For those that don’t know about what’s going on at Lacon Court at the end of Devon and Everette Avenues here is a quick recap.
What used to be danazs and the boat yard are gone, they are empty lots. They were purchased byStephen Jemal former owner of the the wiz. He is now a brooklyn waterfront land developer. He has bought up numerous waterfront properties all over south Brooklyn. He plans to develop his Knapp street and Lacon court property into luxury condos. He also just so happen to threaten to sue GerritsenBeach.net
Recently Jemal was ordered by the DEC to remove any docks, debris, or anything that will become a water hazard in front of his Lacon Court property. Keep this in mind.
There is now an organization called Environmental Taskforce Operations (ETO) that is run by Greg Moss, Perry Papadoupoulos, and Bill Dumphy. You can read more about them on their website (http://taskforceoperations.org/)
ETO has reached a lease agreement with Stephen Jemal to occupy the Lacon Court property for two years rent free. In exchange ETO will clean up & maintain all four of the Jemal properties (two outside GB).They will also be taking over communications with the DEC. They will remove any boat, dock, debris in the creek to come into compliance with the recent DEC order . It should be known that ETO will not be doing any construction on the properties this is just clean-up and maintenance.
They are also operating a surveillance program in the creek so if you own a boat or enter the creek you are more than likely being watched and recorded day and night. The goal of this operation is to see who is scuttling the boats in the creek.
So there you have it. ETO is our new neighbor, for at least the next two years, they are watching boat traffic, maintaining the property, all for our good friend Stephen Jemal.
So they’re threatening to sue you. What a joke. Just keep up the good work and keep an eye on those SOBs. Take all the pictures you want a post them all. We need to keep the pressure on these guys and don’t let them get away with anything. They’re going to take pictures of us, LOL
Just tell them that’s fine because we’re going to be taking pictures of them.
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Just one note on ETO – the SB/PBCA been working very closely with this group in Sheepshead Bay, identifying marine debris that should be removed. They are cleaning up the shoreline all over the city and perform a regular patrol and report to the city all marine debris endangering navigation, polluting our waters and ruining our coasts in our area.
It’s a large task, but a laudable one – even if it benefits landowners that people don’t like. They’re providing a service that the government (Federal, State or Local) do not provide.
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If no construction will happen for the two years of free rent, and ETO is incurring costs to remove debris….something doesn’t sound right here. And who are they doing surveillance for?
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So, in other words, Jamal is going to have some non-for-profit organization babysitter his property (and clean up the marine debris) for 2 years while he works on getting cash to build his over-priced eyesore and over populate our neighborhood.
What ever happened with the default on his loan?
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@Claire Fraser,
They are still going back and forth to court.
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This is my exact thought. Ultimately, what happens if he defaults on the loan? Meaning, will the property go up for auction or something along those lines?
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You left out the mastermind behind ETO, Ralph Mannetta. A Vietnam veteran, and a National Park Services Park Ranger. What is his association with Gene B.?
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@Clark Kent, I’d be happy to tell you. I do work closely with Ranger Mannetta regarding plans for cleaning up Plumb Beach, he has been a good friend to myself (he is also a client of mine) and to SB/PB Civic – if you recall when we received the Lundy’s Veterans’ Plaque, Ranger Mannetta helped safeguard it until we found a temporary home for it in the Sheepshead Bay Yacht Club.
Ranger Ralph Mannetta is NOT any “mastermind” behind ETO, though members of ETO are friends with Ranger Mannetta, as am I. He was the National Park Services’ liasion in charge of coordinating “Operation: Clean Bay” before the program was halted for re-structuring. ETO is a non-profit that came out of “Operation: Clean Bay”, a wholly separate entity run, by Greg Moss, Perry Papadoupoulos and Bill Dunphy – all of whom I’ve gotten to know over the past few months.
Hope that answers your question.
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@Gene B.,
Gene, thanks for the explanation you gave Clark Kent about ETO and I’m sure they did very good work in the past. I’m also sure you’re aware of the concerns GB has for these two parcels of land and what impact they will have on our community. I would like to know what ETO plans to do with this parcel of land that they were given free rights to for next two years. I have grave concerns with any entity getting involved with SSJ Development properties Inc. A company that has little or no concerns for our community other than to place unwanted and unneeded housing for the sole purpose of lining their pockets. I would imagine SSJ Development properties/Stephen Jemal did not expect the amount of resistance they’re receiving here in GB and he would not hesitate to get back at us (he’s already threatening to sue GB.net) in one form or another for the inconveniences and expense he’s incurring.
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Good points and what I wanted to impress as well. Thank you. That whole scenario doesn’t sit right with me (present and future). I’m very concerned about his intentions.
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@trainman, You’re right, and I’m just as concerned about what SSJ Development is up to as well (remember, he threatened to sue SB/PB Civic along with GB.net, so he’s not exactly a favorite on my list, either!) You ask very valid questions that someonw with more direct knowledge than I can answer.
As I understand ETO’s plans, they needed a place to put their trailer, which is their base of operations. They have nothing to do with the parcel of land of its development, as far as I know. Their “association” with Jemal is that they are motivated to clean up the Creek and other waterways, and this is more like a marriage of convenience.
Again, these are how I understand things – you deserve to hear it from them.
I will suggest to Greg Moss from ETO to come on here and address your concerns, and to also attend the next GBPOA so the community can have a chance to hear directly what’s going on.
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Who’s funding ETO?
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At a recent SB/PB Civic meeting, Greg Moss, told the audience, they were anticipating monies from a ‘grant’ any day now, and that the organization had gotten a non-profit status from the IRS. Did ETO get the grant monies? If the residents of a community are concerned about a developer overbuilding, causing massive traffic problems in a community with narrow avenues and courts, which are already exhausted with traffic and parking problems; and the obvious non-concern for “character of the neighborhood” and what is going to happen to the “toxic” docks, what is to happen, if ETO finds the soil is also extremely toxic? Isn’t there a law on the books, that prevents an organization from testifying against a developer if they have received compensation from the developer? My knowledge of that law is limited to having been alerted to it by someone at the Plumb Beach Civic Association, when we were doing battle with the previous owner of the Knapp Street property.
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We need to watch that they aren’t touching or removing that soil on the sly. I do not want any of that contaminated soil airborne. This point really needs to be addressed by somebody representing that property now that they have made a home there.
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@George R. Broadhead,
Grant money to clean up private property? That’s cool.
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@George R. Broadhead, The grant in question is a Federal grant written by the SB/PB Civic that included ETO’s initiative to remove over 100 boats from our area. As of today, I am told that an announcement on that grant is imminent. The announcement was scheduled for May by NOAA, the agency administering the grant, but the White House got involved with the screening process and will be making the announcement through other federal channels that I’m not totally familiar with at this point.
At this point, I believe ETO is being funded by its members and volunteers, who are donating time, labor and machinery.
George, I will call you with Greg Moss’ number so you can invite him to the next GBPOA meeting, and you have your questions answered about removal of debris and soil samples (it’s my understanding that ETO doesn’t do that kind of work) and all of that. Make sure your machine is on!
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Hello:
I would welcome attending the next GBPOA meeting. I think it would be a healthy exercise and give the community a chance to get answers and stop the assumptions. I can also be reached at info@taskforceoperations.org.
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I have been checking out what is going on with the “progress” of the property. Over the last week this is what I have seen: what appears to be a landscaping company by the name of King Kong Tree Service clearing what looks like a certain portion of the property of weeds and garbage (then dumping whatever was cleared into the old pool- there is still loads of garbage along the fence), bringing in a truck of mulch and dumping it on the property, bringing in a large covered boat on a trailer that is just sitting there, bringing what appears to be chopped wood from landscaping jobs, a screaming match between 2 guys which ended with one supposedly getting fired, and a fist fight last night around 8PM on the corner of Everett and Lacon. Keep in mind these are only the things I have spotted while passing by and actually paying attention. So far it doesn’t appear that any of this work is the work of a non-profit that is supposed to be cleaning up the property….but what do I know! I do however, believe that operating a landscaping company on the property is against zoning regulations, if that is truly what is going on. I have only seen this stuff for a week. I would love to hear some feedback about this.
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question- is ralph mannetta what he is supposed to be? an impartial dedicated park ranger assisting the public or is he the devil
answer- who do you think is connected with the eto and special projects management
who is eto and who is special projects management? are they one and the same?? are they really volunteers?
they are just out for the money!
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the eto spm and ralph menetta are just looking for the buck! and dont give a damn about the neighberhood. brooklyn people should know better. ive just learned that ralph mennettas leg was eaten by g.b and if ralph dosent watch out hes goig to eat the other one.
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this guy greg mr. eto spm a con. artist for sure sheepshead bay look out. g.b whats in it for you? who are you taking pictures of? these guys are all dirty
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@live here, i think your right
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thes guys are selling a a bag of goods, and holding hands with jamal. back a known enviromental group not these crooks. i heard the fisherman dumped some boats now hes cleaning them up grant money ? lock them all up
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gene b you are a idiot to trust the eto/spm or are you in bed with them
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If you read each response, “policeman”, you will note that Gene B. is the attorney for Ralph Mannetta. For years, the toxicity of the soil on that property has been questioned. Now, we learn the “non-profit” organization is simply dumping debris into the former pool and using mulch for a cover-up. Note who wrote the grant. Was it the purported person, Greg Moss, or the well known grant writer, Gene B.? Or together?
What took place at a recent SB/PBCA meeting? Capt. Jack Schachner of the White Cap Chaser took the floor and warned the audience about the purpose of the ETO. A damning question is how is it that a developer who was about to be fined $ 10,000 a day, if he did not remove the toxic docks from the property in question, is bailed out by a “non-profit” seeking your tax dollars to exist. Shouldn’t the developer have had to pay a “legitimate” business to do that job. You and I certainly would have had to…. They are expediting a questionable clean-up to enable a developer to drastically change the character of a community.
“GB’er” says, “Over the last week this is what I have seen: what appears to be a landscaping company by the name of King Kong Tree Service clearing what looks like a certain portion of the property of weeds and garbage (then dumping whatever was cleared into the old pool- there is still loads of garbage along the fence), bringing in a truck of mulch and dumping it on the property…. I do however, believe that operating a landscaping company on the property is against zoning regulations”. GB’er, King Kong Tree Service has a business address of 8 Post Court. That’s right in Gerritsen Beach. What we may have here, is a group of copy-cat capitalists who have noted how many fortunes have been made in concert with developers and politicians.
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I certainly do like the entertaining posts of late on this topic. I’m glad to say representatives from ETO will be at the GBPOA meeting and all will be addressed. I’ll be there, too. So Clark Kent, and anyone else for that matter, bring all your questions! I’ll be glad to answer them, too!
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WHAT IS THE ETO’S MOTIVE? IT SEEMS LIKE THEY ARE IN CONCERT WITH MANNETTA AND GENE B. IS AN IDIOT,BEFRIENDING AND ASSOCIATING WITH THE LEADER OF THE CROOKS.GERRISTEN BEACH BEWARE!MANY PEOPLE KNOW THE TRUTH!
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THE CONNECTION WITH CERTAIN POLITICIANS WONT COVER THE TRUTHS.THESE GUYS SMELL LIKE A ROTTEN FISH. INCLUDING MANNETTA.MANY PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY KNOW ABOUT MANNETTA. WHERE DID THESE PEOPLE COME FROM?
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eto,spm,mannetta,gene b.and jemal,GET OUT OF GERRISTEN BEACH!!!!
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Before we all go off half-cocked, we should, once again, consider the concept of ‘private property’. If the owner wants to make some arrangement for someone, or an organization, to have access to his property, it is within his right. My personal objection to several buildings of condominiums has to do with the impact on our community. That would include the obvious concern about parking, excess traffic, etc. On behalf of the GBPOA, a mailing will be made about the next meeting (either July 1 or July 8) and each of the members of the ETO Board is welcome to attend, and present the facts surrounding the development and mission of ETO. We will also invite those who object to ETO. The meeting is going to be held in accordance with the ‘rules of order’. You may object, and present your argument, but it must be orderly. We will have a copy of the the last soil study report, and any information relative to both sides of the story.
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when is the gb meeting? i would like to attend.
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To: ASTER, and any other interested parties, our next Gerrittsen Beach Property Owners Association Meeting will be held on WEDNESDAY, JULY 1st at ST. JAMES CHURCH BASEMENT on Gerritsen Avenue, between Florence and Gotham Avenues. The GBPOA meets the first Wednesday of each month. The meeting is scheduled to start at 7:30 pm.
PLEASE NOTE! IT MAY BE VERY TEMPTING TO EXPRESS YOUR EMOTIONS DURING THE COURSE OF THE MEETING. ESPECIALLY, IF YOU DISAGREE WITH WHAT IS BEING SAID. AS PRESIDENT, I CHAIR THE MEETING AND I PROMISE EACH PERSON WILL BE RECOGNIZED AND GIVEN TIME TO SAY WHAT THEY WILL, SO LET’S KEEP IT ORDERLY. YOU MAY WANT TO BRING NEWS ARTICLES–ABOUT INDIVIDUALS OR ORGANIZATIONS– TO SHARE WITH THOSE PRESENT. IN OTHER WORDS, COME PREPARED TO PRESENT YOUR ARGUMENT AND YOU WILL BE HEARD….
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Was the meeting changed to July 8th?
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Do you have to be a gerristen beach property owner to attend. what if you live in a nearby community?and are interested in whats going on?
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@grumpy, No you do not have to be a member to attend, but you will be encouraged to join, i think its $20 a year.
Correction to that last: You do not have to be a member of the GBPOA to attend the meeting. You must be a member for the purpose of voting . To be a member, you must be a property owner (Class A) or tenant (Class B-non-voting) in Gerritsen Beach. We do not accept members from outside of the community. Also, the fees vary by age, etc.
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the beautiful privacy of the community tightly woven amongst eachother will be ruined by jemal’s condos! in addition. i agree the traffic and parking will be a nightmare.May I remind you of what Emmons ave has become.Now to the ETO, contaminated soil being covered by mulch? what about our children? Environmental task force or greedy people without a conscience ??? It doesn’t take
much to realize what the real problem is. These eto thugs do not have our interest at heart and need to be removed.
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the eto will not show at this meeting , they will give some excuse for not showing ,or will probably have gene b. represent them .lets see if they all show up to tell the real truth .from what ive been told they dont even live in brooklyn.
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clark kent,
ranger mannetta is a master mind of the eto. they are devious just like he is
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The next GBPOA meeting will be held on WEDNESDAY, JULY 1st at 7:30 pm. (Not July 8th).
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good news!!! the ETO didnt get the grant..everyone celebrate!!!!!!
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[...] 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 [...]
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