Katz Announces 331 Appointments To Queens Community Boards
Queens Borough President Melinda Katz (D) yesterday announced the appointments of 331 individuals to serve two-year terms on their respective community boards.
Of the 331 appointees, 62 are first-time members who have never before served on a community board, but have demonstrated both an understanding of the community’s needs and a commitment to serving the public. The appointments announced began their two-year community board terms on April 1, 2018.
“To serve on a Community Board is a significant commitment of time and energy, and the dedication demonstrated by each member is a testament to the strength of the civic life unique to our borough,” said Katz. “Thank you especially to the Community Board chairs, district managers and members, who all continue to do an extraordinary – oftentimes thankless job – for the people of Queens and of the City of New York.”
There are 14 Community Boards in Queens and a total of 59 citywide. All Queens Community Board members are appointed by the borough president, pursuant to the City Charter, with half of her appointees nominated by the city councilmembers who represent the districts within each community board. All community board appointees interested in continuing to serve are required to re-apply at the conclusion of each of their two-year terms.
Community boards play an important advisory role in considering land use and zoning matters, and also contribute to the dialogue about the city budget, municipal service delivery and many other matters that impact their communities. Despite the important role community boards play in city government, community board members are not compensated for their service.
Katz has made a concerted effort to balance both experience and new voices within the borough’s community boards. She also sought to ensure that each city council district included within a community board district is fairly represented on that community board. All community board districts in Queens are made up of more than one city council district, and Katz has steadily moved toward making community boards more representative of all the city council districts within their boundaries.
To see Katz’s appointments to the Queens Community Boards in 2018 click here.
Avella Donates Matzah To Seniors
State Sen. Tony Avella (D-College Point, Whitestone, Bayside, Flushing, Jamaica Estates, Fresh Meadows, Bellerose, Floral Park, Jamaica, Douglaston, Little Neck, Auburndale, Kissena Park, Briarwood) yesterday dropped off a donation of matzah bread to Services Now for Adult Persons (SNAP) in Queens Village.
Avella usually delivers the boxes of matzah in time for SNAP’s annual Passover Seder. Unfortunately, Avella had to be in Albany during this year’s Seder and was forced to make a belated delivery.
Thankfully the matzah will not be going to waste and will be delivered by SNAP to homebound seniors who are enrolled in Meals on Wheels. SNAP delivers 2,700 Meals on Wheels a month in Community Board 13.
SNAP is a social service agency dedicated to improving and enhancing the quality of life for older adults in Queens. SNAP strives to maintain older adults as viable community residents and to assist them in aging with dignity and independence, thereby preventing premature institutionalization. SNAP provides both direct services as well as linkages to all community resources.
Peralta Lauds State Commitment To NYCHA
State Sen. Jose Peralta (D-Corona, East Elmhurst, Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Woodside) yesterday lauded both Gov. Andrew Cuomo‘s announcement of an additional $250 million in emergency state resources to New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) tenants, which is now $550 million in total state funds, and to signing an executive order for an independent monitor.
Peralta noted that the Independent Democratic Conference (IDC), of which he is a member has long fought for better living conditions for the 400,000 NYCHA tenants.
“NYCHA residents deserve living conditions that are, above all, safe and decent. As NYCHA is currently facing a crisis, I fought tirelessly to set up an Independent Monitor and bring $550 million in state allocations, funding that will be used to make repairs in buildings, including boilers and getting rid of lead and mold in housing units,” said Peralta.
“Tenants need to be protected, and I am glad the reports we [IDC] issued, including ‘The New Flint’ and ‘Break the Mold: Cleaning Up NYCHA’s Mess’ will help prevent deplorable situations at NYCHA and improve the living conditions of its about 400,000 residents,” he added.
Van Bramer Annual Open House Honors Women Leaders
City Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Astoria, East Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Long Island City, Maspeth, Sunnyside, Woodside) yesterday announced his district office will hold its 9th Annual Spring Open House, which will honor women who lead in the community.
“We’ll enjoy food, beverages, and celebrate the achievements of incredible women leaders in our community! This event will also give you a chance to get to know my Sunnyside District Office, meet my staff, and mingle with other community members. As winter turns to spring, this is one of my favorite events where we come together as a community, and I hope to see you there,” said Van Bramer in his newsletter.
Among those honred include: Erin Boyle Acosta, Community & Family Engagement Coordinator, Growing Up Green Charter Schools; Kayla Alamanazar, Case Manager for Immigrant Services Program, Jacob Riis Neighborhood Settlement; Genevieve Bernier, Co-President, PS/IS 78Q PTA; Bree Chambers, Co-President, PS/IS 78Q PTA; and Leandra Requena, Community Activist.
The event will also recognize the young women organizing against gun violence from Academy of American Studies & Bard High School Early College Queens
The event is slated from 12 noon to 2 p.m., Saturday, April 14 at Van Bramer’s district office, 47-01 Queens Boulevard, Ste. 205,Sunnyside. RSVP to JBernatovicz@council.nyc.gov or 718-383-9566.
