GerritsenBeach.net

As we explained before, ETO or Environmental Taskforce Operations is currently based out at Lacon Ct. They made a deal with Stephen Jemal to be able to use his land in exchange for clearing docks and land also taking over conversations with the DEC.

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Last night’s Gerritsen Beach Property Owners meeting was interesting to say the least.  There were some exciting exceptions to the normal boring meeting.

First of course the 61st precinct spoke, reminded us of the ATVs, Quads, speeding but also that fireworks are illegal and that they will not be tolerated. Gerritsen beach is their worst area when it comes to fireworks because of that they have requested sky watch again this year, and everyone, including the captain, will be working the 4-12 tour for the extra man power.

Lew Fidler – Spoke about the flooding courts. Lew is not satisfied with the answer from DOT and DEP regarding the courts. “we are going to get them to the point where they are so sick of answering our questions and point out the problems… they will come in and do the repair they will prevent them from us having to call them“. Anyone who has a specific complaint should call Lews office directly.

Lew got told the crowd that he had provided $200,000 to fix the heating plant in 277. Also he secured funds to continuing the after school programs at 277, also the Parks Department will have $400,000 additionally to expand the tot lot at Seba Avenue Park. Calling the design “Really magnificent” He also secured $22,500 for GBCares and $12,500 Vollies.

Alan Maisel  - Spoke about White Island. How Parks will be putting layers of sand on tops of the island. There is a concern about the waste (it was a landfill) would seep out into the creek due to that pressure. He is currently having meetings with the DEC and Parks along with GBCares to keep the community apprised.

He also spoke about the Lacon Ct property the Knapp street property and jemals responsibilities with the DEC regarding cleaning up the sunken boats, and dock debris. DEC more than likely be ordering Jemal to have them removed.

On a lighter note Alan is now the Chairman of the Solid Waste commission, He told the speaker he was going to throw himself into it.

Some members of GBCares were present at the meeting and expressed concern over how  they feel GerritsenBeach.net is responsible for the current  condition of GBCares. If you don’t know, Currently GBCares as an unintended and indirect result of our post “How Many Wood Chips…” the NYC Parks Department suspended GBCares operations. One of the more important of the programs, their Saturday alternative sentencing/community service program, which maintains Gerritsen Avenue was also shut down. More specifically no gas powered or heavy machinery are now not allowed on the park land, which were essential to operations. Since then GBCares has sent letters requesting approval and is currently waiting for reapproveal. Until they get approval, which may happen within weeks, they are going to play it safe by not using hand tools on the weeds on Gerritsen Avenue.

The “debate” (above) that happened at the meeting was basically GBCares taking issue with anonymous commenting. More specifically they believe that the comments represent my personal opinion and that GerritsenBeach.net allows the comments. One said “It’s really terrible what his website is doing.” Another said “GerritsenBeach.net could be a positive influence but since the entire website cause problems, problems may be what he wants because it might bring in more revenue for him“. Revenue?!  Thats right they believe I am in it for the money. Full disclosure: Last month for the month of June I “earned” $69.66 which is around the average. $70 is not the reason GerritsenBeach.net attends these meetings and asks questions, or gets exposure for local news, or  sheds light on some problems.

In my opinion it comes down to the  right to freedom of the press, and your right as a commenter to comment without fear of retaliation. I have heard numerous times, from different people, some are heads of local organizations, that would love to know who some of you are so they can beat the hell out of you. Which is why I allow anonymous comments.

It seems as though maybe GBCares is refusing to participate in discussions on the website. When someone commented wrongly that GBCares allows criminals into our neighborhood with their program, they were upset that GB.net left the comment up, but more importantly they refused to clear up that issue.

To be perfectly clear, these saturday workers are not violent criminals, just “kids” that usually got a desk tickets.

In my opinion, I see the Gerritsen Beach Property Owners meeting as a forum, I also see GerritsenBeach.net as a forum. Both trying to BETTER the community. I have come to realize that the comments at the Property Owners meeting are sometimes just as harsh, inappropriate, and wrong, just as comments on GerritsenBeach.net.

Just because people can remain anonymous throws people into a tizzy, which consumes them. You really need to get over this. Either use the website to reach the neighborhood or don’t. However you must realize that a good number of people get their “news” from here. Rumors can fly if something is not addressed correctly.

John Douglas sums up the whole situation respectively.

ETO will be another post

[Skywatch From Last Year]

As the 4th approaches, cops are arresting against anyone found selling and possessing illegal fireworks, we may be also getting skywatch(above) again this year.

Since May, cops have been encouraging residents to report on anyone dabbling in illegal fireworks.

Currently, cops have the authority to close businesses and confiscate cars if fireworks are found inside them, officials said.

Last year, the NYPD were seizing the cars of people who travel out of state to get their Fourth of July fireworks by staking out Pennsylvania vendors.

A $1,000 reward is being posted for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone found possessing or distributing fireworks.

Anyone who knows someone storing or selling fireworks can contact 311. Those witnessing fireworks being set off can call 911.

There is a Gerritsen Beach Property oOners meeting tomorrow July 1st at 7:30 pm. It will be held at the St. James Church basement, on Gerritsen Avenue.

The meetings are usually the first Wednesday of every month.

If you missed our coverage of the May 6th Meeting, check it out.

Coming in Via Email

Community Members:

We have just received word that the next CEC meeting to be held on July 22nd at 7 PM at the District Office on FLATLANDS AVENUE will be a very important meeting. Once again the DOE has plans to OPEN a NEW CHARTER SCHOOL in District 22 this SEPTEMBER, however they have yet to disclose its location. This particular Charter School has already been thrown out of District 21 and District 20 and now they are trying to sneak into District 22. The DOE expects low turnout at the July meeting and hopes to get the Charter School in without community input or objection.

Please spread the word to everyone in the community to attend this important meeting.

[Link to Downloadable PDF]

GB Cares, recently sent out their final 2009 membership drive letter.

If you did not receive a copy in the mail. They also attached their 2008 newsletter Click here to download your copy.

Via MillBasinBlog.net

“Boy Wonder” a full feature length movie coming out in January of 2010, is being filmed in Brooklyn on Ryder Street between Avenue S and Avenue T.

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[Notice the tea bag?]

There will be another frank court meeting at the corner of Frank Court and Seba Avenue tomorrow  Friday, June 26, 2009 at 12:30 pm

Here is something that is worth a shot trying… an Open Thread (open conversation).

Comment below about anything you want to bring up, to discuss, or want GerritsenBeach.net to cover.

Just in time for hurricane season GerritsenBeach.net is issuing a flood warning for residents of Eaton Court between Bartlett and Cyrus.

This lake (it is a lake), might blow the Frank Court lake right out of the water(ha!). It is just as large as Frank Court in terms of size and depth. You cannot walk or drive down this street for days after it rains without drenching your neighbor’s children, cars and homes. Oh! and the winter we just had?

Sorry Frank Court, Eaton Court has taken the crown…for now…

Councilman Lew Fidler is pleased to announce that he will be hosting a Crime Prevention and Safety Tips Information Session in conjunction with the NYPD.

Following the presentation by representatives from NYPD Patrol Borough Brooklyn South and the 61st and 63rd Precincts, audience questions will be answered.
As there has been heightened awareness and concern following reports of possible attempted child abductions in the area, NYPD will also be prepared to speak on this subject.

Please come out and join us for this important safety meeting, and feel free to bring to your friends and neighbors.

Date: Wed, June 24, 2009
Time: 6:00 pm
Place: Hebrew Language School /IS 278/Marine Park Jr High, 1925 Stuart St, between Fillmore Ave and Ave S

If you have any questions, please feel free to call Councilman Fidler’s office at 718-241-9330.

Here is a small update that is part of the the saga of Frank Court.

George Broadhead, president of the property owners, ran into Carlo Gargano, Brooklyn Boro planner, and Edmund Eng, deputy director from DOT.

They were in the middle of laying down the temporary repair (as promised) on Frank Court. They removed the lip of asphalt that was blocking the water to the catch basin.

As of now there is no new meeting scheduled between the DOT, Frank Ct, and the GBPOA.

This may be the summer of getting some of our streets repaired. In the comments of various posts here on GerritsenBeach.net people have been bringing up various streets that are in need of dire repair or sections of courts

Some include:
Eaton between Bartlett & Cryus
Just Court
Mebla Court

Sorry, New Section you have sidewalks and you have generally have nicer streets but if you have a problem please comment.

July 1st Generation Gap – Dance Music
July 8th Dr. K’s Motown Revue – Best of Motown
July 15th Alive N Kickin – Hit Song Tighter and Tighter
July 22nd Risky Business – Best of the 60’s and 70’s
July 29th The Bronx Wanderers – Tribute to Dion, 4 Seasons, Jay Black etc
August 5th Larry Chance and the Earls – Remember Then, Life is but a Dream, I believe, Never, and More
August 12th Eclypse – Classic Disco and Top 40 Dance
August 19th *5PM start* Family Day
(Karaoke with DJ Joey of MPAA, games, rides games, face painters, etc.)

Remember that raw sewage that overflowed sometime last week that shut down many of the area beaches?

Well… the Department of Health website is kinda strange, the numbers don’t reflect the sewage overflow at all.

More strangely, during the days of the beach closures the DOH redirected all water quality reports to the 2008 archives instead of the current data.

These pictures are from in and around the Paerdegat Basin