Cambria Heights man elected new CB 13 chair
By Howard Koplowitz
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| Outgoing Community Board 13 Chairman Richard Hellenbrecht holds a state proclamation awarded to him by state Sen. Frank Padavan and Assemblyman Mark Weprin as CB 13 Second Vice Chairwoman Angela Augugliaro looks on. Photo by Howard Koplowitz |
Community Board 13 unanimously elected Cambria Heights resident Brian Block as its new chairman Monday, replacing former Chairman Richard Hellenbrecht, who has held the post since 1996.
Hellenbrecht chose not to seek another term because he wanted a break and thought there should be new blood on the executive board. Only one executive board member, Second Vice Chairwoman Angela Augugliaro, retained her post. The others were not interested in being on the board and no other members were nominated beyond the slate given by CB 13’s nominating committee.
Also elected were Tanya Cruz as first vice chairwoman, Anup Ramnuth as treasurer and Sanu Thomas as executive secretary.
Block, who was the board’s executive secretary this year and is a member of the Cambria Heights Civic Association, said he was reluctant to become the chairman, but the nominating committee was insistent that he run and he agreed.
The Cambria Heights man said he took the post knowing he could rely on Hellenbrecht, who would still be on the board, for advice.
“I have to lean on Richard and, Richard, I’m gonna need your help. I want to lean on everyone — the old-timers and the new members,” Block said. “I know I cannot fill Richard’s shoes. But the one thing I will do is take the shoes, Richard, you’re wearing now — I’m going to continue what you started.”
In other business, the board voted 32-0 to disapprove an extension of previously granted permits for antennas on top of the three buildings that make up North Shore Towers.
Todd Dale, an attorney for Continental Communications, the company that leases rooftop space for the antennas, said it also requested the elimination of the requirement for a certificate of occupancy because obtaining one is outside the company’s control.
Dale said a final certificate of occupancy could not be obtained because the Floral Park co-op has “open filings and outstanding violations” with the city Department of Buildings.
CB 13 previously denied an extension of the permits earlier this year because it was concerned over what effects such antennas would have on the community.
Dale said an independent report on the antennas found “no danger” and that the level of emissions did not exceed federal standards.
When CB 13 discussed the antenna issue earlier this year, Continental Communications had more antennas on the co-ops roofs than the 75 per building that is allowable under city regulations.
Dale said the additional antennas were removed and there are now 70, 69 and 64 antennas on each building, putting them in compliance.
Despite the move, CB 13 again voted to deny an extension to the permits, which need to be renewed every 10 years.
CB 13 member Seymour Finkelstein asked how much money Continental Communications made from the additional antennas and suggested those profits be donated to charity.
“I’m worried in 30 years, when I’m not here, that my grandchildren don’t die from this,” he said, drawing applause from the crowd.
North Shore Towers resident Barbara Leonardi suggested CB 13 strike down the extension, saying the FBI and CIA are among Continental Communications’ clients, which makes the co-op “a No. 1 target” for terrorist attacks.
Reach reporter Howard Koplowitz by e-mail at hkoplowitz@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 173.
Hellenbrecht chose not to seek another term because he wanted a break and thought there should be new blood on the executive board. Only one executive board member, Second Vice Chairwoman Angela Augugliaro, retained her post. The others were not interested in being on the board and no other members were nominated beyond the slate given by CB 13’s nominating committee.
Also elected were Tanya Cruz as first vice chairwoman, Anup Ramnuth as treasurer and Sanu Thomas as executive secretary.
Block, who was the board’s executive secretary this year and is a member of the Cambria Heights Civic Association, said he was reluctant to become the chairman, but the nominating committee was insistent that he run and he agreed.
The Cambria Heights man said he took the post knowing he could rely on Hellenbrecht, who would still be on the board, for advice.
“I have to lean on Richard and, Richard, I’m gonna need your help. I want to lean on everyone — the old-timers and the new members,” Block said. “I know I cannot fill Richard’s shoes. But the one thing I will do is take the shoes, Richard, you’re wearing now — I’m going to continue what you started.”
In other business, the board voted 32-0 to disapprove an extension of previously granted permits for antennas on top of the three buildings that make up North Shore Towers.
Todd Dale, an attorney for Continental Communications, the company that leases rooftop space for the antennas, said it also requested the elimination of the requirement for a certificate of occupancy because obtaining one is outside the company’s control.
Dale said a final certificate of occupancy could not be obtained because the Floral Park co-op has “open filings and outstanding violations” with the city Department of Buildings.
CB 13 previously denied an extension of the permits earlier this year because it was concerned over what effects such antennas would have on the community.
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When CB 13 discussed the antenna issue earlier this year, Continental Communications had more antennas on the co-ops roofs than the 75 per building that is allowable under city regulations.
Dale said the additional antennas were removed and there are now 70, 69 and 64 antennas on each building, putting them in compliance.
Despite the move, CB 13 again voted to deny an extension to the permits, which need to be renewed every 10 years.
CB 13 member Seymour Finkelstein asked how much money Continental Communications made from the additional antennas and suggested those profits be donated to charity.
“I’m worried in 30 years, when I’m not here, that my grandchildren don’t die from this,” he said, drawing applause from the crowd.
North Shore Towers resident Barbara Leonardi suggested CB 13 strike down the extension, saying the FBI and CIA are among Continental Communications’ clients, which makes the co-op “a No. 1 target” for terrorist attacks.
Reach reporter Howard Koplowitz by e-mail at hkoplowitz@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 173.
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