Arcuri sworn in as CB 5 chair

Back in 1975 when Vincent Arcuri joined Community Board 5, he probably never envisioned himself still being involved with it – let alone serving his second stint as chair of the board.
Now, 30 years later, Borough President Helen Marshall cited Arcuri and other veteran Queens community board members for lengthy periods of faithful service while swearing in new CB officers at the New York Hall of Science.
“Each community board member cares deeply about his/her neighborhood and the issues that will directly affect its future,” said the Borough President. “All the members deserve our gratitude and appreciation for donating their time and talent to their community and its future.”
Arcuri served as the Chair of Community Board 5 for 10 years in the 1980s and 1990s, but some of his most vivid memories of the work the board accomplished occurred when the city went through rough times in the 1970s.
“When the city was almost bankrupt, no police on the streets, very few services, we were able to keep the community going, get what services were necessary, keeping most of the firehouses open,” Arcuri said.
However, under his leadership, Community Board 5 has continued to increase its membership and play a greater role in community affairs.
“I think we have gotten stronger and more efficient,” Arcuri said.
After taking an eight-year break from the chair position in the mid 1990s to 2003, Arcuri began his second turn as chair.
“I was in the process of retiring from business, and I felt like I could give more time to the community,” he said. “And, I feel that the job needs someone that can give the time.”
Arcuri said that he saw how Frank Principe, who served in between his time as chair, devoted his time to the position, and felt he wanted to contribute to the community again.
Currently, Arcuri sees the down zoning of the four neighborhoods that make up Community Board 5, Glendale, Maspeth, Middle Village and Ridgewood, as one of the biggest issues the board will face.
Community board members serve staggered two-year terms without compensation and make decisions related to land use, planning, development and other issues directly related to the city’s capital budget.
In addition to Arcuri, Sylvia Nappi and Donald Passantino of Community Board 5 were honored for 15 years of service, and Miriam Mucchi, Patricia Grayson, Barbara Gonzalez and Daniel O’Connor were installed as new members.
“It’s always nice to be recognized, it’s an honor,” Arcuri said. “…We don’t do this to get rewards.”