions that parents pay for private school, coupons for door to door bus service, Title I programs as well as other important items.

The Council recently passed legislation that would require DOT to create guidelines for traffic calming devices such as islands, etc. Right now, there are no guidelines. They must now follow Federal guidelines before they actually install any device and must take into consideration facts such as nearby schools, medical facilities, nursing homes etc. before they decide whether or not they are going to install any devices they must be based on Federal guidelines.

Another important factor is that when a Councilman or a Community Board requests a certain device suchas a Stop sign, etc. they must give you the reason why if the request is denied.

Question and answer period followed. Chaim Israel wanted to know if the Federal guidelines for calming devices are retroactive to devices placed recently. Councilman Greenfield said unfortunately, they are not, but hopefully, we can learn from past mistakes.

Sam Stober asked if there would be an amnesty program for parking violations. Councilman Greenfield said that he along with many members of the City Council is for it however, the Mayor is not. The Council will keep pushing for it.

Sandy Aboulafia thanked Councilman Greenfield for helping to get her street plowed. She also thanked the Community Board, namely Lucille, for helping to get the garbage picked up.

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Councilman Greenfield said that he rode around the District at night to see streets needed plowing, etc. and gave Sanitation a list each night.

Jacque Friedman stated that FDR High School is very negative in letting private schools; especially the girl’s schools use their auditorium. They have a beautiful auditorium which they don’t allow this community to use. Discussion followed. Councilman Greenfield stated that FDR has a new Principal and he has worked very well with her. If anyone has any problems please let him know and he will try to help. His Office number is 718 853-2704.

Jacque Friedman also wanted to know why the Board does not know what Sanitation has in equipment.Why were there not sufficient people? Why doesn’t every vehicle have a driver? This information should be available to us. Councilman Greenfield said it is a matter of simply not sharing. They do not give us the information. Going block to block after the major storm, Councilman Greenfield stated he saw first hand the lack of manpower, not enough tow trucks, etc. and brought back this information to the Administration and the Commissioner. It was decided that there should be a change and there is now a new Super I BK12 Sanitation.

Rabbi Edgar Gluck, Chairman of the Police, Fire and Safety Committee introduced Captain Russo the new Executive Captain of the 66th Precinct along with P.O. O’Keefe, who is in charge of the Auxiliary Police for the Precinct.

Captain Russo informed the member that the crime statistics for the 66 th Precinct is still very low. He gave a brief synopsis on bicycle regulations and enforcement. Capt. Russo said if anyone had any problems to speak to him after the meeting.

CONSUMER AFFFAIRS REPORT – JACQUE FRIEDMANMr. Friedman reported that the Consumer Affairs Committee held a Public Hearing on December 20 th in conjunction on an application by 3 and 1 Kitchen Corp. located at 4902 Fort Hamilton Parkway for an enclosed sidewalk café with 8 tables and 16 seats. This is located on the corner of Fort Hamilton Parkway and 49th Street – opposite Maimonides Emergency Room.

Residents were notified all around including Maimonides. One resident who spoke was 100% in favor of this. With the enclosure, there still would be an 8’ sidewalk on 49 th Street. There will be enlargement of the sidewalk on Fort Hamilton Parkway. There was no opposition from Maimonides. Mr. Friedman reported that the reviewing agencies which are the Dept. of Consumer Affairs and City Planning had no objections to this request.

The Committee unanimously agreed to approve this application. The Committee had a quorum of members present. Questions and answer period followed.

MOTION MADE TO APPROVE APPLICATION FOR SIDEWAL CAFÉ AT 4902 FORT HAMILTON PARKWAY, aka 3 IN 1 KITCHEN CORP. BROOKLYN, N.Y.

VOTE TAKEN: IN FAVOR: 36 OPPOSED: 0 ABSTENTIONS: 0

Martin Katz stated that in the future, these types of applications should also come in front of the Zoning Committee.

VARIANCE COMMITTEE REPORT – PETER REBENWURZELMr. Rebenwurzel reported that the Variance and Zoning Committee of our Board met with the Zoning Committee of Community Board 7 about zoning changes along 8 th Avenue. 8th Avenue is a border street between the two Boards.

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Mr. Rebenwurzel gave a short report on the meeting. 8 th Avenue on the west side is Community Board 7 and the east side of 8th Avenue is Community Board 12. Presently 8th Avenue is zones’ R6 and basically that means that they cannot have a commercial business on the second floor. There are also height restrictions. There are numerous commercial establishments operating on the second floor along 8 th

Avenue. Community Board 7 needs our approval to change the zoning to an R7-C4 which allows more than an R6 zone. Community Board 7 has been successful in getting 7 th Avenue and 5th Avenue in their district rezoned to R7. Mr. Rebenwurzel state that both Boards agreed that at present, commercial establishments are allowed 150 feet off the corner of a commercial strip. It should be changed to the first 100 feet. Discussion followed.Chaim Israel stated that 8th Avenue is clogged with traffic as is the sidewalk. Giving more opportunities for businesses to open would be a disaster. As it is now, residents who live on the side streets cannot find parking on their blocks until after 7 pm. Mr. Israel felt that 8 th Avenue should be left alone or the zoning decreased.

Jacob Haas stated that more affordable housing is needed and anything else is not acceptable. Discussion followed.

Jacob Daskal stated that to change the zoning just to legalize business does not make sense. 8 th Avenue is a large commercial strip.

Martin Katz also stated that this district needs more affordable housing and asking Councilman Greenfield abut looking into a R7 zoning change in our area. Presently, Community Board 12 has no R7 zoning designations.

Councilman Greenfield reported that he and Councilwoman Gonzalez have been in a request to the City to have certain locations looked at particularly in the 60’s and out on 13 th Avenue to 17th Avenue to do a rezoning potentially to an R7. Councilman Greenfield said he has concerns about one community telling another community what to do and there is a certain sense that communities are entitled to self determination.

This community decided many years ago to have a special zoning district which would allow the district to build very high and make the sacrifice of not having adequate parking spaces. This is something we are living with today. The Councilman’s feeling is that no one should interfere and tell them what to do just as we would not like them to tell us what to do. Issues should be worked out. The Councilman said that he and Councilwoman Gonzalez are continuously working on the areas just mentioned to try and get a zoning change so affordable housing can be built. It is a long process and will keep the Community Board updated.

Mr. Rebenwurzel suggested the Board should show Community Board 7 that we want to work with them and some day we may need them to support a project in our district.

MR. Rebenwurzel stated that this is a complex matter and before we can vote on it, the committees from both boards will have another meeting to make final recommendations.

Mr. Dubrow said that since 8th Avenue zoning has brought up the issue of R7, he asked Mr. Rebenwurzel that perhaps the Variance committee could look into it for our District.

There was neither old business nor new business to discuss.

Meeting adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

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KAROL JOSWICKConsultant

David Greenfield welcomed everyone for coming out and always a pleasure to see such a large turnout at the community board. Captain good to see your again.

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