The City of New York Bronx Community Board Four General
The City of New York Bronx Community Board Four General Board Meeting Held on Tuesday, NOVEMBER 28, 2017 BRONX MUSUEM OF THE ARTS 1040 Grand Concourse & East 165th Street Ms. Kathleen Saunders, Chair, Presiding
MEMBERS PRESENT: Ms. Ramatu Ahmed, Mr. John Howard Algarin, Mr. Rolando Aviles, Ms. Naimah Bilal, Ms. Beverly Bond, Mr. Jason Caraballo, Mr. Maynard Charles, Ms. Rossmery Dais, Ms. Brenda Dawson, Mr. Gregory A. Delts, Mr. Spencer Edwards, Ms. Ariane Garcia, Mr. Robert Garmendiz, Ms. Frances Hudson-Marrow, Ms. Marissa Jackson, Ms. Mildred James, Ms. Nurys Laureano, Mr. Mohammed Mardah, Ms. Marie McCullough, Bishop Earl McKay, Mr. Leandro Monzon, Ms. Connie Morales, Mr. Ebrahim Dawda Ndure, Mr. Barry Nissen, Ms. Zonia Ortiz, Ms. Martha Reyes, Ms. Yohanny Rincon, Mr. Jimmy Rivera, Mr. George T. Robinson, Sr., Ms. Lilliam Rosa, Ms. Genny Sanchez, Ms. Kathleen Saunders, Mr. Avery Smith, Mr. Jackson Strong, Dr. Grace Zarate.
MEMBERS EXCUSED: Mr. Napoleon Black, Mr. John Fielder.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Mr. Walter Harris, Ms. Jodi Morales, Ms. Sherrise Palomino, Mr. Jamal Patrick, Ms. Teresa Wright.
STAFF: Mr. Paul Philps, District Manager Ms. Lynne Thompson, Administrative Assistant Ms. Elizabeth Gonzalez-Rodriguez, Senior Secretary
ELECTED OFFICIALS: Mr. Antirson Ortiz, representing NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer Ms. Bharati Kemraj, representing Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. Mr. Terell Brock, representing NYS Senator Jose M. Serrano Ms. Annalicia Finol, representing NYS Senator Gustavo Rivera Mr. Steven Ochoa, representing NYS Assemblyman Michael Blake Ms. Stacy Strong, representing NYC Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson
GUEST PRESENT: Glennis Gomez-Department of Education, Geri Hawkins-Resident, Margaret Fleesak-NYCPL Highbridge Branch,Luis Montalvo- R.A.I.N., Adam Lessuck-FDNY, Fabrice Armand-NYC Department of Correction, Kevin James-Price Waterhouse Coopers, Ellen Harvey-Concourse Village, Flo Canada-Concourse Village, Katelyn Sullivan-Educators For Excellence, Andrea Clay-Educators For Excellence, Lissa So-Marvel Architects, Yadiel Rivera-Marvel Architects, Josue Sanchez-L&M Development Partners, Cassandra Williams-Resident, Geri Brewer-Resident, Isaac Arsitiltabi-L&M Development Partners, Annie Tirschwell-Type A Projects, Jill Crawford-Type A Projects, Yasmin Cornelius-L&M Development Partners, Ariela Heilman-Resident, Tiffanie Dorch-BronxWorks, Sara Powell-Urban Waters Federal Partnership, Taibart Ibrahim-MHHC, James Rather-Bronx Department of City Planning, Kevin Woodhouse-Concourse Village, Lon Wilson-N.Y. Walker Club Inc., Jamie Tkach-Resident, Stephanie Tkach-Resident, Andre Pajale- Melrose Park Avenue, Ms. Evelyn Rivera-President 11 West 172 Street Tenants Association, Carmen Pineiro-The Bronx Defenders, Byung Lee-NYCEDC, Hanneh Burdei-NYCEDC, Rekha Seepersad-Post Graduate Center for Mental Health, Debra Myers-Community Resident, Rebecca Crimmins-NY City Council Speakers Office, Charlie Samboy- NYCEDC, Kate VanTassel-NYCEDC, Lynn Walton-NYC Law Department, Areils Pineda-Resident.
Public Session 1. Andrea Clay, Educators for Excellence – Presented to the Youth & Education Committee. They are working on school climate. They are interested in the introduction to expand a pilot program to three other districts. At this time, they are requesting a Letter of Support to expand emotional learning initiative in the Department of Education’s school districts.
2. Glenis Gomez, Department of Education Specialized High Schools – She discussed the process to the eight Specialized High Schools in NYC through the Department of Education in order to increase diversity within these schools. An exam is required for these schools and La Guardia requires an audition. There will be more information at the Highbridge Library. For more information she can be contacted at 212-637-8010 or at [email protected].
3. Luis Montalvo, Program Manager for R.A.I.N. – Introduced the Alzheirmer’s Caregiver Link Program which is funded by the NYS Department of Health. They do monthly meetings as well as telecast every fourth Thursday and home visits. The program is free and is also available in Spanish. They accept referrals.
4. Fabrice Armand, Department of Corrections – Working in the community to bring awareness of exam #8309 available from November 1 to November 30. The starting salary is $44,000 and $94,000 after five years. Additionally, there are other non-uniform competitive positions. Twelve positions available are from $44,000 to $180,000 per year. There are no age limitations to any of these positions available. For more information: nyc.gov/jointheboldest.
Welcoming remarks and announcements by Ms. Kathleen Saunders. The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:29 pm. Pursuant to Chapter 70 Section 2800 of the City Charter the actions and procedures of Community Boards and their committees are governed by the applicable provisions of the City Charter and New York State Open Meetings Law (OML, Section 100-111 of the New York State Public Officers Law) and Freedom of Information Law (FOIL, Section 84-90 of the Public Officers Law). Each Community Board shall meet at least once each month. Community Board 4 shall meet every fourth (4th) Tuesday of the month. This Tuesday, November 28, 2017, the meeting is held at The Bronx Museum of the Arts, 1040 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY.
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance led by Bishop Earl McKay.
Motion to Review/Correct/Adopt of General Board Meeting: None at this time. District Manager’s Report The District Manager read the 30 Capital Budget item requests. No meetings will take place in December. Lower Concourse North AKA Bronx Point o Phase I - 600 units of affordable housing with 30% to 130% AMI o Universal Hip Hop Museum o State of the art movie theater o Food court o Children’s Playground (Bronx Children’s Museum) o Outdoor performance space o 2.6 acres of open space as an expansion to Millpond Park o Publicly accessible bathroom The following were not part of the original scope. o Ballfield at Franz Sigel Park o 1000+ construction jobs o Local hiring network through Job First o Construction of 572 seat school in CD7 o Convening a working group to monitor the project
Jerome Avenue Neighborhood Planning o Bronx Borough President had a public hearing last month o $4.6 million for the development of Corporal Fischer Park o Preservation of 1500 units of affordable housing within the next two years o Piloting of Certificate of No Harassment in CD4 and CD5 o Southwest Bronx Housing Task Force o Bronx Borough President submitted his recommendation on November 27, 2017 o City Planning is having a hearing on November 29, 2017 at 10:00 am
March – attended Housing Resource Fair Youth Day was reinstated in May 2017 and will do it again in 2018. Economic – implemented a series of changes for liquor license requests. The 44th Precinct attends all the Economic Committee meetings. In September the Governor announced that CB4 and CB1 were recipients of $10 million grant for the Downtown Revitalization Initiative. Two weeks ago the Bronx Borough President convened his first meeting of the local planning committee and DM Paul Philps was selected to participate along with 25 stakeholders. They will meet again within four months to submit their list of projects to submit for approval.
Let’s continue to work together, respect each other and continue our upward trajectory.
Introduction to Bronx Point (aka Lower Concourse North) Presentation by Josue Sanchez, Project Director, L&M Partners This is a joint venture with Type A Projects LLC and L&M Development Partners. We are also partnering with BronxWorks. This is a mix-use and mixed income project. They will develop a publicly accessible open space with the existing Millpond Park. The project will create permanently affordable housing. Additionally, they will ensure brownfield opportunities by cleaning the site thoroughly and considering the best design measures. This will be an economic opportunity with $300 million invested; particularly two anchor uses such as providing a home for the Universal Hip Hop Museum and a state of the art movie theater. They want to people to be engaged in the waterfront. There will be a development of 1000 construction jobs and 150 permanent jobs. They will reach out to job fairs and the community boards to fill these positions as they get closer to construction. They will work along with HireNYC. There is a 35% M/WBE goal commitment. Currently designing Phase 1 is underway.
Marble Architecture is the designer for the open space. They are in the process of getting feedback from the community via a survey. In February they will have a workshop for the community to get additional feedback. They will incorporate a seamless connection between the open space and Millpond Park. The walkways will continue and expand into the new open space. The Exterior Street Plaza is a very important part to the project. It will connect to the site. They are looking into a public platform that will allow you to get to the water, extended walking paths, viewing platform, large public stairs, seating area in the children’s playing area and outdoor programming as well as a dedicated active recreation space. The Children’s playing area to be designed by local artists and the Bronx Children’s Museum.
The developers will return in January to get more feedback on what the community wants in the open space.
Request for Letter of Support for Ground Lease for Bronx Point – Presentation by Charlie Samboy, NYCEDC and Rebecca Crimmins, NY City Council Speaker’s Office. Points of Agreement: Agreement with the Developers, L&M Development Partners, Type A Projects LLC and NYCEDC. Ongoing engagement with Committee Group Phase 1 and Phase 2 – 175,000 square feet 1,045 units of affordable housing 150,000 sf of commercial and community facility space
Phase 1 600 units of permanently affordable housing 15,000 sf for arts and educational uses o 572 seat school at 639 St. Ann’s Avenue (DS7) 38,000sf movie theater 7,500 sf community facility 12,500 sf retail use Public restrooms Publicly accessible open space
Affordability Levels 20% of units not more than 30% of Average Medium Income (AMI), including 10% for formerly homeless 30% of units at 60% AMI 20% of units at 80% AMI 15% of units at 100% AMI No units will exceed 130% AMI All units permanently affordable
Phase 2 Will commence three years after completion of Phase 1 445 units Maximize units at deepest levels of affordability and minimize the number of units above 130% AMI 20% of units at rents affordable to households not earning more than 30% AMI 30% of units between 31% and 60% AMI No more than 20% of units will exceed 130% AMI
The Developer will provide approximately 2.6 acres of publicly accessible open space including accessibility to Millpond Park. The open space will be partially funded by the City. They will also provide a public plaza along Exterior Street. The Department of Parks’ maintenance cost will be funded by the developer and they will also maintain the plaza at Exterior Street. The open space will be accessible in perpetuity and will maintain the same operating hours as Millpond Park. They will enter into a 99 year lease with an initial 40 year term with two options to renew for 20 years and one option to renew for 19 years at an annual rent of $1.
In ensuring that the community voices are heard, they are providing a survey to get feedback on how to design the open space.
Exterior Street will be completely redesigned. It will be fully reconstructed from 138th Street to 151st Street. There will be installation of a high speed commercial broadband along the corridor.
This project will generate 1000 construction jobs and 150 permanent jobs. The developer will participate in HireNYC and has a 35% M/WBE goal requirement.
The Borough Board has to provide the City with permission to enter into a lease with the developer. Therefore, they are requesting a Letter of Support for business terms to enter into a lease with the developer.
Financing for the project closes in Fall 2019 and construction will commence in Winter 2019. Phase 2 construction completion will be in Winter 2022.
Mr. John Algarin moved to provide a Letter of Support for the City to enter into a long term lease for the development of the proposed Bronx Point development project to include up to 1,045 affordable units of housing and 150,000 square feet of commercial and community facility. The motion was seconded by Ms. Mildred James. After the vote, the motion carries.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT- HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES- HOUSING & LAND USE- MUNICIPAL SERVICES & EDUCATION - PARKS- YOUTH SERVICES
Economic Development Committee- No Report. Municipal Services Committee - The Committee had a presentation by FDNY requesting a Letter of Support to install an FDNY ambulance charging station at 161st Street and Ogden Avenue. This location is already used by ambulances as a waiting area before an emergency call. By the use of the charging station, it will eliminate fumes from emitting in the area. The committee motioned to grant a Letter of Support to FDNY for a charging station at 161st Street and Ogden Avenue. It was seconded by Dr. Zarate. The motion carries. Housing & Land Use Committee – 811 Walton Avenue requested a Letter of Support for the Landmark Planning Commission for a specification of a Master Plan for a change out of windows. This is a voluntary process for the owners. The Committee moved to grant a LOS to 811 Walton Avenue for a master plan of windows. It was seconded by Ms. James. After the vote the motion carries. 558 Grand Concourse located at the former General Post Office site is requesting a Letter of Support to extend the sidewalk by eight feet at Anthony Griffin Plaza to make it safer for pedestrians. The Committee voted to grant it with conditions. The committee moved to grant a LOS to 558 Grand Concourse to extend the sidewalk at the walkway located at Anthony Griffin Plaza by eight feet. The motion was seconded by Ms. Rosa. The motion carries. Parks and Recreation Committee- No Report. Build Community Involvement Together for Claremont Park on November 29, 2017 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Butler Community Center, 1368 Webster Avenue. For more info, contact Dyaami D’Orazio at 212-602-5341 or [email protected]. Health Services Committee – Announced that a van will be by Bronx Lebanon on December 1 to perform HIV testing. The target population is pregnant women but it is open to everyone. Time TBA. Youth Services & Education - The Committee earlier this month received a presentation from representative of Educators for Excellence on their proposed initiative for pilot programming on School Climate. Earlier this evening they briefly presented on this. The Committee motioned to give Educators for Excellence a Letter of Support. It was seconded by Mr. Aviles. The motion carries. May 16, 2018 has been selected for Youth Day and May 30, 2018 as a rain date. The suggested site is the West Bronx Recreation Center at 1527 Jesup Avenue.
Report by Local Elected Officials or their representatives. Senator Gustavo Rivera represented by Annalicia Finol November 29, 2017 – Enroll in the NYC Rent Freeze (SCRIE/DRIE) Program at the Belmont Library, 610 E. 186th Street. From 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. RSVP at 718-933-2034. December 8, 2017 - Third Annual Canned Food Drive at 2432 Grand Concourse, Ste. 506 from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Senior Resource Guide is available at their office Senator Jose M. Serrano represented by Terell Brock Next constituent hours and Legal Aid Society are on December 5, 2017 at Bronxwood Heights – 200 W. Tremont Avenue from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. Tenant Support Unit. Housing Initiative Support For information call 212-828-5829 or email [email protected]. Councilmember Vanessa L. Gibson represented by Stacy Strong November 29, 2017 – City Planning Commission Public Hearing on Jerome Avenue Study and she will be providing her testimony. Media Block Out – Resources Guide December 6, 2017 - Free Legal Services available at 1377 Jerome Avenue from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. December 8, 2017 – Holiday Party at Mullaly Recreation Center-1020 Jerome Avenue at 6:00 pm. December 9, 2017 – Free Citizenship Application Assistance at Mullaly Community Center-40 E. 164th Street from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. Call 646-664-9400 for an appointment. November 20th to December 15th – Holiday Toy Drive at 1377 Jerome Avenue. Donate unwrapped toys suitable for children ages 1-12. Comptroller Scott M. Stringer represented by Antirson Ortiz Bus Services in the Bronx o Speed limit is 7mi/hr which results in 100,000 less trips. o From 2000 to 2015 there was an increase in bus usage of 48%. o Bus services are delayed and not up-to-date. o The Comptroller proposes to improve the technology and bus signals to alleviate this problem. Jewish Heritage Celebration next week. Step Streets EDC – delay in repairs. Announcements: 1. Ms. Saunders thanked the Board Members for an excellent job on this very busy year. There will be no meeting in December. Reminder to review the draft of the By-Laws. 2. Mr. Ndure acknowledged Ms. Fleesak, the Librarian at the Highbridge Library for all her support with the Citizenship Program.
Meeting adjourned at 9:06 PM. Prepared and submitted by Ms. L. Rosa.