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 Martins Aina Gloria Alston Xiomara Arriola Cheraine Case Rev. Arnett Crawford Dea. Ernest Dawkins Wanda Ellis Frances Fenster Gail Gadsden Cordelia Gilford Juanita Hamilton Randolph Harris Jeanine Hill Abdul Johnson Dea. Henry Johnson Rita Jones Min. Abraham Jones Una Lawrence Wilbert Tee Lawton Latoya Matthew Rev. Idus A. Nunn, Jr. Rev. Bruce Rivera Deborah Terrell Marilyn Thomas Clyde Thompson Vanessa Wallace	STAFF PRESENT Etta F. Ritter John W. Dudley MEMBERS EXCUSED Berniesha Coleman Annie Davis Joanne Webb-Dixon Verna Lee Judge Raymond Ortiz Jose Perez Adrianne Moses-Ridley Keziah Sullivan Lorraine Swinton Essie Wright Martins Aina Annie Davis MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson-36th District Kenny Agosto
Mayor’s Office-Community Assistance Unit Monica Taveras
Betsy Gotbaum-Public Advocate Daniel Contreras

Guests
Roberto Benejan, CERT Team Chief
Dart Westphal, Car-Free Bronx Coalition
Robert Sanborn, Westhab, Inc.
Takisia Whites, Westhab, Inc.
Lyman Place Residents (approximately 60 residents)

Community Residents & Other Guests –
Names on File                                                                

Call To Order

Ms. Gloria Alston, Chairperson of Bronx Community Board Three, called this meeting to order at approximately 6: 15 p.m.

Invocation

Rev. Arnett Crawford led us in prayer.

Community Concerns/Announcements

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

● Rev. Bruce Rivera, 1st Vice-Chairperson, Bronx Community Board Three, stated that Bronx Community Board Three was informed by the 42nd Police Precinct Commander, of a flyer that was passed out throughout the community regarding an incident which took place on Friday, May 8, 2009, between the hours of 9:30 pm-11:00 pm, on Lyman Place. This flyer stated that a rally was to be conducted at Bronx Community Board Three on Tuesday, May 12, 2009, to protest police beatings and mass arrests. Due to the large number of residents from Lyman Place in attendance, Rev. Rivera requested that they choose a resident to represent and explain their issues of concern.

Ms. Johnson stated that on Friday evening, police officers patrolling the area approached her son because he had his car running. The police officers searched the car and requested to see his ID. Allegedly, words were exchanged and a scuffle ensued with the police officers and the young man. From this exchange of words, the police officers on the scene requested assistance and a melee erupted where several persons (parents and children) were hurt, arrested and taken to the hospital. Residents allege that the parents/adults who attempted to find out what the commotion was about, were assaulted and arrested by police officers. It was also noted by community parents, that the police officers who patrol Lyman Place, have a “gang mentality” which does not depict courtesy, professionalism and respect (CPR).

The following injuries were sustained by community residents:
Resident was kicked in the mouth and teeth were kicked out
Resident was stomped and kicked in the stomach
Residents were hit with billy-clubs
Youth was stomped because he was video taping this melee and cell phone was broken
A pregnant women was hurt
Residents were hit in their backs and handcuffed

At this time, the board members in attendance requested the following:
Select three individuals to represent the Lyman Place residents
Provide a listing of all persons involved in this incident-total number
Describe the injuries sustained
Provide surveillance footage from event
Provide a listing of all persons arrested
Provide a listing of all persons who were seen at area hospitals

Upon obtaining the requested documentation, the district manager will create a written summary of said facts. Bronx Community Board Three will be looking to host a “Street Law Forum” regarding civilian rights. Bronx Community Board Three will invite representatives from the following agencies: New York City Police Department, District Attorney’s Office, Civilian Complaint Review Board and the Civil Liberties Union. Community Board Three is committed to assisting residents within Community District Three with the challenges with which they are faced as it relates to New York city agency issues.

Mr. John W. Dudley, District Manager, stated that generally, when incidences occur involving police officers sustaining injuries on the job, a “NYPD 49 report” is generated. Mr. Dudley noted that he has requested this report and was told that this report was not available. Mr. Dudley distributed a flyer relating to “Agency Contacts For Instances of Police Misconduct.” Said flyer listed the Civilian Complaint Review Board and NYPD Internal Affairs Bureau telephone numbers and e-mail addresses.

● Ms. Una Lawrence, board member informed the community at-large that It’s My Park Day will take place on Saturday, May 16, 2009.
● Ms. Rita Jones, board member informed the community at-large of the following:
       ● There are 66 pedophile individuals within Community District Three.
       ● There is no “School Crossing Guard” posted on East 169th Street and 
          Boston Road.

Roll Call

Ms. Jeanine Hill, secretary called the roll. At this time, a quorum was established.

Members Requesting to be Excused

Berniesha Coleman
Annie Davis
Joanne Webb-Dixon
Verna Lee Judge
Raymond Ortiz
Jose Perez
Adrianne Moses-Ridley
Keziah Sullivan
Lorraine Swinton
Essie Wright

Motion

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

Berniesha Coleman
Annie Davis
Joanne Webb-Dixon
Verna Lee Judge
Raymond Ortiz
Jose Perez
Adrianne Moses-Ridley
Keziah Sullivan
Lorraine Swinton
Essie Wright

All in Favor                        Motion Carried

Approval of Minutes of Prior Meeting

Motion

It was motioned and seconded to approve the minutes of the prior meeting held on Tuesday, April 14, 2009, with the necessary corrections, if any. The vote was as follows:

All in Favor                          Motion Carried

Amendments to the Agenda

At this time, there were no amendments to the agenda.

Presentation(s)

Roberto Benejan, CERT Team Chief, Bronx Community Board Three

Ms. Gloria Alston, chairperson of Bronx Community Board Three, introduced Mr. Roberto Benejan, CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) Team Chief, Bronx Community Board Three, to those in attendance.

Mr. Roberto Benejan came before the community at-large to discuss recruitment of new members who are interested in becoming part of the CERT Team. The Office of Emergency Management oversees the CERT TEAMS. Community Emergency Response Teams are groups of community based volunteers trained in disaster preparedness and emergency response. Mr. Benejan requested that all persons who completed the 11-week training course, raise their hands. Several individuals in attendance completed said training, which educated them in preparing for an emergency or national disaster.

Mr. Benejan stated that he is looking to recruit persons 18 years old or older and business owners to join the CERT Team. The training topics consist of fire safety, light search and rescue, terrorism awareness, disaster medical operations and mental health education. CERT Team members can assist with initial emergency response while they wait for professional first responders. This 11-week course, which takes place once a week for two (2) hours, is mandatory to complete CERT Training and receive a Certificate.

Mr. Benejan concluded his presentation by stating that everyone needs to have a “Response Bag” and a “Go Bag” with the following items readily available:

At this time, questions were entertained and answered satisfactorily.

Dart Westphal, Car-Free Bronx Coalition

Mr. John W. Dudley stated that Car-Free Saturday at Crotona Park will take place on Saturday, May 30, Saturday, June 27 and Saturday, September 26, from 12 noon until 5:00 pm.

Ruben Diaz, Jr. Borough President’s Report

At this time, Ms. Myishia Taylor-Myke, representative from the Bronx Borough President’s Office, was not in attendance due to sickness. Bronx Community Board Three was not in receipt of the Borough President’s Report prior to the meeting.

Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr.
May 2009
Community Board Report

2009 COMMUNITY BOARD REAPPOINTMENTS

Community Board members who have submitted a reappointment application should continue to serve until they receive a letter from Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. regarding their reappointment. Letters to current community board members will be sent by May 31st.

RUBEN DIAZ, JR. TAKES OATH OF OFFICE AS THE 13TH CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE BRONX
Ruben Diaz, Jr. was sworn in as the 13th Bronx Borough President in May 1 after having been elected for the position during a Special Election on April 21st, 2009. Ruben Diaz, Jr. previously served in the New York State Assembly since 1997, representing the 85th Assembly District.
“This is the culmination of over two years of working with elected officials and community leaders. I hear Bronxites loud and clear and I’m ready to work for them”, said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr.

Throughout his seven terms in the State Legislature, Ruben Diaz, Jr. was a champion for working families in the Bronx. He demonstrated passion for constituent service, social advocacy and community empowerment balanced with support for sensible, green economic development and job creation programs. He sponsored and secured passage of important and innovative laws to address the consequences of the intolerable levels of asthma in the South Bronx, healthcare insurance fraud, and quality of life concerns.

Borough President Diaz has proven himself to be a fearless and tireless advocate for justice and equality for all. A staunch defender of the environment, he is a leading voice against environmental racism and injustice and helped lead the fight to restore the Bronx River. Due to his tireless and relentless advocacy in the case of his constituent, Amadou Diallo - a law-abiding young African Bronx resident who was wrongly killed by four NYPD officers in a hail of 41 bullets – Ruben Diaz, Jr. became known around the world for his advocacy for civil and human rights.

In the State Assembly, Ruben Diaz, Jr. served as Chair of the Committee on Election Law and on the Assembly’s Standing Committees on Education, Ways & Means, Children and Families, Environmental Conservation and Transportation. He is also a member of the Assembly’s Puerto Rican and Hispanic Task Force and the Black/Puerto Rican and Asian Legislative Caucus.

A lifelong resident of the Bronx, Borough President Diaz lives in the Southeast Bronx with his wife Hilda Gerena Diaz and their two sons, Ruben Diaz III and Ryan Isaiah Diaz. He graduated from Lehman College, City University of New York, with a Bachelors degree in political theory.

BOROUGH PRESIDENT RUBEN DIAZ JR. TO BE SWORN IN ON MAY 21ST AT LEHMAN COLLEGE
Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. will take the oath of office in a public ceremony on Thursday, May 21st at 2pm at the Lehman Center for the Performing Arts. All are invited to attend this historic occassion. If you would like to attend, please respond to prodriguez@bronxbp.nyc.gov .

BRONX BOROUGH PRESIDENT'S OFFICE COMMITS $2.5 MILLION IN FUNDING FOR BRONX CHILDRENS MUSEUM
The Office of the Bronx Borough President has announced $2.5 Million in funding towards building a Bronx Children’s Museum. While the location of the Bronx Children’s Museum is still under discussion, one location currently under consideration is the Parks Department Building J site on Exterior & East 153rd Streets. The Bronx is New York City’s youngest borough, with thirty percent of its 1.4 million residents under the age of eighteen. Yet the Bronx is the only New York City borough without a children’s museum. In 2005, Borough President Adolfo Carrion made a commitment to build a Children’s Museum in the Bronx. Since then, the Board of Directors has been established, the pilot program has been executed throughout the Borough, and 501c3 status has been gained. The Borough President proposed an interactive museum that would educate youngsters about the history and diversity of The Bronx, while also engaging and sparking their imaginations and curiosity. The Bronx Children’s Museum will foster a love of learning and help children to develop language and literacy skills.

Acting Borough President Earl Brown said “The Bronx Children’s Museum will be an extraordinary addition to the borough and this allocation of $2.8 million will bring the museum one step closer to finding a permanent home. This is a great investment in the Bronx and in children throughout the city, who will one day benefit from and enjoy a long overdue children’s museum in the Bronx.”
Hope Harley, Bronx Children's Museum Board President stated, “I want to thank former Borough President Adolfo Carrion for his vision and commitment to the creation of the museum and Acting Borough President Earl Brown for his continued support and involvement. We look forward to working with the next administration to make this project a reality for the children and parents of the Bronx. This much needed capital funding will help the Bronx Children's Museum address the educational, social and cognitive development needs of our borough's children.

The Borough President’s office has also secured the pro bono services of BKSK Architects to develop a conceptual design for the Bronx Children’s Museum. BKSK served as architect for the Queens Botanical Garden and also designed the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, among many other notable projects.
Those who are interested in learning more about this exciting project can become a part of the museum's e-mail list at BxCMinfo@gmail.com

BRONX BOROUGH PRESIDENT RUBEN DIAZ, JR. KICKED OFF HIS CULTURAL EVENTS WITH THE ANNUAL ISRAELI INDEPENDENCE DAY FESTIVAL

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. and the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale hosted the Sixth Annual Bronx Israel Independence Day (Yom Ha-Atzmaut) Festival, which this year’s theme was “Am Yisrael Chai ”.
This event continues a tradition of successful and memorable Bronx Independence Day Festivals that have brought fun and celebration to Jewish residents of the Bronx and families the visit from outer boroughs. Each year, dozens of Jewish families get together at the Independence Avenue to participate in many activities for children created to educate them on Israeli culture and traditions.

“The Bronx joins with communities across the world in commemorating the 61st anniversary of the State of Israel, a historic day that instills joy and pride in the Hebrew people”, said Borough President Diaz.

BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ ADDRESSES RIVERDALE
BUSINESS LEADERS
On Thursday, May 7, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. attended the first public event of the Greater Riverdale Chamber of Commerce, a networking mixer at North Riverdale restaurant Madison’s.
Borough President Diaz spoke during the event to roughly 60 Riverdale business leaders, touching on a variety of concerns such as rising property taxes and increased parking meter fares. The borough president also spoke about his own vision for the future of business in Riverdale and across The Bronx, as well as securing partnerships between government and private enterprise to strengthen the business climate of the entire borough.


Joining Borough President Diaz at the event were City Councilman G. Oliver Koppell, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, former City Councilwoman June M. Eisland, Andrew Wolf, co-founder of the Greater Riverdale Chamber of Commerce and publisher of the Riverdale Review/Bronx Press Review; and Stu Eber, the chamber’s executive director.
“A struggling economy cannot be an excuse to let our business districts fail,” said Borough President Diaz. “Economic development will be a high priority of my administration, and I look forward to working with the Greater Riverdale Chamber of Commerce, and similar organizations across the borough, to make The Bronx an even more attractive place to do business.”

Upcoming Events
Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. invites you to “Bike to Work” – Friday, May 15th beginning at Poe Park at 7am.
Ride down the historic Grand Concourse to Lou Gherig Plaza at Grand Concourse and 161st Street and join the Borough President for a Free Power breakfast.

Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson-36th District

Mr. Kenny Agosto representative from Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson’s office, stated that the Senator is feeling much better and is back in Albany addressing MTA issues. The Senator will be hosting an MTA Forum on Thursday, May 21, 2009, from 1:00 pm-4:00 pm, at Bronx Community College. For further information, please call 718-547-8854.

Mayor’s Office-Community Assistance Unit

Ms. Monica Taveras representative from the Mayor’s Office, Community Assistance Unit, informed those in attendance that she is available to address any community concerns or issues. Ms. Taveras can be reached at 212-676-4954.

Betsy Gotbaum-Public Advocate

Mr. Daniel Contreras-Radin, representative of Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum, distributed the “May 2009 Bulletin” to those in attendance.

District Managers Report

Mr. John W. Dudley, district manager, provided a written report covering the period of April 15 through May 12, 2009 as follows:

SWINE FLU- H1NI

Swine Flu is caused by a newly identified influenza virus called H1N1 (SO). The virus is related genetically to influenza viruses found in pigs and birds. Since April of 2009, it has caused outbreaks of flu-like symptoms in NYC and throughout the world.

Symptoms include fever, sore throat, headache, fatigue, body aches, lethargy, stuffy nose, chills, diarrhea and vomiting. Transmission is thought to occur through respiratory droplets released when infected persons cough or sneeze. Individuals infected can spread the infection while sick and 24 hours after symptoms resolve.

Precautions: Wash hands frequently , avoid touching nose, ears and mouth and avoid contact with sick persons or kissing, sharing toothbrushes, cigarettes or drinks.

Medicines for treatment of Swine Flu include antiviral medicines Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza ( zanamivir ) which can help alleviate flu-like symptoms.

Further information may be obtained by visiting the NYC Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene website at www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/cd/cd-h1n1flu.shtml  or by visiting the Center for Disease Control website at: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

DYCD – Summer Youth Employment Program

Website info: www.nyc.gov/dycd ; download and print applications and instructions from this website

Submission deadline – 5/15/09; Program is seven weeks (7/1/09 to 8/15/09); 25 hours weekly; $7.25 per hour; 14-24 years of age

Toll Free telephone for info: 800-246-4646 or call 311

BLOCK PARTY NYC

Block Party NYC is a project of Transportation Alternatives. This progam provides resources to grow the block party tradition and help neighborhoods celebrate streets as livable places.

Through this program, mini-grants are given for funding the block party and other planning purposes.

Visit www.blockpartynyc.org

PARTNERSHIP FOR PARKS DAY

It’s My Park Day- 5/16/09

Eileen Remor- Volunteer events manager (212) 360-8126

Participate in clean-up/planting projects; call 311 or visit www.itsmypark.org

The district manager spoke briefly on “Community Board Three’s Land-Use Map Project”. This map project will not be limited to the following:

The district manager noted that this map project will be color coded.

Committee Reports

Joint Housing, Land-Use and Economic Development Committee

Rev. Bruce Rivera, chairperson of the Housing, Land-Use and Economic Development Committee, stated that the Joint Housing, Land-Use and Economic Development Committee members came to a consensus to recommend for approval, a letter of support for the proposed 6-story permanent “supportive housing” development of approximately 68 units at 4-12 Gouverneur Place (Block 2388, Lot 16-20), within Community District Three. Rev. Rivera noted that board members are in receipt of a synopsis relating to said presentation.

Questions were entertained and answered satisfactorily.

At this time, a motion was placed on the floor:

MOTION

Recommend for approval, a letter of support to Westhab, Inc. for the proposed 6-story permanent “supportive housing” development of approximately 68 units at 4-12 Gouverneur Place (Block 2388, Lot 16-20), within Community District Three.

YES NO

24     1

MOTION CARRIED

New Business/Old Business

● Ms. Gloria Alston informed the community at-large that IHOP is officially opened at the 174th Retail Mall.
● Ms. Jeanine Hill, board member stated that on Saturday, June 13, 2009, Phipps will be hosting their “12th Annual Family Day” in Crotona Park.

Birthday/Sickness and Distress

At this time, Ms. Juanita Hamilton, treasurer of Bronx Community Board Three, stated that Ms. Verna Lee Judge and Mr. Raymond Ortiz are doing well after a brief illness.

Ms. Hamilton requested all those born in the month of May to stand and be acknowledged. Everyone in attendance sang HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the May babies.

Benediction

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

Adjournment

There being no further business to discuss, this meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:50 p.m.

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