1029 East 163rd Street Rm. 202 Bronx, New York  10459 TEL: (718) 328-9125 FAX: (718) 991-4974 email:brxcb2@optonline.net

FULL BOARD MINUTES
Date: March 26, 2008
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Place: PS130, 750 Prospect Ave.

The regular monthly meeting of Community Board #2 was held on Wednesday, March 26, 2008 at PS 130, 750 Prospect Ave. Bronx, NY pursuant to notice filing time and place.


WELCOMING REMARKS
Ms. Velasquez, Principle of P.S. 130, gave a warm welcome and mentioned briefly some of the new and innovative programs that are currently being offered at P.S. 130. She highlighted the Academic Intervention Support program which identifies 1st graders at academic risk and provides the student with additional individualized support.


PUBLIC SESSION

1. Barretto Point Park and ACTION- Ms. Tatiana Echevarria and Ms. Misra Walker, teen activists from ACTION, an after-school program at the Point, informed the board that they are involved in a project to identify problems at Barretto Point Park such as lack of public transportation to the park, and odors. They therefore have created surveys concerning the park and are distributing them to the community at large to determine community opinion regarding the conditions that currently exist and whether the park could be utilized more if the problems were rectified. The students eventually hope to use this data to convince MTA to extend it's Bx 6 busline further into Hunts Point. On April 19, 2008 @ 11 AM, a press conference and rally will be held at Barretto Point Park to highlight.“ DEP Plant Expansion, NYOFCO and “no transportation” They also announced that there will be a screening of City Of Water (a documentary about the future of New York's Waterfront) @ The Point March 27 at 6:45 940 Garrison Ave.

2. N.Y.O.F.Co. Facility Report: Mr. John Kopec, General Manager.
Mr. Kopec stated that the newly published facility report is the result of a request from community groups (stakeholders) and Sisters of Mercy (Stockholders) to establish an open dialogue between NYFCO and the Hunts Point community. A series of meetings were held to achieve the common goals of open communication, fostering trust, sharing information and obtaining feedback. The report contains information about NYFCO's day-to-day operation, the potential impacts of the facility on the Hunts Point community and the measures taken by NYFCO to address those impacts. For additional information or copies of the report call Mr. John Kopec @ 718.991.7417

BUSINESS SESSION

A. Roll Call- quorum was established.


B. CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT—MR. ROBERTO S. GARCIA

Mr. Garcia asked for a moment of silence to acknowledge the passing of our former Community Board #2 board member Bernice James.
American Banknote Building- Mr. Max Blauner Mr. Blauner, former owner of the recently landmarked American Banknote building, was given a plaque acknowledging his commitment to the Hunts Point community. Contrary to the advice of the business “common-sense” Mr. Blauner purchased the massive banknote building in 1982, during a very bleak time in the South Bronx He kept the building open, tenanted and affordable. Occupied by a variety of groups including local art organizations, the groups provided a presence in the building which, in turn, prevented the massive structure from becoming abandoned or occupied by drug users and squatters. The building was the starting point for several arts groups and was the catalysts for the emerging arts community of Hunts Point. Mr. Blauner graciously accepted the plaque told the story of how he became a businessman in the South Bronx and how his faith in the resurgence of the Bronx never wavered.


C. DISTRICT MANAGER'S REPORT-
MR. JOHN ROBERT

D. BRONX BOROUGH PRESIDENT'S 0FFICE-
MS. AUREA MANGUAL

Ms. Mangual highlighted the activities planned throughout the Borough for Bronx Week. She particularly emphasized Bronx Clean-up Day, May 3, 2008, and requested that the board identify lots and volunteers within CB#2.

Comptroller William Thompson- represented by Mr. Charles Ramos announced that the Comptroller would be holding a press conference on Sunday, March at 1:30 at City Hall to express opposition to the Mayor's proposed cuts to The Department of Aging. Supporters and providers of senior services are asked to attend.

E. COMMITTEE REPORTS

YOUTH SERVICES AND EDUCATION COMMITTEE/ HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES- ENIVRONMENTAL COMMITTEE
MRS. AVON WILSON- PINCKNEY FOR MS. LYTZA COLON AND MR. ROLAND LOPEZ

Resolution To provide a letter of support to the “ASPIRA-yes” program regarding their health disparity research project. A motion to provide a letter of support was made by Ms. Marta Rivera, seconded by Ms. Rashea Cartegena and carried by all.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES-
MR. ORLANDO MARIN, CHAIRPERSON

HOUSING AND LAND USE COMMITTEE
MS JOYCE CAMPBELL CULLER, CHAIRPERSON

SPECIAL EVENTS COMMITTEE / PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE-
MS. JULIA CRUZ, FACILITATOR FOR MS. YESSENIA VELEZ, CHAIRPERSON

Ms Cruz reported on the Fellowship Breakfast that took place on 3/26/2008. Honorees included Ms. Margaret Hetley, former Hunts Point Librarian and Dr. Marco Hernandez

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES-
MR. ROLAND LOPEZ, CHAIRPERSON

ANNOUNCEMENTS: - Mr. Jerry Castro --Happy Land Social Club Fire Memorial mass will be scheduled for Sunday, March 30th, 9:00 am at St Thomas of Aquinas Catholic Church, 1900 Crotona Parkway, Bronx. March 25th marks the 18th Anniversary of the Happy Land Social Club fire where 87, the majority of which were Honduran Garifunas. For additional information call Jose Francisco Avila at 917-783-5298.

CLOSING ROLL CALL

ADJOURNMENT
Having no further business to discuss and upon motion made, the meeting was adjourned. Community Board #2 will meet on April 30, 2008, at The Point CDC 940 Garrison Avenue.