THE CITY OF NEW YORK
COMMUNITY BOARD 3
MINUTES OF THE
MONDAY, MARCH 7, 2016
COMMUNITY BOARD MEETING
BEDFORD STUYVESANT RESTORATION CORPORATION
1368 FULTON STREET
BROOKLYN, NY 11216
Attendance:
Members Present:
Felicia Alexander, Tywan Anthony, Gloria Boyce, Anthony Buissereth, Ivy GambleCobb, Evelyn Collier, Richard Flateau, Keith Forest, Oma Holloway, Gregory Glasgow,
Christopher James, Edna Johnson, Marion Little, Hardy “Joe” Long, Dovie Matthews,
Paulette Moorehead, Eldica Murray, Michael McCaw, Kwaku Payton, Santina Payton, C.
Doris Pinn, Stacey Ruffin, Nelson M. Stoute, Rev. Dr. Robert Waterman, Shanita Wells,
Douglas Williams, T. J. Wilson, Tremaine Wright
Members Absent:
Idris Abdullah, Dr. Kim Best, Mulan Isaiah Burgess, Dolores Witherspoon-Dickerson,
Taina Evans, Brenda Fryson, Sean Hawkins, Mary Jemison-Head, Kimberly Hill, Dr.
Kerliene Johnson, Bernice McRae, Adrian Sinclair, Abraham Smilowitz, Rev. Jesse
Sumbry, Lydia Temples, Cheska Tolentino, Antonio Whitaker
INVOCATION
The invocation was given by Hardy “Joe” Long.
REMARKS FROM THE CHAIRPERSON – Tremaine S. Wright
Ms. Wright read the agenda into the record.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF ELECTED OFFICIALS
Michael Smith – Hon. Annette Robinson
Mr. Smith reported that over 600 smoke detectors were distributed and installed by the American Red Cross.
Assembly Member Robinson will be commemorating Shirley Chisholm on April 7 th, at Medgar Evers College,
at 5:30 p.m.
Metin Sarci – Hon. Stephen Levin
Participatory Budgeting Voting week begins on March 26th – April 1st, polling sites are listed in the newsletter.
Newsletters were available.
Babatunde Acowe – Hon. Robert Cornegy, Jr.
Council Member Cornegy will be hosting the State of the District on March 26 th, at Uncommon Charter High
School. It will commence at 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
He stated that Council Member Cornegy will be hosting several events in March:
On March 12th, the Council Member will host “Your Vote Matters” event from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
On March 14th, he will host “Start Your Empire” to help young people between the ages of 18-24 start their own
business.
In addition, on March 23rd, there will be a shopping and lunch excursion to Gateway Mall for the seniors.
Flyers were available.
Sharon Forbes – Hon. Scott Stringer
Ms. Forbes is the Community Coordinator for the Comptroller’s office. She informed the audience that they
can call the Community Action Center at 212-669-3916 to register complaints.
Joan Eastmond – Hon. Velmanette Montgomery
Ms. Eastmond stated that the Senator highlighted Boys and Girls High, Boys High and Girls High in the current
newsletter.
Jessica Fiorillo – Office of the City Clerk
Ms. Fiorillo informed the audience that the Office of the City Clerk is offering a one-time amnesty opportunity
for anyone who is lobbying. An example, of lobbying is attempting to obtain discretionary funding from the
NYC Council. If it is not reported, the organization or the individual can be fined. Please contact the Office of
City Clerk for more details.
John Watkins – Hon. Kenneth Thompson
The District Attorney is working on another “Begin Again” event along with an Elder Abuse workshop.
Drew Gabriel – Hon. Laurie Cumbo
Council Member Cumbo in conjunction with the Borough President will host a Women History Month event at
Borough Hall on March 18th, at 6:00 p.m. For more information, please contact the Council Member Cumbo’s
office at 718-260-9191.
Olanike Alabi – 57th Assembly District Leader
The District Leader reminder everyone to check the batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
She added that she is hosting a series of public safety and crime prevention workshop in North Brooklyn. Five
precincts will be participating (77, 79, 81, 88 and PSA3).
Shawn Francis – Hon. Darlene Mealy
Council Member Mealy honored officers of the 81st Precinct and the PSAs and local heroes and sheoes for
Black History Month.
The next monthly Advisory Board Meeting will be held on April 3rd, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. “Get Alarm New
York City” will be the highlight of the meeting.
Hon Laurie Cumbo
Council Member Cumbo announced Council Member Cornegy’s appointment as Co-Chair of the Black, Latino
& Asian Caucus of the NYC Council. She is also Chair of the Women Caucus.
In addition, she stated that the City Council voted into law three co-naming: Clarence Norman, Sr. Way, (the
street will be re-re-named after his wife who passed five month after him) Dean Derrick Griffith Way (there
will also be a scholarship in his name) and Carey Gabey Way.
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She also working on extending Harriet Tubman Way to Flatbush Avenue and saving 966 Fulton Street and its
programs for the community.
She also reported that she has passed two legislation. She introduced Jelani Maskariki who discussed the
Participatory Budgeting and Black Veterans for Social Justice program at Pamoja House Men Shelter.
Hon. Latrice Walker
Assembly Member Walker talked about some of the things they are working on in Albany. Her month Advsory
Board meeting are held on the 3rd Saturday of the month at her District office.
Kathleen Daniel – Hon. Eric Adams
Ms. Daniel announced that on March 24th, the Borough President is launching a “Smart Gun Initiative
Competition to create a smart gun. For more information on some of the other events she highlighted, please
visit www.brooklyn-usa.org
Acknowledgements
Karen Cherry – Hon. Erik Dilan, Det. William Jenkins – 81st Precinct, Beatrice Jones – Former Board Member,
Dweynie Paul – Civil Court Judge
DISTRICT MANAGER’S REPORT – Henry L. Butler
Mr. Butler informed the audience that free water testing kits are available by calling 311. In addition, BedfordStuyvesant Restoration Corp. will be hosting employment screening events.
Mr. Butler announced that the April meeting will be held at the Multi-Service Center, 1958 Fulton Street
between Ralph and Howard Avenues. Flyers were available for all announcements.
I.
PUBLIC HEARING
A. Housing & Land Use Committee:
Habitat for Humanity sought a letter of support to develop 2 4-story, 8 unit Coop at 329 &
331 Ralph Avenue
C. Doris Pinn, Committee Chair introduced the Habitat representative.
Elan Peskin, Project Manager gave a brief background on Habitat for Humanity. In 2013
they celebrated 30 years of providing over 300 affordable homes. The cornerstone of
Habitat for Humanity model is volunteerism. It gives back into the community. They get
subsidies form HPD and State funding.
The families have the opportunity to take advantage of a special Habitat mortgage product
which features a 1% down payment and a 2% fixed rate for 30 years. Part of the down
payment, they require “Sweat Equity” which is an able bodies helping to build their home
and the home of other families. The requirement for an individual is 250 hours and a family
is 500 hours. The other criteria is income. Families must earn 50%-80% AMI.
Ralph Avenue Residences is a 2 four story walk-up located at 329 and 331 Ralph Avenue
between Atlantic Avenue and Herkimer Street. Each building will have 1 1-bedroom unit; 3
2-bedroom units. Habitat anticipate breaking ground in summer 2016 with 18 months of
construction and completion in fall of 2017.
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David Cunningham, Architect gave a PowerPoint presentation. He stated that the buildings
will be setback 15 feet to give the first floor privacy. The material in the front of the
building is cast iron. The remainder of the building is brick. The first floor consist of the 1bedroom and the 2-bedrooms on the other floors. One unit on each floor.
Questions and Answers
Joe Gonzales: Who is getting the contract to build the home? What are the financial
arrangement with respect to the prospective tenants?
Elan Peskin: The land is owned by HPD and it was sold to Habitat for a nominal price in
order to build affordable. In the 1-bedroom unit, 1-2 people and the 2-bedroom 2-4 people.
The eligibility requirements are the sweat equity, income and credit. To check your
eligibility visit www.habitatnyc.org
Resident: Is there a lottery? How are the families chosen?
Elan Peskin: No, there is no preference. There is a multi-step process. The first step is to
attend an Information Session learn about the requirements. Information sessions occurs
once a month at their office in Manhattan.
Gregory Glasgow: Does Habitat utilized MWBE? How much time does a family have to
invest in the home?
Elan Peskin: I don’t have that information. I can get that information for you. Families
have to invest 500 hours (6 months).
Richard Flateau: What is the price per unit?
Elan Peskin: $115,000 – $200,000
C. Doris Pinn: At the committee meeting there was a concern about the safety of casement
windows. Can you address why you still have casement?
David Cunningham: On the front façade there is casement windows and the rear, there is
double hung windows. HPD is requiring a greater level of sound installation. Casement
windows are better for the energy code and the sound issue. The windows have a device on
it which allows them to be regulated. These are traditional windows.
C. Doris Pinn: Maybe we should talk to HPD, but I don’t think we should trade the safety
of our children for noise abatement.
David Cunningham: There is no safety issue. There is a restrictor that prevents them from
opening too far. They are used on high rise buildings all over New York City.
Felicia Alexander: Did you get input from the community? Why was it not a duplex or
something more suitable for first time homebuyers?
Elan Peskin: We are restricted by building and zoning codes requirements. This is the most
they can build.
II.
INFORMATIONAL PRESENTATION
A. Health & Social Service Committee
The NYC Department of Health will give an update on the Zika Virus
Edna Johnson, Committee Chair introduced Tejumade Ajaiyeoba, Community Liaison
Ms. Ajaiyeoba gave a brief update on the Zika virus: where it originated from, who is at risk
of being affected and how we can all protect ourselves. Pregnant women are especially at
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risk since the virus can lead to birth defect. The Zika virus is affecting parts of Central and
South America, Mexico and the Caribbean. Everyone is advised to not travel to these
regions.
She advised residents to use insect repellants.
B. Parks, Arts & Culture Committee:
Partnership for Parks discussed how they can assist community members in organizing
volunteer activities and events in your local parks and playgrounds
Marion Little, Committee Chair introduced Gloria Tate, Community Parks Team Member
Ms. Tate informed the audience about the various grants available to individuals and groups
for community project. Supplies are provided for projects. She stated that there will be a
workshop on “how to start or join a community park group”. It will be held in Manhattan on
March 10th, from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
C. Civic & Public Safety Committee:
The committee hosted a presentation by The New York Presbyterian Manager of Burn
Outreach and Professional Development
Douglas Williams, Committee Co-Chair introduced Kevin Xuereb, Manager
Mr. Xuereb gave a brief synopsis of the only burn center in the City. They receive both
adult and children. The center serve over 1000 in-patient a year and over 4000 out-patient.
1/3 of which are children, under 5 years old. He reported that data shows in 2014 and 2015,
47 children were admitted within a 30 month period in the 11213, 11221 and the 11233 zip
code.
Most children are burned by scalds from hot beverages and hot water. Hot water is
reportable through 311. If the water in your apartment is excessively hot, please call 311. A
cup of coffee can reach 180 degrees and building code states that water must not be more
than 120 degree.
III.
ROLL CALL
There were 28 members present and 17 members absent.
IV.
COMMITTEE UPDATES
C. Doris Pinn – Housing & Land Use
Ms. Pinn reminded the audience that the committee will meet on Wednesday, March 9th.
Oma Holloway – Education & Youth Committee
Ms. Holloway informed the audience that Medgar Evers Prep will not be co-locating with Boys &
Girls High School.
She reiterated that there will be a Town Hall with school Chancellor Farina on March 21st.
In addition, Summer Youth applications are available. DYCD will host a workshop to assist
applicants on March 9th, at P.S. 138, 801 Park Avenue from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Nelson M. Stoute – Transportation, Sanitation & Environment
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Mr. Stoute informed that the construction the B44 bust stop is due to the installation of the
“Wayfinder” signage.
DOT is rolling out new LED lights.
Evelyn Collier – Landmarks
Ms. Collier announced the designation of the Bedford Historic District on February 25, 2015.
V.
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Martha Works – 81st Precinct Community Council
Ms. Works invited everyone in the audience to the Precinct Council meeting on March 8th, at the
Multi-Service Center, 1958 Fulton Street.
Judge Staton – Brooklyn Legal Services
Judge Staton reported that the three legal services office has consolidated into one office. The office
is no longer called, Bedford-Stuyvesant Legal Services. It falls under the umbrella of Brooklyn
Legal Services. Currently there are 100 attorneys in the network however, 17 housing attorneys are
needed.
The following are contact numbers:
General Hotline: 917-661-4500
Veterans:
718-237-5509
HIV:
718-237-5509
Elder Law:
718-237-5500
Residents can get assistance at the following locations:
1360 Fulton Street
105 Court Street
900 Fulton Street
There will 2 additional location will be in Brownsville and East New York shortly.
Sharonnie Perry – Interfaith Medical Center
Ms. Perry thanked the residents for their support of the hospital and Rev. Dr. Waterman leadership
as President of the Trustee Board. The hospital has a new CEO in LaRay Brown. She was formally
with HHC for over 30 plus years.
Lynette Rogers – Brownstoners of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Inc.
Ms. Rogers informed the audience that a panel will convene on a serious issue of “Deed Fraud”.
People are losing their homes. The forum will be held on March 19th, from 10:00 a.m., in the
Community Room at Restoration Plaza.
Nequan Mclean – District 16 Community Education Council (CEC)
Mr. Mclean announced that this month CEC meeting will be held at P.S. 40 on March 15th.
In addition, there will be a Town Hall with Chancellor Carmen Farina at M.S. 267, 800 Gates
Avenue. It will be held on March 21st, from 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. All District 16 parents are urged
to attend.
Rafiq Kalamid-Din – Principal/Professional Prep Charter School
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He announced the Open House on March 9th, at 5:30 p.m. The school is located on the third floor of
M.S. 308, 616 Quincy Street.
Divinah Bailey – Watchful Eye
Ms. Bailey announced that Assembly Member Mosley in partnership with Congressman Jeffries,
Senator Montgomery and Council Member Cumbo will host the Women’s History Month event.
It will be held at Grace Agard Harewood Senior Center, 966 Fulton Street on March 24th, 6:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m.
Michael Lambert – Bed-Stuy Gateway BID
Mr. Lambert announced the Bed-Stuy BID Bunny Hop event on March 19th, from 12:00 p.m. – 3:00
p.m.
On March 23rd, the BID will host a networking event at Amalgamated Bank, 1212 Fulton Street. It
will begin at 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Keith Forest
Mr. Forest announced that the Brooklyn Best Honors will honor Henry Butler on March 16th, at
Grand Champs Restaurant, 197 Patchen Avenue. The event begins at 6:00 p.m.
Michael West – Devotion NYC
Mr. West stated that the organization is an education and advocacy group focus on economics. We
would like the Forest Ratner fulfill the community benefits agreement.
Shanita Wells – Center of Anti-Violence Education
Ms. Wells stated that there will be a self-defense training for women in the LGBTQIA community at
701 Willoughby Avenue between Throop Avenue and Marcus Garvey Blvd on March 19th. Flyers
were available. For more information, visit [email protected] or call 718-7789-1775.
Annette Alleyne Merritt – St. Philip’s Food Pantry
Ms. Merritt announced that St. Philip’ Pantry located at 334 Decatur Street between Lewis and
Stuyvesant Avenues is open twice a month on Wednesdays from 11:00 a.m. Please bring ID.
Ann McDermott – Brooklyn Anti-Gentrification Network
Ms. McDermott informed the audience that there will be a press conference on March 30th, at 12:00
p.m., at Borough Hall to protest the two Text Amendment: Zoning for Quality and Affordability
(ZQA) and the Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH).
The network is requesting that the
community Boards have veto power. For more information, please contact her at 718-703-3086.
Oma Holloway – MyBase
Ms. Holloway announced that the Citywide Independent Charter Schools will be hosting a Job Fair
on April 10th, at Ingersoll Community Center, 177 Myrtle Avenue. It will begin at 10:00 a.m. Bring
resumes.
Alexzandria Eutsay – Boys & Girls High School/Alumni
She invited all alumni from Boys, Girls and Boys & Girls High Schools to come out on March 9 th, at
5:30 p.m. at the Boys & Girls High School to discuss the co-location of Medgar Evers High at Boys
& Girls High. For more information, email [email protected]
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Tremaine Wright
Ms. Wright informed that Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Delta Rho chapter in conjunction with
Partnership for Parks will host a Restore, Refresh, Renew event on March 21st, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
at P. S. 44.
VI.
PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE BY-LAWS: ARTICLE VII – DUTIES OF OFFICERS.
SECTION A-1 – DUTIES OF THE CHAIRPERSON
Mr. Long read the following recommendation:
..\Recommended Amendment to Article VII - Duties of Officers.pdf
Ms. Pinn stated that in order for the Board to consider this proposal, the old by-laws needs to be
presented along with the new provisions. Therefore, the Board will not consider at this meeting.
VII.
ACTION ON THE PUBLIC HEARING
A. Habitat for Humanity request for a letter of support to develop 2 four story, eight unit Coop at
329 & 331 Ralph Avenue
Ms. Pinn reported that Habitat for Humanity presented at the February Housing & Land Use
Committee. It was thoroughly vetted. The committee recommendation is to give a letter of
support. A motion was made by Gregory Glasgow and seconded by Edna Johnson.
..\Habitat for Humanity.pdf
VIII.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted by,
Beryl Nyack
March 21, 2016
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