West 46th Street Block Association, Inc.

March 1, 2005/ Hartley House at 413 West 46th Street

Apr 24, 2005

1. Welcome and Introduction
2. Guest Speaker: Danielle J. DeCerbo, Legislative Aide, Councilmember Christine C. Quinn. Danielle gave an overview of Councilmember Quinn?’s office, her role and shared information.
3. Guest Speaker: Anthony M. Borelli , District Manager, Manhattan Community Board No. 4 (CB4). Anthony gave an overview of CB4?’s purpose, his role and shared information. The Board is comprised of 50 volunteers appointed by the Borough President. They assist the City Council with planning decisions. Office staff include: Michelle Solomon, Assistant District Manager, Ben Columbo , Community Associate, and Patricia Conway, Community Assistant. Our website links to CB4: http://www.manhattancb4.org
3.1. The DOT is redoing the City truckers?’ map
3.2. The police department?’s budget call for more officers in the three precincts that cover CB4.
3.3. Anthony agreed to address the broken bus stop sign raised by Sue Harwig and the full catch basin raised by Seth Sibanda.
3.4. June asked if we could tie a banner across the street to advertise our presence. Anthony indicated this is not likely to happen.
4. Reading of the Minutes of Prior Meeting- Darrick did not have a copy of the February minutes; they will be presented during the April meeting along with the March minutes.
5. Reports of Officers
5.1. President?’s Report
5.1.1. Report of Internet site (http://www.west46streetblockassociation.org) activity through February 26th: 361 visits to entire site, 96 home page, 30 calendar, 44 newsletter
5.1.2. Disaster preparedness project
o We will order copies of ?“Ready New York?” to distribute in certain buildings, at the Ninth Avenue Food Festival, at the Wine and Cheese Party, at St. Clements Church, at Hartley House, at the Ryan-Chelsea Clinton Heath Center and the Village at 46th and Tenth.
o As a potential Emergency Preparedness Leader for 425/429 West 46th Street- Darrick reported he attended the ?“Ready New York's All Together Now" Manhattan information session for the "All Together Now" team building captain program on Wed, Feb 23rd at the American Red Cross Office at 150 Amsterdam Avenue. He is looking for two deputies in his building.
5.1.3. Times Square Alliance?’s Eighth Avenue Advisory Committee - Darrick was invited by Anthony Borelli to participate in this committee. The first meeting is Fri, Mar 11th at the Westin Hotel.
5.1.4. Proposed future guest speakers- Darrick solicited suggestions for guest speakers. The following people were recommended: Mary Follett of Hartley House, Scott Stringer?’s office, Dick Gottfried?’s office, owner of the Sound Factory, a Police Officer, religious worship representatives and the Intrepid general manager.
5.2. Vice President?’s Report
5.2.1. Strategy for getting approval for amending name of playground- Mary Clark?’s action steps and Christina?’s progress- Mary?’s action steps were reviewed.
5.2.2. Proposed article by Mary Clark for submission to the Chelsea-Clinton News by the Block Association- Darrick asked everyone to review the article; we will vote on its submission during the next meeting.
5.3. Treasurer?’s Report- Allison reported the balance.
5.4. Secretary?’s Report (in position?’s absence, President will address any matters)
6. Reports of Standing and Ad Hoc Committees
6.1. Communication (June Stern)- June volunteered to be the chair of this committee.
6.2. Ivan Shapiro House (Watty Strouss, chair)- No report
6.3. Membership (Allison Tupper, chair)- Collection of 2005 dues
6.4. Parks & Recreation (Christina Boers, chair) - No report
6.5. Programs (chair needed) - No report
6.6. Quality of Life (Seth Sibanda, chair) - No report
6.7. Special Events (chair needed) - No report
6.8. Midtown North Community Council (June Stern)- meets every third Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at Fountain House.
7. Unfinished Business
7.1. Garbage being left behind by City workers following pickups- Darrick called 311 and learned that trash is collected every Tue, Thu and Sat. If there is garbage on the sidewalk on days other than those, residents should call 311 and report the landlord. Darrick will call 311 and ask about the "Adopt-A-Basket" program, as advertised on CB4?’s March 2005 newsletter.
7.2. Traffic congestion- June Stern raised this matter again. Attending the Midtown North Police Precinct Community Council Meeting seems like the most effective way to address the matter.
7.3. Bulletin Board and Banner: Darrick reported that we are working on obtaining two bulletin boards, status is as follows:
7.3.1. Darrick contacted the Partnership for Parks about having the Parks Department donate and install a sign at May Matthews playground, facing the sidewalk.
7.3.2. Christina is contacting John, owner of the Galaxy Caf?©.
7.3.3. Darrick contacted Citizens for NYC about grants available through their organization. They expect to release applications in April and we will apply.
8. New Business
8.1. June suggested we introduce ourselves and wear name tags.
8.2. David Korman discussed his opposition to the proposed stadium and his support for the Hells Kitchen/ Hudson Yards Alliance . He presented a resolution against the stadium, and moved to execute it at the meeting. It was the same resolution that Tom Duane?’s office left us following the February meeting. David?’s motion was discussed and revised for less of a connection with the Hudson Yards Alliance. The West 46th Street Block Association is a member of the Westside Coalition, an organization that opposes the high rise construction and extension of the #7 and threat to the Hudson River that Alliance supports. Darrick will send the revised resolution to the City Council. We voted on it and it passed.
8.3. David Korman also discussed the Internet site: www.NoWestSideStadium.org and suggested the Block Association add their name to the list of civic organizations opposing the stadium. Decision was postponed until members have a chance to personally visit the site.
9. Public Announcements
10. Adjournment

A Copy of the resolution is as follows:
Resolution Against the Stadium
Voted and Passed on March 1, 2005 (Regular Monthly Meeting)

WHEREAS, a privately owned football stadium on the West Side of Manhattan would be a poor use of valuable public land and monies, and

WHEREAS, the public cost of the proposed stadium has risen past $1 billion and has still not been enumerated clearly, and

WHEREAS, the proposal would deprive the MTA of an estimated $1 billion in potential revenue by forcing them to give the development rights over the rail yards to the Jets for below-market value rather than submitting the property to a competitive bidding process, and

WHEREAS, the Mayor and Governor are attempting to force approval of the stadium plan without a vote by any legislative body,

THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED THAT

1) The West 46th Street Block Association opposes the construction of a West Side Stadium.

2) The West 46th Street Block Association urges its elected officials, including its City Council members, its State Assembly members, and its State Senator to do all in the power to prevent the construction of the West Side Stadium.