West 46th Street Block Association, Inc.

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

Feb 06, 2005

In attendance: Richard Brouilette (Citizens for NYC), Henry Carrey, Jane Elissa, Xavier Garcia, Darrick Sampson, Alex Sepulveda, Seth Sibando, June Stern, Allison Tupper, Sarah Weinberg, Margaret Williams, Matt Wilkinson, Philip Yeager (State Senator Tom Duane)
1. Welcome and Introduction
2. Guest Speaker: Philip Yeager of Tom Duane?’s Office gave us an overview of Duane?’s efforts to block the proposed stadium and to support affordable housing initiatives.
2.1. He mentioned that Tom Duane supports the Hudson Yards Alliance, which opposes the stadium but supports the rest of the development plans. Allison pointed out that the Block Association is a member of the West Side Coalition, which opposes the high rise development and the extension of the number 7 subway line.
2.2. As he left, he handed Darrick with text for a resolution against the stadium, and asked if we would review it. Darrick will discuss it with Allison and Christina.
3. Guest Speaker: Richard Brouillette, Neighborhood Preparedness Coordinator, Citizens for NYC (305 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001-6008, TEL: 212-989-0909, rbrouillette@citizensnyc.org, www.citizensnyc.org) presented three options for a disaster preparedness project:
1.1. Organize a comprehensive plan on our own using the curriculum from Citizens for NYC: "The Prepared Neighborhood: Disaster Preparedness Tips for Neighborhood Leaders"
1.2. Members interested in advanced preparedness and response training can participate in OEM's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training, which is 11 weeks long and free, and will put trainees on a team based at the community district level. For more information contact Richard.
1.3. Promote "Ready New York's All Together Now" initiative. We could distribute their information at buildings, form buidling-based preparedness teams with new volunteers, and put it on our Internet Site and distribute the "Ready New York- A household Preparedness Guide" guide to members . The Manhattan information session for the "All Together Now" team-building program is scheduled for Wed, Feb 23rd from 6pm to 8pm at the American Red Cross Office at 150 Amsterdam Avenue (66th and 67th Streets).
4. Reading of the Minutes of Prior Meeting- June corrected the January minutes. The times of traffic congestion are between 5pm and 6:30pm- not 5am and 7am.
5. Reports of Officers
5.1. President?’s Report
5.1.1. Introduction of Internet site: Darrick reported that we now have an Internet site http://www.west46streetblockassociation.org. The hit report for January is as follows: 1,659 visits to entire site, 355 home page, 61 calendar, 54 newsletter
5.1.2. Copy of Constitution and By-Laws: Darrick enclosed a copy with the agenda.
5.1.3. Proposed disaster preparedness project: Darrick solicited input on this project. Consensus was that we could help promote ?“Ready New York?’s All Together Now?” initiative.
5.1.4. Review of Block Association?’s calendar on Internet site: Darrick reported that Hartley House confirmed our proposed data of Thu, Jun 19th for our annual wine and cheese party.
5.1.5. Citizens for NYC www.eTownPanel.com: Darrick reported that this ?“neighborhood opinion leader?” program is available through the above captioned Internet site.
5.1.6. Proposed future guest speakers: the group confirmed interest in the following speakers for March- Danielle J. DeCerbo, Legislative Aide, Councilmember Christine C. Quinn and Anthony M. Borelli, District Manager, Manhattan Community Board No. 4.
5.2. Vice-President?’s Report- Christina has updated our Directory of Resources with the new officers. Darrick will give Christina the balance of his copies so she can update the remaining copies.
5.3. Secretary?’s Report- no report
6. Reports of Standing and Ad Hoc Committees
6.1. Communication (chair needed)
6.2. Ivan Shapiro House (Watty Strouss, chair)- Darrick reported that he and Watty Strauss and Bill Dant met on Jan 27th with Steven Muchnick- Director of OMH Resources and Gary Wickham- Director of Social Services. Darrick received an orientation of the House?’s mission and operations. The next meeting is scheduled for Tue, May 31st at 6pm.
6.3. Membership (Allison Tupper, chair)- Allison collected 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)- no report; June anticipates going to the next meeting since.
7. Unfinished Business
7.1. The group confirmed that garbage being left behind by City workers following pickups is still a problem. Darrick will work with Allison and Christina to address ways in which to address this problem. Sarah Weinberg has a directory of building owners which may be helpful. June reported that in her building, #415, the landlord does not provide a place to put garbage, and she has been instructed to leave it out on the curb herself.
8. New Business
8.1. Bulletin Board and Banner- June suggested that we find space for a bulletin board and banner to promote the Block Association?’s meetings and activities. The wall along the north corner of 46th Street and Ninth Avenue (facing 46th Street) as well as May Matthew?’s Playground, were cited as possible locations. Richard Brouilette (Citizen for NYC) suggested we check with his organization for possible grant money.
8.2. Sarah Weinberg brought up the problems of noise, drugs and prostitution at 369 West 46th Street at Ha! Comedy Club. Sarah reported it to the New York Vity Police Department to no avail. Darrick and Christina will see if elected officials can assist.
9. Public Announcements
9.1. New York County District Attorney's Office, Community Affairs Office, The Legal Bound Program 2005 Internships
10. Adjournment- we closed the meeting at 8:20pm