I am encouraging the community to attend the meetings which will be an opportunity to discuss concerns related to the quality of life of the community and issues effected by the 2011-2012 New York State Budget. I have invited the participation of the following agencies: the NYPD, the FDNY Fire Safety Unit, the NYC Department of Transportation, the NYC Department of Sanitation, the NYC Department of Environmental Protection, the New York City Transit Authority (M.T.A.), the Department of Buildings, and the Department of Parks and Recreation.
Marine Park, Gerritsen Beach and Sheepshead Bay residents are invited to attend Senator Golden’s community town hall on Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at the Salt Marsh Nature Center, located at 3302 Avenue U (at East 33rd Street). 7:30pm – 8:30pm
The next Gerritsen Beach Property Owners Association meeting will be closed to the public and only open to A members.
Because the group, which dates back to 1922, has never received public funding and is not a non-profit, it can legally close their meetings. However, actions speak louder than words. The group acts and intends to be a local civic organization and this is a dangerous slippery slope they are headed down. They intend to have the community come to them with issues that can be voiced and hashed out in public. If the meeting is closed the public will not be able to voice their concerns and be heard. Similar election meetings have occurred previously without closing the meeting.
Since Halloween subsequent meetings in the community are critical. There are other important issues that need to be addressed or discussed such as the traffic light, marine park having a possible high school, all of the homes currently under construction.
There is no reason for anyone to be less than candid just because the public is watching.
OK, rant over. Forgive me a little righteous indignation. I believe that the Property Owners is retaliating against the community and reporters because of a video that surfaced of last meeting. Despite promises of transparency and a member vote, they are closing the meeting. Groups like this should do their business in public unless there is a compelling reason not to. And an inability to be open when people are watching is no such reason.
Update: (12/2/2010 – After Meeting) Sticking to their guns the Property Owners half closed the meeting. They actually uninvited elected officials and the local precinct from the meeting. They have gone on the record saying that if elected and police were in attendance it is a public meeting. However they did not follow through as any one who wanted to was also to attend the meeting. Non-members as well as A and B members were in attendance in the meeting no one was asked to leave. It was discussed that GerritsenBeach.net – specifically – cannot record meetings anymore.
One interesting item was discussed but it’s like a tree falling in the woods. If no one is around to hear it – did it make a sound?
The October Gerritsen Beach Property Owners meeting was all about the PS 277 crossing guards But first it began with a couple of candidates running for office.
First up was Mike DiSanto who is running against Marty Golden:
Then we have Bob Turner who is running against Anthony Weiner
This is where we would usually give you the report on what the 61 reports back to the community. But the 61 has decided that they are disallowing anyone from filming them at meetings they attend. There was a bit of hullabaloo as most did not care either way but the 61 refused. Continue reading October GBPOA Meeting Roundup: PS 277 Crossing Guard Edition
The August Property Owners Meeting was jammed packed full of topics to discuss.
Practically all of Beacon Court showed up about their parking tickets and that was heavily discussed – We will save that for a separate post. That was the bulk of the meeting – stay tuned.
61 Precinct August Crime Report
Bob Turner for Congress
Bob Turner who is running against Anthony Weiner stopped by gave a speech on why we should vote for him.
He is holding a Volunteer Meeting at Buckley’s 7:00 August 10 2010
Community Gardens
GBCares donated $400 to Donna Davis, who spends thousands of hours maintaining the garden.
GBCares wants the GBPOA to make a matching donation to the garden. The Property Owners made clear that they will and are 100% supporting the gardens – but because it’s not their money to give away – there are procedures that need to be followed.
Apparently, what was happening was whatever supplies were needed for the garden – someone picked it up and submitted receipts to the GBPOA. The GBPOA had an arrangement with Donna to submit a yearly budget but they was never followed.
If you don’t know where the Community Gardens are. It is the lot to the left of the library on the Bartlett Avenue side.
George Broadhead, opened the meeting with an introduction of Eagle Scout, Matthew Conte. The GBPOA was one of the organizations to have honored Mathew’s having attained the prestigious recognition at the recent Eagle Scout ceremony, held at Resurrection.
Eagle Scout Conte, in his Scout uniform, led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Attendance was taken, and several officers and board members were absent because of health, death in the family and other reasons. To date this administration has had an exemplary attendance record.
The Chairman remembered Mrs. James Brandow (nee Margaret Snyder). Her daughter, Coleen Donnery is an officer of the GBPOA, and condolences were extended to her and her family.
Many senior members had called the President, George Broadhead, at home, to tell him they did not want to venture out in the extreme heat.
Sgt. Michael Doyle, of the 61st Precinct, gave a report about crime in Gerritsen Beach and nearby: The good news was that the burglar who robbed a home on Bevy Ct. recently was apprehended and jailed. He was traced to Brownsville, thanks to an alert citizen. He also explained the reason for escorting a group of young boys out of the vicinity of Seba Avenue park a few weeks ago.
The matter of a gun having been displayed at Skateboard Park was touched on, but not to everyone’s satisfaction. It had not been determined, but a pellet gun was found abandoned nearby.
City Councilman Lew Fidler told about the City Council having completed the budget on time; and he told that he was again giving money to GBCares, equal to what was given last year. He also had $ 7,500 fort youth projects to be under the guidance of the Millennium Development. He had the GBPOA and John Douglas, President of GBCares to meet with Paul Curiale of the Youth Group.
There were no questions about that, but Broadhead asked if the Councilman would weigh-in on the controversial (to some) inclusion of anyone from the “press” attending GBPOA meetings? The Councilman did not want to comment.
Two members who have persistently objected to the presence of the blogger, raised the matter again. One of them asked a young man across the room, why he was present, and if he had a camera? The Chairman advised him, he was out of order, and the young man in question was the son of a Board member who had briefly stepped out of the meeting.
Further to his argument, he showed a small article about Gerritsen Beach that appeared in “AM” the free paper distributed at subway entrances throughout the city. He does not feel our community should be publicized, and went on to include “Our News” since it is distributed in outlying neighborhoods. The “AM” article was only one of all of the neighborhoods in which there is a small feature article.
The GBPOA contributed money to the cause of a “care-dog” to assist Anthony Tuttoro. His mother was present, and expressed her appreciation.
Doreen Greenwood spoke on behalf of State Senator Marty Golden and announced upcoming events.
GBVFD Chief John Czap spoke to the need to turn off the pilot light on water heaters when flooding may occur in cellars. He offered to attend the August meeting and give a demonstration, in anticipation of hurricane season.
GBPOA meetings are held the 1st Wednesday of each month, at St. James
The June 2010 Property Owners was interesting – The Precinct was not able to attend nor was Lew Fidler and Alan Maisel, so their announcements are postponed until next month.
Like many times before (here, here,etc) the meeting discussed “GerritsenBeach.net” again. A GBPOA member brought up that he wants the GBPOA Board to take up the matter of changing the bylaws to close the meeting excluding the public, specifically targeting GerritsenBeach.net and Our News. Their argument boils down to that Gerritsen Beach was one a quiet neighborhood and that what goes on here is no ones business and should not go outside of the boundaries of the neighborhood.
The newspaper Our News apparently was also thrown under the bus during the discussion. Some members want to keep the newspaper out as well because it is no longer “Our News” and is distributed outside of the community.
Some GBPOA members who actually wrote the bylaws were in attendance and they stated (much to their dismay) that the organization is intended to be open to the public. Despite that statement the Property Owners promised to look into the matter at their next board meeting.
Interestingly enough their one argument to close the meeting to the public is actually two arguments because they don’t want to see any Gerritsen Beach news published at all in any media whatsoever and that somehow closing the meeting would prevent other news from “getting out”.
Wherever you stand on the matter it would be nice to see some more people at the meetings, come to the next meeting!
Update: 5/8/2010 – 11am – Updated the reason of resignation of a board member.
Generally speaking this was a quiet meeting. There was no votes, nothing of great significance, other than lots of great announcements, so lets recap what did happen.
Here is the rundown:
A board member did resign in response to last meeting, and Charlie Hogan was introduced as a replacement to an actual three cheers of Hip Hip Horray. Correction: “it was based on the negativity of this website: from the “grabber” headlines to the content that many feel is detrimental to our community”. “Charlie Hogan on board, but he did not replace that member, he replaced a member who had previously resigned for health reasons, after serving many years.”
Right off the bat it was announced that YES the property owners were going to split the meeting into two sessions. The first session was being called a no Gerritsenbeach.net, Camera allowed session, dubbed the “business session”. Then they will go into the “public session” for elected officials and new business. This is strange because it was announced that this course of action was not going to happen. More strange so that these are publicly announced meetings.
After announcement there was as a brief “pile on”, to have Gerritsenbeach.net shut off the camera which was reluctantly complied with. In a bit of a twist, John Walsh, the board member who was pushing for a legal means to shut us down for good, said that maybe the camera should be on for the beginning part of the meeting for people that are unable to attend. Which we agree with.
After the “business session” was over which was only the treasures report. The treasurer left the room in an apparent protest. The 61st precinct got up to bat after that.
61st Precinct
The 61st wants you to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious by calling 911.
There were 15 summonses were issued in the past month at Seba Ave Park for being in the park after 2am.
911 vs 311
If its strictly a noise complaint (parties)call 311
If you see quads in the park call 911 especially if there is ballgames going on.
Kids hanging out on the corner and being disorderly call 911
Next wednesday there will be Community Council meeting at the precinct
Jemal Discussion
The property owners did discuss the current situation with Jemal but added that apparently two businesses are being run illegally on Lacon Court. (more on this soon).
A King Kong Tree Removal and Chipping company has already been shut down but is ignoring the buildings department. and another business run by an “Izzy” that is renting boat slips and operating a boat canvas operation.
It was also announced that the DEC did in fact try and fine Jemal but there is some question about if Jemals name is on certain deeds, it might be danzas name. DEC can not reach the owner.
Community Gardens
The community gardens is looking for volunteers to mow their lawn.
Upcoming Events
Marty Golden Save the Bus Rally – Wednesday, May 19, 2010 7:00 p.m. – Xaverian High School Auditorium
Kiddie Beach Opening Day and Parade – June 6th Gerritsen and Whitney
Memorial Day Parade – May 31st – Burnett and Whitney
White Island Meeting – Thursday May 13th – Matthews Knights of Columbus
[The Whole MeetingIf you watch all of it you get a cookie]
Last week was Marty Golden’s energy town hall it was designed to discuss our public utilities and our energy services. In attendance was Con Edison, Verizon, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, and the New York City Department of Environmental Protection.
The main topic was Con Ed and the benefits of solar.
Solar was heavily discussed. Basically there are tremendous tax credits: Federal Income tax, State Tax, NYC property tax. In an friend of a friend story that was used as an example: John Doe paid no Federal Tax, No State Tax, and had his property taxes cut almost by half for three years. For approximately $8,000 in up-front cost you can have solar panels which would put your electric bill less than $20. Your return on your investment depends on your usage but kicks in after a few years or if you sell your house.
With Con Ed for us in Gerritsen Beach’s old section – if you have a utility pole in your backyard that is degrading or damaged call Con Ed. Also, with summer coming Con Ed wants to be prepared if power lines are too close to a tree – call 311 or con ed. They will come out an inspect it. The community’s power lines are inspected every three years.
Although Anthony Weiner talked heavily about Health Care and Immigration reform at the last property owners meeting it’s a little out of our scope and we won’t touch on those larger topics. You can watch the whole video here. However there are some topics which you need to know about!
The Green Streets money still exists! After the crash and burn death of the project, we were under the assumption that Anthony Weiner allocated the money elsewhere or NYC DOT stole allocated it elsewhere, but no we were wrong! Here’s the deal.
The Green Streets money was allocated toward Gerritsen Beach through our federal gas tax dollars through our congressman. DOT did try to steal use it for other purposes but the congressman took it off the table until Gerritsen Beach can find a use for it.
Councilman Lew Fidler asked a very direct question about the federal warrant guideline that DOT uses to continuously deny requests for a traffic signal at Channel Avenue.
Congressman Weiner did say that the issue with DOT it isn’t a money issue but an issue of DOT of understanding some streets don’t cross and pedestrians still need to be protected. The federal warrant is only a guideline however it is used by transportation commissioners around the country as the end all say all document. It basically says there needs to be a certain amount of traffic on streets that intersect to qualify for a signal. For us – the outgoing Channel Avenue traffic would have to be just as heavy as and the north and sound bound Gerritsen Avenue traffic.
Lew offered up the idea that he and all the other elected officials get together with the congressman and DOT to offer up some of the money to use for a traffic signal.
Although Congressman Weiner jokingly implied that our chances are slim unless we want to do anything with a bike lane he did say YES!
There may be hope yet for a traffic signal at Channel Avenue. A 40 year battle may be coming to an end.
Last night was the Gerritsen Beach Property Owners Association Meeting and it promised to be interesting because Congressman Anthony Weiner was going to come by. People started to pack the meeting early and by the beginning of the meeting there was a decent large crowd.
On top of the community residents that were in attendance there were some board members of GBCares present, Donna Davis of the Community Gardens, Paster Nebrasky of St. James.
GBPOA Roundup
Donna Davis of the Community Gardens is always looking for volunteers especially children to help maintain and plant new flowers.
The Belt Parkway is going to erode away. We need to get on Anthony Weiner to get that fixed.
GBCares is going to be meeting with Parks soon, and pushing the community for membership. “Although their ability is hampered hopefully they will be figure out how to get around the challenges they face.”
61st Precinct Roundup
Basically KEEP YOUR CAR DOORS LOCKED. DON’T KEEP VALUABLES INSIDE YOUR CAR People are stealing things!
Also if you see a suspicious person call 911 and let the cops figure it out.
Lew Fidler
Praised the 61st and 63rd for their continued response to Seba Avenue Park. The precincts will be keeping up patrols in the park. Councilman Fidler added that “I’m not looking to have to have everyone son arrested” “I don’t coddle people that destroy our neighborhoods property”.
Gerritsen and Whitney will be named Veterans Memorial Way, hopefully on memorial day.
Please fill out and return Lew Fidlers Budget Survey that will be in your mailbox soon.
Anthony Weiner
To be fair to Congressman Weiner, because he doesn’t come by all that often, we will be posting about his visit later today.
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