CB2 Roundup: Illegal Sidewalk Cafes, Synthetic Cannabis And More

Community Board 2 held its General Meeting at the YWCA building on Third Avenue in Boerum Hill on Wednesday night.

Here are the items of note discussed and voted on by the board:

Sidewalk cafe enforcement

Ricky Wong, deputy director of the Department of Consumer Affairs, discussed the city agency's enforcement policies and procedures, as well as outlining the permit process for business looking to use a portion of the sidewalks abutting their property for tables and chairs.

On enforcement, Wong said it takes an average of 35 days for DCA to issue a violation to a noncompliant business—though CB2 District Manager Robert Perris noted several instances when violations were issued that afternoon.

Wong was singled out for praise by Perris, who said he was surprised at Wong's responsiveness, especially given the fact that he is in charge of responding to requests from all 59 community boards in the five boroughs.

Affordable housing project still looking for CB2 residents

Perris reported back to CB2 about a visit to , a low-income housing development quickly taking shape in Wallabout/Fort Greene.

According to Perris, 50 percent of units are being set aside for CB2 residents—a quota that was easily filled at the lowest end of the income spectrum. However, Perris reported that Navy Green had more difficulty filling the units slotted for higher income earners with residents from the district.

A third building at the development is expected by complete by this summer, according to Perris.

Update on Bike Share Program

After what Perris called a "successful" set of , the number of share locations has been finalized:

75 modular bike share locations will be set up in CB2, which along with Fort Greene-Clinton Hill also includes Brooklyn Heights, Downtown Brooklyn and Boerum Hill.

Atlantic Yards work crews allegedly defacing parking signs

Perris told CB2 that workers had begun to spray paint and put bags over Alternate Side Parking signs on streets intersecting with Atlantic Avenue north of the mega-project in Fort Greene.

News of 78th Precinct taking over policing duties at Barclays premature

Responding to reports that the , Perris told CB2 that representative from the New York Police Department denied that a final decision had been made.

One problem? Since police precincts must coincide with community board boundaries, a variance for the move will have to be voted on by the City Council.

However, at the same time, it is unlikely that the 88th Precinct will take over Barclays Center policing since the 19th century-era stationhouse on Classon Avenue is too small to take in the extra officers needed.

Commodore Barry Park renovations on track

Parks Committee member Andrew Lastowecky told the board that the state was moving forward with a $500,000 matching grant so that a $1 million refurbishment of two basketball courts at could move forward.

The scope of work will "likely include" new asphalt, a "color wearing surface" and poles, backboards and baskets. Money probably will not be available for lighting upgrades, according to CB2.

Synthetic marijuana menace?

Health, Environment and Social Services committee member Ruth Saunders reported to the board about reports of synthetic marijuana being sold and marketed to children.

Saunders said the committee listened to testimony from Phoenix Career Academy's Herman Lozada, who claimed the drug had led to high anxiety, depression and even suicide in young people.

The substance comes in potpourri and "pop rocks" form and can be bought at bodegas and gas stations, according to testimony.

CB2 Chairman John Dew said more outreach to health professionals was needed before a vote to ask elected officials to consider a ban on the substance could take place—an idea to which the full body eventually gave its assent.

Stoop on Fort Greene Place approved

Coinciding with renovations at 123 Fort Greene Place between Lafayette Avenue and Hanson Place, the board voted to approve plans for a new entrance.

Permit parking bill update

The state Senate majority tabled bills set for a vote in committee this week, including legislation that would allow the city .