Protesting Community Board cuts

More than 300 community activists – including Queens Borough President Helen Marshall, Bronx Borough President Reuben Diaz Jr., Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer and Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz — gathered at City Hall on Tuesday, June 9 to protest the proposed budget cuts to community boards throughout New York City.
“These budget cuts would be devastating to our hardworking community boards and they must be stopped. In tough times like these, we need our community boards now more than ever,” said Councilmember Eric Ulrich.
The proposed budget cuts for fiscal year 2010 would mean a decrease of $35,000 for each of the city’s 59 community boards.
“Community boards are the eyes and ears of our neighborhoods. They consist of dedicated volunteers, professionals and community activists who truly make a difference with their knowledge and expertise. These cuts would have a devastating impact upon the boards’ ability to function,” said Ulrich. “In my district, I work closely with Community Boards 9, 10 and 14. Before I entered the City Council I served on Community Board 9. I know first-hand how vital and instrumental community boards truly are. We made our voices heard in last year’s budget battle concerning our community boards, and we will do the same again this year.”