BROOKLYN COMMUNITY BOARD 6
GENERAL BOARD MEETING
BROOKLYN BOROUGH HALL
209 JORALEMON STREET
DECEMBER 12, 2007
ATTENDANCE
PRESENT:
T. ALEXANDER
S. BURZIO
D. DE MATTEO
P. FLEMING
T. KAMBER
D. LALLI
R. LOHIER
T.L. MISKEL
G. O’CONNELL
D. REISS
M. SHAMES
J. STRABONE
V. TWYFORD
R. S. BASHNER
J. BUCK
E. FELDER
J.C. FOULKE
M. KOLMAN
B. LANDER
T. METZGER
C. MOLINARI
A. A. PUGLIESE
R. RIGOLLI
L. SONES
M. TAYLOR
D. VITO
EXCUSED:
L. CIRANDO
D. COHEN
ABSENT:
J. CREELAN
D. SCOTTO
Y. GIRELA
S. TURET
J. BERNARD
C. CACACE
L. FINNEY
B.GINSBERG
D. KUMMER
R. LEVINE
A. McKNIGHT
A. NEMBHARD
M. RECA
M. SCOTT
E. SPICER
R. THOMAS
R. ZUCKERMAN
J. MAGALDI
M. VERRET
GUESTS:
HON. MARTY MARKOWITZ, BROOKLYN BOROUGH PRESIDENT
J. HEYER II, BOROUGH PRESIDENT MARKOWITZ’S REPRESENTATIVE
HON. DAVID YASSKY, CITY COUNCIL MEMBER
A. SAMUEL, CITY COUNCIL MEMBER YASSKY’S REPRESENTATIVE
M. SCHWEINSBURG, CITY COUNCIL MEMBER GONZALEZ’S REPRESENTATIVE
T. GRAY, CITY COUNCIL MEMBER DE BLASIO’S REPRESENTATIVE
A. SCHAETZEL, STATE ASSEMBLY MEMBER BRENNAN’S REPRESENTATIVE
T. SMITH, STATE ASSEMBLY MEMBER MILLMAN’S REPRESENTATIVE
W. ROST, STATE SENATOR CONNOR’S REPRESENTATIVE
D. BITETTI, CONGRESS MEMBER CLARKE’S REPRESENTATIVE
D. WILEY, CONGRESS MEMBER VELÁZQUEZ’S REPRESENTATIVE
(Complete list of meeting attendees on file at the District Office.)
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Chairperson Richard S. Bashner called the meeting to order at 6:35 pm.
MINUTES
Chairperson Bashner began the meeting by recognizing Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz.
Borough President Markowitz praised all of the Board Members for their dedication and commitment to the
Board and the residents of the district. Serving on the Board is very challenging but there is no more noble
work than public service. This Board exemplifies perseverance and represents the strength and diversity of the
great borough of Brooklyn. He further stated that CB6 was “truly blessed” to have had the service of Board
Member Louise Finney for 30 years and commended her for her selfless service to our community.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Board Member Roger Rigolli made a motion to accept the minutes, seconded by Board Member Brad Lander.
VOTE:
32 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME:
6:44 P.M.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT……………………………...……..………….....…...RICHARD S. BASHNER
Chairperson Richard S. Bashner began his report by requesting that all Board Members sit in the first few rows
of the meeting room. He again asked members to stand up and introduce themselves so members could get to
know each other a little bit better.
Chairperson Bashner reminded the Board that our annual holiday party, which is also a fundraiser for our
Friends of Brooklyn CB6, Inc. organization, will be this coming Monday evening, 6-9pm at the Union Smith
Café on the corner of Smith and Union Streets. The cost is $30 per person, but we’ll gladly accept donations
above that amount. We will have raffles and prizes and expect it to be another fun night for CB6!
Chairperson Bashner informed the Board that on December 6, 2007, one of our local Park Slope blogs, “Only
the Blog Knows Brooklyn” put out their second annual Park Slope 100 list. CB6 was well-represented on that
list. He congratulated Board Members James Bernard, Nica Lalli, Brad Lander, District Manager Craig
Hammerman, and former CB6 Chairperson Irene Lo Re for all being on the list for the various things they do to
support the Park Slope neighborhood. To see the entire list for yourself you can visit their blog at
www.OnlytheBlogKnowsBrooklyn.com.
Chairperson Bashner advised the Board that this Saturday, December 15th at 9:00am the 76th Precinct will be
holding their annual Medal Day where they will honor and recognize members of the service who performed
above and beyond in the line of duty. The ceremony will be held at Sacred Hearts-St. Stephen’s Church at 125
Summit Street between Hicks and Henry Streets. All are welcome to attend.
Chairperson Bashner reported to the Board that at the last Atlantic Yards Inter-Agency meeting with CB’s 2 and
8, Craig and I had a chance to meet Forrest Taylor, who was hired by Empire State Development Corporation to
be the Ombudsperson for the project. Having a background in both State and City governments, Forrest
impressed us as the kind of person who knows how to get things done. I expect he will quickly become an
indispensable contact and source of information for our communities. I would like to point out that in their last
newsletter, which is updated biweekly and is available on the Announcements section of our website, the
Empire State Development Corporation did mention that a contractor will begin doing some infrastructure work
on the blocks around the 78th Precinct starting this week. We’ve requested and received a set of plans, which
are at the District Office, if anyone is interested in seeing them. The street will be under construction for the
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next few months, though they are mandated to provide a lane of traffic through the area at all times. He also
congratulated Shirley McRae, Chairperson of Brooklyn CB2, who was recently named by Borough President
Markowitz as his appointee to the City Planning Commission. She will be taking over Dolly Williams spot on
the commission. I’m pleased to see that a fellow CB Chairperson will soon be sitting on the City Planning
Commission and am glad to have gotten the chance to know Shirley from our close work on the Atlantic Yards
project together.
Chairperson Bashner informed the Board that Regina Myer, former Director of the Brooklyn Office of the
Department of City Planning, Park Slope resident, and past recipient of the CB6 “Core of the Apple” award, has
been named the successor to Wendy Leventer as the new President of the Brooklyn Bridge Park Development
Corporation. We look forward to hearing from her and trying to reestablish a dialogue on this project which, if
done properly, still has the potential to be a great asset to our City, and Brooklyn’s waterfront in particular.
Chairperson Bashner informed the Board that there will be a change in this year’s committee request forms.
We will be asking for a resume or a statement stating why/what experiences you have that would make you a
good candidate for a particular committee. This request is not mandatory; it would help him make his decisions
on who should be appointed to a particular committee.
Chairperson Bashner reported to the Board that after a 30-year tenure as a CB6 Board Member, Louise Finney
has submitted a letter of resignation effective the end of this month. Aside from being our current
Transportation Co-Chair, Louise has held numerous other leadership positions on CB6 including Chairperson in
the mid-1980’s. The Chairperson wishes he had the option of rejecting her resignation, but he knew she
struggled with this for some time and will respect her final decision. On behalf of a grateful community, he
thanked her for her selfless service, for helping to protect and build our communities and for helping to
establish this Community Board into the professional and effective body we are today.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
DISTRICT MANAGER’S REPORT……………..................................................…CRAIG HAMMERMAN
District Manager Craig Hammerman began his report by praising Board Member Louise Finney and thanking
her for all of her tireless work and effort throughout the years.
District Manager Hammerman reported to the Board that the Park Slope Civic Council has announced that
tomorrow the merchants will be offering discounts and special promotions to energize local shoppers as part of
their first annual Snow Flake Celebration. 150 area merchants on 5th and 7th Avenues will remain open until
10pm as part of a Buy-In Brooklyn campaign – a way for consumers to support local businesses. Also that
evening the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music which is located on 7th Avenue and Lincoln Place will have some
live performances to encourage a lively street life.
District Manager Hammerman advised the Board that on December 15th from 10am – 2pm the United States
Post Office in conjunction with the Park Slope Senior Center will be hosting a Passport Fair. The fair will take
place at the Senior Center located at 463A 7th Street between 6th & 7th Avenues.
District Manager Hammerman reported that the Department of Transportation has notified the district office
that at the request of the Park Slope Civic Council they would be eliminating the left turn from northbound 4th
Avenue onto westbound Union Street. They are currently in the process of installing regulations that will
prohibit the above-mentioned turn.
District Manager Hammerman ended his report by informing the Board that the Fifth Avenue Committee has
announced that the applications for the Red Hook Homes project are now available. Red Hook Homes is a
newly built 60-unit mixed income cooperative in Red Hook, Brooklyn. Applications for lottery must be
submitted by January 22, 2008 in order to be considered. For more information, please attend one of the
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following information sessions on December 17, 2007 or January 3, 2008 at 7 pm at the PAL Miccio Center,
110 West 9th Street in the Red Hook section of our district or visit their website at http://www.fifthave.org.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Chairperson Bashner recognized the representatives of the elected officials.
Tamar Smith, representing Assemblywoman Joan Millman, informed the Board that the Assemblywomen sent a
letter to MTA to request bus service from to Manhattan via the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to help to alleviate the
crowding that will be caused when the Smith/9th Streets station is closed for renovations. She also stated that
the Assemblywomen was very happy about DOT eliminating the left turn onto Union Street from 4th Avenue,
which would make it safer for pedestrians and calm traffic at that intersection.
Wendy Rost, representing State Senator Martin Connor announced to the Board that the Senator in cooperation
with the American-Italian Cancer Foundation will be hosting free mammograms on Monday, December 17,
2007, starting at 8:00 a.m. in front of the Rutgers Houses located at 200 Madison Street in Manhattan.
Dan Wiley, representing Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez, stated that the Congress has been working under a
continuing resolution which is a type of appropriations legislation used by the United States Congress to fund
government agencies if a formal appropriations bill has not been signed into law by the end of the
Congressional fiscal year. The legislation takes the form of a joint resolution, and provides funding for existing
federal programs at current or reduced levels. He also stated that at the last meeting on the Gowanus Canal,
which was facilitated by District Manager Hammerman, the consensus was that the canal could not get a
reclassification until something was actually achieved not what we wanted to be achieved on the Canal. The
President has vetoed the Appropriations bill that would have allocated the much needed funds to finish the
Restoration Feasibility Study of the canal. We are hoping that the Congress will override the veto to get this
and other projects funded for completion.
John Heyer, representing Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz invited the Board members to a tree
lighting ceremony being held on Columbia and Sackett Streets on Friday, December 14th from 6:30pm –
8:30pm.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
COMMITTEE REPORTS
LANDMARKS/LAND USE COMMITTEE.............................ROBERT LEVINE, LANDMARKS CHAIR
…………………........PETER FLEMING, LAND USE CHAIR
Landmarks Committee Chairperson Robert Levine reported to the Board that the committee reviewed a
Certificate of Appropriateness application for the addition of a rooftop bulkhead on the existing building and the
construction of 6 new townhouses at 110 Amity Street.
Motion:
by Committee;
Recommendation to disapprove a Certificate of Appropriateness application submitted to
the Landmarks Preservation Commission for with the following conditions:
 The applican the addition of a rooftop bulkhead on the existing building and the
construction of 6 new townhouses at 110 Amity Street, Cobble Hill Historic
District t must meet with the neighborhood Cobble Hill Association and then
return to CB6 before LPC review.
 If the developer withdraws application to LPC, the committee will not write to
LPC advising them of our disapproval.
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Board Member Nica Lalli asked what is on the site where the townhouses are proposed to go. Landmarks
Committee Chairperson Levine stated it is the backyard of an existing building.
Board Member Jeff Strabone asked if this issue was on the Landmarks Preservation Commission’s (LPC)
calendar. If it is not why are we voting on it tonight? Landmarks Committee Chairperson Levine stated LPC
may put it on the calendar prior to our next Board meeting, which would make our recommendation moot.
Board Member Lou Sones stated that the committee disapproved the project because there were too many
concerns unaddressed and the Cobble Hill Association had not reviewed it yet. We voted on it just in case LPC
would put it on their calendar before our next meeting.
VOTE:
35 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 2 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED
TIME:
7:10 P.M.
Land Use Committee Chairperson Peter Fleming reported to the Board that the committee reviewed a
renewal unenclosed sidewalk café permit application at 277 Smith Street (between Degraw/Sackett
Streets).
Motion:
by Committee;
Recommendation to approve a renewal unenclosed sidewalk café permit
application submitted to the Department of Consumer Affairs on behalf of
Savioia Pizzeria & Restaurant, Inc. at 277 Smith Street (between Degraw/Sackett
Streets), to permit 8 tables and 16 seats.
VOTE:
36 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 1 ABSTENTION
MOTION PASSED
TIME:
7:23 P.M.
Land Use Committee Chairperson Fleming also reported to the Board that the committee reviewed a
renewal unenclosed sidewalk café permit application at 119 5th Avenue (southeast corner Sterling
Place/5th Avenue).
Motion:
by Committee;
Recommendation to approve a renewal unenclosed sidewalk café permit
application submitted to the Department of Consumer Affairs on behalf of
Mangia, Inc. at 119 5th Avenue (southeast corner Sterling Place/5th Avenue), to
permit 12 tables and 24 seats with the following condition:
 Hours of Operation – weeknights – 10pm
Fridays & Weekends – 11pm
VOTE:
37 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 0 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME:
7:26 P.M.
Land Use Committee Chairperson Fleming further reported to the Board that the committee reviewed ULURP
No. C080115HUK, an application to amend the Columbia Street Urban Renewal Plan for the Columbia Street
Urban Renewal Area.
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Motion:
by Committee;
Recommendation to approve ULURP No. C080115HUK, an application to amend the
Columbia Street Urban Renewal Plan for the Columbia Street Urban Renewal Area, (the
proposed amendment involves land use changes and the removal of height restrictions on
Site 27 (Block 304, Lot 10). In addition, designation and land uses that pertain to
privately owned properties which are not urban renewal sites have been deleted from
Maps 1 and 2 and the language and format of the Urban Renewal Plan have been changed
to the current standard form with the following condition:
 The developer continues to work with the community on the aesthetics,
setback, etc.
Chairperson Bashner asked if the height limit is to be removed what limit will be in its place. Land Use
Committee Chairperson Fleming stated whatever limit the zoning laws require.
Board Member Tell Metzger reported that he is on the development team that is working on this building and he
will be abstaining for cause on any vote pertaining to this development. He thanked everyone from the
community who has been working with the developer on this project for so many months now because they do
think they have a great project as a result of everyone’s efforts.
Board Member Robert Levine asked to see the original plans on the development to show everyone the changes
that were made. Land Use Committee Chairperson Fleming stated that it was not necessary since the issue is
not an either/or situation.
Board Member Strabone asked if 30 of the 40 affordable units will be at 60% Area Median Income (AMI).
Land Use Committee Chairperson Fleming stated that that was an estimate because the developer was not
prepared to commit to that percentage at this time. Board Member Strabone then stated to clarify that at the
committee meeting the developer stated that there will be 20 units at 60% AMI and 20 units at 130% AMI. He
then asked if the developer was still working on the designs to make the buildings on site 1& 2 more suitable to
the look of the neighborhood. Land Use Committee Chairperson Fleming stated yes.
Discussion ensued on whether a proposed amendment introduced by Board Member Tom Kamber was germane
to the aforementioned motion. Chairperson Bashner ruled it was not.
Board Member Barbara Ginsberg asked if there will be any open space and underground parking included in
this development. Land Use Committee Chairperson Fleming stated that there was underground parking under
building 1 for 70 spaces and under building 2 for 17 spaces. He also stated that there will be some open space.
VOTE:
35 YEAS, 1 NAY, 1 ABSTENTION FOR CAUSE
MOTION PASSED
TIME:
7:50 P.M.
Chairperson Bashner recognized Councilman David Yassky.
The Councilman thanked the Board and everyone who is working with the developer because it made for a
better proposal than the initial one. He also praised and thanked Board Member Finney for her years of service
to the Board and wished everyone a Happy Holidays.
Land Use Committee Chairperson Fleming as well reported to the Board that the committee reviewed ULURP
No. C080116ZMK, an application for an amendment to the Zoning Map.
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Motion:
by Committee;
Recommendation to approve ULURP No. C080116ZMK, an application for an
amendment to the Zoning Map as follows:
 changing from an M1-1 District to an R6A District property bounded by
Congress Street, the northwesterly street line of Brooklyn-Queens
Connecting Highway, a line midway between Congress and Warren
Streets, a line 100-feet southeasterly of Columbia Street, Warren Street,
and Columbia Street only for the parcels involved with this project;
 changing from an M1-1 District to an R6B District property bounded by a
line midway between Congress and Warren Streets, the northwesterly line
of Brooklyn-Queens Connecting Highway, Warren Street and a line 100feet southeasterly of Columbia Street;
 conditionally changing from an M1-1 District to an R7A District property
bounded by Warren Street, the northwesterly street line of BrooklynQueens Connecting Highway, Baltic Street, and a line 150-feet
southeasterly of Columbia Street if the city would investigate if changing
the zoning to R6 would be adequate for this development.
Board Member Mark Shames spoke in favor of the motion but is against having any conditions attached to it.
Board Member Nica Lalli asked if the other properties next to the development would be rezoned as well. Land
Use Committee Chairperson Fleming stated yes, they are within the area described in the application.
Chairperson Bashner asked if any of the surrounding property owners object to the rezoning. Land Use
Committee Chairperson Fleming stated no.
Board Member Strabone spoke in favor of the motion and stated it was precise and excellent. Especially since
City Planning wanted to extend the rezoning way beyond the boundaries of the project and the committee
objected to it. Board Member Brad Lander spoke in favor of the motion.
Board Member Elly Spicer asked if we were to exclude the properties not contained specifically in this project,
does this become a spot rezoning and that is why City Planning extended the zoning beyond the project. Land
Use Committee Chairperson Fleming responded in the affirmative.
VOTE:
34 YEAS, 2 NAYS, 1 ABSTENTION FOR CAUSE
MOTION PASSED
TIME:
8:15 P.M.
Land Use Committee Chairperson Fleming additionally reported to the Board that the committee reviewed
ULURP No. C080117HDK, an application for the disposition of City-owned property comprising Site 27
within the Columbia Street Urban Renewal Area.
Motion:
by Committee;
Recommendation to approve ULURP No. C080117HDK, an application for the
disposition of City-owned property comprising Site 27 within the Columbia Street Urban
Renewal Area, Community District 6, Brooklyn. The property is to be disposed to a
developer to be selected by HPD for redevelopment in accordance with the Columbia
Street Urban Renewal Plan and consists of Block 304, Lot 10 with the following
condition:
 The developer continues to work with the community.
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Board Member Robert Zuckerman asked if all of the affordable housing was in one building. Land Use
Committee Chairperson Fleming stated yes.
Board Member Alric Nembhard asked if the vehicle entrance for the parking garage was on Hicks Street and if
it was double-wide. Land Use Committee Chairperson Fleming stated yes.
Board Member Meredith Taylor asked if the affordable housing was permanent.
Chairperson Fleming stated no, it would be for 30 years.
Amendment:
Land Use Committee
by Board Member Brad Lander, seconded by Board Member Jeff Strabone;
To add the following conditions to the original motion:
 The affordable units be ¾ at 60% AMI and ¼ at 130% of AMI;
 The affordable units be affordable in perpetuity
Vote on the amendment ensued.
VOTE:
34 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 1 ABSTENTION FOR CAUSE
MOTION PASSED
TIME:
8:23 P.M.
Vote on original motion as amended ensued.
VOTE:
34 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 1 ABSTENTION FOR CAUSE
MOTION PASSED
TIME:
8:25 P.M.
Motion:
by Committee;
Recommendation that the City and the developer indicate a preference for local labor in
employing residents from within the community where possible.
Amendment:
by Board Member Tom Kamber, seconded by Board Member Raymond Lohier;
Whereas, the “Columbia Hicks” project is a major development project (over 100 units)
that will affect the quality-of-life of its neighbors and workers; and
Whereas Community Board 6 is concerned about the quality-of-life, construction safety,
and worker safety and conditions on major construction projects, and
Whereas too often, our community has seen contractors and/or subcontractors that violate
the health, safety, buildings, noise, and workplace laws and standards of our City, thus
leading to dangerous or severe nuisance situations for neighbors of the construction site
and jeopardizing the health and lives of their workers; and
Whereas responsible contractors deliver quality construction projects and operates quality
developments, without unnecessary harm to the community, and treats their workers
fairly;
Therefore be it resolved that Community Board 6 amend its recommendation of
“approval with modifications” for the Columbia Hicks to include, in addition to the other
conditions established by the Land Use Community and the Board, a provision that the
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we encourage the developer to hire “responsible contractors” for the construction and
operation of the project, and work with Community Board 6 to provide reasonable
documentation that the major contractors and subcontractors during the construction and
operations are “responsible contractors.”
A responsible contractor is one who meets the following standards:







A track record of successfully performing the services at issue.
A track record of area-standard wages and benefits to employees.
A history (of at least five years) of complying with applicable public laws,
including health and safety, environmental, wage and hour, insurance and
bonding, and antidiscrimination laws (with flexibility for new contractors,
especially women and minority-owned businesses, who show evidence of their
commitment to be responsible contractors but do not yet have a multi-year track
record).
A commitment to pay prevailing wages, area-standard wages, or living wages and
benefits, as applicable, and a commitment to comply with all applicable public
laws.
A commitment to give local residents a fair opportunity to obtain employment.
A commitment to having a state-registered apprenticeship programs, where
possible.
A willingness to reasonably disclose the necessary information to determine
whether the contractor or operator meets these standards.
Board Member Constance Molinari asked if in the motion we are talking about union or non-union workers.
Chairperson Bashner stated that the motion is non-specific about that issue.
Board Member Spicer stated that what we are asking for the most part are already laws on record that we are
asking the contractor to abide by. We are saying to the developer here is what we like you to do, if you don’t do
it, the next time you come before us we will remember that you did not do what we recommended.
Board Member Sones stated that it’s okay for us to ask the contractor these things, but all they really have to do
to get them accomplished is follow the laws already governing them.
Board Member Levine spoke out against the motion stating we should not single out a developer with a motion
like this we should create a general motion for all developers that come before this Board.
Board Member Shames spoke in favor of the motion since it is a recommendation and not a condition. We
should have responsible contracting and when he thinks of responsible contracting he thinks about union
contracting. At certain levels of density I believe there should be union contracting because it is economically
feasible.
Board Member Zuckerman spoke in favor of the motion but had some of the same concerns that Board Member
Levine has. Maybe we should bring this issue before a committee so we can come up with some best practices
for all developers in our district at certain size projects. We want to encourage responsible contracting
throughout our district not just this particular one.
Board Member David Reiss spoke in favor of the motion and believes this issue should be referred to
committee.
Board Member Anthony Pugliese spoke in favor of the motion and would like these suggestions be used for all
projects in our district not just this particular developer.
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Board Member Strabone spoke in favor of the motion stating that it is long overdo.
Board Member Roger Rigolli stated that to tell a developer who they should or should not hire is wrong, this
should be a recommendation.
Board Member Spicer spoke in favor of the motion stating as a community we have the responsibility to ask for
these things. She also believes this should come before one of our committees.
Board Member Celia Cacace spoke in favor of the motion and made a friendly amendment. We should omit the
number of units from the first sentence. The friendly amendment was accepted.
Board Member Lohier spoke in favor of the motion stating that it is general enough to vote for.
Vote on the amendment ensued.
VOTE:
26 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 1 ABSTENTION, 1 ABSTENTION FOR CAUSE
MOTION PASSED
TIME:
9:04 P.M.
Vote on original motion as amended ensued.
VOTE:
26 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 1 ABSTENTION, 1 ABSTENTION FOR CAUSE
MOTION PASSED
TIME:
9:06P.M.
Motion:
by Board Member Peter Fleming, seconded by Board Member Louise Finney;
Recommend that the Department of Transportation survey the surrounding area of the
Columbia/Hicks Streets development for more on the street parking where possible.
Board Member Strabone spoke against the motion stating it should go before the Transportation Committee.
VOTE:
26 YEAS, 0 NAYS, 2 ABSTENTIONS
MOTION PASSED
TIME:
9:10 P.M.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
 COMMUNITY SESSION 
Joanne Simon, representing the friends of Douglass/Greene Park in the Gowanus section of our district updated
the board on their progress to turn the under-used park on Third Avenue between Douglass and Degraw Streets
into a skateboarder friendly playground with new bathrooms and equipment.
Alan and Cynthia Lance, residents from Union Street in the Carroll Gardens section of our district ask the
Board if they can find out what the plans are for the old ILA building located on Court Street between Sackett
and Union Streets. Since the lot was sold and some excavation work has taking place no one has contacted the
residents on the block about their plans. Chairperson Bashner stated that unless the developer is seeking a
variance the project will not come before the Board. He also referred them to Councilmember Joan Millman
since she has had conversations with the developer. As far as any complaints they can contact the district office
for follow-up.
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__________________________________________________________________________________________
 NEW/OTHER BUSINESS 
Board Member Celia Cacace stated that we as a Community Board need to start thinking about how we can get
involved in developments in our district even if they are as-of-right. This Board has asserted itself and taking a
stance on issues even if they were not officially before us. Chairperson Bashner stated that she was absolutely
right and once he decides on which committees to bring these concerns to we will discuss them in depth.
Motion:
by Board Member Roger Rigolli, seconded by Board Member Jeff Strabone;
To adjourn the meeting.
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
TIME: 9:30PM
Minutes submitted into the District Office by Assistant District Manager Leroy Branch on December 21, 2007.
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