City Island Civic Association

The meeting was brought to order at 7:40 p.m. and the minutes were accepted as distributed. The treasurer reported that there was $14,855.60 in the regular account and $10,084 in the SONE account.

​President Bill Stanton pointed out that only 1 to 2 percent of City Island residents attend this meeting; we would like to have more participation to confront the problems with graffiti, traffic, over development, and drug use.

​Capt. Russell Green, commanding officer of the 45th precinct, addressed the meeting. He noted that the only way to confront crime and drug activity is to report it. The precinct has made 49 DWI arrests recently of individuals leaving the island. Traffic will become a major issue as summer comes, especially motorcycles. The police will confiscate motorcycles operated by those who are traffic offenders, make too much noise, have insufficient licenses or insurance. The City Island traffic detail will begin in June; the police presence on recent holidays was effective. The Civic will send a letter to the Borough Chief Gomez commending Capt. Green.

Paul Nani, traffic chair, noted that people have been parking on the lawn near Rodman’s Neck. A rock used to blocked access to this area, which will be blocked once again. The captain’s main point is that If you see something, say something; you can remain anonymous whenever you report anything. As July 4 approaches, the police will follow through more effectively on illegal fireworks, which were a special problem last year on west Fordham Street.

​Barbara Dolensek, for the Quality of Life committee, announced that City Island Avenue Clean-Up Day would be Saturday, May 14. A motion was made and passed that the Civic could purchase up to $400 worth of supplies. Residents noted the increased amount of graffiti on the island; Senator Klein has sponsored one cleanup and this will be repeated once a month.

Announcements: the Garden Club dinner is on June 18. The Firing Range at Rodman’s Neck has informed the community that they will be shooting during the day on Saturday, August 15.

Sue Bellinson presented a proposal to City Planning for a “gateway project” at the north end of the Island, as part of the Vision 2020 project for city waterfront development. Sue is proposing that the city purchase the old Rosenberger property and lease it to concessioners who could provide access to the water for non-motorized boats, a restaurant, shops, etc. She asked the Civic to write City Planning to ask for a study of the project, and it was agreed that the Civic would request a study. It was noted, however, that there was some opposition to this plan.

​Brett Collazzi, representing Councilmember James Vacca, reported that there would be speed limit signs put up on City Island Avenue. The question of speed bumps on Minneford Avenue was raised again, but there are certain requirements that are not easy to meet.

​John Doyle reported that the Civic has set up a Facebook page in the hope of attracting new residents to the group. The Belden Point project is moving forward; the Library Bar was the subject of a recent MARCH operation. Virginia Gallagher is being honored by the state. Jackie Kall reported that a retirement residence is in the planning stages for the lot at City Island Avenue at Schofield Street.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.