(MSCC) Daniel Mintz, January 17, 2017 — MSCC/Inner City Farmer January 4, 2017 meeting minutes of the Site visit at Midtown South Police Precinct, 357 West 35^th Street, NYC for the rooftop gardening project.

Present:

Inner City Farmer:  Joseph Winter, Daniel Mintz

Midtown South Community Council:   President John Mudd

Midtown South Precinct: Inspector Russell Green, Paul Spano – Community Relations Officer, Officer Thomas Byrnes

YK Structures (Structural Engineers):   Gene Hu

We visited the roof of the MSP, which is on the fourth floor.   Access is via interior stairs from ground level and there is also an elevator to the third floor.   JW thinks the four flights would not be a problem for transporting materials.

Roof level is very open and roof system looks fairly new.    MSP said building was built in the 60s/70s.      Total footprint unknown at this point, but roof is basically open.   There is no water tap on the roof.    MSP said that there is not any sensitive equipment on the rooftop.  PS said tools and materials could be stored in the bulkhead just inside the roof.

GH asked whether MSP had original structural plans, and MSP said most likely no.   JM said he would contact expediter to obtain plans from DOB.

Midtown South Community Council, 331 W 38th St., NY, NY 10018, midtownsouthcc.org, 917-520-3009

All parties discussed with GH threshold issue of whether roof would be suitable.   GH estimate without reviewing the plans was that the decking was most likely concrete and could sustain a load of approx. 50 psf.  JW described for the group types of planters and plant medium used on roof at 205 W. 39^th St.

GH noted that DOB might require some manner of filing for a legal use of the roof for planting/agricultural purposes.  GH concerned that at some point a DOB inspector could cite roof for violation if the roof use is incompatible with building CO or applicable zoning code.   RG echoed concern that once project begins a neighbor could question the use, which would lead to an inspection.   GH noted DOB could be concerned with planting leading to people assembling on roof.   GH noted that if filing was required, it should be what is known as an “Alt 2” application, which does not involve a change in use and is more routine.   DM asked Gene for any information on applicable codes and offered to research that directly.

DM reviewed with RG a number of issues that would have to be considered if the roof is acceptable from a structural standpoint.   These included providing water, access, labor, trash removal and insurance.   Green suggested that the police auxiliary or explorers groups could be potential sources of volunteer labor on roof.   JM and DM also suggested community volunteer day and possible work by local homeless population.

After leaving MSP, parties discussed possible funding and grant proposals, and JM suggested this wait until Sharon returns.

GH said he would prepare proposal for the structural survey and would send the proposal to JM. JW said he would research soil weights, including dry and wet weights in pounds per cubic foot (pcf).  GH said he would not charge for the initial consult on 1/4/17.

Sincerely,

Midtown South Community Council

Board Members:

President John Mudd,

Vice President Bill Ottersen

Recording Secretaries Eileen Miller, Frank Kelly

Director of Community Services Sharon Jasparizza

Beautification Director Eugene Sinigalliano

Legal Council Howard Lieb

Marketing Director Cyndie Burkhardt

Executive Editor Grace Cavallo