Community Board 3 Embraces New Members
While Making A Firm Stand Against Crime

On Monday, June 6, Community Board 3 held its last meeting prior to the upcoming summer recess which also included a swearing in ceremony of its newest members. A total of 11 dedicated Brooklynites made commitments to serve and uphold CB3's high standard of excellence. Those joining were L Joy Williams; Lloyd Archer; Michelle Albright; Daryl Smith; Renee Turner Gregory, Sean Hawkins; Richard Flateau; Eddie Hampton; Tiffany Raspberry; Henry Butler; and Eugene Blount. An official orientation and swearing in ceremony will take place on June 28, at Borough Hall where Borough President, Marty Markowitz will officially induct Bedford Stuyvesant and Ocean Hill’s new board members.

After the swearing in ceremony, board members went straight to work addressing numerous neighborhood issues in concerns including a call to action against the recent surge in crime which in the last month included a highly publicized murder on Lewis Avenue aswell as a shooting at a local playground which left 2 teens injured. Boys and Girls High School, one of Bed Stuy’s prided model schools, also made local news when alleged gang members attacked a patrolling policeman. The officer received 3 stitches from a cut he suffered from a bottle tossed from the mob. Several teens were arrested for exciting a riot. Inspector Brower from the 81st Precinct assured board members and residents that the police department has zero tolerance for crime and is thoroughly investigating all recent incidents.

The housing and land committee, chaired by C. Doris Pinn, introduced an appeal to rename Taaffe Park, located on Myrtle Avenue and Taaffe Place, to USMC Anthony V. Manago Park, in honor of the War World II veteran that was killed in action. Board members voted 40 for with only 1 opposition. Later on that evening, a few local supporters addressed the board with their request to co-naming Gates Avenue in honor of former Black Panther leader and social activist Sonny Carson. All four speakers urged committee leaders to help them honor “our own” by supporting their request.

Ms. Pinn later introduced developer Jeff Dutson, Executive Director of North East Brooklyn Housing Development Co., who seeks board support for his proposed Vernon Avenue Condominiums development. Attendees were shown several blueprints and renderings of the proposed property which is being designed to blend in with overall landscape and texture of the block. Committee members voted 37 in favor of the project.

Rev. Robert Waterman, Chairperson of the Transportation committee, kicked off the meeting’s public hearing portion by recommending letters of request for support for the renewal of several car transportation TLC licenses. Board members voted 40 for with no opposition for Allied Central Car Service, formally known as Black Pearl Car Service; and 42 for with no opposition for both Puerto Rico and Apple Radio Car Services. Universal Car Service, which refused to send a representative to neither the transportation committee meeting nor the board meeting, received a 42 against support with no opposition.

Consumer Services Committee Chair, Hardy “Joe” Long, later introduced several local area businesses seeking letters of support for liquor licenses. Board voted 24 for, 17 against, with 1 extension in favor of Solomon’s Porch Café. S&S Lounge, located at 1466 Broadway, received an opposing 25 against to 17 for vote. After a grueling question and answer session, TRE stiZZY, located at 368 Lewis Avenue, received a favorable 30 for, 11 against vote. Larry’s Liquid Lounge, a prominent neighborhood social club that recently changed owners, was also denied a letter of support.