Mechanic Lot Madness in East Flatbush

EAST FLATBUSH – Community Board 17 voted overwhelmingly against reinstating a prior variance for an automotive repair service in East Flatbush at their October 17 general meeting.

Members complained the lot at 406 Remsen Avenue and Lenox Rd. — for years — has been a hub for trash, double-parked cars and barking dogs that frighten adults and children who walk on the sidewalk past the gate behind which the dogs are housed.

“The dogs are there for protection,” said owner Jami Bermel when asked by CB17 Chair Barrington Barrett if the dogs can be controlled in some way. “Believe it or not there are hold-ups during the day. It’s a high crime neighborhood.”

Her comments were met with outbursts of disapproval.

The block-long lot space is occupied by four independent shops, of which three are tenants (two demolition auto repair shops and a muffler shop) and one space is used by the landlord.

The owners said they did issue tenants an addendum to the lease that says “tenants parking cars on the sidewalk would be fined $50 for the first offense, $100 for the next and $500 for the final offense and subsequently be released from their lease should they not comply.”

Landlords also assured the board the property would be monitored remotely through video cameras. To that one resident offered a solution.

“Even when I’m driving and I’m parking close to there, getting out of my vehicle I’m fearful,” said one attendee. Kids walking by, they’re in fear of the dogs. If you going to have security, I think it’s time for dogs to go.”

The business, Sammoon Associates, is required to renew their variance every 10 years with the New York City Board of Standards and Appeals — a city regulator of land use and development and construction.

More than one attendee complained about the parking along the sidewalk, as well as double-parked cars. Some people complained that some of the cars are untagged, making it difficult for tow trucks to identify vehicle owners. While others complained cars aren’t moved during alternate side parking, making it impossible for sanitation to clean the streets.

However, since the lease revision, no tenants have been fined by the city, despite ongoing complaints about the same issues by residents.

The evening didn’t end without someone addressing the tone in which Bermel addressed the audience:

“What this young lady just said, the way she addressed us, I think she’s very rude,” said member Diez after confirming that Bermel didn’t live in the area. “I’m insulted by her saying it’s a high-crime neighborhood.”

Sgt. Pierre of Neighborhood Policing chimed in to say the 67 Precinct is still getting complaints from residents about the space.

According to Bermel, the business employs around 20 people in the area.

“I don’t know why they would want to shut down a small business that employees people in the area,” Bermel told Bklyner.

The application will now go to the Board of Standards and Appeals for review.