February 27, 2008 Meeting Minutes

70th Precinct Community Council
February 2008 Meeting Minutes

Wednesday, February 27, 2008
7:30 PM

United Cerebral Palsy of New York
175 Lawrence Avenue, Brooklyn, New York

Officers Present
Ed Powell, President
Roseanne Boland, Treasurer
Jonathan Judge, Recording Secretary
Mavis Theodore, Sergeant-at-Arms

Elected Officials & Other Representatives
Capt. James Fulton, Brooklyn South Narcotics
Doris Ortíz, District Manager, Community Board 14
Eli Slavin for Congresswoman Yvette Clarke
Roz Sokol for Assembly Member Steven Cymbrowitz
Wendy Ann Powell for Assembly Member Rhoda Jacobs
Pinny Ringel for Council Member Simcha Felder
Chaim Deutsch for Council Member Michael Nelson

The regular meeting of the 70th Precinct Community Council was called to order at 7:54 PM. Mr. Powell invited everyone to join him in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. He then acknowledged the various representatives of elected officials present at the meeting (see above).
1. Message from Brooklyn Community Board 14 – Doris Ortíz, District Manager
Ms. Ortíz said that she was glad to be at the 70th Precinct Community Council meeting again and pledges to attend as many meetings as possible, since the Council serves a very important role in the community. The Community Board has many meetings and plans for the communities of Flatbush, Midwood and parts of Kensington, so please join the Board’s mailing list and participate in committee meetings. For more information, please contact the Board office during business hours at 718-859-6357.

2. Report from the President – Ed Powell

Auxiliary Unit: Recently, Mr. Powell watched a mobilization drill, and he complemented the Auxiliaries of the 70th Precinct on their excellent performance.

Holiday Charity: After December’s Holiday Party, the Council distributed gifts with Santa at the Urban Women’s Safe Haven. Evelyn Cardona, the Assistant Program Director thanked the 70th Precinct for its help to the women’s shelter and safe haven community. For more information about the Urban Women’s Safe Haven, call 718-260-2900.


3. Dedication Plaque for Hynda Lessman Schneiweiss – Mavis Theodore
Ms. Theodore announced that the 70th Precinct Community Council, Brooklyn Community Board 14, the Newkirk Area Neighborhood Association (NANA), the Flatbush Development Corporation (FDC) and Public School 217 will be honoring the 22 years of dedication and service that Hynda Lessman Schneiweiss has given to the community. In her honor, the Learning Leaders program will be donating over $1,000 worth of books to the library at Public School 217.

4. Report from the Commanding Officer & Open Forum – Inspector Thomas Harris
Passing of Marsha Edell: Long-time member of the 70th Precinct Community Council and Secretary of the Nottingham Civic Association recently passed away.

Explorer of the Year: Victor Hernandez, a member of the 70th Precinct Youth Explorers was named Explorer of the Year out of all the Explorers City-wide. The Precinct congratulated him on this impressive and distinct honor.

Cop of the Month: The Cop of the Month Award will be postponed until the next meeting because the officers who will be receiving that honor are recovering from injuries sustained in the course of their duties.

New Executive Officer (XO): Captain George Mastrokostas, who has served very well during his tenure at the 70th Precinct, has been reassigned to the 61st Precinct. He will be greatly missed. Captain Peter Venice will become the new XO. The Precinct heartily welcomes him into this new position.

Flatbush Shomrim: The Precinct recognizes and honors the contributions of Flatbush Shomrim, whose President is Chaim Deutsch, for helping the Precinct make over 200 arrests.

Brooklyn South Auxiliaries: Inspector Harris thanked the Brooklyn South Auxiliaries for helping to make the Precinct and Borough safer, and commended them for the excellent job they do fighting crime in our communities.

Brooklyn South Showcase Festival: Patrol Borough Brooklyn South will be hosting its Showcase Festival on Sunday, April 13, 2008 at Prospect Park. All are invited to attend. For more information, contact Community Affairs at 718-851-5557.

Open Forum: Inspector Harris opened the floor to members of the public to speak about any public safety concerns in the community.

1. A resident complained about car repair shops consistently conducting repairs on the streets that affect the community’s quality of life.
2. A resident thanked the Precinct for its help in resolving various issues near Woodruff Avenue and Flatbush Avenue, but they would like more attention from the Precinct to make more progress in that neighborhood.

Inspector Harris directed the residents to the appropriate officers to assist them with their issues.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:36 PM.

Respectfully submitted,


Jonathan Judge
Recording Secretary