City Island Civic Association

The meeting was brought to order at 7:35 p.m. by Bill Stanton, president. The minutes were accepted as circulated. The treasurer reported that the Civic account has $13,718 and the SONE account $10,084.

Bill Stanton reported on issues related to the Crime Prevention Committee. The massage parlor, Sun Spa, at 632 City Island Avenue, has still not been closed. Illegal businesses on the Island are detrimental to all of us and we should not be complacent. Narcotics officers have reported that there is a terrible heroin problem on City Island but they are fully committed to controlling it. A homeless man has been committing petty crimes, and charges are pending against him for the theft at Pilot Cove. The pastor at Trinity Methodist Church has reported that some parishioners have had problems with him and that he has made threats to the church as well. It is likely that he is looking for ways to support a drug or alcohol problem, and anyone seeing him should be alert and report any illegal activity to 911. John Doyle reported that the fall sweep for graffiti has been performed by Senator Klein’s office.

Barbara Dolensek of the Development Committee reported Community Board 10 has resolved to support community resistance to the installation of a cell tower at 454 City Island Avenue as a result of the hearing held on City Island on Sept. 3. The lawyer for Omnipoint Communications (T-Mobile) is trying to get the Bureau of Standards and Appeals to override the Buildings Department rejection of the application for a 25-foot stealth tower. The BSA hearing has not yet been scheduled. Members were urged to write to the CEA of T-Mobile to express community views. The DOB has investigated a complaint about the condition of the building, and illegal apartments are reported to exist in the building. It t is believed that Section 8 recipients may be committing fraud, which would mean that the landlord, a resident of Queens, is also in violation if he has received fraudulent payments.

Barbara reported that in spite of the Department of Transportation’s claims to the contrary, the Civic Association voted against the present plan for the bridge and wrote to DOT saying so. Over 700 signatures have been collected on petitions protesting the design. Councilman Vacca is trying to set up a meeting with DOT to discuss the issue. The proposal for the renovation of Belden Point was developed by City Planning and apparently money was allocated for the project by the Bronx Borough President’s Office. John Doyle reported that there has only been a preliminary proposal and more definitive plans are needed. The renovation of Hawkins Park will be completed this fall.

A City Island clean-up day has been scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 7. Everyone is encouraged to attend. Meet at Hawkins Park at 9 a.m. and receive your assignment. Free barbecue will be offered for those who participate. It was voted that $300 for supplies be allocated for this project, although it is possible that the Department of Sanitation will help provide equipment and assistance.

Paul Nani, head of the Traffic Committee, has written a letter for the Civic commending the 45th precinct for its role in reducing traffic congestion this summer. He reported that parking commercial vehicles overnight (from 9 p.m. to 5a.m.) and street storage of a vehicle are prohibited. Call 311 and get a complaint number; forward it to the Civic Association so it can be tracked.

Matters pending with DOT include lines on the newly paved Orchard Beach Road, more legible yield signs at the City Island circle, clearer signage on the exit road off the Hutch where people make u-turns and cause accidents, speed bumps near St. Mary’s, and a re-examination of the light at the traffic light near I-95. John Doyle will bring a number of these issues to Senator Klein’s attention.
Member Nick Vrettos, who owns City Island Auto Body, claims that it is not illegal to park a tow truck on the street in Manufacturing (M-1) zones, although the regulations as given by DOT seem to conflict with this. He also suggested that it would be better if those with complaints went to the offender first before calling 311.

The subject of alternate side of the street parking was discussed, and most people agreed that this would be a great inconvenience for anyone living on or near the Avenue, as well as store owners. It was agreed that more pressure should be put on property owners to obey the law and that cleanup should be a community effort. The Chamber and the Civic Associations will work together to come up with some salutations. The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m.