Boro Park, Kensington, Ocean Parkway, and Midwood
Brooklyn Community Board 12
Appointed by the Brooklyn Borough President, half on the recommendation of local Council members. Advisory, but the first government to hear about anything on your block.
Yidel Perlstein
chair · district manager Barry Spitzer
Fourth Tuesday, 7:00pm
board meetings are public; anyone can speak
42
budget requests to the city this cycle
What this board asked the city for
From the city’s official register, in the board’s own words, ranked by the board’s own priority. The response is the city’s.
New equipment for maintenanceWe are requesting a dedicated mini packer specifically for servicing Ocean Parkway. This would be a new vehicle for the job. Ocean Parkway Malls is often neglected and rarely maintained, despite being a nearly 5-mile-long bike and pedestrian path running through a high-density area with many taller-than-usual buildings. It serves as a popular park for elderly residents, dog walkers, joggers, and cCity response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 1Extend library hours or expand and enhance library programsWe are requesting more funding for Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) branches to improve and expand the programs they offer. Right now, each branch has a basic set of programs, but with extra funding, they can provide more. This could include things like Creative Aging art classes for older adults, kids' events with paid performers, author talks for schools, and workshops like podcasting that need speCity response (Brooklyn Public Library): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 1Funding for a new senior center programThe senior centers in our district are in urgent need of funding to support essential programming for older adults. As the senior population evolves, centers have worked to modernize their offerings to meet the needs of a younger generation of seniors (ages 65-75) who are recently retired or have lost their jobs due to COVID-19. These seniors, many of whom are second-generation children of HolocauCity response (Department for the Aging): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 1Roadway maintenance (resurfacing, trench restoration, etc.)We request an increase in funding for annual street repaving. Not enough of our broken streets are repaired. This damages passing vehicles and underground infrastructure and is a safety hazard for pedestrians.City response (Department of Transportation): The agency does not understand the request as written and requires more clarification.
priority 1Study land use and zoning to better match current use or future neighborhood needsOne of the major issues plaguing the district is the lack of affordable housing. To that end, we request some long overdue studies of commercial areas in our district, specifically the commercial strip spanning 60th street, for the purposes of being rezoned for residential development with a major focus on affordable housing.City response (Department of City Planning): Agency supports and can accommodate
priority 1Inspect storm sewer on specific street segment and service, repair or replace as neededThe areas around 18th Avenue and 60th Street, as well as the length of 13th Avenue, are particularly hard-hit by heavy rains, with many videos circulating on social media showing the extent of the flooding. These are high-traffic areas, and the flooding makes it difficult for both residents and city buses to navigate through knee-deep water. It's clear that these areas may require not only regularCity response (Department of Environmental Protection): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 1Animal and pest control requests including reducing rat and mosquito populationsOur district faces a persistent mosquito problem from spring through fall, with swarms throughout the streets. We urgently need increased mosquito spraying to address this issue. Small pools of standing water throughout the area serve as breeding grounds, making regular spraying essential to keep the mosquito population at manageable levels. Rats also contribute to property damage by gnawing on City response (Department of Health and Mental Hygiene): This request has already been completed.
priority 1Improve accessibility of transit infrastructure, by providing elevators, escalators, etc.Due to the large number of young children, senior citizens, parents with strollers, and individuals with mobility challenges (including those using walkers or wheelchairs), many residents struggle to access train platforms. There is an urgent need to install elevators at the D and F lines. While some stations got or are slated to get accessibility improvements, the 18th and McDonald Avenue stationCity response (Transit Authority): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 1Provide better park maintenanceOcean Parkway is a highly trafficked Special District that must not be allowed to deteriorate. Some of our elected officials have designated monies for the upgrade and beautification of the Malls. Maintenance must be ongoing to make sure the upgrades and beautification remain intact. In order to maintain this arena in a sanitary and groomed condition, a crew should be assigned to maintain this City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 1Increase enforcement of illegal dumping lawsThere has been an increase in dumping. A few hotspots require consistent attention. Increasing enforcement is an essential deterrent. A $4,000 violation as an actual probability, instead of a mythological possibility, may deter would-be violators. The dumping breeds unsanitary conditions and rodents. Since then DSNY has implemented a camera program to catch offenders, we request funding to place aCity response (Department of Sanitation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 1Other workforce development requestsA large number of residents in our district do not have college degrees, and many also face language barriers. Investing in targeted vocational training, along with NYOD English language classes, is a priority that could help raise the low incomes many families are currently experiencing. Our residents are intelligent and capable, and they would benefit from training focused on high-paying, in-demCity response (Department of Small Business Services): Agency supports and can accommodate
priority 1Other traffic improvement requestsThere are simply not enough HIQA inspectors to make an impact. HIQA's mission is to "increase the level of safety for both pedestrian and vehicle travel" and to "expedite the flow of traffic around construction zones." However, permit stipulations are frequently ignored, resulting in significant disruptions. Sometimes our district comes to a complete standstill because violators feel they have a rCity response (Department of Transportation): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 1Other expense budget request for DYCDOur Community-Based Organizations rely heavily on DYCD funding to sustain their essential programs, which are a critical lifeline for our residents. Several programs, in particular, require increased funding to meet growing demand. These include food pantry services, crisis intervention programs, and general social services. Additionally, our CBOs offer valuable digital literacy programs that are City response (Department of Youth & Community Development): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 1Other expense budget request for HRAIn previous years, we have requested the establishment of an HRA service center in our district. While we understand that funding for this request may not be feasible, we are now asking that HRA provide resources and personnel at our office, including a specialized scanning machine for clients to upload documents. ACCESS HRA is a valuable tool for those with internet and smartphone access, but forCity response (Human Resources Administration): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 1Hire additional traffic enforcement agentsOur district is in urgent need of Traffic Control Agents who can be assigned to address areas of concern throughout the community. Specific locations of high concern include 18th Avenue from 45th Street to Ocean Parkway, 15th Avenue from 42nd Street to 45th Street, 14th Avenue from 49th Street to 42nd Street, 13th Avenue from 39th Street to 54th Street, Avenues I and J from McDonald Avenue to ConeCity response (Police Department): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 1Show all 42 requests
Other community board facilities and staff requestscommunity Boards are in desperate need of a base-line budget increase. Current community boards' budgets leave little room for competitive salaries, making recruitment and retention of professional staff difficult. As a recent NYC Council hearing, many Boards testified that they only have one or two employees, some of them only working part time. This makes our function of service delivery very diCity response (Mayor's Office of Management and Budget): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 1Reconstruct or upgrade a park or amenity (i.e. playground, outdoor athletic field)COL. MARCUS PARK - A comfort station is urgently needed in the playground area. Currently, many children and adults must cross East 5th Street to reach the restrooms on the other side of the park. This is a busy, heavily trafficked street, and requiring park-goers to cross it to use the restroom creates unnecessary risks. A restroom located within the playground area, especially for the children uCity response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 2Other senior center program requestsOur community-based organizations are requesting an increase in funding for the SOS (Supporting Our Seniors) Initiative due to the growing number of younger seniors in the community. This initiative is specifically designed to assist seniors with navigating the process of applying for programs they are newly eligible for, such as Medicare, SSI, Social Security benefits, and other need-based prograCity response (Department for the Aging): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 2Improve traffic and pedestrian safety, including traffic calmingWe request a pedestrian crossing for the Ave. K & Ocean Parkway intersection. As of now there is no pedestrian crossing for 2/5th of a mile, from Ave. J to Ave. L. It is a matter of public safety to install a traffic light that allows pedestrians to cross safely. A traffic light will slow traffic on this stretch where cars routinely speed up because there are no traffic calming measures in place. City response (Department of Transportation): Agency does not support but can address the need alternatively
priority 2Clean catch basinsRegular cleaning of catch basins is crucial. Recent storms have highlighted that the current reactive approach to cleaning is ineffective. Every time it rains, we experience consistent flooding throughout the district, and the flooding often disrupts daily life for days. Catch basins should be cleaned every year rather than once every three years, before issues are reported. Catch basins should bCity response (Department of Environmental Protection): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 2Forestry services, including street tree maintenanceWhile PARKS follows a multi-year pruning cycle, many trees fall into disrepair long before that time frame. The number of incidents involving falling trees or branches has been increasing in our district, due to delays in the treatment and removal of diseased or dying trees. Recent storms have underscored the serious damage caused by falling trees, not only to personal and public property but alsoCity response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports and can accommodate
priority 2Provide more frequent garbage or recycling pick-up for schools and institutionsPublic schools have daily trash collection. Private schools that serve ~100k children 3 meals daily year-round have twice weekly pickups. We request funding for sanitation employees to service daily trash collection for ALL schoolchildren in CB12. Enrollment in private schools outnumbers public school enrollment here. Daily school trach pickups must be implemented to remedy the quality of life andCity response (Department of Sanitation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 2Other traffic improvement requestsWe request DOT upgrade street signs and markings as needed. Specifically, the traffic light on 60th St and 13th Ave. Drivers on 13th Ave heading south must turn left or right when they get to the 60th St intersection because 13th Ave. becomes a ONE-WAY street. Multiple vehicles go the wrong way southbound from 60th St to 59th St. Drivers need easily visible direction ON the traffic light; either aCity response (Department of Transportation): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 2Other NYPD programs requestsWe request resources to remove vehicles that are parked on residential streets. We need increased use of, or a dedicated, NYPD tow truck to remove offending vehicles. Parking is scarce in our district, and illegally parked vehicles make it more so. Laws are ineffective if not enforced. These vehicles create unsafe conditions when large trucks park on dark, quiet streets. Large groups hanging out aCity response (Police Department): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 2Provide a new or expanded park or amenity (i.e. playground, outdoor athletic field)Rappaport Park (at 53rd Street & Fort Hamilton Parkway) is the last remaining roller hockey rink in Brooklyn and is in urgent need of renovation. The hockey rink, fencing, and seating have not been renovated in at least 30 years. Additionally, the playground at Rappaport Park needs a complete reconstruction, redesign and upgrade. This includes play equipment, safety surface, bollard spray showerCity response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 3Improve traffic and pedestrian safety, including traffic calmingThere is a large school near 13th Ave and 36th St. that necessitates crossing 36th St. for most students. And although the area has been dedicated a school zone, there is no traffic calming devices for the entire stretch of 36th St. from Church Ave. (past Clara, Tehama, and Louisa Street) all the way until 12th Ave. Another school is coming to this area, which will make it even more important to hCity response (Department of Transportation): Agency does not support but can address the need alternatively
priority 3Forestry services, including street tree maintenancePARKS advised that the funds to repair sidewalks damaged by trees was increased. However, this increased funding has not yet resulted in actual repairs. We request PARKS repair the sidewalks damaged by trees as they said they would. Some of these areas are extremely dangerous for pedestrians and have been waiting for repairs for an exceptionally long time.City response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports and can accommodate
priority 3Other garbage collection and recycling requestsWe are requesting the return of a permanent cleaning officer to the district. Currently BK12 does not have a dedicated cleaning officer. Such an officer would go a long way to remedy the chronic littering in high litter areas.City response (Department of Sanitation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 3Conduct traffic or parking studiesTraffic is very congested along 18th Ave., specifically from 45th Street to Ocean Parkway and especially during morning hours. 18th Ave., an already major thoroughfare, intersects with McDonald Ave. where the F line subway station is. This creates both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. We are requesting a thorough engineering study to determine the feasibility of certain measures to alleviate the City response (Department of Transportation): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 3Hire additional staff to address specific crimes (e.g. drug, gang-related, vice, etc.)We are requesting an increase in officers to focus specifically on enforcement of mopeds, electric bikes, and electric assist bicycles on sidewalks and bike paths. With the explosion of moped share companies and other electric capable bikes comes the risk of pedestrian injury. These riders should be on the streets- but it is impossible to walk 3 blocks on city sidewalks without needing to dodge suCity response (Police Department): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 3Reconstruct streets37th Street between 14th and 15th Avenues is in urgent need of reconstruction. Community Board 12 has requested funding for this project in multiple years (FY 2018 212201807C, FY 2022 212202204C, FY 2023 212202305C). However, we were informed that it does not qualify for standard street repaving due to unique features of this street, such as the lack of curb cuts. This section is plagued by potholCity response (Department of Transportation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 4Enhance park safety through more security staff (police or parks enforcement)We are requesting funding for additional Parks personnel to secure and lock all parks in our district after dusk like Gravesend Park due to many incidents happening at nighttime. Elected officials have invested significant funds to upgrade our parks into state-of-the-art facilities that provide safe, enjoyable outdoor spaces for children. However, the absence of proper security has led to undesiraCity response (Department of Parks and Recreation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 4Other cleaning requestsWe are asking to increase the number of brooms from five to six to be able to complete the broom routes on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, and increase the Wednesday broom route from three to four. DSNY has claimed in the past that there are no available resources to accommodate this request.City response (Department of Sanitation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 4Conduct traffic or parking studies13th Avenue is the commercial heart of CB12, attracting shoppers from all over due to its unique ethnic vibe. On any given day, over 10,000 people pass through this bustling shopping strip. With parking at a premium, it can take up to an hour to travel the 23 blocks. The avenue hasn't seen any major redesign in over 21 years, and it's in urgent need of a comprehensive engineering study to identifyCity response (Department of Transportation): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 4Other garbage collection and recycling requestsWe request cameras mounted on Sanitation Truck to ensure essential services are provided properly. We also request photos attached to sanitation violations when issued to residents.City response (Department of Sanitation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 5Conduct traffic or parking studiesA complete traffic study on Avenue J from McDonald Avenue to Coney Island Avenue is needed as well, especially at the intersection of Avenue J and Bay Parkway where there is a constant bottleneck. The streets aren't aligned so sometimes drivers may find themselves continuing into a non-existent lane. There is severe congestion during both AM and PM rush hours. It can take a very long to travel thiCity response (Department of Transportation): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 5Provide more frequent garbage or recycling pick-upWe are also requesting the reinstatement of the mechanical sweeper on the midnight shift (12:00 AM to 8:00 AM), six days a week. Our district consistently receives low ratings on the cleanliness scorecard, and restoring this service would greatly help improve this situation. DSNY continues to state that no resources are available for this service.City response (Department of Sanitation): Agency supports but cannot accommodate
priority 6Conduct traffic or parking studiesA complete traffic study on Avenue I from McDonald Avenue to Coney Island Avenue is needed. There is severe congestion as well as horn honking during both AM and PM rush Hours. It can take up to one hour during rush hours to travel this strip.City response (Department of Transportation): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 6Conduct traffic or parking studiesThere are many private and public schools along Fourteenth Avenue that transport children to and from school by buses. This leads to congestion during morning and afternoon bus traffic. A study is needed to explore the best methods to ease the congestion.City response (Department of Transportation): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 7Conduct traffic or parking studies15th AVENUE and 16th AVENUE- These are both two-way Avenues that are always busy and plagued by double parked vehicles making the street virtually impassable. A study exploring the possibility of converting it to a one way street, or another solution, to ease traffic is needed.City response (Department of Transportation): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 8Provide new traffic or pedestrian signalsExpand the Traffic Engineering Department to be able to conduct traffic studies more expeditiously. The response to all our DOT expense requests was that further study is required. This is what we ask.City response (Department of Transportation): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 9Improve traffic and pedestrian safety, including traffic calmingWe request speed mitigation systems added to the 12th Avenue feeder to Dahill Road, and on the intersection of Caton Avenue and Dahill Road. There have been numerous speeding cars that have resulted in fatalities and severe injuries to cyclists and pedestrians. Notably, this is directly on the road next to PS230.City response (Department of Transportation): Agency does not support and cannot accommodate
priority 10Reach the board
Official websitemeeting agendas and minutes live here
official5910 13th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11219(718) 851-0800 · bk12@cb.nyc.gov
From the city’s official community board directory and the Register of Community Board Budget Requests (updated daily). Member rosters arrive when borough president appointment lists are ingested; meeting summaries arrive with the document tier.