Community Board 11 defers two license renewals after losing quorum; comstat shows mixed trends and summer youth safety raised

Community Board 11’s Economic Development & Public Committee did not have a quorum at the May 19 meeting, and the chair said two license items will be sent to the full board for action: an alcohol renewal for F&J Pine and a cannabis renewal for Smoking Scholars LLC.

"We do not have a quorum present today," the chair said, and identified the two pending renewal applications as items for the board meeting.

The chair reviewed recent comstat figures for the board’s area. For a recent 28‑day comparison he said murders were unchanged at zero, robbery rose 25% (from 16 to 20), felony assault increased about 15.6% (cited as 52 vs. 45 in the 28‑day comparison), burglary declined about 17.6% (17 to 14), grand larceny dropped about 34.8% (66 to 43) and grand larceny auto declined about 42.9% (42 to 24). Year‑to‑date figures cited included a 50% reduction in murders, a 38.5% increase in reported rape and a 28.6% increase in robbery.

Board members also described a recent large disturbance in the Morris Park and White Plains Road area involving many teenagers and a "melee" that prompted multiple arrests; the chair said the 49th Precinct brought the incident under control. Detective Hall of the 49th Precinct (community affairs) was reported to have "nothing whatsoever" adverse to say about the two renewal establishments, according to a board member’s conversation with the precinct.

Members pressed for a proactive summer plan to address large youth gatherings, loud music and social‑media‑organized events; the chair said he would coordinate with the precinct and precinct council on planning and community events intended to provide alternatives for teenagers.

Because no formal votes were held, the committee recorded no outcomes tonight; the two renewal items will be scheduled for the full board with police reports and application documentation for members to review prior to a vote.