Nieves at a recent Nassau Avenue Reconstruction meeting L-R Linda Minucci, Rami Metal, Joe Lentol, Chris Olechowski, Nieves Jeff Mann

Nieves to Step Down as CB 1 Transportation Chair

After more than two years as Chairperson of Community Board 1’s Transportation Committee, Karen Nieves will step down, effective July 1st. Will Florentino will assume the role, which Nieves took over from Teresa Toro in February 2010.

“I really enjoyed working with the committee and I’m thankful to the board for their constant support,” Nieves said. Under her leadership, Nieves helped move forward two major projects she inherited when she became Chair: the Nassau Avenue Reconstruction and the Brooklyn Greenway Initiative. “It was challenging, but I did my best to mitigate everybody’s needs.”

Incoming Chairman Florentino received a vote of support from Nieves. “I know that Will will do great and I’ll be there to support him,” she said. She plans to remain on the board and committee and “to still be there for the community.”

As he prepares to assume the Chairmanship of the Transportation Committee, Florentino tipped his cap to his predecessors. “I follow in the footsteps of some of the most caring and faithful stewards of our community,” he said. “I look forward to working to address the many outstanding transportation issues within our community.” He called Nieves’ service “a true inspiration,” adding “I am thankful that she will continue to serve on our committee.”

CB 1 Chair Chris Olechowski applauded Nieves’ leadership. “She did a great job hitting on all the major issues that are of concern to Greenpoint residents,” he said. “She truly did a commendable job.”

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