City Island Civic Association

The meeting was brought to order at 7:37 p.m. by Barbara Dolensek, Vice President. The reading of the minutes were waived and accepted as sent. The Civic Association website is www.cicivic.org for everyone to keep up on the news and current events.

Paul Nani reported for the Traffic Committee that he and Fred attended the 45th Precinct Community Council meeting to discuss traffic control on Mother’s Day and during the summer months ahead. They will also attend the next Council meeting in May and other meetings to work out extra support on weekends. The police department was effective in handling Easter and Valentine’s Day. John Doyle reported that the light on Pelham Parkway near the entrance to I-95 has been adjusted to last only one minute so that traffic there flows more freely. Paul, John, and the Parks Dept have managed to convince DOT that the turnaround on the access road between the Hutchinson River Parkway exit and the Bartow Circle should be blocked.

Quality of Life issues: The kitchen appliances were finally removed from the Laurels and the fence has been replaced. The Tier Street lot was also cleaned up. There have been reports of tents on the beach at the north end of the island, a situation that needs to be monitored. According to DOT, the barges at the bridge are performing “routine maintenance,” and the new bridge is still in the works. One of the concessions at Orchard Beach applied for a hard-liquor license, which has been denied. The vacant building at 135 City Island Avenue has been cleaned up (to some extent) to prevent vandals from entering.

Sgt Mulrooney from the Office of Emergency Management gave a presentation on preparations for major storms, flooding, flu pandemics, and terrorism in New York City. He provided materials on preparing for emergencies and stressed the importance of setting up a household disaster plan. He explained the use of emergency kits and “go bags.” The former is for those who stay at home; the latter should contain essential items required for evacuations. Items to be included are a first aid kit, flashlight, tooth brush, radio, keys, money and a radio. Essential items used daily such as medications, water, and food should be added at the last minute before leaving. The brochures that explain these procedures in detail can be obtained by calling 311 or visiting the OEM website.
Regarding terrorism, he reiterated the importance of reporting suspicious activity or objects. If you see something say something, call 1-888-NYC-SAFE or 311. All recent terrorist plots were the result of private citizens calling in. He also advised that should there be a flu outbreak, people stay home rather than attend meetings, go to the office, school, etc.

Jimmy Vacca’s office is seeking to set up a Volunteer Corps to assist at nursing homes, community clean-ups, and other projects. Please call his office at 718-931-1721.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:55p.m.