Larry Jayson presided over the Zoom meeting with 10 participants
Peter Gomori, Treasurer
Jannette Katz Gomori, Secretary
1. New York State Assemblyman, Robert Carroll was introduced. Councilman Carroll is in Albany awaiting the state budget approval proceedings. It is hopeful that the budget will be passed by the beginning of April. Some sticking points are issues of affordable housing, bail reform, and casinos.
There has been additional funding given to SUNY and CUNY as well as to the public schools , MTA funding , and renewable energy projects. The Federal Stimulus package has added funding to the State budget. Robust tax receipts from state and city have added as well.
The uptick in crime was discussed . Councilman Carroll spoke about preserving the Presumption of Innocence structure. Also spoken about was that most crimes have nothing to do with bail reform.
Reasons for uptick in crime include the lockdown during the pandemic, folks staying at home, and unemployment. Bail is only used to compel people to return back to court.
Rollout in congestion pricing was discussed. The timetable would suggest March or April 2023 . Traffic is equal to or above pre pandemic levels. Limited exemptions might include individuals with disabilities or under medical treatment.
2. Pete Gomori spoke about the East 5 street block party scheduled for May 14 pending permit approval. The block would include the street between Albemarle and Caton Ave. A letter is being sent to everyone on the block to inform people of the event. Activities include tree management, street cleaning, petitioning to restart composting, and arts /crafts , music .
Bob Elstein , of the Beautify Brooklyn movement is invited to attend. The purpose of the block party is for neighbors to meet neighbors and to improve quality of life. A $1000 grant was awarded to sponsor a music event in Kensington that might be used for this event.
3. Church Avenue cleanliness was discussed. The issue of 419 Church Avenue being vacant as well as the deli next door contributing garbage on the streets adds to the unsightliness and uncleanliness of the area. People can call 311 to report this as each store is responsible for cleaning the front area of their store.
4. Foodtown was discussed regarding quality of freshness and accurate advertising of sales. Larry Jayson will speak to the manager regarding these issues.
Parkway Pharmacy has a torn awning outside the building. Larry Jayson will speak to the owners to see if the awning can be replaced.
Trash outside Dunkin Donuts is placed in black bags outside the store. Is it possible to have bins used instead of black garbage bags? Pete Gomori suggested having another volunteer clean up on Church Ave sometime this spring.
3. A gathering of Uber drivers on Albermarle Ave near Ocean Parkway has been observed daily around 4 PM. Larry Jayson will look into this to see if there is any questionable activity. Also mentioned was the concern regarding a menacing person standing on the middle of Ocean Parkway on an island leading to the Prospect Expressway . 311 should be called as well as the Neighborhood Coordination Officers:
Karol Smiarowsky 917 826 6569
Vivianne Perron 917 863 5169.
The 66th Precent can be called as well: 718 851 5611
Participatory Budget week is starting this week.
8. The next ANA meeting will take place on zoom in June. The date to be determined.
Respectfully submitted
Jannette Katz Gomori, Secretary