The meeting was called to order at 7:15 PM by Vincent Prezioso, First Vice Chair.

No one spoke during the time allotted for Gallery Speakers.

I. Minutes
A Motion was made by Al D’Angelo, Seconded by Silvio Mazzella – That the Minutes be accepted as received. PASSED

II. Chairman’s Report – Vincent Prezioso
Vinny reported that Al D’Angelo is the new president of the Morris Park Association.

Vinny reported that Joe Reda had quadruple bi pass surgery. He stated that he is home now.

III. District Manager’s Report – John A. Fratta
John wished everyone a Happy Passover.

John told the Committee Chairs that when they have an item that is discussed at your meeting and needs a motion either for or against it must come before the Board for a vote. He stated that we lost the opportunity to have a say on a group home because it never came before the Board. John stated that in this instance it was not a problem as it only involved a change to an existing home.

John stated that it is important that committee members come to meetings to discuss items, and that often guests have been invited and there is no one there. He stated that the Board will be keeping record to committee attendance.
John stated that committee meeting cannot be canceled the day of the meeting. He explained about what happened with the cancellation of a Parks meeting where a representative was coming to the meeting. John reported that the Borough President wants to know how active the committee members are.
John reported that the march was attended by over 200 people. There were signs carried by the marchers. John reported that there would be a caravan tomorrow at 7:30 PM at War Memorial Plaza. He stated that all communities are invited.

John stated that he would like to find funding for signs that would say “This Community is patrolled by the local patrol” John stated that we would put these signs on every lamp post.

John reported that the next march would be Gun Hill Road. He stated that Rev. Gooding is taking the lead on this with the churches. John stated that after this there will be a march in Allerton and then Morris Park. He report that at the Van Nest march they had applications available for membership for the Van Nest Association.

Street Closing Applications

A Motion was passed by Silvio Mazzella, Seconded by Al D’Angelo – That Community Board 11 send a letter to SAPO stating that we have no objection to these street closings. PASSED

Elizabeth Nazario stated that she was reading the Daily News and all the other community board meetings dates are listed but ours. John said that he would contact them about this.

Al D’Angelo asked about the Mayor’s tree planning program. He asked if Morris Park would be getting some of these trees.

John explained how the tree planting would be accomplished. He also went into detail on under what circumstances the city will make the repairs to the flags that have been raised due to the tree rootes. He stated that a representative from Parks will be at the next Park Committee meeting.

Bob Potter asked when Circuit City will be opening. John said that they are slated to open on or about August 1st.

IV. Borough President’s Report – Andy Toledo
Andy reported that May 3rd is Team Up to Clean Up. He stated that today was the deadline to register your area. Andy stated that they will be doing graffiti removal as well as clean up of the streets. He stated that flyers were available on the back table. Andy reported that May 17th is Armed Forces Appreciation Day at Orchid Beach. He also reported that May 16th is Bike to Work Day which will state at 7 PM at Poe Park.

John introduced George Torres from the Mayor’s Community Assistance Unit.

George reported that Valarie Davis-O’Neill is now back with the Parks Department. He stated that he now covers the entire Bronx. George stated that while the graffiti numbers seem to have increased this is only because the clean up has just begun. He reported that the Pelham Bay stables and the homeless encampment are going to be taken care of.

V. Committee Reports
A. Parks and Playgrounds – Dr. Mahendra Patel
Dr. Patel reported that the committee met on April 10th. He stated that only the Chair and Co-Chair were present. A representative from the Parks Department was there. Dr. Patel stated that the report had been distributed.

B. Highways, Traffic and Transportation – Vincent Prezioso
Vinny reported that the Committee will meet on May 8th with DOT to discuss the White Plains Road Congestion Corridor Project. He stated that Community Boards 12 and 6 were invited. Vinny reported that Pelham Parkway and White Plains Road were backed up yesterday. Vinny reported that the Rapid Transit Plan that the Board voted against was passed by the City Council.

C. Youth – Linda White
Linda reported that the Committee met on April 15th. She stated that the Minutes had been submitted to the Board. She reported that the deadline for SYEP applications is May 16th. Linda reported that there are no income guidelines. Linda reported that selection is done on a lottery basis. She reported that the jobs begin on July 1st and they are paid with a debit card. Linda reported that the NYCHA housing development has jobs and applications are available there.

Linda reported that there will be a Bronx Kids Golf Classic on Tuesday, June 10th. Linda also reported that Yankee tickets are available. See her after the meeting. Linda also reported that Mets tickets are available for May 13th at 7 PM.

John reported that the Board was notified that that the Play Street Applications are due by May 1st. John stated that we need to utilize the streets for the people in the community. John spoke about putting a PAL street in the Van Nest area.

Al reported that the Seventh Day Adventist Church Has offered the use of their gym.

Bob asked about a tag that was on at the Eastchester Houses. John spoke about this location and one at Pelham Parkway Houses.


D. Education and Culture – Ruth Burko
Ruth reported that the Committee had met on April 1st. She stated that the meeting was very poorly attended. Ruth stated that there were no minutes. Ruth asked the members to please attend these meetings as well as Health. Ruth spoke about CSE2, a program for children who would need tutoring. She stated that she would get back to the Board with more information.

E. Housing – Joe Bacote
Joe reported that the Committee met on May 14th. He reported that there was a guest from the United Cerebral Palsy. Joe stated that there is monies available for people who have someone in their home is disabled. He stated that this money would be used to help them make necessary modifications to their home.

John stated that the program has been around since last year. He stated that there was very poor response. John stated that they are coming to the boards to make them aware of the program. John stated that up to $25,000 is available. He stated that this can be in low interest loans, or if this is not feasible they will work with the people. John said that the money can be use for rails, chair lifts etc. He stated that they will be coming to the District Service Cabinet meeting. John stated that this program is designed to keep people in their homes rather than having to go into a home.

F. Economic Development – Harain Figueroa

A Motion was made by Harain Figueroa, Seconded by Linda White – That Community Board 11 send a letter to the SLA stating that we have no objection to the renewal and new license being issued. PASSED

G. Health and Social Services – Blanche Rifkin
Blanche reported that the meeting held on April 1st was very badly attended. She asked the Committee members to please call the Board office if they cannot attend the meeting.

Blanche reported that the HIV AIDS Committee is still doing the Rapid testing. She stated that they have the results in 5 minutes. Blanche reported that Sandra Unger became a grandmother.

Bob Potter reported that he had heard that Calvary Hospital was sold.
Pat Dolan reported on his almost getting hit by a motorcycle on Gun Hill Road by Evander Childs High School. He also reported about cars speeding on the Bronx River Parkway.

John stated that this is in the 47th Precinct. He stated that he would call Board 12 on this.

H. Sanitation and Environmental Protection – Al D’Angelo
Al reported that the Morris Park Association has a committee to work on graffiti. He stated that they will work with Mike on this.

I. Nominations – Gene Tutora
Gene reported that the Committee met and the slate proposed is:

Gene stated that he had spoken to all these candidates and they accepted.
Sandy Unger nominated Vincent Prezioso for Chairman and Joe Thurston seconded the nomination. Vinny declined the nomination.

Gene asked if there were any other nominations for Chairman. There were none.

Gene asked if there were any nominations for First Vice Chair. There were none.

Gene asked if there were any nominations for Treasurer. There were none.

Gene asked if there were any nominations for Secretary. There were none.

Gene stated that nominations will be taken at the May meeting, but the nominee must be present or have indicated in writing their willingness to run. Elections will take place at the June meeting.

J. Other
Silvio announced that Calvary Hospital will be holding its 2nd Annual Family Care Day on Sunday, May 4th from 12 Noon to 3 PM. He stated that there will be information on diabetes prevention, reflexology session, 10-minutes massage, and information on CPR/Defibrillator, Heart Disease, Asthma, and more. There will also be face painting, a magician, music by students from the Julliard School o Music. Silvio state that there will be free gifts to the first 100 people who come. Parking is free.

VI. Old Business
Gene spoke about a Land Use issue that came before the Board several months ago. He stated that the Committee worked hard on this. They went out to the site and came back with a recommendation that the Board deny this application. Gene stated the applicant came before the Board and cried. He stated that the Board voted for her application.

Gene stated that the new application is for 2320 Eastchester Road.
John spoke about the need for proof of Community Board membership. He stated that when Board members go out to visit a site they will often be asked who you are. We need some for of ID to show that the person is a member of the Board.

Blanche reported that today is Vinny’s 45th anniversary.

Al asked George Torres about the thefts of cell phones. He stated that the police arrest them and then they are released.

John stated that in this case 2 detectives witnessed the theft. They were caught with the evidence on them and the victim was willing to press charges. He stated that DA’s office declined to prosecute the case.

Linda stated that this is a gang initiation. She stated that they will walk up behind someone with and IPOD or cell phone and take it from them. They are also going after women’s pocketbooks.

Andy Toledo reported that the White Plains Road Association has been going after stores on Fordham Road who buy these cell phone and change the card and then they sell them.

Al stated that the 49th Precinct will etch your phone at no charge.

Bob asked about the DA’s office coming to a Board meeting.

Irene spoke about six sex offenders who were listed in the Bronx Times. She stated that one of them had lived in her building. Irene stated that he has moved, but his old address where there is a new family living. She stated that the sex offenders lists need to be updated.

VII. New Business
Irene reported that she is now a New York State Chaplain.
There being no further business before the Board, the meeting adjourned
at 8:30 PM.