CHA Community Notice January 5, 2017

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – JANUARY 8 (Photo by Robert Nickelsberg/Getty Images)

Dear Cobble Hill Community,

We wish all of you the very best for the NEW YEAR. Here are some updates on upcoming events and ongoing situations:
 
CHA sponsored meeting: BQX – The Brooklyn Queens Tramway
 
January 10, 2017 at 7pm
Cobble Hill Health Center
380 Henry Street (between Congress and Warren Streets)
Presented by the BQX Project Team
 
The city has proposed a major mass transportation initiative for an area that includes our neighborhood.  We encourage you to read the proposal before attending the meeting.
https://www.nycedc.com/sites/default/files/filemanager/11.01.16_BQX_Outreach_Deck.pdf
 
 
Cobble Hill Tree Fund – Tree Mulching this Saturday and Sunday
Please take your  “live” Christmas trees to Cobble Hill Park this weekend January 8,9. 
 
The Cobble Hill Tree Fund is hosting the event on Saturday from 9:30am – 1:30pm and bags of mulch will be available for neighbors to take for their gardens or tree beds. 
The NYC Mulch-fest program will host on Sunday.

  • Please bring your trees free of any decorations so they might pass easily and safely through the tree-chipping machine.
  • NO wreaths, roping or other such materials can be accepted.


 
FORTIS/LICH SITE – AS-OF-RIGHT (AOR) DEVELOPMENT
 
Fortis filed plans for another site on the LICH campus at 339 Hicks Street.  This is between the current NYU emergency room and the future site of the NYU Langone Healthcare Facility.  The plans call for a 28-story tower on that location.  Please see reported details below:
 
http://www.brooklyneagle.com/articles/2016/12/26/fortis-files-plans-another-tower-long-island-college-hospital-lich-site
 
http://www.brooklynpaper.com/stories/39/53/dtg-fortis-files-hicks-street-lich-tower-2016-12-30-bk.html
 
http://therealdeal.com/2016/12/22/fortis-files-plans-for-next-building-in-lich-redevelopment/
Click on the “profile” link to read an interesting article on Fortis Property Group.
 
 
The CHA is monitoring the permitting and working with CB6, the Department of Buildings (DOB) and other agencies to ensure that proper procedures and safety measures are taken.  CHA relies on neighbors to keep a watchful eye on the work. We are a community organization of volunteers and it takes all of us to do the work required to protect and defend our neighborhood and community.
The CHA will schedule Construction Update meetings with Fortis in order to review the construction schedule and discuss issues that arise as the demolition and construction process moves ahead.
 
REMOVAL OF THE PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE
 
Fortis informed the CHA that they will remove the pedestrian bridge on Sunday, January 8, 2017.  The footbridge connects the H-Building and Polhemus, stretching across Amity Street just west of Henry Street.
Amity Street between Hicks and Henry Streets will be closed.  Local and Emergency traffic will be allowed from both ends of the block.
 
DOT Issues and Updates:
 
PARKING:
We have been notified by many neighbors of the loss of parking spots and new signage on some of our streets.  We have been working to find the answers to why these new regulations have been put into effect.  There have been many complaints about the “No Standing” signs installed on the southwest corner of Clinton at Baltic Street and the northeast corner on Baltic at Clinton Street.  We understand these have been installed to allow for truck turning.  We are currently working on this issue in conjunction with our ongoing investigation of trucks on our interior streets (see below). 
Please contact us to inform us of any new signage you find on your street. We will be working on this issue over the next several months.
 
TRUCKS:
The CHA is working collaboratively with State Senator Squadron’s office and the NYPD to stop the recent influx of 18-wheeler and long-bed trucks on our residential streets. A Truck Route does not pass through our neighborhood.  Although, delivery trucks making LOCAL deliveries are allowed. There were a few trucks caught in December during random patrols set-up to combat this specific issue.  We will be following up with the NYPD to understand why trucks are using our streets and what we can do to stop them. Unlawful truck traffic is a safety and quality of life issue that we want to eliminate.  
 
Public Service and Safety Announcements:

  • Snow and Ice season is here – sorta kinda. Please make sure to clear your sidewalks and walkways for safe pedestrian passage.  If possible, please use pet-safe ice melt materials.
  • Be cautious when walking on the sidewalks and help those who may be in need.
  • Check on your elderly neighbors and lend a helping hand if needed.


Best wishes to you and yours for a happy and healthy 2017.
 
Warmly,
Amy Breedlove
President, CHA