What is the CAG?
The Newtown Creek Community Advisory Group (CAG) is a group of representatives of relevant jurisdictions, community stakeholders, residents, other institutional stakeholders with a stake in the Newtown Creek Superfund Site, with the goal of ensuring broad, diverse representation from communities with an interest in the Site.
The goals and objectives of the CAG are as follows:
- To provide an open forum for the exchange of ideas, information, and concerns among the communities in and around Newtown Creek and the EPA.
- To develop a thorough and objective understanding of the Site from the standpoint of environmental and health implications, remediation options, and overall community objectives.
- To offer EPA informed, realistic recommendations on short- and longterm actions to be taken regarding cleanup of the Site.
As needed, the CAG will develop and modify the objectives, tasks, and schedules for accomplishing its goals. Either the agencies or the CAG may propose additional goals.
The CAG serves as a forum for information-sharing and providing input by:
- Providing individual comments and suggestions to regulatory agencies;
- Developing specific action items for follow-up at later meetings; and
- Developing joint input and making recommendations as appropriate.
The CAG meets approximately once a month with the EPA. The CAG is not a decision-making or regulatory body and does not set policy or make decisions regarding project design and implementation. Meetings are open to the public, everyone is welcome to attend.
CAG Membership and Structure
The CAG is made up of representatives of relevant jurisdictions, community stakeholders, residents, and other institutional stakeholders with a stake in the Site, with the goal of ensuring broad, diverse representation from communities with an interest in the Site. The CAG seeks diversity of background, interests, and skill sets among members. Relevant desirable attributes include a commitment to the process, communication skills, critical thinking skills, pertinent technical expertise, and representation of affected communities.
The CAG is typically led by two Co-Chairs and a Steering Committee, consisting of individuals and organization representatives who are recognized as community leaders interested in remedial activities at the Newtown Creek Superfund Site. The CAG co-chairs organize and lead the CAG’s efforts. Co-chairs serve one-year terms and are eligible to serve an unlimited number of terms.
For further details on the roles and responsibilities of Co-chairs and Steering Committee members, and for an explanation of how the Steering Committee members and Co-Chairs are nominated, see the CAG’s operating procedures.
The current co-chair is Willis Elkins (Executive Director of Newtown Creek Alliance). The past co-chairs of the CAG were:
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- Kate Zidar (2012-2013)
- Ryan Kuonen (2012-2022)
- Mike Schade (2013-2016)
Current Members and Affiliations
| Representative | Affiliation | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Willis Elkins | Newtown Creek Alliance | Co-chair |
| Leah Archibald | Evergreen Exchange | Steering Committee |
| Kendall Charter | Greenpoint YMCA | Steering Committee |
| Mike Dulong | Riverkeeper | Steering Committee |
| Sarah Durand | LaGuardia - CUNY | Steering Committee |
| Quincy Ely-Cate | Maspeth Industrial Business Association (MIBA) | Steering Committee |
| Christine Holowacz | NCA; NCMC | Steering Committee |
| Louis Kleinman | Environmental Consultant | Steering Committee |
| Paul Pullo | United Metro Fuels | Steering Commitee |
| Charles Yu | Long Island City Partnership | Steering Committee |
| Tony Argento | Broadway Stages | Member |
| Frederick Baker | St. Nick's Alliance | Member |
| Patterson Beckwith | North Brooklyn Boat Club | Member |
| Ronald Blendermann | Retired Assistant Commissioner DSNY | Member |
| Tanya Bley | Resident | Member |
| Lisa Bloodgood | Creek Alliance | Member |
| Ryan Cagle | Maspeth Industrial Business Association | Member |
| Steve Chesler | Brooklyn CB1 | Member |
| Katie Ellman | Green Shores NYC | Member |
| Stephen Fabian | Evergreen Exchange | Member |
| Jessica Ford | Resident | Member |
| Ted Gruber | LIC Boathouse | Member |
| Michael Haskell | North Brooklyn Boat Club | Member |
| Michael Heimbinder | Newtown Creek Alliance | Member |
| Brett Herman | Resident | Member |
| Laura Hofmann | Barge Park Pals; NCA; NCMC | Member |
| Michael Hofmann | Barge Park; NCA; NCMC | Member |
| Joby Jacob | La Guardia - CUNY | Member |
| Ed Kelly | Maritime Association of the Port of NY/NJ | Member |
| Bradley Kerr | North Brooklyn Boat Club | Member |
| Ryan Kuonen | CB #1, Brooklyn Neighborhors | Member |
| Steve Lang | La Guardia - CUNY | Member |
| John Lipscomb | Boat Captain; River Keeper | Member |
| Rich Mazur | North Brooklyn Development Corporation | Member |
| Dorothy Morehead | Queens CB 2 Environmental Committee Chair; NCA | Member |
| Jan Mun | Resident | Member |
| Erica Pajerowski | North Brooklyn Community Boathouse | Member |
| Johanna Phelps | Resident; Landscape Architect | Member |
| Julia Pienkowska | Resident | Member |
| Sophie Ploegh | Resident | Member |
| Holly Porter-Morgan | laGuardia Community College; CUNIY Environmental Science Program Director; SWIM Steering Committtee | Member |
| Dina Rabiner | Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce | Member |
| Chrissy Remein | Riverkeeper | Member |
| Jason Sinopoli | Resident | Member |
| Dewey Thompson | North Brooklyn Boat Club | Member |
| Teresa Toro | Resident | Member |
| Mitch Waxman | Newtown Creek Alliance | Member |
| Frank Wu | Queens CB2 | Member |
| Judith Zelikoff | NYU | Member |
| Kate Zidar | Newtown Creek Alliance | Member |
| Marina Zurkow | Resident | Member |
| Sandy Li | Newtown Creek Alliance | Member |
| Audrey Warner | Newtown Creek Alliance | Member |
| Priscila Stadler | Member |