Mission

The mission of Madison Street Block #2 Association of Brooklyn (MSB2A) is to enhance the quality of life of block residents by providing opportunities for economic and leadership development, and serving as a venue to promote a better environment, better health, and public safety.

Officers

Lorna E. Davis, President
Michael Hegedus, Vice President
Orlando Orengo, Treasurer
Sean Cosier, Secretary
Jamil Abu-Bakr, Assistant Secretary

Accomplishments

In 2004, reclaimed 2 vacant lots, creating a community garden, which is now a safe place for community residents to grow organic foods, and participate in outdoor activities. The garden is a public garden.
Since summer 2005, MSB2A has been working to prevent rodent infestation on the block by observing proper food and garbage disposal. Over 50 pest-safe garbage pails were secured for use on the block.
In December 2005 worked with NYC Parks Department, Project Greenthumb to secure a new sidewalk for the community garden, and in 2007, secured a new garden fence.
Coordinated tree planting from 2006-2008 resulting in over 12 trees being planted on our previously treeless block.
Coordinated “Flowers Grow on Madison Street” beautification efforts to ensure that flowers and greenery was planted in front of each home in Spring/ Summer 2007.
Has successfully applied for, and received grants from Citizens for NYC for several block development, and beautification projects resulting in improvements in operation of the block association, increased membership, and visible improvements on the block such as lamp post banners, planters, flowers and plants. Worked with NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) to secure street banner permits.
Coordinates with neighboring block associations to improve public safety through ongoing dialogue with the 79th Precinct. In 2007, co-hosted community forum with Madison Street 3 block association and the 79th Precinct to discuss how to best work with the precinct to reduce crime
Developed an Asthma Free School Zone project through support from CNY grant, and in collaboration with the local Mosque, and neighboring daycare center. Asthma Free School Zone no idling signs were permanently posted, and there is ongoing education on how pollution affects lung health.
Through CNY support developed block association logo, and banners which are hung on streetlamps throughout the block.

Bylaws

ARTICLE I: TERMS AND DEFINITIONS

Section 1. Name. The name of this Association shall be Madison Street Block #2 Association, hereafter referred to as MSB2A.

Section 2. Territory. MSB2A Brooklyn is located in the City of New York, County of Kings, Borough of Brooklyn, State of New York, and is bounded by the following streets: Bedford Avenue on the east, and Franklin Avenue on the west.

ARTICLE II: PURPOSE

The purpose of this Association shall be to provide a venue for community collaboration, learning, and the expression of the desires and needs of the residents, renters, property owners, religious institutions, and businesses within the defined territory.

MSB2A supports the following goals:

To promote community involvement and participation.
To establish and maintain an adequate line of communication between the residents of the block, community board 3, 79^th precinct council, and elected officials.
To provide a community voice to city agencies, health and academic institutions, and the community at large concerning the implementation of services, community needs, and events.
To recruit volunteers and sponsors to aid in service to the community.
To generate, through fundraising activities, revenue for the purpose of enhancing the quality of life on the block and the neighboring community.

ARTICLE III: MISSION

MSB2A’s mission is to enhance the quality of life of block residents providing opportunities for economic and leadership development, and serving as a venue to promote a better environment, better health, and public safety.

ARTICLE 1V: MEMBERSHIP

The membership of this association shall be residents, renters, property owners, religious institutions, or businesses within the boundaries of Madison Street, between Bedford and Franklin Avenues, Brooklyn, NY 11216. Other community residents may be invited to attend block association meetings, but shall not be entitled to a vote.
A Voting Member shall be a resident, renter, property owner, religious institution, or business within the boundaries of Madison Street, between Bedford and Franklin Avenues, Brooklyn, NY 11216. Each resident, homeowner, business, or religious institution with membership in the block association shall be entitled to one vote.
Dues will be determined by the voting members. Monthly dues are to be $5 per month per member. Dues shall be waived for residents who are unable to pay due to financial hardships.
Membership shall not be denied on the basis of views or opinions contrary to the goals and purposes of the association.

ARTICLE V: OFFICERS

The voting members of the block association shall elect officers. The officers of this block association shall hold office for a term of two year(s) or until successors are elected. The term of office shall begin at the close of the Annual Meeting. The officers of the association shall be President (or Chairperson), a Vice President (or Vice Chairperson), a Secretary (or Secretary/Treasurer), Assistant Secretary, a Treasurer and an Historian, if deemed appropriate. The officers of the association will comprise the Board of Directors.

A. The President (or Chairperson) shall call and preside at all meetings, shall act for and on behalf of the membership of the association, shall appoint any special committees necessary for the operation of the association business with input from the membership, and shall act as official spokesperson for the association.
B. The Vice President (or Vice Chairperson) shall, in the absence of the President, assume all of the duties of that office and shall be responsible for publicity and notifications of meetings of the association.
C. The Secretary shall keep a permanent record of all formal meetings and all legal documents and legal transactions of the association. The secretary shall take the minutes of each meeting and shall maintain a file copy of these minutes.
D. The Assistant Secretary shall support the Secretary in executing all duties of the office.
E. The Treasurer shall keep all financial receipts and a permanent record of all financial business of the association. An up-to-date financial report shall be submitted at each meeting. The Treasurer shall be responsible for collecting and tracking receipt of all membership dues.
F. Any officer can be removed from office by a 2/3rds majority vote of the dues paying membership (if applicable) after a special meeting has been requested at least ten (10) working days in advance.

ARTICLE VI: COMMITTEES

The President (or Chairperson) shall have the power to appoint committees as necessary, with input from the membership to implement the purposes of the charter.
The President (or Chairperson) shall be an ex-officio member of all committees.

ARTICLE VII: MEETINGS

Regular Meetings. MSB2A Brooklyn shall meet on the 2^nd Thursday of each month. Meetings are open to the public. Roll call shall be taken at each meeting. Minutes shall be taken at each meeting and summarized.

Special Meetings. If extreme circumstances require action before the next regular meeting, Special Meetings may be called by the President, or by the Vice President and one other Officer.

An annual meeting shall be held during the month of June at a time and place designated by the President/Chairperson.

Not less than 33 percent of the Voting Members shall have the privilege of petitioning a special meeting at any time.
The Voting Members present at each meeting shall constitute a quorum.
At least a 5- day notice shall be provided in advance of any association meeting. Every effort will be made to notify all interested parties and members of the Association of upcoming meetings either by direct mailing, pamphlets, newsletters, or announcements at regularly scheduled meetings.
All meetings shall be public and open to any interested persons.

ARTICLE VIII. NOMINATION, ELECTIONS, ANNUAL REPORTS AND INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS

Nominations of officers shall be made from the floor at the annual meeting or a slate presented from a nominating committee would also be acceptable.
Election of officers shall be held on the same day as the nominations.
Upon installation of the officers whose terms begin at the close of the Annual Meeting, all documents, records, and any materials pertaining to the duties of the office as designated in the bylaws which are in the possession of the outgoing officers shall be submitted to the newly elected counterpart within 30 days of the installation.
Any vacancies occurring during the year of any Officer or member of the advocates shall be filled by appointment by the President/Chairperson in the interim until special elections are held to appoint a permanent officer.
Any officer may be removed from office for cause by a majority vote of the voting members.

ARTICLE IX: FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY

Expenditure of funds of the association may not be made without the signatures of at least two (2) officers. At least (3) officers will have their signatures on file with any financial institutions with which the Block Association establishes an account.
Financial records and funds of the association shall be audited at least once a year by a committee of at least two (2) Voting Members of the Block Association appointed by the President/Chairperson prior to a new Treasurer's taking office.

ARTICLE X: AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS

These bylaws may be amended by a majority vote.
Proposed amendments shall be sent to all members at least 10 working days in advance of the meeting where action is to be taken or shall be read at the presiding meeting.

ARTICLE XI: GENERAL

The rules in the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order shall govern the association, the Board of Directors, and all subcommittees in all cases to which they apply and do not conflict with the specific provisions of this Charter and Bylaws or any special rules that the association may adopt.
If any part of the Bylaws or the application thereof is hereafter held invalid or unenforceable, the remainder shall not be affected thereby, and only the affected portions are declared eliminated.
No officer, representative, spokesperson or member shall have any financial liability of the association.

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