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5 Questions for the Candidates

The Windsor Terrace Alliance posed five questions to all eight candidates for the 39th City Council seat currently held by Bill de Blasio. The fact that some of the players have changed plus the diverse range of political views in our neighborhood made it clear that we had to invite all the possible candidates - five Democrats, two Republicans, and one Green Party candidate - to participate. Six responded and their responses are posted below listed in alphabetical order by the candidates last name.

The rules: we asked the candidates to limit each answer to 50 words - no small feat and we appreciate the effort they obviously put into this. We also asked them to try to focus on how these issues relate to the Windsor Terrace community. If you are interested in any of the candidates in particular, we urge you to go to their website to find out more about them (links to their sites are listed below).

Brad Lander bradlander.com	Joe Nardiello joe439.com	David Pechefsky pechefskyforcitycouncil.com
Gary Reilly garyreilly.org	Josh Skaller skaller09.com	Bob Zuckerman zuckerman2009.com

The WTA's 5 Questions for the Candidates

1. What is your Economic/Redevelopment plan for Windsor Terrace as a whole (and for some of the neglected local business areas, in particular)?

Brad Lander: As director of FAC, I worked with small businesses to bring Fifth Avenue back-to-life. Now, we need new tools to help Church, Ft. Hamilton, Prospect, and PPW: tax credits for owners who rent to locally-owned businesses, a “shop local” program, and a green buildings program to save energy and money.

Joe Nardiello: Problem-solving in this area is a matter of encouraging risk & supporting small business, attraction and retention. No other candidate leads a national company through the Recession now AND no other has experience under 2 Mayors (Dinkins, Giuliani) for NY economic development.

David Pechefsky: If elected, I intend to pursue policies that strengthen neighborhood commercial strips and help small businesses and start-ups throughout the district. We have to move away from the financial and zoning policies favoring large scale developments and real estate driven economic development advanced by the current administration.

Gary Reilly: Invest in infrastructure and green technology to create jobs citywide. For Windsor Terrace, my plan for enhanced F/V service will be a boon to the neighborhood. I will work with local business groups to revitalize commercial strips; the rebuild of Smith Street provides an excellent model for boosting a neglected strip.

Josh Skaller: I will push the City to invest taxpayer funds in support for small businesses, not for large corporations, stadia and big box stores. Both 9th Avenue (a/k/a PPW) and Ft. Hamilton Parkway near East 4th Street deserve a laser-like focus to generate, sustain and expand on successes.

Bob Zuckerman: Small businesses are the key to revitalizing our local economy. I will offer property tax incentives to building owners so business owners can purchase their storefront space. I will also create incentives for shopping locally by creating a Windsor Terrace merchants association that will offer discount cards to local residents.

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2. How would you address the lack of enough quality middle school seats in our area and the recent baby boom's impact on the public school system in general?

Brad Lander: I will help find places for two new K-8 schools the SCA says our district needs, keep pushing for pre-K classrooms in the Armory, and work closely with existing middle schools (there are more good ones than there used to be) so students have a range of good choices.

Joe Nardiello: Schools are crowded; its frustrating to be on waiting lists. The answer is working with the Mayor and not grandstanding. One controversial idea.. is using a hammer of "eminent domain" vs. developers that are sitting & warehousing properties now. New schools & senior housing are priorities.

David Pechefsky: Regarding middle schools, if quality is the issue then we have to work on a case-by-case basis and see what can be done to improve the local middle schools. If quantity is the issue then we have to identify potential sites. For pre-k seats the first step is identifying sites.

Gary Reilly: I will work with both the Department of Education and the Department of City Planning to ensure that we have the educational infrastructure we need - both today and in the future. This is a district-wide issue, and beyond addressing middle school capacity, we also need to ensure universal access to public pre-k.

Josh Skaller: As a Council Education Committee member, I want the DOE to create new middle schools. I support using satellite schoolrooms a la P.S. 230 and ensuringIHM schoolrooms are fully utilized for education purposes. Developments (like Atlantic Yards) that lack essential infrastructure planning – to expand school capacity – should not be approved.

Bob Zuckerman: We need to construct new middle schools in this district, including a new one in Windsor Terrace. City, state, and federal resources should be focused on building schools in half the amount of time. In addition, major development projects must take into account the need for additional school seats.

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3. What plan do you have to address the multitude of issues ignored by developers and contractors doing new development in the area?

Brad Lander: I have led efforts to address stalled development sites (like 23 Caton) and require responsible contractors. I am helping introduce a “Smart Development Bill” that will set minimum neighborhood service and require agency plans to address schools, sewers, subways, parks etc. as part of large projects.

Joe Nardiello: Stronger powers to community boards, for one. The City can be swift (and squarely on the side of its residents) when it comes to the nonsense we see. Legislate loss of property for abandonment, severe fines for developers that sneak another floor onto their designs, etc.

David Pechefsky: Neighborhoods all over New York feel like development and construction are out of hand. For Windsor Terrace as elsewhere, we need to figure out if the solutions involve legislation, improved oversight and enforcement, zoning changes, or budget initiatives.

Gary Reilly: My office will bring community concerns to developers early and have an open door for community groups. I will fight for contextual development and o ensure that projects in our district comply with the zoning law. Where a ULURP process applies, I will fight for expansive scoping.

Josh Skaller: My District Advisory Council would include Windsor Terrace residents such as Jack Carroll, a supporter of mine. The DAC will defend zoning victories and stand strong against variances that dilute zoning requirements. We will require that all development go through ULURP, ensuring community input at every stage of a project.

Bob Zuckerman: Certain key principles should guide proper development: responsibility, sustainability, and economic opportunity. New development must not undermine the values and character of the surrounding neighborhoods. To ensure cooperation and understanding, the community needs to be engaged in the complex planning process in the early stages.

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4. What would you do to minimize the clusters of car break ins that crop up periodically in the neighborhood?

Brad Lander: I will work closely with the 72nd Precinct and community groups, and help organize a community watch (perhaps in conjunction with the Community Justice Center), so we can insure a real-time response. I’m pleased to be supported by the Detectives Endowment Association, the only law enforcement endorsement in the race.

Joe Nardiello: Policing and support/communication with NYPD is a prime difference of this Republican. There should not be "clusters" of any crime. Car breaks ins, usually point to local chop-shops or street drugs... and the Pct. should/would be aware of how to handle this.

David Pechefsky: Besides policing, the problem is, in part, related to one of the qualities that people like about Windsor Terrace - that it’s quiet. An increase in foot traffic might make the neighborhood less vulnerable to this type of crime and the trade-off around this considered.

Gary Reilly: We have the same issue in Carroll Gardens where I live. I would partner with community groups such as the WTA and representatives from the 72nd Precinct to address problem areas and develop a neighborhood watch program.

Josh Skaller: Increased patrols within Windsor Terrace would help. Though Detective Mike Cleary has been helpful, the 72nd Precinct must make patrols a higher priority – despite the alleged need for more resources in Sunset Park. State Senator Eric Adams, who is supporting my candidacy, will work closely with us on this issue.

Bob Zuckerman: I will advocate for a stronger police patrol, particularly in the parts of the neighborhood where car thefts have occurred. I would also explore establishing a community task force that would help protect and notify fellow residents of safety precautions, such as storing valuables and installing an alarm.

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5. What improvements to the neighborhood would be at the top of your To Do list?

Brad Lander: I will fight to address abandoned construction sites (at 23 Caton and elsewhere), combat truck idling and traffic on McDonald, Prospect, and Caton, and develop a comprehensive traffic improvement plan (from Bartel Pritchard to Park Circle, from Greenwood Cemetery to the Park).

Joe Nardiello: Cleaner, safer, brighter. And the safety of walking the streets without being hit by speeding vehicles. Respond to needs. One neighbor wants to be rid of her backyard raccoons. Another calmly reported that men 'party' until 1-2am with blaring car music.

David Pechefsky: First, I need to sit with residents and community groups to discuss what issues need to be prioritized and then develop an action plan. I want to see the changes approved by CB7 for Park Circle successfully implemented and like the idea of a PPW street fair.

Gary Reilly: The Park Circle redesign is a major priority for me. I would also look to extend the study to dangerous nearby intersections such as McDonald and Ft. Hamilton Parkway. I have identified a number of areas that would benefit from traffic calming measures and ways to reduce conflicts between cars and cyclists/pedestrians.

Josh Skaller: Neighborhoods are collections of great people and relationships. Therefore, my priorities in Windsor Terrace are:

- Responsible development / affordable housing;
- Helping seniors stay in the neighborhood – working with Holy Name and others;
- Small business support;
- Effective policing;
- Alleviating parking/traffic problems;
- Excellent constituent services – guided by my supporter, Jim Brennan.

Bob Zuckerman: I will provide an even better quality of life for people in Windsor Terrace by: 1) revitalizing its small business environment; 2) introducing a free shuttle service to connect residents to other parts of Brooklyn; and 3) providing a designated skateboard park for teenagers to enjoy without disturbing the neighborhood.

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