THE BRONX MALL Community Life - Community Board 8

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD MEETING
HELD ON APRIL 8, 2008, AT
WAVE HILL, 675 WEST 252ND STREET, ARMOR HALL

PRESENT: R. Abbott, R. Bender, D. Bowden, A. P. Cassino, A. P. Creaney,
W. S. Dolny, T. Durham, A. Fana, R. Fanuzzi, T. Feerick, A. G. Feldmeier,
B. Fettman, P. Friedman, J. Goris, M. Katzenstein, M. Khury,
J. Kreppel, V. Gray Lewis, D. McShane, C. G. Moerdler, R. Moll,
K. O’Brien, K. Pesce, J. Pilsner, C. Prentice, J. Reyes, T. M. Rubinstein,
S. Scheinbach, L. Spalter, I. W. Stone, B. Trebach, M. Wolpoff,
H. Young

ABSENT: B. Feinberg, T. Giallorenzi, G. O. Koppell, I. Ladimer,
J. O’Reilly, J. Plaza, E. Tossas Tucker, L. Vazquez

STAFF: N. Stent – District Manager, CB 8
D. Bay – Community Associate, CB 8
P. Manning – Community Associate, CB 8

GUESTS:
J. Martin – rep. State Senator Jeffrey Klein Office
R. Press – rep. State Senator Efrain Gonzalez’ Office
J. Sonett – rep. State Senator Eric Schneiderman Office
R. Martos – rep. Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz’ Office
J. Sewell – rep. Councilman G. Oliver Koppell’s Office
A. Toledo – rep. Borough President Adolfo Carrión, Jr.
S. Alexander
K. Bramback
N. Danyluk – Department of City Planning
J. DeSio – Riverdale Review
A. Cohen
J. E. Gordon
K. Green
J. Greene
R. Greenberg
N. Judd – Riverdale Press
P. Moerdler
R. Murray – NYPL Manager, Riverdale Branch
C. Navarro
M. Navarro
L. Ortiz
M. Perron – Administrator, Van Cortlandt Park
H. Ring
Det. L. Rodriguez – Community Affairs, 50th Precinct
M. Smith
C. Solyn
C. White – PS 81 PA President
S. Winianski

Chairman Cassino convened the meeting at 7:40 PM.

Gallery Session

A. Rosemary Murray, Manager, Riverdale Library, announced upcoming events at the branch which include: an introduction to the Internet on April 16th at 10:30 AM, a book discussion at 1:30 PM; and a lecture by Joseph Berger: The World In A City” to be held on April 17th at 6:30 PM. She distributed the calendar for both children and adult programs. Additionally, she advised that the branch had just received six new laptops.

B. Steve Winianski and Chris Navarro spoke on behalf of the Kingsbridge Little League. They discussed the need for field renovation, the financial shortfall of the team with regard to equipment, and the inability of some members to afford related team fees. This season there has been an increase in players unable to afford membership fees and the League shouldered the cost of 12 little leaguers. The League representatives have been providing personal funding for the operation of the team and field maintenance. They advised of their ongoing efforts to generate financial support. A proposal for funding was filed with the Borough President’s office three years ago and the decision is pending. They asked for the Board’s support with acquiring funding.

Chairman Cassino asked for a copy of the proposal submitted to the Borough President and will check the status.

1. Approval of Regular Board Minutes of March 11, 2008

The minutes were approved unanimously.

2. Discussion of the Executive Board Meeting Minutes of April 2, 2008

The minutes were accepted as written.

3. Chairman Cassino welcomed Jay Martin, representing Senator Jeffrey Klein; Robert Press, representing Senator Efrain Gonzalez; Judy Sonett, representing Senator Eric Schneiderman; Randi Martos, representing Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz; Jamin Sewell, representing Councilman G. Oliver Koppell, Andy Toledo, representing Borough President Adolfo Carrión, Jr.; Nestor Danyluk, Bronx Department of City Planning; Det. Luis Rodriguez, 50th Precinct.; Margot Perron; Administrator, Van Cortlandt Park; John DeSio, Riverdale Review; and Nick Judd, Riverdale Press.

4. Chairman’s Report

• Chairman advised that the Board has been notified of a proposed FY 2009 3% budget cut scheduled city-wide for implementation on July 1, 2008. Assemblyman Jose Rivera, Chairman, Bronx County Democratic Committee will host the Bronx community boards district managers, chairpersons and elected officials at a meeting on April 12th to discuss opposing further cuts to community boards.

• Chairman discussed the comments of the Executive Board regarding the Board’s March Financial Statement on the internal budget. The Statement was reviewed and it was agreed that it would be redrafted before distribution to the full Board. At the request of Board members, the draft budget will be mailed as is, and a revised budget will be issued for the May Board meeting. Going forward the Board agreed that quarterly Financial Statements will be presented.

• Chairman reported on the meeting with Ceruzzi Holdings held earlier during the day that he attended along with Damian McShane and Charles Moerdler regarding the development at 230th Street and Broadway. The project will proceed in two phases. Phase one will take up 106,000 sq. ft., two levels. Construction will begin on the corner of 230th and move north. There will be one major tenant (no confirmation on specifics for tenant). Parking spaces for 106 cars will be constructed at ground level only. No parking below ground because the water table is prohibitive. Adjoining properties were not acquired. The development has been scaled down and there will not be a movie cinema. Phase two will consist of 40,000 sq. ft. which may include either a large tenant food market, or a number of stores. Additional parking will bring a total of 168 spaces. Entrance/Exit will exist on West 230th Street, and Exit only on Verveleen Place. Certification is expected June 2009. Applications will involve a ULURP, zoning changes, and demapping of Kimberly Place. The projected cost of the development is between $50 - $60 million. The project will take on local jobs with union as well as construction. There will be another discussion in June or July.

• The Board’s recommendations for the revision of Alternate Side Parking rules have been sent to both City and State officials for review and consideration.

5. Election of the Nominating Committee

The following Board members were nominated: Saul Scheinbach, Tracy Feerick, Robert Moll, Julie Reyes, and Robert Abbott.

Nominations were closed and the vote resulted in 33 in favor, 0 opposed, and 0 abstentions.

In Favor -

R. Abbott, R. Bender, D. Bowden, A. P. Cassino, A. P. Creaney,
W. S. Dolny, T. Durham, A. Fana, R. Fanuzzi, T. Feerick, A. G. Feldmeier,
B. Fettman, P. Friedman, J. Goris, M. Katzenstein, M. Khury, J. Kreppel,
V. Gray Lewis, D. McShane, C. G. Moerdler, R. Moll, K. O’Brien, K. Pesce,
J. Pilsner, C. Prentice, J. Reyes, T. M. Rubinstein, S. Scheinbach, L. Spalter,
I. W. Stone, B. Trebach, M. Wolpoff, H. Young

6. Report from the Office of the Borough President – A. Toledo

• Community Board members who have submitted a reappointment application should continue to serve until a letter from the Borough President is received regarding their re-appointment. Terms of those up for re-appointment ended on March 31st.

• Borough President Carrion invites all to participate in the borough-wide clean-up campaign on May 3rd. To sign-up, call 718-590-3914 by April 24th.

• Borough President Carrion and the Borough President’s Advisory Council invite all Bronx veterans, residents, and families of our fallen soldiers to the 2nd Annual Armed Forces Appreciation Day being held on May 17th, at Orchard Beach.

• Borough President Carrion is a co-sponsor of the 2008 NONPROFIT DAY. This event will be held on May 1st, from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM, at Citi Center, 153 East 53rd Street, NYC.

• Applications for the 2008 Summer Youth Employment program are now available. Youths between the ages of 14 and 21 are eligible for job opportunities. Applications can be obtained online at www.nyc.gov/dycd and at many various agencies/organizations.

7. Report from the Department of City Planning – N. Danyluk

A natural area certification for enlargement at 5451 Palisade Avenue has been approved and forwarded to the Buildings Department.

8. Committee Reports

A. Budget – K. O’Brien

The Committee’s budget priorities for fiscal year 2010 are due by June.

B. Economic Development – J. Reyes

1. Refer to minutes for full report.

2. Advised that applications for jobs are available through the Summer Youth Employment program. Deadline for filing is May 15th. Online applications are available at www.nyc.gov/dycd . Microsoft will host a 3 – 5 day summer camp for girls for technology careers. The girls must be 10th to 12th year students. The deadline to file is May 30th.

3. Those interested in participating in Zagat surveys can do so online at zagat.com.

4. Individuals who usually do not file income taxes must file a 1048 to receive the stimulus payout.

5. The next Committee meeting will be held on April 24th, at the Board Office, at 7:30 PM.

C. Education – D. Bowden

1. Pre-school applications deadline is April 18th.

2. High school graduation rates nationally are lower than 50%.

3. Letters to parents of 245,000 children whose promotions are in jeopardy were sent out for public school students in New York City.

4. The next Committee meeting will be held on April 29th, at the Board Office, at 7:30 PM. The guest speaker will be the new Borough Representative of the State Board of Regents, Dr. Betty A. Rosa.

D. Environment & Sanitation – S. Scheinbach

1. The following resolution was presented:

WHEREAS, there has been a proliferation of commercial signage being placed on public property in Bronx Community District 8; and

WHEREAS, over a year ago, the Chairman of the Environment & Sanitation Committee of Community Board No. 8 sent letters asking local businesses placing these signs to desist from doing so; and

WHEREAS, there is a bill pending in the Council of the City of New York that would close many loopholes used by commercial advertisers to avoid being fined for placing their signage on public property; and

WHEREAS, the bill is known as Introduction No. 701-2008; therefore

BE IT RESOLVED, That Community Board No. 8, Bronx, supports Introduction No. 701-2008, and urges passage of this bill by the City Council.

Vote: 28 in favor, 2 opposed and 3 abstentions

In Favor –

R. Abbott, R. Bender, D. Bowden, A. P. Cassino, A. P. Creaney,
W. S. Dolny, T. Durham, A. Fana, A. G. Feldmeier, B. Fettman,
T. Feerick, J. Goris, M. Katzenstein, M. Khury, J. Kreppel,
V. Gray Lewis, D. McShane, K. O’Brien, K. Pesce, J. Pilsner,
C. Prentice, J. Reyes, S. Scheinbach, L. Spalter, I. W. Stone,
B. Trebach, M. Wolpoff, H. Young

Opposed –

C. G. Moerdler, R. Fanuzzi

Abstained –

P. Friedman, T. Rubinstein, R. Moll

2. In preparation of Passover, dumpsters for deposing chomezt will be placed around the community again this year on April 18th, from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, at West 237th Street and Independence Avenue, and at West 260th Street and Riverdale Avenue.

E. Housing – J. Kreppel

1. The report is as stated in the minutes.

2. He corrected the report in the Executive Committee to reflect that only Tom Durham had visited Jericho sites, while J. Kreppel visited construction sites.

F. Land Use – C. Moerdler

Advised that the Board received two applications scheduled for hearings by the Landmarks Preservation Commission on May 6, 2008, and that a meeting was being scheduled for May 1st. Noting that information had not been submitted from City Planning, C. Moerdler asked N. Danyluk to check status and advise the Board as to whether or not the applications had been submitted to City Planning.

G. Law, Rules & Ethics - R. Moll

No report

H. Parks & Recreation – B. Bender

1. Refer to minutes for report.

2. The next Committee meeting will be held on April 23rd. There will be discussion on Croton mitigation project for the area outside Van Cortlandt Park’s parade grounds. The budget priorities for FY 2010 will also be discussed.

C. Moerdler recommended that the Parks Department review the property development along the Putnam Line, east of West 230th Street and Broadway with respect to impact on the project.

l. Public Safety – A. G. Feldmeier

1. A meeting is anticipated with Manhattan College to find solutions to curtail its students’ behavior problems.

2. The next Committee meeting will be held on April 28th jointly with Housing. K. Pesce will attend on behalf of the Aging Committee. They are hoping to develop a resolution to address safety changes needed in the senior citizens housing code.

J. Health, Hospitals and Social Services – M. Katzenstein

3. M. Katzenstein commented that the March meeting was very good, and that the minutes would be prepared. The Committee drafted a proposal for the continuance of the EMS stocking station at the 50th Pct. in the aftermath of the new station at East 233rd Street.

4. R. Fanuzzi asked about consideration of a capital budget request for an urgent care center; and D. Bowden asked about the possibility of Montefiore Hospital establishing an acute care satellite facility in the Board 8 area.

K. Traffic and Transportation – B. Trebach

1. Con Ed’s M-29 transmission line project is underway. Trench work is being done on Riverdale Avenue between West 230th and 238th Streets which requires temporary removal of parking spaces. The work hours are from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Disruption has been minimum, not over intrusive.

2. The City is cutting down on over-usage of parking placards. B. Trebach noted that Chairman Cassino had turned down the offer for a parking placard that is issued to community board chairs.

3. The Henry Hudson Bridge deck replacement will require 15 minute long intermittent full bridge/parkway closures in both directions between the hours of 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM, Sundays from March 30th through May 4th, weather permitting. The northbound parkway will be closed at Dykman Street and the southbound parkway will be closed at Kappock Street. In addition, one southbound lane on the Henry Hudson Parkway from the Kappock Street exit onto the Henry Hudson Bridge will be closed beginning at 9:00 PM.

4. Night work on the West 252nd Street bridge over the Henry Hudson Parkway will be performed from April 8th to May 1st from 10:00 AM to 5:00 AM, Monday through Friday. One northbound lane or one southbound lane of the Henry Hudson will be closed to traffic from
10:00 PM to 5:00 AM; there will be Intermittent full roadway closures of the northbound Henry Hudson Parkway for 15 minute intervals every hour from 12:01 AM to 5:00 AM.

5. A three year project for reconstruction of the Broadway bridge will begin August 2011.

6. Problems with the trench work can be reported to the contractor’s hotline number: 718-906-1242.

7. M. Katzenstein thanked Det. Rodriguez for his quick response in referring a dangerous condition with the wall at West 252nd Street, Henry Hudson Parkway project.

L. Youth – C. Prentice

5. C. Prentice referenced the impact of the lack of resources and the critical problem with student promotions.

6. C. Prentice thanked J. Pilsner for a wonderful tour of Riverdale Mental Health facility.

7. Refer to the minutes for full report.

8. The next Committee will hold its next meeting on May 28th, at 1:00 PM, at the Board office.

9. C. Prenctice advised of her conversation with the Deputy Borough President with regard to the budget deficit and lobbying the NY Yankees for support of after-school programs and other funding.

M. Aging – K. Pesce

1. There is concern with the new RFP’s from the Department of Aging, that it will change the manner of operation and programs.

2. The Committee will hold its next meeting on April 22nd, at Riverdale Senior Services, at 3:30 PM. Speakers will present on “Living Communities.”

Meeting adjourned: 9:15 PM