MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BOARD MEETING
HELD ON JUNE 11, 2008, AT
HORACE MANN HIGH SCHOOL
231 WEST 246TH STREET

PRESENT: R. Abbott, B. Bender, D. Bowden, A. P. Cassino, A. P. Creaney,
W. S. Dolny, T. Durham, R. Fanuzzi, B. Feinberg, T. Feerick, B. Fettman, P. Friedman, T. Giallorenzi, A. Goldman, J. Goris, M. Katzenstein,
M. Khury, I. Ladimer, V. Gray-Lewis, B. Maybury, D. McShane,
C. G. Moerdler, R. Moll, K. O’Brien, K. Pesce, J. M. Pilsner, J. Plaza,
C. Prentice, J. M. Reyes, T. Rubinstein, L. Spalter, B. Trebach,
E. Tossas-Tucker, L. Vazquez, M. Wolpoff, H. Young

ABSENT: A. Fana, L. Grossman, G. O. Koppell, J. O’Reilly, S. Scheinbach,
I. W. Stone

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

GUESTS: R. Fedderman – rep. Congressman Eliot Engel
J. Martin – rep. State Senator Jeff Klein
R. Press – rep. State Senator Efrain Gonzalez
J. Sonett – rep. State Senator Eric Schneiderman
R. Martos – rep. Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz
A. Dubin – rep. Councilman G. Oliver Koppell
Capt. J. D’Adamo – 50th Precinct
Det. L. Rodriguez – 50th Precinct
B. Abramson
E. Alemais
S. Alexander
E. Connolly – Department of Parks & Recreation
E. Cresci
N. Danyluk – Bronx Department of City Planning
M. Delgado
J. DeSio – Riverdale Review
M. Flug
A. Gordon
N. Judd – Riverdale Press
C. McCann
H. Morik
M. Perron – Van Cortlandt Park
R. Spalter
H. Yourow – Hall of Fame for Great Americans

Chairman Cassino convened the meeting at 7:40 PM.

Gallery Session

A. Howard Yourow, Friends of the Hall of Fame for Great Americans, discussed their application for National Landmark status. He listed some of the prominent names placed in honor at the Hall which is located at Bronx Community College. Mr. Yourow asked for funding support to assist with the aspired goals. He also noted plans to reinstate the defunct voting process of the Board of Directors.

B. Margot Perron, Administrator, Van Cortlandt Park, announced the summer schedule of events in the Park, which will include the annual attractions of the “Barefoot Dancing” series and the Philharmonic performance. She distributed the Park’s newsletter and advised that the Park’s e-mail list is open.

C. Robert Press complimented Tony Cassino on his tenure as Chairman of Community Board No. 8. He also discussed the tour of West 239th Street vicinity of the overpass with District Manager Stent, accompanied by the Department of Transportation to assess the traffic problems. He invited all to a free community barbeque being held on June 23rd from 1 – 5 PM, at 205th Street between the Grand Concourse and Mosholu Parkway sponsored by the Committee of 100 Democrats. There will be a posthumous honoring of the Committee’s founder, Dominick Fusco, and an honor will be bestowed upon retiring Detective Luis Rodriguez.

D. Richard McAllan discussed his opposition to the construction of the EMS facility at East 233rd Street. He urged Community Board No. 8 to reject the location and demand a community based station.

1. Approval of Regular Board Minutes of May 13, 2008

Chairman informed the Board that members who received minutes via e-mail had inadvertently received “Draft” Board Minutes, and that the “Final” Board Minutes had been re-sent earlier during the day.

W. Dolny corrected the minutes to reflect the comments he made pertaining to the Borough President’s scheduled Veterans Day event at Orchard Beach which would occur on a Saturday and would prevent observant Jewish Veterans from participating due to the Sabbath.

The minutes were approved as amended.

Chairman discussed the attachment of the Board’s internal budget, which had been prepared upon request by the Board. The budget presented both the projected proposed FY 2009 budget cut of $10,000 and the budget without the cut. Chairman opened the floor for discussion. M. Wolpoff asked for clarification of the telephone savings item under the projected FY 2009 budget. He understood that the Board did not pay for telephone service. District Manager Stent explained that the practice of the city was to return this specific cost saving to the community board budgets.

2. Discussion of the Executive Board Meeting Minutes of June 4, 2008

Minutes were adopted as written.

3. Chairman Cassino welcomed Richard Fedderman, representing Congressman Eliot Engel; Jay Martin, representing State Senator Jeffrey Klein; Robert Press, representing State Senator Efrain Gonzalez; Judith Sonett, representing State Senator Eric Schneiderman; Randi Martos, representing Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz; Adam Dubin, representing Councilman G. Oliver Koppell; Captain John D’Adamo, and Detective Luis Rodriguez, 50th Precinct; Margot Perron and Eileen Connolly, Department of Parks and Recreation; Nestor Danyluk, Bronx Department of City Planning; Bill Abramson, former Chair of Community Board No. 8; John DeSio, Riverdale Review; and Nick Judd, Riverdale Press.

4. Chairman invited Capt. D’Adamo to address the Board.

The Captain reported that violent crime was down; residential burglaries were up; car break-ins were down from last year, but still up mainly due to theft of GPS equipment. Captain D’Adamo cautioned everyone to remove items which may indicate that a GPS is in vehicle; i.e., suction cup; graffiti arrests are up.

5. Chairman’s Report

A. Chairman Cassino expressed gratitude to the Horace Mann School for graciously hosting the Board meeting and providing a wonderful spread of food and drinks for members to partake and enjoy.

B. Chairman Cassino introduced and welcomed the following new Board members and invited them to address the Board: Manny Grossman, who was not in attendance, and was a former Board member; Bridget Maybury, advised that she is a Kingsbridge resident and is a registered nurse;
Ari Goldman, advised that he is a new arrival from Morris Park.

C. Chairman thanked the Board Members for their assistance and support throughout his tenure which extended over four years. He reviewed the major accomplishments achieved by the Board over the past several years; i.e., adoption of the 197-a plan; demolition of 3880-82-84 Cannon Place, the good relationships forged with community institutions such as Horace Mann School, resolution of the parking lot issue at Fieldston School; pending reduction of Alternate Side Parking; various Parks renovation projects, spearheaded by former Parks Committee Chairs Ari Hoffnung, and Nicole Stent, and now under the Chairmanship of Bob Bender; the filtration plant project; and the Con Ed M-29 line project for which he credits Environmental Chair, Saul Scheinbach for his lead, and former Environment Committee Chair Laura Spalter for support of public access to Jerome Park Reservoir; and the establishment of Fieldston’s Landmark District. Chairman conveyed special thanks to the “experienced” long term Board members Joyce Pilsner, Bert Feinberg, Charles Moerdler, Bob Moll, Martin Wolpoff, and Irving Ladimer, for being available whenever needed. He thanked new District Manager Nicole Stent for doing a phenomenal job, staff members Diane Bay and Patricia Manning for their great performance and support of the Board’s endeavors. He paid tribute to Vice Chairman McShane for his able assistance and willingness to undertake the many tasks Chairman requested of him. Chairman expressed confidence in the nomination of Vice Chairman McShane for Chairman, and in his ability to carry out the duties of the Chair. In closing, Chairman Cassino stated that it had been an honor to serve as Chairman of Community Board No. 8.

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

A. Two ULURP applications for property enlargements were just submitted to the Board, 3033 Scenic Place and 4665 Hadley Avenue. Both are non-ULURP applications, and therefore public hearings are not required. However, if the Board chooses to hear the applications, its recommendations will be due within 60 days.

B. The Board’s written comments on the application for College of Mount Saint Vincent’s gymnasium project are awaited.

C. City Planning is meeting on a number of other applications, and the Ittleson Center is among them and may be coming before the Board soon.

With regard to the receipt of the new applications, C. Moerdler made a motion for Community Board No. 8 to renew its annual resolution for the Land Use Committee to act on behalf of the full Board on any time sensitive applications or other matters that come before the Board over the summer while the Board is in recess.

Vote: 36 In favor, 0 opposed, 0 abstentions

In favor –

R. Abbott, B. Bender, D. Bowden, A. P. Cassino, A. P. Creaney, W. S. Dolny,
T. Durham, R. Fanuzzi, T. Feerick, B. Feinberg, B. Fettman, P. Friedman,
T. Giallorenzi, A. Goldman, J. Goris, M. Katzenstein, M. Khury, I. Ladimer,
V. Gray-Lewis, B. Maybury, D. McShane, C. G. Moerdler, R. Moll, K. O’Brien,
K. Pesce, J. M. Pilsner, J. Plaza, C. Prentice, J. Reyes, T. Rubinstein, L. Spalter,
B. Trebach, E. Tossas-Tucker, L. Vazquez, M. Wolpoff, H. Young

C. Moerdler advised that a meeting would be necessary over the summer to hear the City Planning applications that were just received. He asked that the members inform the Board office of their preference for either the last week of July or the first week in August.

7. Report of the Nominating Committee – R. Moll

R. Moll thanked the members who served with him, R. Abbott, T. Feerick,
J. Reyes, and S. Scheinbach. R. Moll presented the Committee’s recommendations of nominations for Officers and Committee Chairs as follows:

OFFICERS:

Chairman Damian McShane
Vice Chairman Bradford Trebach
Secretary Joyce M. Pilsner
Treasurer Laura Spalter


COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS:

Aging Karen Pesce
Budget Ken O’Brien
Economic Development Robert Fanuzzi
Education Debbie Bowden
Environment and Sanitation Saul Scheinbach
Health, Hospitals & Social Services Martin Katzenstein
Housing Thomas Durham
Land Use Charles G. Moerdler
Law, Rules & Ethics Robert M. Moll
Libraries & Cultural Affairs Robert Abbott
Parks & Recreation Bob Bender
Public Safety Arlene Garbett Feldmeier
Traffic & Transportation Anthony P. Cassino

Chairman Cassino opened the floor for nominations.

D. Bowden nominated J. Reyes for Treasurer and spoke highly of her dedication and worthiness. The nomination was seconded. J. Reyes accepted the nomination.

Both candidates were given the opportunity to address the Board and to discuss their qualifications


Following discussion from the floor, a motion was made to call the question for vote on the Treasurer position. The motion was seconded.

Chairman called for the vote on the nomination of L. Spalter.

Vote: 10 in favor, 26 opposed, and 0 abstentions.

In Favor –

A. P. Cassino, B. Feinberg, J. Pilsner, D. McShane, K. O’Brien, T. Rubinstein,
L. Spalter, B. Trebach, L. Vazquez, E. Tossas Tucker

Opposed –

R. Abbott, B. Bender, D. Bowden, A. P. Creaney, W. S. Dolny, T. Durham,
R. Fanuzzi, T. Feerick, B. Fettman, P. Friedman, T. Giallorenzi, A. Goldman,
J. Goris, M. Katzenstein, M. Khury, I. Ladimer, V. Gray-Lewis, B. Maybury,
C. G. Moerdler, R. Moll, K. Pesce, J. Plaza, C. Prentice, J. M. Reyes, M. Wolpoff, H. Young

Chairman called for a vote on the nomination of J. Reyes.

Vote: 26 in Favor, 10 opposed, and 0 abstentions.

In Favor –

R. Abbott, B. Bender, D. Bowden, A. P. Creaney, W. S. Dolny, T. Durham,
R. Fanuzzi, T. Feerick, B. Fettman, P. Friedman, T. Giallorenzi, A. Goldman,
J. Goris, M. Katzenstein, M. Khury, I. Ladimer, V. Gray-Lewis, B. Maybury,
C. G. Moerdler, R. Moll, K. Pesce, J. Plaza, C. Prentice, J. M. Reyes, M. Wolpoff, H. Young

Opposed –

A. P. Cassino, B. Feinberg, J. Pilsner, D. McShane, K. O’Brien, T. Rubinstein,
L. Spalter, B. Trebach, L. Vazquez, E. Tossas Tucker

J. Reyes was elected Treasurer.

Motion to vote on the balance of the slate of Officers together with the Committee Chairs was seconded.

Vote: 36 in favor, 0 opposed, and 0 abstentions.

In Favor –

R. Abbott, B. Bender, D. Bowden, A. P. Cassino, A. P. Creaney, W. S. Dolny,
T. Durham, R. Fanuzzi, T. Feerick, B. Feinberg, B. Fettman, P. Friedman,
T. Giallorenzi, A. Goldman, J. Goris, M. Katzenstein, M. Khury, I. Ladimer,
V. Gray-Lewis, B. Maybury, D. McShane, C. G. Moerdler, R. Moll, K. O’Brien,
K. Pesce, J. M. Pilsner, J. Plaza, C. Prentice, J. M. Reyes, T. Rubinstein,
L. Spalter, B. Trebach, E. Tossas-Tucker, L. Vazquez, M. Wolpoff, H. Young

8. A. Cassino relinquished the Chair, and newly elected Chairman McShane assumed the Chair and continued the meeting.

9. Committee Reports

A. Education – D. Bowden

1. Borough President Carrion has issued a report on a survey of more than 200 Bronx school principals, site visits and interviews with administrators and officials. The report cited the lack of adequate physical education programs and recreational space borough-wide. Provision of these programs is a State requirement.

2. A report on school overcrowding in Bronx neighborhoods including Soundview, Throggs Neck and Highbridge was recently released. Schools in District 10 in the Northwest Bronx were shown to be over capacity. No new schools are planned for the region since capacity is measured for the whole district, not individual neighborhoods.

3. Ms. Bowden discussed the mix-up in assignments in the Gifted and Talented program concerning insufficient seats and delays with filling the seats. A seating problem has now unfolded relative to the pre-kindergarten slots that were designated for children that already had older siblings in the school. This resulted after the Department of Education established a city-wide pre-kindergarten admission system. Additionally there is a seating shortage for 5th graders entering middle schools. Acceptance letters were due to be sent in May. Some letters were addressed to the wrong names.

4. 2008 statistics show more Americans are graduating high school this year, the most ever, but their grades do not compare to their foreign counterparts according to several new reports. D. Bowden further discussed the difference in grades of American students as compared to foreign students.

5. The Community Education Council will meet on June 19th at PS 85, located on East 184th Street between Marion and Webster Avenues. Budget issues will be discussed.


B. Environment & Sanitation

A. Cassino reported on behalf of S. Scheinbach.

The Croton Filtration Plant Monitoring Committee will meet with the Department of Environmental Protection to discuss the Agency’s reconsideration to open access to Jerome Park Reservoir. D. McShane and B. Bender will cover the meeting.

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

The Committee meeting was attended by EMS. There was discussion on maintaining the stocking station at the 50th Precinct. The Precinct would have to agree. Another ambulance was requested.

D. Housing – T. Durham

1. The three structures at 3880-82-84 were demolished after zoning variances were denied.

2. Representatives of the Jericho housing project for homeless veterans will present to the Board in September.

E. Land Use – C. Moerdler

C. Moerdler presented the following resolutions approved by the Committee at the meeting held on June 3rd:

1. Landmarks Preservation Commission Docket No. 08-2767,
4662 Grosvenor Avenue Block 5821, Lot 280 -

WHEREAS the applicant on the above-mentioned application has acknowledged that significant landmarked features with respect to the above-mentioned premises were materially altered, and in at least one instance wholly removed without any prior application to or permit from the Landmarks Commission; and

WHEREAS this Board views such flagrant violations of the Landmarks Law, as with any other law, to be wholly unacceptable and to require the imposition of sanctions; and

WHEREAS the proposed application currently before the Board would significantly restore the premises and materially improve the existing character and quality of the neighborhood;


NOW THEREFORE be it:

RESOLVED, that Community Board No. 8 approves the application set forth above but does so with the strong recommendation to the Landmarks Commission that it impose appropriate sanctions, noting that the failure to do so would have a significant adverse precedential effect.

Vote: 34 in favor, 1 opposed, and 1 abstention

In Favor –

R. Abbott, B. Bender, D. Bowden, A. P. Cassino, A. P. Creaney,
W. S. Dolny, T. Durham, R. Fanuzzi, T. Feerick, B. Feinberg,
B. Fettman, P. Friedman, T. Giallorenzi, A. Goldman, J. Goris,
M. Katzenstein, M. Khury, I. Ladimer, V. Gray-Lewis, B. Maybury, D. McShane, R. Moll, K. O’Brien, K. Pesce, J. M. Pilsner, J. Plaza, C. Prentice, J. M. Reyes, T. Rubinstein, L. Spalter, B. Trebach,
E. Tossas-Tucker, L. Vazquez, H. Young

Opposed –

M. Wolpoff

Abstention –

C. G. Moerdler

2. Landmarks Preservation Commission Docket No. 08-3155,
4595 Fieldston Road, Block 5812, Lot 60; and City Planning Commission Application No. N 080387 ZAX –

WHEREAS the above application came before the Land Use Committee on June 3, 2008 to be heard and the views and comments of neighbors and of the Fieldston Property Owners Association were duly noted;

NOW THEREFORE be it:

RESOLVED, that the above application be approved as substantially consistent with the provisions of the Landmarks Preservation Law and the Special Natural Area District.

Vote: 36 in favor, 0 opposed, and 0 abstentions

In Favor –

R. Abbott, B. Bender, D. Bowden, A. P. Cassino, A. P. Creaney,
W. S. Dolny, T. Durham, R. Fanuzzi, T. Feerick, B. Feinberg,
B. Fettman, P. Friedman, T. Giallorenzi, A. Goldman, J. Goris,
M. Katzenstein, M. Khury, I. Ladimer, V. Gray-Lewis, B. Maybury, D. McShane, C. G. Moerdler, R. Moll, K. O’Brien, K. Pesce,
J. M. Pilsner, J. Plaza, C. Prentice, J. M. Reyes, T. Rubinstein,
L. Spalter, B. Trebach, E. Tossas Tucker, L. Vazquez, M. Wolpoff,
H. Young

3. C. Moerdler advised that City Planning applications for Bendheim Tennis Court; College of Mount Saint Vincent Peter J. Sharp Athletic and Recreation Center were previously approved and written comments will be sent to City Planning.

4. With respect to the Board of Standards and Appeals application regarding 3217 Irwin Avenue, the community is opposed to the garage having two entrances. He advised that the construction that is now underway is allowed to proceed according to the “as of right” permit originally issued by the Department of Buildings. The request for variances for the creation of smaller sized apartments and for commercial parking garage was laid over.

F. Law, Rules & Ethics – R. Moll

No report.

G. Libraries and Cultural Affairs – L. Vazquez

1. L. Vazquez announced that it was her final meeting as she would be moving to City Island. She thanked T. Cassino, B. Abbott, and M. Wolpoff for their guidance with the Committee.

2. Chairman McShane thanked L. Vazquez for her hard work with the Committee.

3. The following library branches will be closed for one day for computer technology upgrades: Van Cortlandt – June 5th, Riverdale – June 24th, Spuyten Duyvil – June 25th, Jerome Park – June 26th.

4. L. Vazquez announced the groundbreaking for the new Kingsbridge Branch Library would be held on July 25th.

H. Parks & Recreation – B. Bender

1. Refer to Committee minutes.

2. B. Bender will attend the DEP meeting regarding Jerome Park Reservoir access on June 19th.

3. The next Committee meeting will be held on September 24th.

I. Public Safety

D. Bowden reported on behalf of A. Feldmeier.

1. The Public Safety meetings are held on the 3rd Thursday of each month at the 50th Precinct at 7:30 PM.

2. A Manhattan College representative met with A. Feldmeier on the problems with student conduct in the community.

3. The next Committee meeting will be held on June 19th.

J. Traffic & Transportation – B. Trebach

1. The guard rails construction project along the section of Henry Hudson Parkway East from West 239th Street to West 242nd Street is supposed to be completed by the end of June 2008. It is one week behind schedule.

2. Lamp poles are being repainted in the community to insulate stray electric currents.

K. Youth – C. Prentice

1. C. Prentice advised that she is still working on NY Yankees money for youth funding.

2. A packet of summer youth activities was prepared and will be disseminated throughout the community district.

3. The Youth Directory has not been completed.

Chairman McShane re-appointed C. Prentice as Chairperson of the Youth Committee.

L. Aging – K. Pesce

The Committee will not convene again until September 2008.

M. Economic Development – J. Reyes

1. Reyes thanked the Committee members for their participation.

2. The Committee will hold its last meeting before summer recess on June 26th at Ibiza Lounge at 7:00 PM. Merchants and residents from the area of West 242nd Street will be invited to discuss issues of business improvement.

10. Miscellaneous Business

Chairman McShane announced the upcoming event for the Street Naming for former Board Member Michael Pichardo will take place on June 20th, at Terrace View Avenue between Teunissen Place and Adrian Avenue.

Meeting adjourned 9:35 PM.