Jonathan Schultz

The meeting provided an overview of resources available to immigrants and vulnerable populations. Key topics included housing rights, protected statuses under human rights laws, and the reporting process for discrimination. Additionally, representatives from the Office of Faith and Nonprofit Development Services discussed community resource rooms that provide technology, workforce development, and social services across the state to support nonprofits and community groups.

The board conducted a hearing to discuss a petition regarding the alteration and change of occupancy for the Dun Building in Buffalo. Key discussion topics included the project's historical context, the developer's plan to convert the building into residential apartments, and the necessity for a variance related to egress requirements. The board reviewed code compliance, the proposed fire safety improvements, including the installation of a two-hour fire-rated stair enclosure and a smoke evacuation system, and the management of the existing restaurant during construction.

The board discussed operational streamlining, the expansion of external educational offerings such as the Cemetery 101 courses, and the success of the Caring for Your Cemetery Day initiative. Reports were provided on legislation, regulatory updates, and annual report filings. The board approved multiple applications for the Vandalism and Abandonment Fund regarding the repair of hazardous monuments at Forest Lawn Clarence Fillmore, Forest Lawn Griffins Mills, Newport Cemetery, and Poland Cemetery.

The Advisory Council meeting focused on the implementation of a new video conference format and the introduction of new members. The council discussed the status of member participation and challenges in reaching a quorum. A significant portion of the meeting included a presentation from the New York State Department of Labor regarding the Career Zone platform, a free online tool designed to assist youth and young adults with career exploration, skill assessment, and job readiness preparation.

The board conducted hearings on two separate petitions. In the first matter, the board held a vote to elect a new chairperson and heard a petition for a variance regarding a basement window egress requirement, which was ultimately denied after deliberation. In the second matter, the board considered a request for a variance concerning cellar ceiling obstructions in a residential property, where the applicant described challenges in meeting fire safety construction standards due to complex existing utility installations.