The NYC Community Boards play an important role in improving
the quality of life for all New Yorkers, but many people don't
know about them. We urge you to learn how your Community Board
can help you, and how you may be able to help your Community
Board.
CB 11 Members
Community Boards are local representative bodies. There are
59 throughout the city. Each Board consists of up to 50 unsalaried
members appointed by the Borough President, with half nominated
by the City Council Members who represent the community district.
Board members are selected by the Borough Presidents from among
active, involved people of each community, with an effort made
to assure that every neighborhood is represented. Board members
must reside, work or have some other significant interest in
the community.
CB 11 Meetings
Boards meet once each month. At these meetings, members address
items of concern to the community. Board meetings are open to
the public, and a portion of each meeting is reserved for the
Board to hear from members of the public. In addition, Boards
regularly conduct public hearings-on the City's budget, on land
use matters, and other major issues-to give the people of the
community the opportunity to express their opinions.
CB 11 Committees
Board committees do most of the planning and work on the issues
that are acted on at Board meetings. Each Board establishes
the committee structure and procedures it feels will best meet
the needs of its district. Non-Board members may apply to join
or work on Board committees.
THE BOARDS' RESPONSIBILITIES
Boards have an important advisory role in dealing with land
use and zoning matters, the City budget, municipal service delivery
and many other matters relating to their communities' welfare.
Land Use & Zoning
Community Boards must be consulted on placement of most municipal
facilities in the community and on other land use issues. They
may also initiate their own plans for the growth and well being
of their communities. Also, any application for a change in
or variance from the zoning resolution must come before the
Board for review, and the Board's position is considered in
the final determination of these applications.
City Budget
Community Boards assess the needs of their own neighborhoods,
meet with city agencies and make recommendations in the City's
budget process to address them.
Other Community Concerns
Any problem which affects part or all of the community, from
a traffic problem to deteriorating housing, is a proper concern
of a Community Board.
Limitations
The Community Board, its District Manager, and its office staff
serve as advocates and service coordinators for the community
and its residents. They cannot order any city agency or official
to perform any task, but Boards are usually successful in resolving
the problems they address.
THE DISTRICT MANAGER AND DISTRICT OFFICE
A District Manager and the Board staff are hired by a Community
Board and serve at the Board's pleasure. The District Manager
establishes an office, hires staff, and implements procedures
to improve the delivery of City services to the district. District
Managers play many different roles. They are complaint takers,
municipal mangers, information sources, community organizers,
mediators, advocates and much more. The main responsibility
of the District office is to receive and resolve complaints
from community residents. Many Board offices have assumed the
responsibility of providing additional services. These might
include assisting with Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption
forms, Housing Assistance applications, Half-Fare applications,
etc. They also process permits for block parties, street fairs,
etc. In addition, some offices may handle special projects,
including organizing tenants and merchants associations, coordinating
neighborhood cleanup programs, publicizing special events, and
more, depending on the community.
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