BROOKLYN COMMUNITY BOARD #7
BOARD MEETING – SEPTEMBER 18, 2013
Mr. D. Murphy officially opened up the meeting.
Mr. Laufer stated that the agenda need to be amended to include the Education Committee under
committee reports. Mr. D. Murphy made a motion to accept the agenda as amended. Unanimous consent
was given to adopt the agenda as amended.
Ms. Ruiz made a motion to accept the minutes from the June 16 board meeting. Mr. Pol seconded the
motion.
Mr. D. Murphy introduced Marcie Vitrano from the Brooklyn 7A Certified Emergency Response Team
(CERT). Ms. Vitrano gave a brief presentation on how to prepare in the event of a hurricane by having a
GO bag (a backpack filled with water, toiletries, small radio, clothing, etc.) in the event you need to leave
home in an emergency, how to shelter in place at home, and to make sure to have an out of state contact
that family and friends can reach in an emergency. Ms. Vitrano stated that they have pamphlets with an
updated map of hurricane shelters throughout the city. Ms. Vitrano stated that she would leave information
on how to join CERT.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Transportation:
Mr. Lynch reported that the committee met to discuss the closure of the Montague Street Tunnel corridor.
The closure is necessary to repair damage from Hurricane Sandy. The closure took place in August and
the tunnel would not be open until October 2014. This closure would impact the R & G lines. The
committee discussed mitigation measures during the closure. Mr. Lynch reported that there would be
limited ferry service at the 58th Street. He also reported due to the numerous efforts in the community, the
B37 bus route would be restored.
Mr. Lynch reported that the committee had a presentation given by Tom MacNeil from Cars 2 Go, a car
sharing service. Mr. MacNeil stated that Cars 2 Go is a car sharing program that operates in Washington
D.C., Miami, Denver, Portland, Austin, & San Diego. Mr. MacNeil stated that they are looking to expand
the program into Brooklyn. Mr. MacNeil reported that they provide “Smart Cars” which is a two seat
vehicle. They provide one way rentals. He stated that the difference between their service and Zip cars is
that you can return their vehicle anywhere in the home area of Cars 2 Go. Mr. MacNeil stated that they
charge $.38 a minute, $13 an hour, $72 a day. There is a one-time fee of $35. Cars 2 Go pays for gas,
insurance and parking. Mr. MacNeil stated that Cars 2 Go is visiting community boards to gather local
support and obtain a letter of support from the community board. Mr. MacNeil stated that Cars 2 Go is
looking to start operations next year.
Mr. T. Murphy asked why they need the support of the community board. Mr. MacNeil stated that Cars 2
Go will be using on street parking for their vehicles and wants the community board to be okay with that.
Mr. MacNeil stated they would also provide garage parking throughout Brooklyn. Mr. Zuniga asked how
many cars they have. Mr. MacNeil stated that they are looking to have 400 cars throughout Brooklyn.
Mr. Lynch asked how Cars 2 Go rebalances their cars. Mr. MacNeil stated that they will have teams that
would retrieve the vehicles in the evening and return them to the garages.
Ms. Ruiz asked how much parking these vehicles would take. Mr. MacNeil stated the vehicles are “smart
cars” which are smaller than the average car and could occupy parking spaces that other cars could not. If
parking is hard to come by, then the garages would be utilized.
Mr. MacNeil stated that he would be running the Brooklyn office of Cars 2 Go which would have 10 full time
staff and 20 part time staff.
Mr. T. Murphy asked if Cars 2 Go would be using private parking garages to store their vehicles. Mr.
MacNeil stated yes.
Ms. Botti asked when the B37 would be restored. Mr. Lynch reported that a start date has not been given.
Mr. Wade asked who the contractor for the Court Street construction is. Mr. Lynch stated that he did not
have that information.
Mr. Peers asked if Citi Bike Share would be available at the 58th Street Pier. Mr. Lynch stated that Citi Bike
Share is looking for private sponsors.
Ms. Rodriguez reported that she received correspondence from the NYC Transit Authority that the B37
would be restored in January 2014.
EDUCATION COMMITTEE:
Ms. Reich reported that the committee met to discuss legislation that Senator Montgomery and
Assemblyman Weprin have drafted that would reverse mayoral control of the Department of Education.
She stated that mayoral control of the schools would end in 2015 and both the Senator & Assemblyman
wanted to engage the community now to discuss the problems of mayoral control of the schools in the city
in order to create a more inclusive government structure. The following is a bill overview:

To distribute the appointing authority of the members of the Board of Education of the City
of New York among each borough president, City Council, and Mayor of NYC, to give
parents and education professionals a greater voice in the process, and to grant the
authority to appoint the city school district chancellor to the Board.
Ms. Reich stated that the committee made some recommendations to Senator Montgomery such as one
representative on the Board be the parent of a special needs student, a representative from current or
retired educational professional, how long the term is and procedures for a replacement. Ms. Reich also
reported that the committee had some concerns such as accountability. Ms. Reich stated that Senator
Montgomery and other elected officials are holding a reform on October 8 to get public testimony on this
legislation. Senator Montgomery spoke briefly about the bill. There was a discussion among the board
members regarding the legislation. Senator Montgomery responded to their questions and concerns.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, PUBLIC SAFETY, TRANSPORTATION, COMMUNITY SERVICE
COMMITTEES:
The following committees met to discuss vending issues in the community. Mr. Zuniga gave a report. Mr.
Zuniga stated that representatives from the Health Department, 72nd Precinct and Councilwoman Gonzalez’
attended the committee meeting. Mr. Zuniga reported that the Health Department issues 3,000 vending
permits city wide. Mr. Zuniga stated a vendor license is easier to obtain than a vendor permit. The Health
Department discussed how they conduct enforcement with assistance from the 72nd Precinct. There was a
discussion among the board members. Mr. Zuniga stated that this issue has many components and would
require an ongoing dialogue.
ELECTED OFFICIALS
Carlos Menchaca, Councilmember Elect introduced himself to the board and stated that he is looking
forward to working with the board in the future on community issues.
Mrs. Granshaw from the Borough President’s Office announced that they are having a Latino Heritage
Month Celebration on October 24. She also reported that the National Disability Awareness breakfast
would be held at the Borough President’s Office on October 17. She also reported that there were some
slots available for Pre-K until October 2.
Mr. Rheaume from Congresswoman Clarke’s Office announced that starting October 1, everyone can sign
up for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act and to contact their office for assistance on applying.
Mr. Alam from Assemblyman Ortiz’ Office reported that their office along with Red Cross held disaster relief
training over the summer. Mr. Alam stated that the Assemblyman Ortiz will be hosting upcoming
Halloween & Thanksgiving events at the Sunset Park Recreation Center and will provide flyers for the
events at a future meeting.
Ms. Irene Chau from Assemblyman Abbate’s Office introduced herself to the Board and stated that the
Assemblyman is looking forward to working with the new elected officials in the community.
Ms. Kay-Ash from Assemblyman Brennan’s Office reported that their office is hosting two events: A green
energy & conservation forum on October 22 at Camp Friendship and a non-profit forum on November 12 at
Temple Beth Emit in Flatbush, Brooklyn.
Ms. Ertinger from Councilman Lander’s Office reported that the Council overrides the Mayor’s veto on the
Community Safety Act and will now require an Inspector General for the NYPD and place a ban on racial
profiling. She reported that the Council introduced legislation to reduce plastic shopping bag waste. If
shoppers wish to use plastic, there will be a 10 cent charge.
CHAIRPERSON REPORT
Mr. D. Murphy reported that he and other board members took a tour of the new SIMS recycling plant in
Sunset Park.
Mr. D. Murphy stated that he would have a future meeting with the newly elected Councilmember in District
38 to discuss community issues. Mr. D. Murphy reported that he appointed Mr. Zuniga as chair of the
Public Safety Committee. He stated that he would be meeting with the committee chairs to discuss
vacancies.
DISTRICT MANAGER REPORT
Mr. Laufer reported that two former board members, Carmen Raposo and Robert Pakruda passed away
over the summer. He also reported that Adam Wapiniak, a new board member, had to resign due to a new
job which created a conflict of interest.
Mr. Laufer reported that the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce is opening a satellite office in the Sunset Park
Library starting October 1 to help small businesses and individuals apply for health insurance plans under
the Affordable Care Act.
Ms. Pat Ruiz stated that Jane Hauck, a former board member, also passed away this summer.
Mr. Laufer that the Board Office could be followed on Facebook and Twitter. Mr. Laufer stated that Next
Door.com, a social media site for local neighborhoods, would be making a presentation at next month’s
board meeting. Mr. Laufer reported that he, Mr. D. Murphy, Ms. Botti, and Mr. Peers met with Economic
Development Corporation and Tellia Construction. They are building a grease recycling facility at Bush
Terminal. Mr. Laufer announced that the Brooklyn Army Terminal is giving tours of their facilities twice a
month to the public. Mr. Laufer stated that the office is starting to collect monetary donations for the
Holiday Gift Drive and has already received a check. He also stated that donations of new clothing and
toys would start to be collected on November 1. Mr. Laufer reported that there were 30 new & renewal
liquor licenses received. He also reported that the Police Department CompStat reports were available on
the back table.
Mr. Jasie asked for an opening date of the waterfront park. Mr. Laufer stated he was told the park would be
open in the fall.
Mr. Wade stated that the CompStat reflects an increase in robberies, grand larceny autos and murders.
OLD BUSINESS/NEW BUSINESS
Mr. T. Murphy reported that there are no speed cameras in the community. Mr. Laufer stated that the
Board advocated being one of the first sites to have the cameras and unfortunately DOT did not listen to
the request.
Mr. Valdes announced that the Sunset Park 5th Avenue B.I.D. will sponsor the gun buyback program and
would take place in October or November.
Mr. T. Murphy reported that scaffolding has been put up at 429 43rd Street. Mr. Laufer stated that he heard
back from the Department of Buildings and that the scaffold is there legally and they are allowed to go over
the property line. Mr. Laufer also reported that DOB inspected 454 54 th Street and found no violations.
Ms. DePola stated that Charles Hynes is still on the ballot for District Attorney.
Ms. Botti reported that she attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for Slope Park on June 27. She also
attended a press conference on July 30 where Congresswoman Velazquez announced her Waterfront for
Tomorrow Act. She also reported that she attended the Sunset Park High School graduation on June 26.
Ms. Collins suggested that a future board meeting take place in Windsor Terrace.
Mr. Lynch stated that the Transportation Committee would look into complaints about casino buses idling
on avenues.
Ms. Melman reported that more parking spaces were taken away on East 8 th Street & Ocean Parkway.
Mr. Wiley from Congresswoman Velazquez’ Office reported that he had flyers with more information on the
Waterfront for Tomorrow Act.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Maria Roca from the Friends of Sunset Park announced that “It’s My Park” day, a city wide event would be
taking place soon and they need volunteers to help clean up the park, paint and plant daffodils in Sunset
Park. She also reported that there would be a holiday tree lighting ceremony on December 5. She
reported that there been several robberies along 40th Street between 5th & 6th Avenues.
Erin McCaren from the Lesbian & Gay Rights Center spoke about their campaign in conjunction with the
NYC Smoke Free Coalition to stop tobacco advertising to youth through social media.
Mary Quinones from Lutheran Medical Center provided copies of their annual health report.
Ms. DeSapio made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Botti seconded the motion.
Respectfully Submitted,
June Reich
Assistant Secretary