NOTE: This preview of Manhattan Community Board 4 (MCB4) November committee meetings will be updated throughout the month. Once a meeting has taken place, a link to its recorded Zoom session will be added, and the writeup will be moved to the bottom of the list. 

BY SCOTT STIFFLER | Normally held on the first Wednesday of the month, the Full Board meeting of MCB4 has much activity to offer, including a Public Session where the citizenry can claim two minutes of uninterrupted time, to speak on topics of their choice. Those who arrive with prepared remarks timed to fill up the full two minutes, be warned: When the evening’s Agenda is jam-packed, MCB4 reserves the right to dole out only sixty seconds for each speaker. 

Updates from elected officials or their reps are also given a place on the agenda–but the majority of the meeting’s content comes from the full board discussing and voting on letters generated at the most recent meetings of their individual committees. Click here to see how that process played out at the November 6 Full Board meeting.

The next Full Board meeting happens on Wednesday, December 4 at 6:30pm. And sure, we could provide the calendar page link MCB4 has already created for that event–but the real source of sneak preview sustenance comes from November’s individual committee meetings–which leads us to the below roundup, where you’ll get a bit of background info on each committee and hear about what they’ll be doing in November…

Meeting dates, times, locations, links, and agenda items subject to change.

Please visit MCB4’s Online Calendar or call the MCB4 office (212-736-4536) for confirmation.

Cannabis Task Force (CTF): Thursday, November 21, 6:30pm Online via Zoom & YouTube and In-Person at the MCB4 Office (424 W. 33rd St., Suite 580) | Click Here to view the September CTF meeting. To view the November CTF meeting, Click Here. | Formerly known as the Cannabis Working Group, CTF operates with a three-pronged mission: (1)  keep track of and advise MCB4 and the public about relevant NYS cannabis laws, regulations, licensing, and enforcement; (2) provide feedback to the Office of Cannabis Management and Cannabis Control Board, on proposed cannabis regulations and licensing applications; and (3) provide recommendations to MCB4 on its role in the licensing and siting of cannabis-related businesses. Delores Rubin is CTF’s Chair. Its members are Wendy Gonzalez, Raul Larios, Sanford Miller, Allen Oster, Rodney Washington, and Tina Nelson.

Prior to last month’s meeting, it was noted that two applicants originally scheduled for October29 were postponed until November 21: Bellerose Migrant Center Ince (610 9th Ave.) and Save A Whale Dispensary (677 9th Ave.). Neither, however, appear as Agenda Items for the November meeting. (To access the Agenda, click here.) The three Items scheduled will have ownership/reps from cannabis dispensary applicants who want to operate at: 219 9thAvenue –AFLI LLC (West 23/24 St.); and 206 8th Avenue –Bright Elephant LLC (West 20/21 St.). On the topic of Old/New Business is 743 9th Avenue (West 50/51 St.) -AA 301 W. 45th Street–Hours of operation. To attend via Zoom, click here. To attend via phone, dial 646-518-9805 (when prompted to enter the Webinar ID, it’s 813-4049-4919). Click here to watch the meeting live or access it after-the-fact via MCB4’s YouTube channel. For info about all things MCB4, their website can be found by clicking here.

NOTE: In a November 22 email alert, MCB4 noted, “Executive Committee Monday, November 25th CANCELLED. The Next Executive Committee meeting will be held on Monday, December 23rd at 6:30pm.

Executive Committee (EXEC): Monday, November 25, 6:30pm Online via Zoom & YouTube and In-Person at the MCB4 Office (424 W. 33rd St., Suite 580) | To attend the meeting via Zoom, click here. For info about all things MCB4, their website can be found by clicking here. Upon November 12 publication of this preview of MCB4 committee meetings, the November 25 agenda had yet to be announced. To attend via phone, dial 646-518-9805 (when prompted to enter the Webinar ID, it’s 916-5217-3279). Click here to watch the meeting live or access it after-the-fact via MCB4’s YouTube channel. For info about all things MCB4, their website can be found by clicking here.

The December Full Board Meeting of Manhattan Community Board 4: Wednesday, December 4, 6:30pm Online via Zoom & YouTube and In-Person at Mount Sinai West (1000 Tenth Ave. btw. 58/59 Sts.), 2nd Fl., Conference Room B | To visit the page on MCB4’s website dedicated to the December 4 full board meeting, click here. There, you will find a link to the meeting’s Agenda as well as background material pertaining to various Agenda Items. Information is added throughout November, as various committees have the meetings from which letters will be drafted that come up for discussion and vote by the full membership of MCB4.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS FROM EARLIER IN THE MONTH

(Updated on Sunday, November 17, 2024)

Housing, Health & Human Services Committee (HH&HS) / Thursday, November 7, 6:30pm Online via Zoom & YouTube and In-Person at the MCB4 Office (424 W. 33rd St., Suite 580) | To view September ‘s HH&HS meeting, Click Here. To view the archived recording of October’s HH&HS meeting (runtime: two hours, six minutes, twenty-five seconds), Click Here. To view November 7’s meeting (runtime one hour, fifty-seven minutes and thirty-seven seconds), click here. | HH&HS reviews proposals and monitors the progress of affordable housing commitments made during the Hudson Yards, West Chelsea, and Western Rail Yards rezoning; reviews Low Income Housing Plan Applications as part of the Inclusionary Housing Program; and evaluates tenant complaints re: service issues, co-op conversions, and tenant associations. Maria Ortiz and Joe Restuccia are HH&HS Co-Chairs. The Public Members are Paul Ames and Travis Rogers. The general committee members are Roberta Barnett, Liam Buckley, Kevin Collins, Lisa David, Pete Diaz, Raul Larios, Rachel Lee, Betty Mackintosh, Jean-Daniel Noland, Delores Rubin, Catie Savage, Katy Stokes, and Hector Vazquez. On the Agenda for November 7’s meeting: A presentation followed by a vote on the topic of the inclusionary housing application for 66211th Ave.; A look at old and new business; and a presentation followed by a vote on the topic of a mixed use affordable housing application for 317-319 W. 35th St.

Business License & Permits Committee (BLP) / Tuesday, November 12, 6:30pm Online via Zoom & YouTube and In-Person at the MCB4 Office (424 W. 33rd St., Suite 580) | Click Here to view the archived recording of September’s BLP meeting. To view the October meeting, Click Here. To view the November meeting, Click Here. | Any beer, wine, or on-premise liquor license applications and sidewalk cafe applications must come before the Business License & Permits Committee of the Community Board for its review. The Board’s position must be considered in the final determination of these applications. Frank M. Holozubiec and Burt Lazarin are BPL Co-Chairs. The general committee members are Theodore Arenas, Christine Berthet, Wendy Gonzalez, Jesse Greenwald, Candice Hewitt, Inge Ivchenko, Kerry Keenan, James MacDonald, Gregory Morris, Tina Nelson, Michael Noble, and Allen Oster.

There are 18 items on the BLP’s November 12 agenda. The stipulation packet of agenda items can be found by clicking here. Half of the agenda items concern applications for a new liquor, wine, beer and cider license (indicating these applicants are a new incoming business or one that has operated in the past without the ability to offer the aforementioned alcoholic beverages. Hopefyl future license-holders include Goku NYC restaurant at 150 Eighth Ave.; 30 Hudso Yards, a catering facility with a full food menu and a full kitchen run by a chef; and two applications for the ground floor and rooftop of Hudson VU restaurant (at 653 11th Ave.). All remaining agenda items represent applicants are hoping for MCB4’s endorsement of a sidewalk or roadway dining presence (a request ultimately decided by the NYC Department of Transportation). The applicants inlude Dalton’s Bar Grill at 611 Ninth Ave.; Glur at 144 W. 19th St.; and Shaffer’s at 151 Eighth Ave. To attend via Zoom, click here. To attend via phone, dial 646-518-9805 (when prompted to enter the Webinar ID, it’s 996-7780-9240). Click here to watch the meeting live or access it after-the-fact via MCB4’s YouTube channel. For info about all things MCB4, their website can be found by clicking here.

The Clinton/Hell’s Kitchen Land Use (CHKLU) Committee / Wednesday, November 13, 6:30pm Online via Zoom & YouTube and In-Person (tentatively) at Hartley House (413 W. 46th St. btw. 9th & 10th Aves.) | Click Here to view the archived recording of October’s meeting. To view the November meeting, Click Here. | Any application for a change or variance from the zoning Resolution must come before the Community Board for its review. Jean Daniel Noland and Paul Devlin are the CHKLU Co-Chairs. Robert J. Benfatto, Jr. and Brian Weber are Public Members. The general committee members are Theodore Arenas, Kevin Collins, Frank Holozubiec, Christopher LeBron, Rachel Lee, James MacDonald, Sanford Miller, Leslie Boghosian Murphy, Joe Restuccia, and Delores Rubin. To attend the November 13 meeting via Zoom, click here.

Besides the discussion of Old Business/New Business, there’s only one other item on the agenda: Related Companies is scheduled to present a Land Use Application for Western Rail Yards Modification (a necessary step for a desired project that may or may not feature a casino). To attend via phone, dial 646-518-9805 (when prompted to enter the Webinar ID, it’s 961-7200-0913). Click here to watch the meeting live or access it after-the-fact via MCB4’s YouTube channel. For info about all things MCB4, their website can be found by clicking here.

Waterfront, Parks & Environment Committee (WPE) / Thursday, November 14, 6:30pm Online via Zoom & YouTube and In-Person at the MCB4 Office (424 W. 33rd St., Suite 580) | Click Here to view the September WPE meeting. Click Here to view the October WPE meeting. To view the November meeting, Click Here. | The WPE is actively involved in the planning and operation of the Hudson River Park and other developments along the waterfront, worhing with environmental groups and government agencies on various matters involving the waterfront and inland open space. The WPE also advocates for the creation of new parkland and increased funding for recreation centers and parks. Maarten de Kadt and Leslie Boghosian Murphy are WPE Co-Chairs. Jennifer Cook and Sally Greenspan, and Lowell Kern are Public Members. The general committee members are Roberta Barnett, Gwen Billig, Lisa David, Matt Green, Candice Hewitt, David Holowka, Ella Kim, Raul Larios, Christopher LeBron, Brad Pascarella, Catie Savage, and Alice Wong.

On the Agenda for November 14’s meeting: The NYC Department of Parks & Recreation wil provide agency updates; there will be a discussion followed by the WPE committee voting on the matter of Park Enforcement Patrol Officer Management. Elsewhere on the agenda, Old/New Business will be discussed; and Midtown South Precinct Community Council’ s President will give a presentation regardign conditions at West 43rd Streeet’s McCaffrey Playground. To attend via Zoom, click here. To attend via phone, dial 646-518-9805 (when prompted to enter the Webinar ID, it’s 935-1888-4814). Click here to watch the meeting live or access it after-the-fact via MCB4’s YouTube channel. For info about all things MCB4, their website can be found by clicking here.

Chelsea Land Use Committee (CLU) / Monday, November 18, 6:30pm Online via Zoom & YouTube and In-Person at Pier 57 Classrooms (25 11th Ave. at West 15th St.) | To view a recording of October 2024’s CLU meeting (runtime 1 hour, 1o minutes, 49 seconds), click here. To view the November 18 meeting click here. | Any application for a change or variance from the Zoning Resolution must come before the Community Board for its review. The Board’s position must be considered in the final determination of these applications. Gregory Morris and Kerry Keenan are CLU Co-Chairs. Pamela Wolff is a Public Member. The general membership is comprised of Viren Brahmbhatt, Maarten de Kadt, Paul Devlin, Candice Hewitt, David Holowka, Josephine Ishmon, Inge Ivchenko, Burt Lazarin, Betty Mackintosh, Chenise Mitchell, Michael Noble, Brad Pascarella, Hector Vazquez, and Rodney Washington. Besides old/new business, Nov. 18’s meeting has just one Agenda Item: The CLU considers an Amendment to the retail storefront master plan for 655 Sixth Avenue, to include new types of signage. To attend via Zoom, click here.  To attend via phone, dial 646-518-9805 (when prompted to enter the Webinar ID, it’s 420-721-312). Click here to watch the meeting live or access it after-the-fact via MCB4’s YouTube channel. For info about all things MCB4, their website can be found by clicking here.

Arts, Culture, Education, and Schools Committee (ACES) / Tuesday, November 19, 6:30pm Online via Zoom & YouTube and In-Person at the MCB4 Office (424 W. 33rd St., Suite 580) | Click Here to view the September meeting. Click Here to view the October ACES meeting and click here to view the November 19 meeting. | ACES provides support and access to arts and cultural resources available to residents and organizations of the district; advocates for the advancement of education and youth-focused institutions and programs; and provides a place for residents and businesses to voice concerns about issues that have a negative impact on their quality of life. Matt Green and Josephine Ishmon are ACES Co-Chairs. Salvador Munoz is a Public Member. The general committee members are Wendy Gonzalez, Max Goodstein, Ella Kim, Chenise Mitchell, Maria Ortiz, Katy Stokes, and David Warren.

On the Agenda of November 19’s meeting: An Open Session: This is an opportunity for community members to share their perspectives with ACES on issues connected to Arts, Culture, Education, & Schools. There will be two presentations to the committee: The first, by Jazz Generation (a charitable organization dedicated to generating performance and educational opportunities for jazz musicians and audience members of all generations); and by Take Two Media Initiative, on the topic of social media and mental health. To attend the November 19 meeting via Zoom, click here.  To attend via phone, dial 646-518-9805 (when prompted to enter the Webinar ID, it’s 961-6164-5211). Click here to watch the meeting live or access it after-the-fact via MCB4’s YouTube channel. For info about all things MCB4, their website can be found by clicking here.

Transportation Planning Committee (TPC): Wednesday, November 20, 6:30pm Online via Zoom & YouTube and In Person at the MCB4 Office  (424 W. 33rd St., Suite 580) | Click Here to view the archived recording of September’s TPC meeting. Click Here to view October’s TPC meeting and click here to view the November meeting.| TPC reviews application for street closures and permits for anything that is placed on the sidewalks; advocates for better maintenance of streets and sidewalks and improved transit services; and works with the NYC Department of Transportation to consider changes in parking regulations, street design, and traffic patterns. Christine Berthet and Jesse Greenwald are TPC Co-Chairs. Brett Firfer and Charles Todd are public members. The general membership consists of Gwen Billig, Viren Brahmbhatt, Liam Buckley, Pete Diaz, Max Goodstein, Sanford Miller, Tina Nelson, Allen Oster, David Warren, Alice Wong, and Rodney Washington. On the Agenda for November 20’s meeting: NYSDOT (New York State Department of Transportation) will give a presentation regarding their Route 9 Study; the NYC Dept. of Design & Construction will give a presentation on the topic of porous pavements.

There will also be a presentation followed by a vote, on the Land Use Application for Western Rail Yards Modification (a necessary step for a desired project that may or may not include a casino). Related Companies has already presented to MCB4 on this topic–at last week’s Clinton/Hell’s Kitchen Land Use committee meeting. To view that meeting–and see Related’s presentation–click here. To view the Nov. 20 meeting’s Agenda Items document, click here. To attend the November 20 TPC meeting via Zoom, click here. To attend via phone, dial 646-518-9805 (when prompted to enter the Webinar ID, it’s 973-3488-0256). Click here to watch the meeting live or access it after-the-fact via MCB4’s YouTube channel. (Members of the public who wish to speak on any Agenda Item topic must attend in-person or via Zoom.) For info about all things MCB4, their website can be found by clicking here.

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