MINUTES OF COMMUNITY BOARD #16 – MARCH 23, 2021

Attendance David Alexander Rose O’Neill Lorenzo Andrews Deidre Olivera-Douglas Cynthia Bannister Busayo Olupano (A) Margaret Brewer Ariel Perry-DeCamp (A) Dr. Cleopatra Brown Anita Pierce Kaseem Clark-Edwards (A) Marie Pierre Adrainer Coleman Linda Rivera Norman Frazier (A) Shaneek Samuel (A) Danny Goodine (A) JoAnn Sexton Chanel Haliburton Dr. Sonia Smith (A) Sarah Hall Keturah Suggs Balinda Harris Beverly Tatham Zalika Headey Rev. Eric Thompson (A) Michael Howard Brenda Thompson-Duchene Gabriel Jamison Christopher Toomer Carl Joseph (A) Rev. Miran Ukaegbu Leticia Knowles Deborah Williams Dr. Bettie Kollock-Wallace (E) Pat Winston Charles Ladson, Sr. (A) Viola D. Walker, District Manager Digna Layne Jimmi Brevil, Community Assistant Kelly Lee-McVay Ronald Baez for Hon. Zellnor Myrie Albion Liburd (A) Hon. Deborah Mack Hon. Darma Diaz Yolanda Matthews (A) Malcolm McDaniel for Hon. Eric Adams John McCadney, Jr. Frieda Menos for Hon. Hakeem Jeffries Andrew McCoy Nicholas Perry for Hon. Melanie Mendonca Christina Serrano for Hon. A. Ampry-Samuel Shemene Minter (A) Darryl White for Attorney General Letitia James Genese Morgan

PUBLIC MEETING HELD VIA WEBEX

Chairperson Genese Morgan called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m., and an invocation was said by Ms. Cynthia Bannister.

Chairperson Morgan requested a moment of silence in memory of those who passed away during the pandemic.

Chairperson Morgan recognized Mr. Darryl White, Outreach Coordinator from the Office of NYS Attorney General Letitia James /Queens Office located at 55 Hanson Pl.

Mr. White encouraged everyone to adhere to the City COVID-19 protocols of washing your hands, social distancing, wearing a mask, and staying home if you are sick.

He stated that the Attorney General and her team created a Smart Seniors program booklet to focus on common scams and frauds that target older adults which highlight the warning signs, how to avoid becoming a victim, and where to seek help if you think you’re a victim. There is special emphasis on COVID-related scams, as well as on common telephone scams such as the grandparent scam, the Internal Revenue Service scam, and the foreign lottery scam. The Smart Senior booklet also cover issues such as identity theft, romance scams and Internet safety. Participants will be provided with do’s and don’ts to stay safe in their daily lives.

They also offer Internet Safety Presentation, Deed Fraud Presentation, and Publicizing of OAG Enforcement, Litigation and Settlements.

One in 25 fraud and abuse cases against the elderly are reported. If you know a senior that is being frauded, abused and neglected, please visit www.ag.ny.gov or call (718) 560-2040.

They also offer Tenant’s Right during COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, please call 800-771-7755 or (718) 560-2040.

Chairperson Morgan opened the floor for questions to be directed to Mr. Darryl White.

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Chairperson Morgan asked how do we report price gouging which seems to be occurring since the release of the stimulus payments?

Mr. White stated you can file a complaint on their website at www.ag.ny.ogv or call (800) 771-7755.

Ms. Patricia Winston stated that there are senior centers in Brownsville that will benefit from this information. She asked if Mr. White is available to do a virtual presentation for the senior centers in Brownsville?

Mr. White stated that he is open to do a presentation.

Ms. Pierce asked if there is a way for the Smart Senior booklet to be mailed to the Board?

Mr. White stated that he will email the pfd format of the information to the Community Board Office where it can be reprinted.

He stated that Wednesday, March 24, 2021 is Equal Pay Day. If you know of any unemployment benefit scam occurring, please contact the Department of Labor.

Chairperson Morgan recognized Councilmember Darma Diaz.

Councilmember Diaz stated that from her understanding, she’s aware that there is a dumping issue in the district. Is there a dumping site that she needs to look at?

Ms. Morgan sated that there is an illegal dumping on a vacant lot located at East and Rockaway Avenues.

Ms. Balinda Harris stated that the person that is accumulating the garbage at East New York and Rockway Avenues is a homeless man living in the lot and it’s privately owned. District Manager Greene-Walker and the Department of Sanitation are aware of the issue.

Chairperson Morgan requested that Secretary Zalika Headley call the roll. A quorum was present.

Chairperson Morgan recognized Officer Angel Rodriguez, Community Affairs of the 73rd Precinct.

Officer Rodriguez stated that there is an increase in felony assaults such as domestic violence and burglaries. They have placed officers in the burglaries site to patrol the area.

There was a shooting on Pitkin Avenue and Bristol Street. The two victims are in stable condition and expected to recover. They are currently under investigation and they sent out the crime prevention team to the area.

They are hosting the Brownsville Safety Alliance on Monday April 26, 2021 – Saturday May 1, 2021 from 12:00 pm. – 10:00 p.m. on Mother Gaston Boulevard between Sutter and Pitkin Avenues. To register, please visit https://bit.ly/3diOc7k.

Chairperson Morgan opened the floor for questions to be directed to Officer Rodriguez.

Dr. Cleopatra Brown stated that on March 11, 2021 at 8:07 p.m. she was driving north bound on Thomas S. Boyland Street and Livonia Avenue when she saw 3 officers in uniform frisking a young man while checking his pocket and the scarf around his neck. One of the officers noticed that she was looking at them and signaled the officer who was frisking. Then the officers let the young man leave. She remembered when the officer first turned around to notice her, his camera was black. When they were returning to their unmarked vehicle, the camera was red. When she asked the officer if they are still allowed to frisk, he responded sometimes. Also, when she tried to follow the car, one of the officers yelled at her by asking her who she think she is and sped off. This is not the first time she witnessed a young man being frisked.

Officer Rodriguez stated that he will report her concern to Deputy Inspector Anderson who will follow up with Dr. Brown to identify which officers fit the description and who were patrolling the area on March 11th to see what transpired that night.

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Someone asked what type of burglaries are happening in Brownsville?

Officer Rodriguez state that it’s commercial burglaries.

Mr. Christopher Toomer asked if there is a plan to combat groups of motorcyclists who drive around making noise when the weather gets warm?

Officer Rodriguez stated that he is aware that the New York Police Department (NYPD) is trying to combat road rage incidents and bikes, however, he doesn’t know the exact plan.

Ms. Balinda Harris asked what is the Precinct’s plan to curtail delivery persons driving their mopeds on the sidewalk?

Officer Rodriquez stated that if they are driving on the sidewalk and being reckless, they are subjected to summonses. If there is a specific block or a business whose delivery driver is frequently driving on the sidewalk, let them know.

Ms. Balinda Harris stated that it’s several businesses on Prospect Place between Saratoga Avenue and Thomas S. Boyland Street.

Chairperson Morgan stated that as we approach the July 4th holiday, last year we had a terrible time with fireworks. She thinks it’s a good time to start educating the community on how to report incidents of fireworks across the neighborhood.

Office Rodriquez stated that he will let Deputy Inspector Anderson know about the complaints.

District Manager Viola Greene-Walker highlighted the following from her report: COVID-19 vaccines are available at Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center by appointment only. Please call (718) 604-5300 on Wednesday, March 24 and Thursday, March 25 from 7:30 a.m. through 6:15 p.m. Kingsbrook is located at 585 Schenectady Avenue between Winthrop Street and Rutland Road. Please use the Outpatient entry door.

Eligibility has been expanded to include those 50 and older, those with eligible comorbidities (with signed attestation), New Yorkers age 65 and older, frontline healthcare worker or public facing employees. Everyone must provide at time of vaccination. NYS resident ID & documentation for whatever category you fall under. Check www.ny.gov for new eligibility requirement.

The Atlantic Avenue Bridge, which spans between Eastern Parkway and Georgia Avenue, reopened today, March 23, 2021 to vehicular traffic. The project began in January 2018 and has been completed on schedule, allowing traffic to return to its original pattern.

The Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is the nation’s largest youth employment program, connecting NYC youth between the ages of 14 and 24 with career exploration opportunities and paid work experience each summer. To apply, visit https://application.nycsyep.com.

Applications are currently being accepted for 55 affordable apartments at the Harry T. Nance Apartments, located at 1860 Eastern Parkway. New Yorkers earning 30, 40, 50, and 60 percent of the area median income can apply for the units, ranging from studios to three-bedrooms priced between $457/month and $1,485/month. The deadline to apply is May 3, 2021. To apply online, please go to www.nyc.gov/housingconnect

BCDL Real Estate Development LLC, is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for 17 newly constructed 2 & 3 family homes for sale - MOTHER GASTON HINSDALE HOMES in the Ocean Hill-Brownsville and New Lots neighborhoods. The deadline to apply is April 16, 2021. To apply online, please go to www.nyc.gov/housingconnect. A copy of the report is on file in the Community Board Office.

Chairperson Morgan requested a motion to accept the February 23, 2021 Board minutes. A motion was made by Rev. Miran Ukaegbu, seconded by Ms. Digna Layne and carried with all in favor.

Chairperson Morgan advanced the agenda to the reading of work group reports. Minutes of Community Board #16 – 3/23/2021– Page 4 of 6

Ms. Deborah Williams, Chairperson, Parks and Recreation Committee, reported that the City Services Planning Work Group met on Thursday, March 11, 2021, via WebEx. A copy of the report is on file in the Community Board Office. Chairperson Morgan requested a motion to accept the City Services Planning Work Group report for March 11, 2021. A motion was made by Mr. Andrew McCoy, seconded by Ms. Linda Rivera and carried with all in favor.

Ms. Margret Brewer reported that the Equity Planning Work Group met on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 via WebEx. with the general contractor for a site at 103 Liberty Avenue. The developers are proposing to construct an 8-story building with 58 residential units as-of-right. A number of questions were asked by the Work Group which are awaiting responses from the developers. The Work Group anticipate reporting out to the Board on this project at our April 27th meeting. Chairperson Morgan acknowledge Mr. William Moses and Mr. Xavier Mello to make the presentation on the BSA application for 44-46 New Lots Avenue.

Mr. Mello stated that they have applied to the Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA) for a variance to renovate the upper floor of 44 New Lots Avenue to create residential units. He requires a variance because the building is in a manufacturing zone.

Mr. Moses stated that they are present at the Board to seek a variance to allow them to develop 4 Class A units which includes 2 studios and 2 one-bedroom units on the upper floor of 44 New Lots Avenue. They are not changing the footprint of the building and all of the changes are happening inside the building.

Chairperson Morgan opened the floor for questions to be directed to Mr. Mello and Mr. Moses. Mr. Alexander asked if the apartments are connected to a program that will house individuals who have mental health or substance abuse? Mr. Moses stated that the building is not connected to any program as of now, however, they are opened to any viable connection. Rev. Ukaegbu asked if the first floor of the building is a commercial space. Mr. Moses stated that it has 2 commercial spaces which are occupied. Ms. Pat Winston asked how much is the rent for these apartments? Mr. Mello stated that the rent will be determined according to the area. Someone stated that Mr. Moses mentioned in the presentation that the reason they are adding these rental units on the upper floor is to financially assist the owner. Based on your research, what is the average rental fees in the area? Mr. Mello stated that according to the rent market rate in Brownsville, a studio ranges from $1,000- $1,200 per month. Someone asked what is the current C of O (Certificate of Occupancy) of the property? Did you file an amendment for a new C of O? Mr. Mello stated that they applied for a new C of O because they are changing the occupancy. If the BSA application is approved by the Board, the Department of Buildings (DOB) will process their request. Rev. Miran Ukaegbu stated that Mr. Mello and Mr. Moses are present at the Board to seek a letter of support from the Community Board to accompany their application. Ms. Beverly Tatham asked why is the variance in this project needed?

Mr. Moses stated that the space on the second floor has been vacant for over a decade. The building tax property has tremendously increased which is becoming tedious for the owner and they want to make use of the space and generate revenue.

Chairperson Morgan stated that at the January 2021 Equity Planning Work Group Report, the committee recommended that the Community Board issue a letter of support for the application for 44 New Lot Avenue. Minutes of Community Board #16 – 3/23/2021– Page 5 of 6

Chairperson Morgan requested a motion to accept the Equity Planning Work Group report for March 9, 2021 (A copy of the report is on file in the Community Board Office). A motion was made by Mr. David Alexander, seconded by Dr. Cleopatra Brown, 23 in favor, 0 against and 1 abstention (D. Olivera). The vote for the Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA) application for 44 New Lots Avenue was 21 in favor, 0 against and 3 abstentions (D. Mack, D. Olivera, D. Williams).

Chairperson Morgan stated that the recommendation of the Board is to support the BSA application for 44 New Lots Avenue. Ms. Linda Rivera reported that the Fiscal and Policy Work Group met on Tuesday, March 16, 2021, via WebEx. A copy of the report is on file in the Community Board Office. Chairperson Morgan requested a motion to accept the Fiscal and Policy Work Group report for March 16, 2021. A motion was made by Mr. David Alexander, seconded by Ms. Anita Pierce and carried with all in favor.

Ms. Melanie Mendonca reported that the Community Resident Planning Work Group met on Wednesday, March 10, 2021, via WebEx. A copy of the report is on file in the Community Board Office. Chairperson Morgan requested a motion to accept the Community Resident Planning Work Group report for March 10, 2021. A motion was made by Ms. Digna Layne, seconded by Mrs. Kelly Lee-McVay and carried with all in favor.

Chairperson Morgan opened the floor for announcements.

Ms. Anita Pierce stated that the Brownsville Neon Stakeholders will be meeting on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. If you need the link to attend, please email Ms. Lilian Tucha at [email protected].

Brownsville Minute is a platform created to promote entrepreneurship and to provide information about voting. They are hosting a live entrepreneurship meeting on Thursday, March 25, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. with a representative from the Brooklyn Chambers of Commerce to discussed small business recovery and partnership. The voting event will be held on April 15, 2021 with a representative from Rank the Vote NYC. All the meetings will be held virtually on CB 16 Facebook page.

Any small business that is looking to apply for financial support, please visit www.sba.gov and the deadline to apply is March 31, 2021.

She stated that Mr. David Alexander has been working with young people on planning the youth conference in June. Anyone interested in participating on planning the event, please contact her at [email protected]

There is a community website called www.BrownsvilleBK.org created to connect small businesses and to keep the community updated. If you have an event that you would like to share, please reach out to her or District Manager Viola Greene-Walker.

Ms. Frieda Menos, representing Hon. Hakeem Jeffries’s Office, thanked everyone who tuned in at the virtual State of the District Address that was held in February. The video of the event is available at Congressman Hakeem Jeffries’s Facebook page.

Starting Monday, April 12, those who lost loved ones to COVID-19 will be able to apply for retroactive reimbursements for burial costs. Applicants can receive up to $9,000 per burial. To apply, you must call 844-684-6333. The call center will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Before you call, please collect relevant documentation. The applicant(s) must provide: • a copy of the death certificate. The death certificate must indicate the death "may have been caused by" or "was likely a result of" COVID-19 or COVID-19-like symptoms. Similar phrases that indicate a high likelihood of COVID-19 are also considered sufficient. • proof of funeral expenses incurred. Documentation (receipts, funeral home contract, etc.) must include the applicant's name as the responsible person for the expense, the deceased individual's name, the amount of funeral expenses, and that funeral expenses were incurred after Minutes of Community Board #16 – 3/23/2021– Page 6 of 6

January 20, 2020. For more information on the Covid-19 Funeral Assistance, please visit: https://www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance Congressman Hakeem Jeffries invites high school students to participate in the annual Congressional Art Competition. For more information, please visit their website at https://jeffries.house.gov/serving-you/for-students/art/. The winner will have their artwork hung in the Capitol and on the congressional art website for a year. The deadline to apply is Monday, May 3, 2021. She stated that a bill was recently signed to make non-profit organizations eligible for Small Business Association (SBA) grant and loan. The White House Office of Faith Based and Neighborhood Partnership is hosting their American Rescue Plan briefing for nonprofit organizations on Thursday, March 25, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. If you know anyone who is interested, please reach out to their office at (718) 373-0033 or you can email her at [email protected].

Ms. Christina Serrano, representing Hon. Alicka Ampry-Samuel, stated that Councilmember Alicka Ampry-Samuel and Assemblymember Latrice Walker have resumed their advisory meetings which takes place the third Saturday of each month.

Mrs. Abigail Savitch-Lew stated that she is working on a book about Brownsville. She wants to create an empowering portrait of Brownsville and its long history of activism. She is looking to work with community organizations to develop this idea. If you know anyone interested, please reach out to her at 347-721-0796 or [email protected].

Chairperson Morgan suggested that Mrs. Savitch-Lew reach out to the Brownsville Heritage House which has a writing workshop group.

Mr. Malcom McDaniel, representing Hon. Eric Adams, urged everyone to keep practicing social distancing, wearing a mask, and encourage everyone to take the COVID-19 vaccine.

He stated that the borough president’s office is holding a Women History month event on March 24, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.

The Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) application is open. BMS Family Health and Wellness Centers is providing physical clearance to SYEP applicants and Ms. Page Best-Hardy is working with youth under 18 years old to help them obtain working papers. The office at Borough Hall is closed. For any information, please reach out to him at (347) 942-1692 or visit www.Brooklyn-usa.org.

Ms. Beverly Tatham stated that on behalf of Ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Sigma Kappa Zeta Chapter in Brooklyn, New York, they are hosting a virtual empowerment summit entitled “EmPowered: Owning Your Excellence” on Saturday, March 27th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. During this FREE Virtual Summit, you will receive invaluable information and resources which will aim to help you navigate through your health, mental wellness, and goals for the future. Grammy Award-Winning Recording Artist Chrisette Michele will join us for an inspirational talk and our esteemed Empowered! panelists are looking forward to helping you unlock the new and powerful steps you will make in your life. This event is in honor of women's History month as well as to celebrate of their founding ideas, which is find a womanhood. To register, please visit http://bit.ly/EmPoweredSummit. Ms. Renee Muir from BMS Family Health and Wellness Centers encouraged everyone to adhere to the City COVID-19 protocols of washing your hands, social distancing, wearing a mask and staying home if you are sick and encouraged everyone to take the COVID-19 vaccine if you are eligible.

BMS Family Health and Wellness Centers will be opening a vaccine hub in East New York.

Chairperson Morgan thanked everyone for attending the meeting and encouraged everyone to stay safe and share the information with their neighborhood.

There being no further business to discuss, a motion was made by Mr. David Alexander, seconded by Rev. Miran Ukaegbu and carried to adjourn the meeting at 10:32 p.m.