City Island Civic Association

The meeting was brought to order at 7:35 by Bill Stanton, president. The treasurer reported that the Civic account has $13,779 and the SONE account $10,084. It was moved and carried that we will pay the Community Center the sum of $500 to cover our use of the room for the current year. It was also moved and carried that the Civic sponsor a table for $100 at the American Legion post’s 90th anniversary celebration.

The proposed slate for the Civic officers was unanimously approved: John Doyle, recording secretary; Fred Ramftl, first vice president; and Tom Smith, treasurer.

Guest speaker Iggy Terranova from the Sanitation Department Community Affairs Office described department procedures during the winter, when the crews switch to a 24 hour schedule; this means that garbage may be picked up at night instead of in the morning. Residents have four hours after the end of a snow storm to clear their sidewalks, or 11 the following morning if the storm stops at night. Leaf recycling has been cut by the budget constraints, but residents are asked to use brown paper bags for leaves only; otherwise leaves may be placed in black bags with regular garbage. Trash basket pick-up on the avenue has been reduced. In response to questions, he said that the fine for not cleaning up after a dog is $250; the “poopetrator” must be caught in the act, however. Call 311 to report the time and place of any offense, however, and get complaint number. Also, report faded “curb your dog” signs. Signs of any type must not be placed on utility poles or any city property; a $75 fine will be assessed for each offense. Signs that are nailed on trees will be fined $1,500 or $1,000 if tape is used.

The Dept of Sanitation is looking to start a pilot program to get volunteers to clear snow for seniors, and City Island could be a site for such a program. What is needed are two lists—seniors needing help and volunteers willing to help—plus one or more people to gather and circulate the information. Those interested in participating in the program should e-mail iterranova@dsny.nyc.gov

Bill Stanton reported that the 45th precinct has been active in following up on reports of drug selling on City Island. He asked those who observe sales to report them (anonymously) but cautioned that hearsay is not acceptable evidence. Other complaints have been about the noise at Seafood City and vandalism on Tier Street by teenagers. Some parents complained that there is not enough for young people to do on City Island. The Community Center has tried programs but found it difficult to recruit parent volunteers. The parents were asked to get together and come up with some ideas.

Paul Nani reported for the traffic committee that signage and lines were finally being painted on the road to Orchard Beach. The light on Pelham Parkway near I-95 will be examined again by the Department of Transportation, as will the yield signs at the City Island circle. The tow truck issue was discussed; apparently they are not considered commercial vehicles and it is therefore legal to park them on City Island Avenue. They should not, however, use the fire lane or run red lights.

Members were asked to join the City Island Avenue Clean-Up Day on Saturday, November 7, at 9 a.m. The Department of Sanitation will provide tools. Members were also asked to support local fund-raisers for victims of the fire damage at “To Go Express” and “Art of Beauty” (both of which have relocated to temporary quarters. It was noted that the 911 call reporting the fire dropped before the address was given, so the fire trucks were routed to Pilot Street, the site of the cell tower, instead of to the fire itself. Councilmember James Vacca has called for an investigation of the situation. Bret Collazzi of Mr. Vacca’s office reported that the fire dispatchers are not being used in an effort to save time but that the regular 911 staff needs to be further trained in routing fire calls properly. Because City Island is not recognized as a location by 911 operators, members were advised to report an emergency as taking place in the Bronx and to give the correct street address. It was noted that the presence of utility wires prevented the ladder trucks from gaining effective access to the building.

The new Police Academy scheduled for construction in Queens will house a new firing range but only for pistols, not rifles, which will remain at Rodman’s Neck. Since rifle shooting represents only 10 percent of the current activity, the noise should be reduced considerably for much of the day. The bomb squad will remain at Rodman’s Neck.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m.