Posted here are the Minutes of January 2014.
Here are some highlights.
David Kruger updated everyone about the anti-fracking bus trip to Albany on January 8th. More press coverage from PBS station WSKG
Keen Berger reported that Tim Gay has resigned at the Board of Elections, and will be replaced by Jamal Nelson, District Leader in Harlem. Keen also announced that the transfer of 75 Morton Street from New York State to New York City for a middle school is still in the works.
Jonathan Geballe reported on the lawsuit brought by the GVSHP vs. NYU, in which Deborah Glick is involved. He said this was a huge victory for the neighborhood. The court determined that three strips of land that weren’t officially designated parkland could not be used by NYU without permission of the New York State legislature. The University will still proceed with the Zipper Building and other parts of its plan that are not impacted directly by the court decision.
Tony announced that this year’s Gala date will be Thursday, April 24.
Nat Johnson, the Technology Committee Chair, said the results of the canvas for a website coordinator will be announced at the next Executive Committee Meeting. The committee recommends staying with the current web-person.
Katherine Wolpe announced that Lynn Stewart had been pardoned and released on New Year’s Eve, the result of her Stage 4 cancer. Ms. Stewart came to St. Marks Church the following Sunday to thank her supporters.
Marti Speranza announced the first meeting of the Community Affairs Committee will be on January 15 at 6:30 at Think Coffee. Anyone interested is invited to attend or contact Marti re future meetings. In general, the objective of this Committee will be to integrate community issues into the VID.
The VID forum, on the possible outcome of the two-state solution in Israel, was presented over by Kate Press, New York City Regional Director and Deputy Field Director of J Street. Also see this posting for details. There was a 20 minute presentation followed by 15 minutes of questions and 15 minutes of discussion.
ELECTIONS.
See additional coverage on 2014 officers here
Linda Jacobson was unanimously re-elected as Treasurer by voice vote.
Kathy Slawinski was unanimously re-elected as Recording Secretary by voice vote.
Alex Meadows and Ed Yutkowitz were unanimously re-elected by voice vote.
There was a closed secret ballot to elect the new Executive Committee. Those members elected are:
Frieda Bradlow
Georgina Christ
Tom Conner
Josh DuBoff
Jim Fouratt
Anne Heaney
Nadine Hoffmann
Ron Illardo
Ann Kjellberg
Jackie Manuel
Ellen Peterson-Lewis
Alec Pruchnicki
Charles Stimson
Celia Wu
Annette Zaner
Jim Fouratt proposed a letter to be written to our elected officials re the Washington Square Park Conservancy. Tony said to get him the letter and he will send it out, pending an okay by the Executive Committee.
New Business:
Ann Heaney spoke about future buses to Albany protesting fracking. Jim Fouratt spoke about the very important pre-K legislation pending. Sharon Woolums said she hopes the resolution to preserve small businesses will be brought to a vote at the City Council this year.
Here are the complete Minutes of January 9