Monday, June 29, 2009

The Battle for the Gowanus Canal: Superfund Cleanup vs. the City Plan

An insightful and penetrating film has appeared on You Tube regarding the Gowanus Canal Clean Up. Please watch!

The Battle for the Gowanus Canal: Superfund Cleanup vs. the City Plan


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZc96eE_GWg

In addition many blog posts appeared last week regarding the NY City Spin on the "alternative" Gowanus Canal clean-up. Please read carefully and get informed!

Last Night, City Talked Gowanus Alternative Clean-Up Plan, But Didn't Seem To Convince Many

http://pardonmeforasking.blogspot.com/2009/06/last-night-city-talks-gowanus.html

Last Night, Act Two Of City's Gowanus Alternative Clean-Up Plan Presentation

http://pardonmeforasking.blogspot.com/2009/06/img8765.html

The Word "Superfund" Scares the City! A Recap on City's "Alternative to Superfund" Presentation

http://foundinbrooklyn.blogspot.com/2009/06/word-superfund-scares-city-recap-on.html

The public has until July 8th to write to the EPA. Please see www.superfundgowanus.org for instructions on sending a letter to the EPA as well as signing a Superfund the Gowanus petition. Time is running out........

CORD

Friday, June 26, 2009

Carroll Gardens Unites!

Harmony Reigns!

Tonight, at Long Island College Hospital, Community Board 6 Land Use/Landmarks Committee met to listen to and hold a public hearing on the Carroll Gardens/Columbia Waterfront Rezoning Proposal.

As is done at every public hearing, the speakers were asked to sign in on a list and specify whether they would be speaking for (pro) or against (con) the proposal.

The pro and con lists were almost equal in length. What was truly unique about tonight's hearing, was that all of the speakers, regardless of listed stance, all basically were saying the same thing.

Because of this, the atmosphere at the meeting was completely non contentious. It was an amazing example of community members harmoniously coming together to speak about their concerns for the character of their neighborhood and their love of their surroundings. Regardless of which list the speaker chose to list him or herself, the message that came through was one of a strong belief in preserving and protecting both Carroll Gardens and the Columbia Waterfront.

We are including below*, a statement from CORD delivered by member Rita Miller at the hearing.

Purnima Kapur, Brooklyn City Planning Commissioner was equally invested in maintaining the character and context of the area, but patiently explained that we must work with the zoning tools available in order to achieve the closest fit possible.

Her sincerity and willingness to work with the community as a whole, one on one, by telephone or face to face meeting is another example of how important it is to her and her staff to reach a solution that both preserves the area and remains within the zoning code.

Unfortunately, there is no brownstone district-appropriate zoning category available......

After committee discussion, Jerry Armer motioned that the committee vote for the proposal with some conditions....the conditions reflecting most of the comments made by the community regarding their concerns. Roy Sloane seconded the motion and added that the community board land use/landmarks committee wanted to truly represent the community's wishes through their vote.

The committee vote was unanimously in favor of the proposal with the stated conditions.

Next step is the Borough President's public hearing----date to be determined.


Statement


* My name is Rita Miller. On behalf of CORD, I wish to thank city planning for working so closely with the community on this rezoning proposal.

CORD appreciates and applauds their efforts to preserve and protect our neighborhood and with few exceptions, we feel that this proposal really propels us in that direction.
We would like to begin with the things we like best:

We welcome the R6B contextual classification as proposed for so many of our streets .
We love the innovative way city planning has approached the commercial overlay issue. This is key in the protection and preservation of our side streets.

We appreciate your carving out the properties most at risk for out of character development on the two corners of Degraw Street. It is fabulous that you combined the Columbia Waterfront district with Carroll Gardens in this proposal.

But, there are some things that we feel could still use a bit of tweaking:

CORD has always expressed the desire to limit height in Carroll Gardens.

And, although we understand the great amount of work and thought that has gone into this proposal , it is still a bitter pill to swallow that we are going to lose the ground we fought for together on First Place. Also, although we understand that the likelihood of heights reaching the seventy foot maximum permitted under the proposed R6A designation along First Place, Clinton ,Henry and even some areas along Court Street is small, it is still possible under this proposal.

The fact that some of the as built conditions along these blocks are a bit larger than what would ordinarily be classified as R6B, combined with the lack of a more brownstone district-friendly category , opens up the possibility of future, larger scale development. This is a matter of some concern.

It is unfortunate that we cannot more closely safeguard the visual aesthetic and continuity that now exists as one travels the short distance from Carroll Gardens to our sister neighborhood, Cobble Hill—where everyone enjoys the absolute certainty of height restriction.

So, it is with the deepest respect , that CORD requests less R6A and more R6B---and/or some sort of zoning provision that could further insure us against the type of developments that we know have the power to irrevocably change the face and rend the fabric of our historic neighborhood.

Lastly, way back in August of 2007, Councilman DeBlasio informed us that this rezoning process would eventually take place. Finally, we are on our way. CORD acknowledges his efforts , and we wish to express our appreciation for the tireless, resolute , volunteer work contributed by John Hatheway and Glenn Kelly of the CGNA.

Rita Miller, CORD Co-Founder

Thursday, June 11, 2009

"Unsafe Sewage Levels in Canal" / "Bacteria Count High in Gowanus"

The Daily News featured an article by Erin Durkin yesterday (6/9) entitled, "Unsafe Sewage Levels in Canal" / "Bacteria Count High in Gowanus". Below are excerpts:

Durkin writes: "New tests have found sky high levels of bacteria found in human waste in the Gowanus Canal."

"Water quality test conducted by River Keeper ....late last month found enterococcus up to 17,329 cells per 100 milliliters. The Environmental protection Agency (EPA) has said contact with water higher than 104 cells is unsafe."

"If enterococcus is there in that quantity, every other bug, every other bacteria, or virus or pathogen that was in the untreated sewage is probably there in equal proportion, including E. coli and salmonella," said John Lipscomb, captain of the group's patrol boat."

That water is bad water, very bad water," he said.

"Water samples were collected in May 29 after two wet days dropped half an inch of rain on the city"......

"It didn't take a lab test to show there was something funky in the water. Oily residue coated the surface, and dozens of condoms, sanitary devices, and gutter trash ....floated by when a Brookly News reporter went out on a boat."

"This is a day that really shows how broken our wastewater system, Lipscomb said."...

"He said that of the dozens of locations Riverkeeper tests-from new York City to north of Albany-only the Gowanus and Newton Creek show contamination levels as high.."

Sewers overflow into the Gowanus up to 75 times per year dumping some 300 million gallons of sewage into the waterway said City Department Of Environmental Protection spokeswoman Mercedes Padilla. Some advocates say the estimates are too low because they use outdated rainfall data........" (edit)

Monday, June 8, 2009

PETITION UPDATE:

PETITION UPDATE:

As we announced recently, CORD has joined with many of our friends and neighbors, volunteer community activists, in support of Josh Skaller for City Council.

Over the next few weeks, but ESPECIALLY OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS, you will be JOSH SKALLER sightings and many Skaller supporters walking around with clipboards. Some will be ringing your doorbell, and coming up to you on the street seeking your signature on a petition to put their favorite candidate, JOSH SKALLER, on the ballot on Primary day, September 15th.

JOSH SKALLER has just a few weeks to collect a minimum of nine hundred (900) signatures of registered Democrats residing in the 39th District. Nine hundred is a minimum----JOSH SKALLER wants more. Josh would like three to four times that amount to safely insure that he qualifies to be on that September 15th ballot.


WHO MAY SIGN JOSH SKALLER'S PETITION?

Anyone who is a registered Democrat who lives in the 39th Council District may sign for JOSH SKALLER. So, if you live in Carroll Gardens, Kensington, Windsor Terrace, Columbia Waterfront, parts of Cobble Hill, Boerum Hill, Park Slope or Borough Park---you are in the 39th. (you can also just take a peek at your voter registration card--it is listed on there)


BY SIGNING JOSH SKALLER'S PETITION, AM I VOTING FOR HIM? AM I PROMISING MY VOTE TO JOSH SKALLER?

ABSOLUTELY NOT-----You are not voting for or even pledging a vote to JOSH SKALLER by signing his petition. You are simply adding your name to a list of names of people who would like to see JOSH SKALLER on the ballot on Primary Day in September.

I HAVE NOT MADE UP MY MIND YET--WHY SHOULD I SIGN FOR JOSH SKALLER?

Our District needs Josh Skaller on the ballot come Primary Day this September 15th, period.

WHY?

Because we need:
--- a representative on the City Council that will make decisions with us, rather than for us.......

--- a Councilmember who believes in reforming city government, transparency, fiscal responsibility, community based planning

---a Councilmember who understands how land use drives so many aspects of our daily lives and will not bow to the developers

---JOSH SKALLER

WHAT CAN I DO?

SIGN THE PETITION for JOSH SKALLER.

LOOK FOR US... CHAT WITH US.....JOIN US....WE WILL BE OUT THERE...AND WE PROMISE TO HAVE A PEN READY FOR YOU.....

CG CORD


Friday, June 5, 2009

A MESSAGE FROM CORD: JOSH SKALLER TOPS OUR POLL FOR NYC COUNCILMAN!!

HELLO FROM CORD
Today is a very exciting day for us. As you know, we reached out to you to ask how you would feel about CORD endorsing a City Councilmember candidate. When we reached out to you for your opinions, we felt that one candidate in particular exhibited the type of qualities that we think are necessary to successfully work for and effectively serve everyone in our district.
We are delighted to tell you that you responded with enthusiastic support for our candidate of choice, the next Councilmember of the 39th District, Mr Josh Skaller.
This is a big step for all of us but we know just how important a role this particular elected position plays in all of our daily lives. We think that Josh Skaller is the right person for the job.
Over the next few weeks, we will be looking for your support. There will be petitions circulating all over our district. Over the next few days, we will be sharing more information about the petition drive with you. We are so pleased to announce to you today that several very dedicated community activists will be joining us in this most important petition drive.
You know them. They are your neighbors. We are very pleased to announce that the following hard-working volunteers, all members of our very own community will be joining CORD co founders, Lucy DeCarlo, Rita Miller and Triada Samaras in this most important Primary ballot petition drive.
Glenn Kelly
Marlene Donnelly
Steven Negrycz
Robbin Slade
Benjamin Ellis
Mary Hedge
June Negrycz
Gerry Miller
Katia Kelly
Vince Joseph
Jacqueline Raque
Steven Miller
Maryann Young and Ringo
Bette Stoltz
Elizabeth Lind.

CORD

Monday, June 1, 2009

SUPERFUND PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD IS STILL OPEN-NOW IS THE TIME TO SPEAK YOUR MIND

So many of you have signed the www.superfundgowanus.org petition---if you have not---click this link, but HAVE YOU ALSO WRITTEN TO THE EPA??

It is very important for people to understand the difference! If you want to see the Gowanus Canal Nominated for Superfund designation YOU MUST DO BOTH!

If you have not written to the EPA yet, please send your comment directly to:
YOU MAY ALSO CALL MR MUNHALL AT: 212-637-4343 to tell him how you feel.

In Other News:
We all received a flyer in the mail yesterday----but have you seen the NY Times today? PLEASE READ ON:


Editorial Notebook: From Gowanus to Venice http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/31/opinion/31sun4.html?emc=eta1
By ELEANOR RANDOLPH "Despite the Bloomberg administration's concerns, the job of cleaning the Gowanus Canal is too big to escape Superfund status........."

WHAT CAN I DO?

You can read what your neighbors are saying at the EPA site http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main?main=DocketDetail&d=EPA-HQ-SFUND-2009-0063


WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?

Below are the phone numbers and email addresses of our local elected officials. YOU CAN:

1) CUT AND PASTE OUR WHALE LOGO with the WORDS:
Gowanus Canal/ Superfund ME!!

or just write the words: Gowanus Canal/ Superfund ME!! YES! to SUPERFUND!

2) EMAIL IT ALONG WITH YOUR FULL NAME, ADDRESS, CONTACT INFORMATION AND ANY COMMENTS YOU MAY WISH TO ADD TO THE OFFICIALS (addresses and phone numbers below)

3) IF YOU PREFER, CALL THEM....TELL THEM WHO YOU ARE, WHERE YOU LIVE AND THEN TELL 'EM.......'SUPERFUND ME!'

4) SHARE THE CONTACT INFORMATION WITH YOUR NEIGHBORS SO THAT THEY MAY REACH OUT AND MAKE THEIR FEELINGS KNOWN

CONTACT INFORMATION FOR OUR OFFICIALS:

US Senator Charles Schumer Phone: 212-486-4430

Online: HTTP://SCHUMER.SENATE.GOV/NEW_WEBSITE/CONTACT.CFM

US Representative Nydia Velazquez Phone: 718-599-3658

EMAIL: NYDIA.VELAZQUEZ@MAIL.HOUSE.GOV

US Representative Yvette Clarke Phone: 718-287-1142

EMAIL: YVETTE.CLARKE@MAIL.HOUSE.GOV

NY State Senator Daniel Squadron Phone: 718-802-3818

EMAIL: SQUADRON@SENATE.STATE.NY.US

NY State Senator Velmanette Montgomery Phone: 718-643-6140

EMAIL: MONGOME@SENATE.STATE.NY.US

NY State Assemblywoman Joan Millman Phone: 718-246-4889

EMAIL: MILLMAJ@ASSEMBLY.STATE.NY.US

NYC Councilman Bill DeBlasio Phone: 718-854-9791

EMAIL: BDEBLASIO@COUNCIL.NYC.GOV

(HINT to COPY and PASTE:

COPY PASTE WHEREVER YOU CAN (HIGHLIGHT, HIT CTRL AND THE LETTER C IN ORDER TO COPY-----GO TO WHERE YOU WANT TO PASTE IT PUT YOUR CURSOR WHERE YOU WANT IT TO APPEAR AND HIT CTRL AND THE LETTER V-- )

You can copy each address above, one at a time, and then paste them one at a time into the "send to" on your email

There---you did it! For more information, just google EPA and read up on the SUPERFUND program for yourself. Watch the You Tube movie that the FROGGS are starring in---go to the SUPERFUNDGOWANUS.ORG website.

This is our neighborhood. This is our community. We need a comprehensive clean up. SUPERFUND is the only way to go!

CORD HISTORY:

With the "Protect Our Homes" petition, CORD was formed in May, 2007. This petition arose as an overwhelmingly negative response to the coming of the over-sized 360 Smith Street Development at the corner of Smith Street and Second Place (Aka Oliver House; aka 131 Second Place). This petition, which had well over three thousand signatures, led to a new zoning text amendment in summer of 2008.

To: Our Elected Officials, Community Leaders, The MTA:
(MAY, 2007)

We the undersigned Carroll Gardens homeowners and residents, are appalled by the "as of right" ruling which allows owners and developers to erect buildings in our neighborhood with no regard to the impact they will present to our quality of life and the value of our homes........

http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?crlgrdns