THE CITY OF NEW YORK

COMMUNITY BOARD 12
5910 - 13 Avenue, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11219

(718) 851-0800 FAX # (718) 851-4140 email:

zsender@aol.com

Marty Markowitz Alan J. Dubrow Wolf Sender

Borough President Chairperson District Manager

Moshe Wieder, First Vice Chairman

Martin Katz, Second Vice Chairman
Roberta Feinstein, Secretary
Larry Jayson, Sergeant-at-Arms
SUMMARY OF COMMUNITY BOARD 12 MEETING, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2010
HELD AT THE AMICO SENIOR CENTER, 5901 13 AVE., BROOKLYN, NY @ 7 PM

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT

SANDY ABOULAFIA FRED CASSERA
TAMAR ABRAHAM LAN CHEN
YAKOV ABRAMOV JACOB DASKAL
TAHIR BHUTTA RABBI BERNARD FRELICH
ANNA CALI DOUGLAS JABLON
ALAN J. DUBROW LARRY JAYSON
JOEL EISDORFER MORDECHAI KATZ
RABBI TZVI ENGLARD ANDREW KOHEN
ROBERTA FEINSTEIN RAYMOND LEE
JULES FLEISCHER JOHN MORONI
JACQUE FRIEDMAN MORDECHAI SCHWARTZ
SHARON FUCHS DAVID SHLOMOVICH
RABBI EDGAR GLUCK AMY SICIGNANO
JACOB HAAS, P.E. SOL WAHBA
EDWARD HANDLER JOSHUA WEINSTEIN
CHAIM ISRAEL MOSHE WIEDER
SAMUEL ISRAEL
JOSEPH JACOBS ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT
MARTIN KATZ AVI SEIGEL, REP. BORO PRES. MARKOWITZ
ABU KHALIQUZZAMAN CHARLES GLOVER, REP. MAYOR’S CAU
LILY MARINELLI PINNY RINGEL, REP. PUBLIC ADVOCATE
ELI OIRING JAKE ADLER, REP. COUNCILMAN GREENFIELD
DR. JOAN PASTORE COUNCILMAN BRAD LANDER
MORTY PUPKO ASSEMBLYMAN DOV HIKIND
PETER REBENWURZEL YISROEL TABI, REP. ASSEMBLYMAN HIKIND
ELLIOT ROSMAN JOHN KEEFE, REP. ASSEMBLYMAN JIM BRENNAN
MORRIS SENDEROVIC SHAWN CAMPBELL, REP. ASSEMBLYMAN BRENNAN
YERUCHIM SILBER JULES FLEISCHER, REP. SEN. DIANE SAVINO
SAMUEL STOBER JOEL EISDORFER, REP. SEN. ERIC ADAMS
STANLEY SUSSMAN PEARL EICHENSTEIN, REP. SEN. KEVIN PARKER
MARGARET TOBIN
ROCHELLE ZAMIE LIAISON’S PRESENT
MENDEL ZIBERBERG DEP. INSPECTOR J. SPRAGUE, 66TH PCT.
LT. J.SELLECK, 66TH PCT.
STAFF PRESENT DET. V. GALENO, 66TH PCT.
WOLF SENDER, DISTRICT MANAGER
LUCILLE MAURO, COMMUNITY ASSISTANT COMMUNITY PRESENT
ADY MATTEO, COMMUNITY ASSISTANT APPROXIMATELY 25 RESIDENTS PRESENT
(NAMES ON FILE IN CB OFFICE)
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PUBLIC SESSION
Bridget Elder, resident of Story Street in Borough Park, discussed the continuing problem of U-Haul trucks in
the neighborhood taking up all the parking spots. This causes great inconvenience to area residents.

Rabbi William Handler spoke about the new pedestrian islands on Fort Hamilton Avenue. He pointed out
that aside from the two 11-foot moving lanes; north & south, there is actually a third; a two-way center lane
reserved for emergency vehicles to bypass traffic when responding. The problem is now that the island has
replaced the moving lane, ambulances cannot safely pass. While everyone applauds the effort of the “Safe
Streets for Seniors” program, according to Rabbi Handler there have actually been only two accidents there
in five years, but the addition of the islands has made it much more dangerous. When ambulances
transporting emergency patients with heart attacks, etc. are delayed, loss of life is always a possibility.
Another issue is that fire trucks and tractor trailers can’t make a left turn. Apparently there are signs to that
effect, but no warning sign, so these vehicles get hit with $115 fines. Since cars can no longer double park,
this also leads to business loss for local retailers. Rabbi Handler feels the solution would be to eliminate the
center island and utilize the obsolete bus stop for a parking bay.

Ed Crowne reported that the numerous tractor trailers on Caton Avenue are causing a big disturbance to the
neighborhood. It is a residential street and supposed to be for local deliveries, but the trucks are coming
from several other states, and also outside the United States. Chairman Dubrow suggested the Police
department might look into the legalities of this.

Jacque Friedman announced that December 12th will be the 123rd birthday of Borough Park. Fellow Board
member Sharon Fuchs is being honored at an awards dinner and has tickets for anyone interested in
attending. He also noted that Chairman Alan Dubrow was an honoree a few years ago.

Esther Friedman also spoke about the “Safe Streets for Seniors” program, saying that the new islands are a
temptation for kids to play dangerous games while crossing. She also stated that her senior parents don’t
feel the program is necessary, and suggested digital timer lights like the ones on 9th Avenue.

Rachel (last name inaudible) echoed the sentiments of others, regarding the pedestrian islands at Fort
Hamilton Parkway and 47th Street, and the problems caused. She pointed out that it leads to school buses,
trucks and cars making too much noise honking horns, causing traffic jams and leaving no parking spaces.

Chaim Fried complained about a loss of business at his shop on Fort Hamilton Parkway and 46th Street. He
stated that people who once ran in for coffee and bagels can’t anymore because the traffic jams caused by
the islands go all the way past 43rd Street. He also claimed that drivers refuse to deliver there because of no
stopping or parking rules, causing his business to suffer.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mr. Dubrow introduced Inspector Sprague of the 66th Precinct, who stated that the issues regarding the
U-Hauls and other traffic problems will be looked into. The Inspector wished all a happy holiday season,
reminding us to be safe and drive carefully, as this is the time when many people tend to be on the road
intoxicated.

Inspector Sprague announced that the community is approaching 90% crime free to date, with grand larceny
being the biggest problem. He stated that unattended items and identity theft are still a major concern, but
when people get educated and then pass the word, the numbers drop. There were 125 less crimes for the
year, with only 75 being grand larceny.

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ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Maggie Tobin requested the following corrections be made to the October Minutes:

Regarding the request for a “Stop” sign at Chester and Louisa Avenues, it was incorrectly stated that “the
Police Department has been looking into it but nothing has been done”. It should have read “the Department
of Transportation has been looking into it; specifically Commissioner Palmieri, but nothing has been done”.

Also, regarding the dangerous new bike lane at Fort Hamilton Parkway near McDonald Avenue, it should
have been noted the lane in question is the eastbound one.

Correction duly noted: The Minutes were unanimously accepted as amended.

CHAIRMAN’S REMARKS—ALAN DUBROW

Mr. Dubrow made a point of reminding everyone that back in June, when the DOT presented proposals for
the pedestrian islands project, they were already approved and ready to go, without giving the Board a
chance to review, research or give input. He also spoke to Community Board 15 and found out they had no
input or approval regarding the islands on Gerritsen Avenue and Avenue U. Mr. Dubrow pointed out that the
city is putting major changes into action with little or no input from area residents. This includes recent plans
for curbside concessions and bike rentals throughout the city.

Mr. Dubrow announced, once again, that each Board member must sign the attendance sheet in order to
have their presence at the meeting acknowledged.

Mr. Dubrow extended thanks on behalf of Community Board 12 to Board Member Samuel Mendy Israel for
his help in setting up our website. He has volunteered his time, as well as that of one of his staff, to also
maintain the site. It should be up and running sometime in January/February, 2011.

Mr. Dubrow took a moment to remind everyone that the Community Board budget does not get any monies
for funding of any type in the community. Our role is strictly advisory. All funding for projects in this and all
districts in the City comes from whatever agency has jurisdiction over the particular project, or from one of
the elected officials through their discretionary funding.

Mr. Dubrow wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and safe holiday.

Alan Dubrow introduced City Councilman Brad Lander.

Councilman Lander advised all that a small portion of his discretionary fund goes to the community for
things such as green projects that are in the works. Between him and Borough President Markowitz,
$900,000 is going to the renovation of Dome Playground; a small but much used playground. Information
regarding a planning meeting will be forthcoming.

Councilman Lander announced that the City Council finally approved the Culver El project. This will add 68
units of affordable housing to the area (37th Street between 12 & 14 Avenues).

Councilman Lander addressed safety issues at Brizzi Park. People sleep there overnight, and the park is
being used by kids not of appropriate ages. He and Councilwoman Gonzalez met with area residents and
NYPD regarding commitments to step up patrols. The Parks Department also agreed to turn the unused
bocci court into a planted area.

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Councilman Lander is talking with the DOT about the area at Beverly Road and E. 2nd Street, about turning it
into a little plaza.

Councilman Lander attended the recent Kensington World’s Fair and expressed what a wonderful event it
was. He thanked Maggie Tobin for her efforts in organizing the event, and was very pleased at how many
people turned out for a day of crafts and culture.

Councilman Lander took this opportunity to say, regarding the pedestrian islands issue, that the Board and
the community must accept some responsibility. He reminded all that the DOT was here with a PowerPoint
presentation and a time table, but people ignored it. When asked for feedback, there was none, before the
concrete was poured. Councilman Lander pledged to continue supporting Community Board 12, and he met
with Commissioner Palmieri to present concerns and try to get the DOT to address the problems. He
described this project as a trial run, stating that if people continue to document issues and problems and later
present them, it might change things. However, the project is here, and the DOT can’t be faulted for not
listening when there was no feedback.

Councilman Lander congratulated Ezra and Gabby Friedlander on the birth of their baby boy. Gabby works
as an assistant to Councilman Lander.

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE REPORT – SHARON FUCHS

The Transportation Committee met on November 8th to discuss the recent DOT project of crossing islands
and curb extensions throughout the district. The community did not have an opportunity to discuss and
review the plans. DOT came in June, saying the project was finalized, and was admonished at the time by
Chairman Dubrow for not coming to the Board sooner for input. There is a consensus on the Transportation
Committee opposing the islands and extensions. We are asking the DOT to stop the project until it is
brought back to the Community Board with full traffic pattern studies for review and public hearing. We feel it
is a public safety concern and a hazard to ambulances, etc. The Fort Hamilton Islands are placed in a bad
location. The Committee feels it should be restored to the previous condition. All work on this project should
cease until it goes through a public review process by Community Board 12.

Alan Dubrow introduced Assemblyman Dov Hikind. The Assemblyman wished all wonderful holidays.

Assemblyman Hikind expressed his great respect for Councilman Lander, who has integrity and sincerity
beyond question. However, in the case of the DOT project, the issue is not that it’s a “done” deal, but that
there is a hazard to life involved. Two weeks ago, an ambulance driver en route to Maimonides lost the
patient being transported. It is possible this death was due to lost time caused by the islands. Fire trucks
can’t turn left on 46th St., delaying response to fires. The Sanitation Department sent an e-mail to CB 12
regarding the unsafe conditions caused when drivers get frustrated with no room to move and compensate
by going around sanitation vehicles. According to Assemblyman Hikind, there was no study done prior to
this project, and he wonders how it was decided just where to place these medians. He feels human life is in
jeopardy and it must be stopped. A Deputy Commissioner from the Department of Transportation will come
to take a second look. It is also suggested that digital timers would better for seniors than these islands, or
even to just add 5 or 6 seconds to the crossing time.

A motion was made by Rabbi Chaim Israel to put this in writing to the DOT. The motion was seconded by Eli
Oiring.

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VOTE TAKEN
IN FAVOR 33 OPPOSED 0 ABSTENTIONS 1 (Maggie Tobin)

Motion passed by majority.

VARIANCE COMMITTEE REPORT – PETER REBENWURZEL

The Variance Committee met jointly with the Education Committee, with approximately 32 members of the
community present, for a public hearing regarding the proposal by the School Construction Authority for a
school on Coney Island Ave. between Hinckley Place & Turner Place. Community Board 12 encompasses
school districts 20 & 15, however the proposed 735 seat intermediate school is to serve district 22. No one
from the schools appeared, other than architects. The joint Committees unanimously opposed this;
Discussion followed.

A motion was made by Rabbi Israel to deny this proposal. The motion was seconded by Rabbi Gluck.

VOTE TAKEN
IN FAVOR 33 OPPOSED 0 ABSTENTIONS 1 (Lily Marinelli)

Motion passed by majority.

Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,

ADY MATTEO
Community Service Aide