Community Board No. 8 Concern for Independent Living 151 Rochester Avenue , NY 11213

October 11, 2012

Members Present Members Absent

Kim Albert Wayne Bailey Akosua Albritton Viola Bing Glinda Andrews Bay Brown Desmond Atkins Renaye Cuyler LeeAnn Banks Diana Foster Princess Benn-James Adelaide Miller Samantha Bernadine Cy Richardson Julia Boyd Patricia Scantlebury Gail Branch-Muhammad Stacey Sheffey Dr. Flize Bryan Audrey Taitt-Hall Helen Coley Launa Thomas-Bullock Phu Duong Sharon Wedderburn James Ellis Robert Witherwax Ede Fox Greg Yerman Fred Frazier Vilma Zuniga Nizjoni Granville Curtis Harris Elected Officials Present Xeerxeema Jordan Shalawn Langhorne NYC Comptroller John C. Liu Tarves Lord Priscilla Maddox Elected Official’s Representatives Robert Matthews Kwasi Mensah Darryl White, NYC Comptroller Liu’s Office Dr. Fred Monderson Jaree Markowicz, Assemblymem. Robinson’s Office Atim Oton Pooja Bansal, Borough President’s Office Alton Pierce Charles Jackson, Congresswoman Clarke’s Office Angelina Pinto Nora Daniel, Councilwoman Mealy’s Office Mary Reed Sam Pierre, Mayor’s Office Marlene Saunders Jesse Hamilton, Senator Adams Office Meredith Staton Lee Church, Assemblyman Jeffries’s Office William Suggs Gregory Todd Liaisons Present Ethel Tyus Yves Vilus Ronda Messer, Dept of Transportation Deborah Young Jennifer Harris-Hernandez, Dept. of Transportation Wallace Murray, Dept. of Transportation CB Staff Present

Michelle George, District Manager Julia Neale, Community Associate

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Ms. Granville called the meeting to order at 7:15 PM and thanked Concern for Independent Living (CIL) for use of the space. She asked for an official welcome from Mr. Oaks.

CONCERN FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING – Mr. Larry Oaks, Director of NYC Operations

Mr. Oaks welcomed the community board to Concern for Independent Living. He stated that with the help and support of Community Board No. 8, they were able to turn a 1913 era building into a state of the art facility that re-opened last year. The building was initially St. Mary’s Hospital Shelvin Hall, and after years of neglect, was old and dilapidated and an eyesore on the block. A complete renovation was conductedd, creating 65 units of housing for people with mental disabilities. Part of the rehabilitation plan and community response was to make the space available for use by the community. As such, CIL is proud to host the Community Board meeting and looks forward to hosting others in the future.

Ms. Granville thanked Mr. Oaks and opened the public hearing.

PUBLIC HEARING ON THE CAPITAL AND EXPENSE BUDGET FY 2014

Public hearing items on the budget for FY 2013 were distributed to all community board members and community residents. The Capital and Expense Budget items for FY 2014 were read by Ms. Ethel Tyus and Ms. Shalawn Langhorne.

After a brief question and answer period, Mr. Pierce made a motion to accept the Public Hearing items for Community Board 8’s Capital and Expense Budget for FY 2014. The motion was seconded by Mr. Staton and carried with a vote of 28 in favor, 0 opposed, with 1 abstention.

Ms. Granville closed the public hearing and called the general meeting of Community Board No. 8 to order at 7:35 PM.

ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES – The minutes of the last meeting were accepted with the following corrections: the Youth and Family Services Committee report was omitted from the minutes. Ms. Granville apologized for the mishap.

CORRESPONDENCE – CB 8 newsletter and other correspondence was distributed.

Ms. Granville asked for a report from the following committees:

AGING/HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES – Ms. Marlene Saunders, Chair

The Aging/Health & Human Services Committee met Monday, October 1, 2012 at Center Light Health Care Center (CNR) located at 727 Classon Avenue, Brooklyn, NY at 6:30pm but did not have any action items.

In addition to the Chair Marlene Saunders, present were: Dr. Flize Bryan, Natasha Eziquiel-Shriro, Verna John and Adelaide Miller.

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The Aging/Health Committee invited everyone to a Health & Harvest Fair to celebrate the arrival of fall and learn about healthy living. This event will be held on Saturday, October 27th, 2012 on Underhill Avenue between St. John’s Place and Sterling Place. The fair includes fun for the entire family; food samples, workshops, massages, cooking demos, medical screening and many more free activities. Anyone interested in participating should contact Alison Conforti: [email protected].

The next Aging/Health Committee meeting will be held Monday, November 5, 2012 at Center Light Health Care Center (CNR) at 6:30 PM. All are encouraged to attend.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – Ms. Atim Oton, Chair

The Economic Development Committee met on Tuesday, October 9, 2012 at CNR-Center Light Health Care Center. In attendance were Kempton Mooney, Ethel Tyus, Stacey Sheffey, Evan Franca, Sonja Sharp (reporter), Jerry Garcia (Police 77th Precinct), Denis O'Mahoney (Police 77th Precinct), Lee-Ann Banks, Robert Puca, Mark Thurton and Atim Annette Oton.

The Committee discussed a proposed plan for CB8. The plan is to increase businesses in the community, diversify and expand the economic base. The goal is to attract businesses to the community and create jobs within the community and develop a comprehensive strategy for the entire board, bring together and engage all stakeholders from community residents, merchant associations, community groups and organizations, local development corporations and cultural institutions from museums, churches, temples, to mosques. The plan outlined 4 objectives:

Development of a Tech Zone and the creation of a Business Incubator (potentially /Nostrand Avenue or areas)

Development/Expansion of Commercial Corridors as well as Marketing and Promoting the Avenues o Restaurant Rows – Flatbush, Underhill, Vanderbilt and Washington Avenues o The “Village” in Brooklyn – Franklin Avenue o Caribbean Brooklyn/Arts & Culture Zone and Health Zone - Nostrand Avenue o Creation of an Inter-generational (Children, youth and elderly) Corridor with Culture/Jazz – Brooklyn Avenue and Kingston Avenue o Culture, History and Preservation Zone - Utica Avenue Attracting Healthcare, Fitness Venues to CB8 and Expanding Services for Seniors, Youth and Children Establish and encourage Eco-districts, Green Innovations and Businesses in the community; and Expand Green Zones and Green Spaces across the District

Members of the committee discussed what was missing in the community and their ideals of what they felt CB8 needed. A need for outreach and partnership was stressed as well as the involvement of businesses owners and building owners in this visioning of CB8.

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The next Economic Development Committee meeting will be on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at CNR- Center Light Health Care Center located at 727 Classon Avenue, Brooklyn, NY at 6:30pm. All are invited to attend.

EDUCATION – Ms. Sharon Wedderburn, Chair

The Education Committee met on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 at Center Light Health Care Center (CNR) located at 727 Classon Avenue, Brooklyn, NY at 7:00pm.

Present were: Phil Hawkins, Mykel Isabel, Xeerxeema Jordan and Kwasi Mensah.

The Committee discussed the importance of Parent Coordinators becoming active and participating in community boards of that schools’ district. As part of the committee’s outreach initiative for schools in this community; Mr. Hawkins will contact the Board of Education in hopes of obtaining the participation of Parent Coordinators and to find out if it is mandated that Parent Coordinators attend Community Board meetings.

Ms. Isabel from the Association of Black Educators of New York (ABENY) stated that Parent Coordinators are supposed to create networks and “expand catchment areas”. She informed the committee that a letter may also be sent to DOE Headquarters to get clarity on the involvement of Parent Coordinators and Community Boards.

The next two Education Committee meetings will be held on Wednesday, October 17, 2012 and November 21, 2012 at Center Light Health Care Center (CNR) located at 727 Classon Avenue at 7:00PM. All are encouraged to attend.

ENVIRONMENT/SANITATION – Ms. Ede Fox, Chair

The Environment/Sanitation committee met Tuesday, September 18, 2012 at Center Light Health Care Center (CNR) located at 727 Classon Avenue, Brooklyn, NY at 7pm but did not have any action items.

The next two meetings will be held on Tuesday, October 16, 2012 and Tuesday November 20, 2012. All are encouraged to attend.

HOUSING/ULURP – Ms. Nizjoni Granville, Chair

The Housing/ULURP Committee met on Thursday, October 4, 2012 at Center Light Health Care Center (CNR) located at 727 Classon Avenue, Brooklyn, NY at 6:30pm.

In addition to the Chair Nizjoni Granville, present were: LeeAnn Banks, Phu Duong, Diana Foster, Curtis Harris, Terence Kinee, Tarves Lord, Earl Rose, Stacey Sheffey, Meredith Staton, Ethel Tyus, Sharon Wedderburn and Vilma Zuniga.

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The committee discussed 192 St. Marks Avenue in the Prospect Heights Historic District. The project is for a rear façade alteration. Mr. Terence Kinee of Built In Studio discussed Fidelis Maximus LLC’s (owner’s) application to the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) for a Certificate of Appropriateness (C of A) to alter the rear façade of this Romanesque and Renaissance Revival Style flats building designed by George M. Miller and built c.1893.

The building is in an R6B zone and is being converted from four units into three units where the first and second floors will be the owner's duplex. The project will eliminate an illegal apartment in the basement, and will make the building more environmentally sustainable through the addition of large windows at the rear ground floor level. The exterior work includes restoration of wrought-iron railings and fencing of original design similar to that at 194 and 198 St. Marks Avenue, a double ground floor front window becomes a single double-hung window, all of the rear windows will become tilt and turn (while retaining their alignment with the neighboring buildings), and the rear wall stucco will be removed and the wall pointed. In a companion project, a geothermal heat pump will be installed to reduce energy consumption by the heating and central air conditioning systems.

The application is item 14 on LPC's hearing calendar for 10/9/12. Mr. Kinee indicated that a layover to 10/23/12 is likely due to the agency's desire to hear from the Community Board. Letters of notification were received from the owners of 194 but not 190 St. Marks Avenue. The committee considered that the Prospect Heights Neighborhood Development Council provided a letter of support for the project.

Mr. Pierce made a motion that the full board support the committee’s recommendation that LPC issue a Certificate of Appropriateness for the work proposed for 192 St. Marks Avenue. The motion was seconded by Mr. Staton and carried a vote of 34 in favor, 0 opposed, with 1 abstention.

The next meeting will be held on Thursday, November 1, 2012 at 6:30 PM at Center Light Health Care Center (CNR) located at 727 Classon Avenue, Brooklyn, NY. All are encouraged to attend.

JOB DEVELOPMENT AND READINESS TRAINING – Ms. Priscilla Maddox, Chair

The Job Development and Readiness Training Committee did not meet in October.

The Chair announced that the Catalyst Network Foundation (CNF) will host a college application process and selecting your major event on October 24, 2012. This event will take place from 6:15pm to 8pm at Achievement First Brooklyn High School located at 1485 Pacific Street, Brooklyn, NY. Because of limited space early RSVP is strongly advised. RSVP deadline is Saturday, October 20, 2012.

Additionally, CNF and The Black Ivy Alumni League will host a: Bowl for your Dreams with I am Woman Inc. This event will take place on Sunday, November 4, 2012 from 3pm-5pm at Lucky Strike located at 624-660 West 42nd Street, New York, NY. Tickets are $26 and include: pizza, soft drinks, bowling and shoe rental. To RSVP for this event go to: www.cnfevents.eventbrite.com or www.theleagueonline.org/events.php1. RSVP deadline is Tuesday, October 30, 2012.

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The next Job Development and Readiness Training Committee meeting will be held on Monday, November 12, 2012 at 6:30 PM at CNR-Center Light Health Care Center located at 727 Classon Avenue. All are invited to attend.

PARKS & RECREATION – Ms. Glinda Andrews; Chair

The Parks Committee met on Tuesday, October 2, 2012 at the St. John Recreation Center located at 1251 Prospect Place, Brooklyn, NY at 6:00pm but did not have any action items.

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 6, 2012 at the St. John’s Recreation Center, 1251 Prospect Place-1st Floor Library. All are invited to attend.

PUBLIC SAFETY – Ms. Shalawn Langhorne, Chair

The Public Safety Committee met on Monday, September 17, 2012 at the 77th Precinct located at 127 Utica Avenue, Brooklyn, NY at 6:00pm but did not have any action items. Ms. Langhorne announced that Mr. Desmond Atkins would be the new Co-Chair of the committee.

The next two meetings will be held on Monday, October 15, 2012 and November 19, 2012 at 6:00pm at the 77th Precinct. All are invited to attend.

SLA & Sidewalk Café Review – Alton Pierce, Chair

The SLA & Sidewalk Café Review Committee met on Monday, October 1, 2012 at Center Light Health Care Center (CNR) located at 727 Classon Avenue, Brooklyn NY. The committee discussed the following new applications:

1. Hummus Station, 798A Franklin Avenue (corner ) is seeking a Beer & Wine License. There will be 22 seats, 8 at separate bar and operate from 11 AM to 11 PM Sunday thru Wednesday; 11 AM to 2 AM Thursday thru Saturday.

Mr. Ellis made a motion that the full Board support the committee’s recommendation that the State approve this Beer and Wine application. The motion was seconded by Ms. Tyus and carried a vote of 26 in favor, 5 opposed, with no abstentions.

2. Island Cz Café, 743 Franklin Avenue (corner of Sterling Place) is seeking a Beer & Wine License. There will be 40 seats in establishment at 12 tables and operate from 10 AM to 11 PM Sunday thru Wednesday and 10 AM to 2 AM Thursday thru Saturday. No police objections

Mr. Ellis made a motion that the full Board support the committee’s recommendation that the State approve Island Cz Café beer & wine application. The motion was seconded by Mr. Staton and carried a vote of 31 in favor, 2 opposed, with no abstentions.

3. Seven Brooklyn, 807 Classon Avenue (corner St. John’s Place) is seeking a Beer & Wine License. There will be 60 seats in establishment, 10 at separate bar and operate from 8 AM to midnight Monday thru Thursday; 8 Am to 1 AM Friday and Saturday. Closed Sunday. There

6 were no police objections. There will be live acoustic music, mainly a jazz and blues trio. The proprietor also owns and operates Aliseo at 665 and Amorina located at 624 Vanderbilt Avenue.

Mr. Ellis inquired as to what nights live music would be played and was informed that it would be played on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. He then made a motion that the full Board support the committee’s recommendation that the State approve Seven Brooklyn’s beer and wine application. The motion was seconded by Mr. Harris and carried a vote of 31 in favor, 1 opposed, with no abstentions.

4. Smorgasburg (Bergen Projects), 899-917 Bergen Street (Classon/Franklin Aves) is seeking Full License. This 7500 square foot space will be large enough for 250 people in cafeteria style setting. They will operate from 8 AM to 1 AM Sunday thru Thursday and 8 AM to 3 AM Friday and Saturday. The outdoor space will close promptly at 11 PM daily. Indoor background music to be played at low levels. No soundproofing will be installed but noise attenuation measures are going to be implemented such as an insulated roof, and trees, flowers, and planters in the courtyard space. The Owner agreed to pull most of the roll down gates on the property at 11 PM to minimize noise heard by residents. -There will be times when there will be a DJ or a jukebox playing, but mainly, there will only be background music.

Ms. Bernardine asked if there was any community support for the project and was informed that multiple letters were received as well as a petition. There were also some objections, especially from residents of 892 Bergen Street. Ms. Oton provided a brief explanation of the concerns, which included potential noise from the space because of the lack of soundproofing and the noise from the courtyard.

Mr. Atkins inquired if the site was also discussed at the Housing Committee meeting and was informed that it is part of another project at 1000 Dean Street, which was indeed discussed at the Housing Committee meeting.

Kathleen Reilly, a resident of 892 Bergen, stated that at the committee meeting, there was no mention of music in the 1200 sqft space but the application says there will be. She and other residents in the building support soundproofing. She demanded that the board support it as well. Ms. Oton informed her that legally, because the site is an M (manufacturing) zone, soundproofing is not required. Also, there will be no music played outdoors.

Ms. Fox asked if there would be additional garbage pick-up since the site is in a manufacturing zone. She was informed that the proprietors have agreed to additional trash pick-up.

Mr. Todd informed the Board that because it is a manufacturing zone, almost anything can go there as of right. Anyone purchasing a home across the street from a site zoned “M” should be aware of that fact and purchase cautiously.

Finally, Mr. Phillips of the Candy Rush and Taste Buds Sandwich shop on Franklin Avenue supported the project, stating that it is better than most things that could come in to the community and much better than the drug infestation that has flooded the area for many years.

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Ms. Albritton made a motion that the full Board support the committee’s recommendation that the State approve Smorgasburg’s full liquor license. The motion was seconded by Ms. Tyus and carried a vote of 24 in favor, 8 opposed, with 2 abstentions.

5. Nostrand Pub, 658 Nostrand Avenue (Bergen St/St. Marks Ave) is seeking a Full License with 34 total seats at 9 booths with 15 stools at separate bar. There will be outdoor seating with 8 tables and 16 seats (rear yard). Outdoor space does not abut any residential properties and will close at 11 PM weekdays and midnight Friday and Saturday. The proprietors compromised reduced hours to close at 1 AM Sunday thru Thursday and 3 AM Friday and Saturday. They will pursue their desired 4 AM closing time with the SLA since they have received support from local residents for the long evening hours.

Ms. Albert asked what it actually meant that the proprietor will pursue a 4 AM closing time. She was informed that the Community Board will send a letter to the SLA suggesting an earlier closing time but the applicant will appeal and petition for a later closing.

Mr. Polo of Nostrand Pub stated that the earlier closing time would not allow him to compete with other establishments in the vicinity that have later hours. It is not giving him a fair opportunity to succeed. Ms. Albert dissented, stating that the way you treat your customers will bring in the crowd, not just the hours.

Ms. Oton informed the Board that the committee heard from residents in the area that support the later closing hours, but also stated that the committee has decided that earlier closing times across the board would be the safest route to take when dealing with residential areas.

Mr. Ellis stated that there are security concerns on Nostrand Avenue and the later business hours offer a level of security on the strip.

Ms. Albritton made a motion that the full Board supports the committee’s recommendation that the State approve Nostrand Pub’s full liquor license with reduced hours. The motion was seconded by Ms. Boyd and carried a vote of 20 in favor, 6 opposed, with 7 abstentions.

In addition, the following renewal licenses were approved with a final tally of 12 in favor, 0 opposed:

1. Cheryl’s, 236 Underhill Avenue (Lincoln/Eastern Parkway) is seeking a Full License 2. Dean Street, 755 Dean Street (corner Underhill Ave) is seeking a Full License 3. Le Gamin, 556 Vanderbilt Avenue (Dean/Bergen Street) is seeking a Beer & Wine 4. Noo Na, 565 Vanderbilt Avenue (corner of Pacific Street) is seeking a Full License 5. Winner’s Delight, 171 Utica Avenue (Prospect/Park Place) is seeking a Beer & Wine 6. Anthony’s Corner Café, 1421 St. John’s Place (corner Utica) is seeking a Full License

Ms. Albritton made a motion that the full Board supports the committee’s recommendation that the State approve the above renewals. The motion was seconded by Mr. Staton and carried a vote of 28 in favor, 4 opposed, with no abstentions.

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A renewal application for Kai Studios, 1011 Dean Street (Classon/Franklin) – Full liquor license, was denied by the committee because the owner was not forthright in the information provided to the committee on the music and hours of operation. Mr. Staton asked for specifics as to why they were denied. Ms. Oton stated that a special application is given to renewal applicants and the proprietor was not forthcoming on her application. She stated that the closing time was 2 AM when members of the committee had been present at events that continued until 4 AM. She also stated on the application that there were no DJs and members of the committee stated they were present when a DJ was present. The application is being denied because of misrepresentations that are deliberate for whatever reason.

Mr. Ellis made a motion that the full Board support the committee’s recommendation to deny Kai Studios’ full liquor license. The motion was seconded by Mr. Staton and carried a vote of 27 in favor, 3 opposed, with 2 abstentions.

Finally, the committee heard a presentation regarding a proposed sidewalk café for Gueros, located at 605 Prospect Place (near Franklin Avenue). The plans included five tables with 16 seats for the café that would operate from 3 PM to 11 PM Monday thru Friday and Noon to 11 PM Saturday and Sunday. The proprietor was unwilling to reduce the number of seats at the sidewalk café.

Mr. Ellis made a motion that the full board supports the committee’s recommendation to reject Gueros’ sidewalk café application. The motion was seconded by Ms. Boyd and carried a vote of 29 in favor, 0 opposed, with 1 abstention.

The next meeting will be Monday, November 5, 2012 at Center Light Health Care Center (CNR) at 7:00pm in the Atrium. All are invited to attend. Ms. Oton made a special plea for residents from the eastern end of the district to attend to voice their opinions on matters that concern that part of the District.

TRANSPORTATION – Dr. Frederick Monderson, Chairperson

The Transportation Committee met on Tuesday, September 25 2012, at Center Light Health Care Center (CNR) Brooklyn, NY at 7:00pm.

In addition to the Chair Dr. Fred Monderson present were: Kate Blumen, Renee Collymore, Holly Fuchs, Michelle George, Jennifer Harris-Hernandez, Xeerxeema Jordan, Jose Luna, Marta Luna, Chris McNally, Anthony Mehan, Ronda Messer, Wallace Murphy, Meredith Staton, Greg Todd, Jacqueline Wells and Robert Witherwax. The committee discussed the following items:

1. The base license renewal application for Monaco Limo & Car Service, 742 Washington Avenue. There were no negative reports received regarding the base.

The committee voted unanimously to support the base license renewal and moves that the full Board support its recommendation. Mr. Atkins made a motion that the full Board supports the

9 committee’s recommendation that the City approve Monaco’s base license renewal. The motion was seconded by Ms. Bernadine and carried a unanimous vote of 31 in favor, 0 opposed, with no abstentions.

2. The Department of Transportation Bike Corral Program which is proposed for Little Zelda’s (728 Franklin Avenue between Sterling and Park Place). Ms. Jennifer Harris-Hernandez, Project Manager from the NYCDOT Office of Bicycle and Pedestrian Programs, made a presentation on the Bike Corral Program. Bike Corrals are clusters of bicycle racks (“CityRacks”) installed in the street by the curb, surrounded by two large planters, taking over one parking space. Each bike corral can hold up to 8 bikes. Bike Corrals require a partner; in this case Little Zelda’s agrees to keep the corral clean of debris and snow. Little Zelda’s provided letters of support as well as a petition with over 200 signatures.

Mr. Atkins asked if Little Zelda’s serves wine. He was informed that it does, but the bike corral is not only for the one establishment. It is for the entire community to use. Ms. Bernardine concurred, stating that there is a lot of bike congestion on the strip and that the corral will assist in eliminating it.

Mr. Staton made a motion that the full Board support the committee’s recommendation that the City approve the Bike Corral for Little Zelda’s. The motion was seconded by Mr. Atkins and carried a vote of 29 in favor, 0 opposed, with 1 abstention.

In further committee business, the committee supported sending a request for DOT to conduct a study and a safety plan for traffic calming on Brooklyn Avenue. It also discussed bike and vehicular congestion issues on Bergen Street between 6th and Flatbush Avenues. The street is very narrow and there is a severe lack of parking. Delivery trucks are using bike lanes to park, therefore the committee voted unanimously to support sending DOT a letter investigate the situation. The committee also discussed Traffic Control on Lincoln Place and Schenectady Avenue. A letter was sent to DOT requesting a ‘No Standing’ sign.

The next Transportation Committee meeting will be held on October 23, 2012 at Center Light Health Care Center (CNR). All are invited to attend.

YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES – Ms. Akosua Albritton, Chair

The Youth & Family Services Committee met on Wednesday, October 3, 2012, at Center Light Health Care Center (CNR) Brooklyn, NY at 6:30pm but did not have any action items.

In addition to the Chair Akosua Albritton, present were: Ana Gonzalez, Jyll Hubbard-Salk and Angeli Rasbury.

The Youth & Family Services Committee will have their Green Heights Science and Tech Bash for Crown Heights and Prospect Heights on Saturday, January 26, 2013 from 9:30am thru 4pm. The event will take place at P.S. 167 which is located at 1025 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY. Thanks to Principal Mardy, the committee can use their space free of charge. Now that a date has

10 been set, the committee will began to contact not for profit organizations for extended support and participation.

Ms. Ana Gonzalez of DIASPORA Community Services offered to find out more about her programs’ involvement with community service. DIASPORA offers programs such as: Safe Teens Acting Responsibly (STAR), various women’s services and the Infant Mortality Reduction Initiative.

Ms. Jyll Hubbard-Salk who is a resident and Yoga Instructor in the community offered her services for the Green Heights event. She also offered her knowledge of other local groups engaged in the “green lifestyle”.

Ms. Albritton also announced that Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) has initiated a Close to Home program, which is an alternative to sending youth delinquents to upstate detention centers. The Close to Home program provides family life residences to youth to help them maintain family and community ties. She also brought everyone’s attention to the newsletter article on Stop and Frisk after mentioning a hearing on October 10th regarding the practice.

The next meeting of the Youth and Family Services Committee will be Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at CNR-Center Light Health Care Center located t 727 Classon Avenue at 6:30 pm. All are invited to attend.

Ms. Granville thanked the committee chairs for their reports and welcomed Comptroller John Liu. She thanked him for patiently waiting his turn while the Board concluded its action items and business.

COMPTROLLER JOHN LIU

Comptroller Liu thanked Ms. Granville and Ms. George for the invite to speak before the Board. He stated that the Board provides a great service to the community. He reminisced about his days as a Community Board member prior to his ascent into politics.

Comptroller Liu stated that it is a great privilege to be Comptroller of New York City. His priority is on reducing wasteful spending in City government amidst budget cuts. There is a lot of money in the City; it is not a question of whether there is money but rather how we prioritize and spend. In the next few years, NYC will have economic recovery—not just monetary, but also economic equality. Shared prosperity is important. People have to feel as though they have a chance to succeed. There is employment disparity because people are not given the same opportunities. There are too many people that feel they do not have an opportunity to pursue their dreams.

The last time we saw economic recovery, the benefits were mainly for the top tier. Fiscal policy can be adjusted. He stated that he has great difficulty giving hundreds of millions of dollars to private companies that are supposed to create jobs, but after they receive their subsidies, no jobs are created. The tax policy has to change as well. NYC should have a progressive tax rate rather

11 than the flat tax that it currently has. He proposed that the top 1% salary earners pay an additional 1.5% in taxes than the bottom 99% of earners. If that is done, the city can support a tax reduction for the bottom 99% while still increasing revenue.

Mr. Atkins asked how the Comptroller’s office can influence allocations for policing. Councilwoman James has allocated a quarter of a million dollars for police cameras along Nostrand Avenue but the money has sat unused in escrow for years. He also asked what can be done to implement jobs from Barclays center that were promised. He was informed that the Comptroller’s office is not part of the budget process. The power of the purse is the responsibility of elected representatives. He stated that he will look to see where the money is and why it is being held up. As for Barclay’s, there have been a lot of promises. His office will monitor it and leave it up to the Mayor and the NYC Economic Development Corporation to ensure that the promises are kept.

Mr. Staton asked if funds could be recovered from the subsidies when the corporations and companies do not live up to their standards and promises. He was told that the audits show that the vast majority of subsidies resulted in creating no funds or jobs. The Comptroller’s office does not have the power to recover the funds. It is up to the Mayor and Economic Development Corporation to recover the funds.

Mr. Leroy Reid asked why private homeowners are not offered tax breaks if 30% tax breaks are being offered to big companies to come into certain communities. He stated that when these big companies come in, they bring their own workers and do not hire locally. No jobs are being offered, and it is a very threatening occurrence. Comptroller Liu stated that he would look into the coalitions being discussed.

Mr. Suggs stated that we have to engage in students and educational industries. We need to train young people for the jobs that are being outsourced to private companies. Comptroller Liu stated that the best investment is education, which is economic development 20 years down the road. No one looks at the college graduation rate and too many people are only focused on high school graduation rates. Blue collar jobs require high level specialized mechanical education. Only 1 in 5 HS graduates graduate from college with either a 2 or a 4 year degree. Other cities are outpacing us.

Comptroller Liu introduced Darryl White, Community Coordinator, to the Board and stated that all other concerns can be submitted to him for a response.

Ms. Granville thanked Comptroller Liu for his time and for attending the meeting. She then opened the floor for public comments.

Ms. Emi Wang of the Citizens Committee for NYC stated that small grants up to $3,000 are available for community and grass roots organizations. She submitted fliers with information on how to apply and who is eligible. For an application, visit www.citizensnyc.org/programs/grants.html. You can also email [email protected] or call 212-822-9580 with any questions.

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Mr. Lee Church from Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries office stated that tomorrow, October 12, 2012 is the last day to make sure you are registered to vote. Visit the Board of Elections website to verify poll site as there have been changes. The website is www.vote.nyc.ny.us. You can also call 718-596-0100 for more information.

Ms. Pooja Bansal announced that she is Counsel to Borough President Marty Markowitz and the new liaison for his office. She announced that on October 27, 2012, from 10 AM to 4 PM, Brooklyn for Dreamers will provide a free information session on deferred action for child-hood arrivals and application pre-screening at Borough Hall. RSVP with Faiza Ali at [email protected]. Also, there will be a Domestic Violence Prevention Resource Fair on October 17th from 10 AM to 3 PM at Borough Hall. For more information, contact her at [email protected]. Finally, on November 2nd, free flu shots will be administered in the Community Room at Borough Hall from 11 AM to 2 PM. Call 718-802-4488 to schedule an appointment.

Ms. Granville thanked everyone for attending the meeting. She reminded everyone to vote on November 6th and adjourned the meeting at 10 PM. The next meeting of Community Board 8 will be Thursday, November 8, 2012 at 7 PM at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, located at 145 Brooklyn Avenue (corner of St. Marks Avenue). All are encouraged to attend.

Guest List

Shereice Hunter Jonathan Butler Debby Abraham Anthony Taylor Eric D. Renee Charles Edward Farman Francesco Pini Yvonne Heffermon Leroy Reid Patrick Cooke Lula Staton Willard Hawkins Heidi Nissen Paul Blanchette Dorothy Bembry-Guet Shirley Mondesir Nakia Chante Jones Hyunchu Kan-Gold Pheebe H. Anlimah Blay-Miezah Paul McCaffrey Natasha Eziquiel-Shriro Maya Lau John Longo Audrey Andrews Quonetta Calhourn Emi Wang S. Godfrey Kate Blumm Tamika Gibbs Charles Hickman Phyllis Grannum Nadine Davis Michelle M. Amy Clark

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