City Island Civic Association

The meeting was brought to order in the Community Center at 7:35 p.m. by Bill Stanton, president. The reading of the minutes was waived, and the minutes were accepted with one correction: proceeds from the City Island Reunion will be given to the City Island Little League. The Civic Association Web site is www.cicivic.org, where news and current events will be posted.

The treasurer reported that there is $13,874.15 in the regular account and $10,084.73 on the SONE account.

Bill Stanton, Crime Prevention Committee: A drug bust reportedly took place at the Pickwick apartment building on Pilot Street. Efforts are being made to remove the submerged boat near the Seashore Restaurant. There was a altercation reported at the Laurels. Panhandlers near the light on Pelham Parkway east near the entrance to I-95 should be reported to 311.

Paul Nani, Traffic Committee: The police were on hand to deal with the heavy traffic over the weekend of March 12 and discussions re: Easter and Mother’s Day, as well as the summer, will be held with the Precinct captain. The Department of Transportation has agreed to close the U-turn off the northbound exit off the Hutch; Paul will meet with Marianne Anderson to follow through. Paul thanked Nick Vrettos for noting that tow trucks must have permits and are limited in response to accidents.
There was a funeral for Raymond Penna shutdown City Island Avenue for a short period.

John Doyle reports that he was able to obtain a videotape from Dunkin Donuts implicating the hit-and-run driver who damaged a parked car on the Avenue. Skip Giacco, president of the Chamber of Commerce, reported that the Chamber hopes to complete the installation of 15 to 20 surveillance cameras along City Island Avenue by the summer. Property owners are being asked for their cooperation in this matter with a letter of support from the Civic. A vendor has been chosen for the installation and maintenance of these cameras.

Barbara Dolensek, Zoning and Development Committee: DEC permits for the waterfront development on Marine Street have not yet been completed. The same is true for the seawall at the former site of Royal Marina.

Although NYC has not yet announced the affected fire houses, we are preparing for a fight to keep Ladder Company 70 open. There was much discussion of the Express Bus route, which has been altered by the MTA in a way that may cause unnecessary delays. It was agreed that John Doyle submit a proposal to adjust the service in order to avoid the delays.

Janie Blanks made a request for $100 to improve the garden space behind the City Island Library. The garden was set up last year as an outdoor reading room. The Civic Association voted to donate that sum, payable to the City Island Garden Club, to assist in the purchase of vegetables and flowers by May 15, when the garden will be open from 10 a.m. to 1p.m. Everyone from the community is invited to participate in this beautification effort and to donate funds.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m.