STAR REVUE Yes Virginia, there is (still) a Community Board

There are many things that set New York City apart—its spirit, grit, bustle… and community boards. Only a city with such dense neighborhoods and opinionated residents could possibly give rise to so many hyper-local, active resident groups. And unlike in most cities, NYC residents have a unique opportunity to weigh in regularly on their neighborhood’s actions and developments, thanks to community boards.

Brooklyn is currently accepting applications for new community board members, so what better way to note the opportunity than by spreading the news about what these local entities do? Today we’re covering everything from what a community board is, to what Brooklyn Community Board 6 discussed at their last Executive Board meeting on January 11, 2023, along with information about how to get more involved.

Mid century launch

The precursor to community boards started in 1951 with the formation of Community Planning Councils

by Katherine Rivard

in Manhattan. The role and name morphed over the years until, in 1989, the city landed on the community board system that we have today. Board members in 59 community boards across the five boroughs (18 of which are in Brooklyn) meet monthly to discuss topics like land use and liquor licenses, and subcommittees meet further to discuss specific topics like transportation/public safety and the city’s budget. Residents, even if they aren’t board members themselves, are welcome to attend meetings and participate, something they often take advantage of to air grievances and spread awareness about local happenings.

Each board has up to 50 volunteer members appointed by the Borough President, half of which also have nominations from the City Council. Every 2 years, half the board is replaced (hence the applications that are currently open for community boards across Brooklyn). While community boards serve in a purely advisory capacity and have no authority to make or enforce laws, local officials usually take their recommendations seriously when deciding how their office will weigh in on an issue.

Community Board 6 covers Red