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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
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MINUTES OF COMMUNITY BOARD
#3
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Date: 4/09/13
Place: 895 HOME STREET
Time: 6:00 P.M. |
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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
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STAFF PRESENT
John W. Dudley
Etta F. RitterMEMBERS EXCUSED
Xiomara Arriola
Allen Rey
Deborah Terrell
MEMBERS ABSENT
Bawa Abrourazakou
Shirley Conyers
Ahmadou Diallo
Jose Francisco Avila
Edna Quinones
Lorraine Swinton
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Mayor’s Community Assistance Unit - |
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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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