1426 Boston Road (near E. 170  St./Prospect Ave.) Bronx, New York 10456 TEL: (718) 378-8054 FAX: (718) 378-8188 email:Brxcomm3@optonline.net

 MINUTES OF COMMUNITY BOARD #3

MEMBERS PRESENT Gloria Alston Valerie Bailey Rev. Joel Bauza Nicole Brown Janet L. Bullock Dea. Ernest Dawkins Wanda Ellis Gail Gadsden Cordelia Gilford Ernestine Graham Wright Juanita Hamilton Abdul Johnson Rita Jones Linda Kemp Una Lawrence Wilbert Tee Lawton (S/L) Elizabeth Luciany Marlon Molina Rev. Idus Nunn, Jr. Jose Perez Leslie Phipps Dave Dominick Reid Rev. Bruce Rivera Victor Rivera Rev. Milton Stubbs Walter Thomas Clyde Thompson Joanne Webb-Dixon	STAFF PRESENT John W. Dudley Etta F. Ritter MEMBERS EXCUSED Xiomara Arriola Allen Rey Deborah Terrell MEMBERS ABSENT Bawa Abrourazakou Shirley Conyers Ahmadou Diallo Jose Francisco Avila Edna Quinones Lorraine Swinton
Mayor’s Community Assistance Unit -
Bronx Borough President's Office - Andy Toledo

Guests
All Other Guests Names on File

Call To Order

Rev. Bruce Rivera, 2nd vice-chairperson at Bronx Community Board Three, called the meeting to order at 6:07pm. Rev. Rivera thanked Rev. Milton Stubbs, pastor of Mother Walls AME Zion Church and board member, for hosting the General Board meeting at 895 Home Street. Mother Walls AME Zion Church has been in existence for 107 years.

Rev. Rivera requested that we continue to lift our beloved Chairperson Gloria Alston up in prayer.

Invocation

Rev. Milton Stubbs led us in prayer.

Community Concerns/Exchange of Information

At this time, community concerns and information was exchanged not limited to the following:

● Mr. Clyde Thompson, director of community affairs/training and employment at Southeast Bronx Neighborhood Centers, Inc., located at
955 Tinton Avenue, within Community District Three, provided the following time sensitive information:
○ On Thursday, April 25th, SEBNC will be hosting a Advocacy Day Health, Education and Employment Fair from 10:00am-4:00pm.
○ On Friday, April 26th, SEBNC will be hosting a Community Workshops
○ On Saturday, April 27th, SEBNC will be hosting an “Advocacy Breakfast” board members will receive a “special” invitation.

● Mr. Abdul Johnson, board member and founder of C-Ball (Community Board Athletic Leadership League), provided the following updates:
○ The C-Ball website is up and operational
○ Ms. Gloria Alston, chairperson of Bronx Community Board Three, will be hosting a “Breakfast Fundraiser”, for C-Ball and the date is yet to be determined.
○ A professional event planner has been secured to assist with the fund raising events to be planned and scheduled.
Mr. Johnson concluded by thanking Mr. John W. Dudley for his unwavering assistance with the C-Ball concept.

● Ms. Marie Brooks, community resident and a Jackson-Forest Avenue homeowner, has requested Bronx Community Board Three’s assistance regarding a house located at 1115 Forest Avenue, to be developed as a half way house to house recently released incarcerated individuals. The homeowners are concerned that directly across the street is a school and that this development poses a negative impact within the surrounding community. Mr. Dudley stated that all efforts would be put forth in identifying the property owner and securing the legitimacy of said development. Bronx Community Board Three has not received any correspondence regarding said development therefore this location can be an “as-of-right” location.

Ms. Brooks was introduced to Ms. Portia Dyrenforth, Crotona Park Administrator at Crotona Park, regarding “Youth Village Park” access.

● Ms. Una Lawrence, board member, reported that the sidewalk condition across the street from 445 East 171st street, fronting the “Greenthumb Garden,” is being corrected.

● Mr. Peter Bazeley, director of the Leona Blanche House and board member of the 42nd Police Precinct Community Council, stated that the Community Council is anticipating hosting a “Community Brunch” on Saturday, May 18th from 11:00am-1:00pm, at the Boys and Girls Club. The theme will be the “Health of the Community” and they will be honoring individuals that have provided healthy alternatives to the residents within Community District Three.

● Ms. Rita Jones, board member, founder of Future Star Production and director of the National Action Network, will be hosting an “OPEN HOUSE” of her new office space on Thursday, May 16, 2013. Refreshments will be served. Ms. Jones will provide further details soon..

● Mr. Clyde Thompson also noted, that he has met with representatives from Sky Vegetables and they are requesting community and planning board support regarding the distribution of the vegetables. The representatives have invited the board members to tour the roof top garden facility.

● Rev. Joel Bauza, board member and pastor of Calvary Church located at 1010 East 174th Street, stated that “free” home cooked meals are served every Wednesday from 6:00pm-9:00pm, or when the food runs. A professional Chef from Taste and Sea comes to prepare these delicious home cooked meals.

Rev. Bauza also requested that the community residents keep our elected officials in prayer.

● Mr. Abraham Jones, executive director of Claremont Neighborhood Center, Inc., stated that Zumba and Nutritional classes are held at Claremont Center. Claremont Center is also hosting a Prom Drive for 8th and 12th graders. Mr. Jones concluded by stating that Summer Youth Employment Applications are available at the center.

Mayor’s Community Assistance Unit Report

Mr. Nivardo Lopez, Bronx Borough Director, for the Mayor’s Community Assistance Unit, came before the community at-large to request their assistance in spreading the word to homeowners, places of worship and businesses, to complete the Forever Graffiti Free Form (waiver) which offers free graffiti removal to properties throughout the five boroughs. If you would like graffiti removed from your property, fill out a Forever Graffiti Free Form and as long as you own the property, the graffiti can be removed. It was also noted that if a homeowner has given permission to clean the graffiti off their property that if your property, repeated offenses will allow your property to be cleaned in an expeditious manner, due to the homeowner having completed the waiver.

Roll Call

Ms. Gail Gadsden, secretary, secretary at Bronx Community Board Three, called the roll. At this time, a quorum was established.

Members Requesting to be Excused

Xiomara Arriola
Deborah Terrell
Rey Allen

Motion

It was motioned and seconded to excuse the following member(s):

Xiomara Arriola
Deborah Terrell
Rey Allen

All in Favor Motion Carried

Amendments to the Agenda

There were no amendments to the agenda.

Approval of Minutes of Prior Meeting

Motion

It was motioned and seconded to approve the minutes of the prior meeting held on Tuesday, March 12, 2013, with the necessary corrections, if there be any.

All in Favor Motion Carried

NY State Senator Gustavo Rivera’s Report

Ms. Latoya Matthew, representative from State Senator Gustavo Rivera’s office, stated that she was happy to be back with her family. Ms. Matthew provided a report for the month of April as follows:

● The Senator reports that the budget was passed on time, however, he was disappointed that the minimum wage bill will not be active until 2016. The Minimum wage bill does not address service workers.

● The Osborne Foundation has site control over the Fulton Correctional Facility. It is anticipated to be used to assist formerly incarcerated individuals with job placement, employment assistance, housing and social services.

It was briefly noted that the Senator has been conducting a Playstreet Initiative. Senator Rivera’s staff is contacting community based organizations to assist them in completing and having a Playstreet permit to close the street fronting their business during the summer season.

Ruben Diaz, Jr.-Borough President’s Report

Mr. Andy Toledo, representative from the Bronx Borough President’s Office, distributed the Bronx Borough President’s Report for the month of April.

● Mr. Toledo stated board members who were up for re-appointment should be receiving their re-appointment letter soon. The terms of community board members who have chosen not to reapply for a new term ended on March 31st.
● On Sunday, April 14th Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., will join together with thousands of community and clergy members to join “Hands Across the Concourse” in opposition to gun violence and domestic violence. Those participating in the event will begin to line up along the route at 3:00pm and Borough President Diaz will officially join hands at 4:00pm at the West Kingsbridge Road location.
● Bronx Week will take place from Thursday, May 9th through Sunday, May 19th.

Councilwoman Maria Del Carmen Arroy’s Report

Ms. Erica Blake, representative from Councilwoman Marie Del Carmen Arroyo’s office, stated that the their office is still entertaining and assisting residents with the Deferred Action Application. This is a Free service which will be available until June 2013.

Chairperson’s Report

At this time, Ms. Gloria Alston stated that she was truly touched by the Love shown to her and her family during their time of sorrow.

District Manager’s Report

Mr. John W. Dudley, district manager stated that a groundbreaking ceremony will be held for the Cary Leeds Center for Tennis and Learning in Crotona Park on Wednesday, May 22, 2013, 5:00pm at Crotona Park (1700 Crotona Avenue).

The district manager noted that the Preliminary Budget is completed in January, the Executive Budget is completed in April and the Adopted Budget is completed in June. The district manager distributed his statement on the FY’2014 Preliminary Budget as follows:

FY’2014 STATEMENT ON THE PRELIMINARY BUDGET

An analysis of the FY’ 2014 Preliminary Budget and Financial Plan of the City of New York reflects a budget forecast of $70.4 billion in revenue for FY’ 2013, with $71.7 billion of projected expenses (year to year change of 4.2%). The FY’ 2014 budget projects a reduction in revenues of 0.5% from $70.4 billion to $70.1 billion with a similar reduction in expenses of 2.3% from $71.7 billion to $70.1 billion.

The FY’2014 budget is projected to be funded with $1.1 billion of FY’ 2013 resources, due to a projected operating deficit of $1.1 billion. Twelve PEGs (Programs to Eliminate the Gap) savings implemented since before June 2008, reflect savings totaling over $6.551 billion applied to FY’2014.

AGENCY DEPARTMENTAL BUDGET ANALYSIS

NYC DEPT. OF EDUCATION

In 2002, the non-federal cost of education was shared equally between NYS and NYC, In FY’ 2013, New York City’s share of the non-federal cost of education in NYC totaled 61% while the share for New York State totaled 39% . Because of a reduction of $250 million in State education funding in the current fiscal year (FY’2013), the NYC Dept. of Education will be required to take the following actions:
Attrition of teachers and pedagogical staff – replacement hires will only relate to mandated teachers and guidance counselors, resulting in a loss of nearly 700 teachers and counselors

DOE will reduce its use of Per Diem Substitute teachers

DOE will reduce the schedule of school aides by 30 minutes on average

DOE will eliminate unspent school funds resulting in fewer art and music programs in addition to counseling services, extra -curricular student activities and field trips at schools across the City

DOE will restrict hiring and eliminate vacancies for positions that support basic school operations

DOE will reduce contracts related to Youth Development, Professional Development and IT contracts for conflict resolution and bullying, after school programming, professional development and delayed information technology maintenance and repair

It is projected that this funding loss of $250 million will be recurring for FY’ 2014 and every year thereafter.
For FY’ 2014, this will mean a reduction of 4.3% in school budgets which will affect the following:

Teacher Headcount Reduction – 1,800 teacher positions will be eliminated, resulting in increased class size and less individual attention to students

After School Programs – 700,000 hours of after school programs, including tutoring, athletic programs and youth and community development programs will be affected

School Supplies – DOE will reduce school purchases of supplies, books, equipment and other items including delaying the replacement of textbooks and reducing, if not, eliminating purchases of paper, pencils and other supplies

The NYC FY’2014 Financial Plan also notes that should there be a lack of an agreement on teacher evaluations by September 1, 2013, NYC will lose an additional $224 million for a total loss of $724 million in FY 2013 and FY’ 2014 together.

An additional $ 1 billion of Education Aid from NYS and the federal government will be at risk should there not be an agreement on teacher evaluations.

The analysis of the FY’ 2014 Departmental Estimates related to the NYC Dept. of Education shows a reduction in the total budget from FY 2013 (Jan. 24, 2013 modified budget) of $19,782,385,783 to $19,527,387,367 for FY’2014. This represents a reduction of $254,997,416.

The Budget Function Analysis (FY’ 2014 departmental estimates) was not identified for the NYC DOE which would have supported program service areas for funding reductions in line with the budget summary as previously mentioned.

In the analysis of the FY’ 2014 Preliminary Budget and Financial Plan, it is apparent that the department will not restore approximately 2,500 general education teacher positions (1,800 teacher positions and an additional 700 non-replacements due to attrition) as a result of projected losses of State funding. Consequently, school funding at the previous FY’ 2012 and FY’ 2013 levels will not be realized. It can only be suggested that residents of Bronx Community District Three ( School Districts 8, 9 and 12) continue to lobby and appeal to our NYS Elected officials to secure continued state funding for the NYC Dept. of Education while advocating for union negotiations on teacher evaluations.

NYC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

The analysis of the FY 2014 Preliminary Budget for the NYC Dept. of Transportation shows a reduction of city funding from FY’ 2013 to FY’ 2014 totaling $3.562 million dollars and an overall reduction of $197. 3 million dollars from FY’2013 to FY’2014 in all funding areas (city, state and federal, including capital funds, IFA, Categorical grants, Federal CD etc.), based on the FY 2014 Departmental Estimates.

Bronx Community Board Three is concerned that these proposed reductions will adversely affect the quality of life by reducing DOT headcount positions from 4,458 (FY 2013 modified ) to 3,900 (FY’2014 departmental estimates) in areas related to roadway repair, maintenance and inspection, traffic operations and maintenance, traffic planning safety and administration and bridge maintenance repair and operations, amongst other areas.

Bronx Community Board Three supports the position of the Bronx Borough Board in recommending that NYC and NYS Departments of Transportation commit funding for design and implementation of a “Boulevard” plan on the at-grade locations of the Sheridan Expressway. Additionally, the board supports the borough board recommendation of funding the installation of energy efficient LED street lights in areas throughout the Bronx.

NYC DEPT. OF PARKS AND RECREATION

Bronx Community Board Three supports the overall increase in city funding per the FY 2014 Departmental Estimates to the DPR budget from $255.1 million (FY’2013) to $283.2 million (FY’2014) resulting in an increase in personnel headcounts from 3,206(FY’2013) to 3,699 (FY’2014), despite the overall reduction of $93.8 million dollars (state and federal funding commitments). Bronx Community Board Three supports the 493 new hires of park employees proposed in FY 2014 to address staffing for maintenance and preservation of capital investments.

NYC DEPT. OF PARKS AND RECREATION

Bronx Community Board Three supports the overall increase in city funding per the FY 2014 Departmental Estimates to the DPR budget from $255.1 million (FY’2013) to $283.2 million (FY’2014) resulting in an increase in personnel headcounts from 3,206(FY’2013) to 3,699 (FY’2014), despite the overall reduction of $93.8 million dollars (state and federal funding commitments). Bronx Community Board Three supports the 493 new hires of park employees proposed in FY 2014 to address staffing for maintenance and preservation of capital investments.

Bronx Community Board Three also advocates for its request submitted to DOT as a FY’2014 priority #10 (103199501C)for enhanced street lighting at the underside of the elevated IRT #s 2 and 5 train lines at Southern Boulevard from East 174th St. to Freeman St. This recommendation is further supported as a result of MTA NYC Transit plans to contract for the re-painting of the IRT #s 2 and 5 elevated train line structure from E. 180 St. to E. 149 St. in April/May of 2014, as well as plans for the replacement of trunk and water main and sewer mains on Southern Boulevard between Westchester Avenue and Boston Road (HED 553) expected to begin by the end of FY 2014.

Bronx Community Board Three continues to advocate for its previous capital budget requests for FY 2014 as follows:

Priority 2 –Tracking code 103200206c – New construction of park at Site 32 Melrose Commons URA
Priority 5 – Tracking code 103201101C – Renovation of Ball fields 4 and 5 in Crotona Park
Priority 6 - Tracking code 103199506C – Develop recreational play area at Hoe Avenue between Home and Freeman Sts.
Priority 7 – Tracking Code 103200002C – Renovate Ball field 3 in Crotona Park
Priority 8 – Tracking Code 103201102C – Renovate Playground 5 (Hill and Dale Playground) in Crotona Park
Priority 9 –Tracking Code 103199504C – Reconstruct Comfort Station within Crotona Park at E. 171 St. and Fulton Avenue

FY 2013 Capital Commitment Plan

P-1CROT25 – Crotona Park comfort station and operations facility X0101-306M

P-1TREE05 – FY 2013 Street tree plantings BX CB 1-8 SP-FL 13

NYC POLICE DEPARTMENT

Bronx Community Board Three recognizes the city commitment to fund an additional $26 m to the department’s budget in FY 2014 despite an overall reduction in total budgetary funding of $273 million due to losses in state and federal funding from FY 2013.

Bronx Community Board Three expresses is concern for funding to increase the personnel headcount assigned to the NYPD-42nd Pct. Bronx CB 3 has the second lowest headcount position in Bronx County (238)and would like to know the basis for the disparity (i.e. population or crime activity/indices per COMPSTAT). Bronx Community Board Three recognizes that its current headcount is 16.5% under average as it relates to the citywide command structure overall.

Bronx Community Board Three expresses its concern in the reduction of funding for school safety assignments for FY 2014 from the previous fiscal year.

NYC DEPARTMENT OF BUILDINGS

Bronx Community Board Three supports plans by the city administration to maintain DOB personnel headcount figures at 1, 106 despite agency budget reductions proposed for FY 2014. Bronx Community Board Three also extends its support to DOB for its efforts per the Cost Validation Tool Update program to result in more accurate cost estimates for construction to increase revenue to the department during the permit filing phase.

Bronx Community Board Three urges DOB actions to increase the number of inspectors and plan examiners due to the increasing number of job applications submitted annually.

NYC DEPARTMENT OF YOUTH AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Bronx Community Board Three expresses its vehement opposition to the cuts imposed to the agency in the amount of $109, 901, 513 for FY’2014. Of particular concern is the reduction of $10 million dollars of funding to the OST program which will affect the delivery of essential after school youth programs. Similarly, other youth programs administered by the agency have been reduced by over $18 million dollars from the previous fiscal year.

Additionally, of particular concern, is the intended reduction in FY ‘2014, of over $18 million dollars in funding for the Summer Youth Employment program compared to FY’2013.

NYC DEPARTMENT OF SANITATION

Bronx Community Board Three supports the effort of the agency to promote compliance with citywide recycling laws and encourages the appropriation of funding to purchase recycling baskets in public spaces throughout NYC at a cost of $3.9 million in FY 2014 and $1.6 million in FY 2015, as well as funding for outreach efforts to institutions and residential buildings.

Bronx Community Board Three supports the efforts of the department to fund street basket replacements in the amount of $1.2 million for FY’2014 and subsequently thereafter through FY’ 2017.

Bronx Community Board Three further supports efforts of the department to increase full time civilian and uniformed positions for FY 2014 and urges the addition of personnel for enforcement of the pooper scooper law as well as sanitation police for illegal dumping on city sidewalks , streets and vacant lots.

NY PUBLIC LIBRARY

Bronx Community Board Three expresses its opposition to the proposed reduction of funding to the NYPL budget in the amount of
$17. 8 million for FY ‘2014. This cut would seriously affect hours and days of after school study and research options for neighborhood youth and young adults.

NYC HEALTH AND MENTAL HYGIENE

Bronx Community Board Three expresses its opposition to plans for funding reductions in the following programs administered through the NYC Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene for FY 2014:

Program Reductions and Efficiencies through staff layoffs in HIV, Immunization, Childcare inspections, Veterinary and Pest Control Services, Epidemiology Services and other support activities – $1.062 m

School Health Vision Screening Program - $2.79 million

School Based Health Centers - $775k

Parks & Recreation/Youth Services Committee

Ms. Rita Jones, chairperson of the Parks and Recreation/Youth Services Committee, provided the following update:
○ The Youth Resource Directory will contain educational info, employment information and health care information for youth.
○ The Youth Resource Directory will be available on the C-Ball website
Ms. Jones will provide Mr. Dudley with all the informational materials by Friday, April 12th.

Health and Human Services Committee

Ms. Juanita Hamilton, chairperson of the Health and Human Services Committee, thanked the board members for their support at the Community Health Initiative” held on Thursday, March 21st from 12noon to 2:00pm at 1426 Boston Road, the Board office. Ms. Hamilton has requested their assistance again for the final Community Health Initiative scheduled for Thursday, April 18th at 1441 Boston Road, from 12 noon to 2:00PM. Attendees will learn how to maintain their Blood Pressure and Diabetes along with learning the signs of “lupus”. Refreshments will be served. All are welcome to attend.

Education Committee

Ms. Gail Gadsden, chairperson of the Education Committee, has requested support from members of the community board and community at large regarding volunteering their time for the “Back to the Basics” educational fair on Saturday, May 4th from 11:00am-3:00pm on Louis Nine Boulevard. Public and Charter school officials will be in attendance to assist parents and caregivers with any concerns they may have.

New Business

● Mr. Marlon Molina, board member, invited the community at-large to an event sponsored by the Bronx Volunteer Coalition at the Bronx Museum on May 14th, from 6:00pm-9:00pm. Grants will be given for volunteer led projects. Big Brother& Sister will evaluate the proposals.
● Ms. Linda Kemp, board member, invited the community at-large to an Office of Emergency Management meeting on April 26th, from10:00am-3:00pm, at Southeast Bronx Neighborhood Center, located at 955 Tinton Avenue, within Community District Three.

Birthday/Sickness and Distress

Ms. Juanita Hamilton requested those born in the month of March to stand and be acknowledged. Everyone in attendance sang “Happy Birthday” to the April babies. Ms. Hamilton distributed cards at this time.

Benediction

Rev. Idus A.Nunn, Jr. led us in prayer.

Adjournment

There being no further business to discuss, this meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:06 p.m.

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