Letter to Fortis Concerning Current Site Conditions at LICH

Yesterday, the CHA sent the following message in a letter to Fortis, NYU Langone, and SUNY about conditions at the former site of Long Island College Hospital.

Dear Sirs:

We are writing on behalf of the Cobble Hill Association (the “CHA”) and the residents of Cobble Hill to bring to your attention certain matters relating to the former Long Island College Hospital (“LICH”) site in Cobble Hill and your current activities with respect to it.

First, the public areas of the LICH site are not being maintained in a safe and lawful manner. Lights are either broken or not turned on at night. Park gates, to these darkened areas, are often left unlocked at night. Other gates, including those leading to public areas, are improperly locked during the day. Sidewalk snow removal was untimely or nonexistent for much of last winter. We have received reports of bloody sheets and syringes in neighborhood garbage receptacles. Efforts by community members to locate the entity or person responsible for these matters and to get them corrected have proven time consuming and largely unsuccessful. These conditions present a clear and present risk of assault and injury to community residents.

In addition to the lack of maintenance, demolition and construction activities have caused greater hazards for the Cobble Hill community. Construction debris, moving vans, garbage trucks, parked cars and uneven pavement have rendered the public area of the Pacific Street corridor dangerous for its intended pedestrian and recreational use. This area, which long provided recreational space and a safe passageway between play areas under the auspices of the NYC Parks Department, has become almost completely unusable by the public. Elsewhere on the site, especially along Amity and Henry Streets, unsafe construction practices abound, some of which have already led to the issuance of a stop work order. Neighbors have reported unsafe asbestos removal, while the Stop Work Order was in effect, including workmen who were not wearing protective clothing. Behind the “No Parking” door on the Polhemus Building, there is floor-to-ceiling garbage. The gate to the west of the former doctors’ residence (94 Amity) has been seen unlocked and unguarded, compromising the safety of neighboring homes.

Second, the LICH parking garage at 352 Hicks Street has been unlawfully converted from an “accessory” parking facility into a public parking garage. As you well know, LICH obtained the support of the community and its elected officials for the de-mapping of Van Voorhees Park for the sole purpose of providing accessory parking for medical staff and visitors, as is stated in City Planning Commission decision referenced in the garage certificate of occupancy. It is fair to say that this deeded parkland would never have been exchanged for a public for-profit parking garage. This unlawful use must cease immediately.

Lastly, as you must know, the development and maintenance of the LICH site is governed in part by the Agreement between LICH and the CHA dated January 1984, as amended on May 29, 1987, and by an Agreement dated May 29, 1987 (copies attached), as well as agreements with the NYC Parks Department. As successors and assigns of LICH, we expect you to proceed in accordance with these agreements in all respects.

Our demands are simple – we ask that you conduct your activities on the LICH site in a manner that is both lawful and safe for community residents and in accordance with the agreements concerning this site.

Sincerely,
The Cobble Hill Association

Court Street Parking gets Improved

Last week, one of our readers spotted new black stumps placed in the sidewalk on Court Street. Just a few days later, it became apparent; those stumps were the bases for recently installed Muni-Meters on Court Street. This a plan that has been in the works for months and the Cobble Hill Association appreciates our Department of Transportation's advance notice and discussions on the issue. Commercial corridors citywide have been getting this treatment which offers more payment options for drivers, more parking spots per block, and in some select cases variable peak pricing so the cost of a space can wisely change based on the demand for it.

But what's to come of all the existing meters? Right now they have the below pictured message... 'Please pay at Muni-Meter.' However, those will be removed (possibly by the fall) and the old meter racks will be retrofit to become bicycle parking. This is a simple addition that will help reduce dangerous clutter on our sidewalks when too many bicycles are locked up to a street sign or other pole. Keep an eye out for those changes, and now be sure to feed the Muni-Meter!

CHA creates a SAFER intersection

After months identifying several dangerous street conditions in our area, members of the Cobble Hill Association discussed potential improvements, collectively formed a presentation with several ideas for solutions, and then brought it to the Department of Transportation. Thankfully, last week an  important element of the CHA's plan got a unanimous vote of approval from Community Board 2's Traffic and Transportation Committee, and will now allow the DOT to improve the intersection of Pacific and Court streets.
As the image above makes it clear, vehicles already park in the Northeast corner's existing "No Standing Zone." This creates a severe danger to motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists all merging at the intersection. The CHA believes an installation of on-street bicycle parking could offer a 24/7 solution that would not only enforce the existing "No-Standing" regulation but also addresses the demand for bicycle parking from Trader Joe’s and other retailers. With the new Atlantic Avenue BID signed on as a maintenance partner, DOT agreed, and now thankfully CB2's endorsement has given the project a green light.

This was by no means the only idea the CHA proposed to make our streets safer. Other suggestions include additional crosswalks on Court street at Congress street, adjusting parking regulations in front of Trader Joe's to allow more loading and unloading without double parking, and adding neckdowns at the Amity/Dean intersection across Court Street (first with planters and paint, eventually with expanded sidewalks). Click to view that full presentation, and stay tuned to this blog for progress as each step moves forward.

Film Shoot in Cobble Hill next week

Just in from Community Board 6... a new film shoot will disrupt standard parking schedules in the neighborhood next week Wed & Thurs, April 18th and 19th. While it can undoubtedly be a headache to find parking when such a permit is offered, Julianne Cho, the associate commissioner of the Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting, notes "There are typically anywhere from 50 to 75 productions in the city at any time. The industry brings in approximately $5 billion to the city’s economy each year". Just some food for thought...

Bullet Pictures lnc. is currently in production on a film titled “My Friend Vijay.” For purpose of staging equipment and parking production vehicles, Parking will be held in advance of filming on the following blocks:

• Warren Street btwn Clinton St & Henry St 
• Clinton St btwn Baltic St and Warren St 
• Clinton St btwn Warren St and Verandah PI
• Clinton btwn Verandah Pl and Congress St

"No Parking signs will be posted 48 hours in advance. We understand that filming can be somewhat disruptive, and we appreciate your cooperation. If you have special needs such as deliveries, moving, traveling, or construction, please contact the locations department. As guests in your neighborhood, we will make every effort to be respectful of the daily routine of the community. Please feel free to contact the Locations department @ 212-807-0108 with any questions or concerns, or you can visit one of us on site when we are filming."

new street cleaning regulations

More traffic news: the New York Times reports that new parking rules will go into effect in Cobble Hill on September 15. Many three-hour, alternate-side prohibitions have been reduced to ninety minutes. Click here for the story.

street regulations suspended

We have the following good news to report from CB6 about parking in the neighborhood:

As reported at the May 14, 2008 general meeting, the new Street Cleaning Regulation plan for the CB6 district that was announced in September 2007 is going into effect. The project is now more than halfway done!

Beginning on Monday, August 25, 2008, Street Cleaning Regulations in Area 2(Gowanus/Carroll Gardens East) are going into effect and will be enforced.

Also on August 18, 2008, Street Cleaning Regulations in Area 3 (Carroll Gardens West/Cobble Hill/Columbia Street District) will be suspended while the City changes the signs. Street Cleaning in Area 3 will be suspended for roughly 3 to 5 weeks.

All other traffic regulations (i.e., parking meter regulations, "No Parking" regulations, "No Standing" regulations, etc.) remain in effect.