CB4 honors Ed Kirkland, welcomes new additions

The Fire Departments EMS station on 23rd Street, proposed additions to the Chelsea Hotel. Permits for local street fairs and national budget issues were among the topics discussed when the full board of Community Board 4 (CB4), including 10 new board members, gathered at Fulton Houses Auditorium on April 4 for their monthly meeting.

Before the meeting began, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer arrived to present outgoing member Ed Kirkland with an official certificate of appreciation for his years of service to CB4.

The Proclamation Im going to give tonight to Ed Kirkland, whos always been someone who pointed the way on so many issues, the mayor cannot give. Andrew Cuomo cannot give this Proclamation, only I can do this, said Stringer. Whereas Ed Kirkland has served on the board of CB4 for 29 years and played a lead role in just about every important matter from the High Line to Hudson Gardens and the Hudson River Parkand whereas we are sad he will step downI hereby proclaim April 4, 2012, as Ed Kirkland Appreciation Day in the borough of Manhattan.

Im just glad it wasnt on April 1st, said Kirkland to laughter. Its time. I know its time. I want to thank all of you with whom I worked andthank you for this Proclamation.

Ed sets the standard for community reform, between his work with Chelsea Market and Waterfront issues, and will continue to help give you all the resources you need to handle these issues, said Stringer.

Kirkland will stay on the board in a consultant capacity, with Board Chair Corey Johnson noting, It is a loss not to have him on the board of CB4, but we will recruit him as a public member.

Ed Kirkland is one of the most prominent, well respected and irreplaceable community activists that CB4 has ever been blessed with, echoed Johnson. He is one of the foremost experts and activists on preservation, not just on the West Side but throughout the entire city, and about four years ago almost single-handedly helped secure the West Chelsea Historic District, which is just one of many accomplishments he has under his belt as board member for 29 years. We are saddened by him leaving the board, but happy he is staying on as a public member and helping us when we need his expertise.

EMS STATION DEBATED

Board member Brett Firfer led the session of the meeting dealing with the site selection and acquisition of property at 512 West 23rd Street for the Midtown West EMS Station. David Harney, chief of staff of the Deputy Fire Commissioner for the Bureau of Technology and Support Services, explained that the NYFD would like CB4 to support their move to obtain a lease at their temporary location. Joining him were Captain James Foley and Police Chief James Murley.

When the [St. Vincents] hospital closed, the five units and 15 tours that served the area disappeared, said Harney. The Fire Department assumed control of those tours. The problem is simple. We do not have the facilities [for this].

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CB4 honors Ed Kirkland, welcomes new additions