$ For Community Human Services
City Department of Youth & Community Development (DYCD) Commissioner Jeanne B. Mullgrav announced a series of public hearings in all five boroughs on the allocation of federal Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funding to support community-based human services programs.
The Queens hearings will be held at Elmhurst Hospital between June 1 and June 15.
Low-income neighborhoods designated as eligible for CSBG funding are called Neighborhood Development Areas (NDAs), and are represented by Neighborhood Advisory Boards (NABs), composed of residents who are appointed by DYCD and elected officials.
NABs identify the service needs of their local communities, a process which guides the city in its allocation of federal funding. The DYCD oversees a wide range of NDA initiatives, including programs for middle school- and high school-aged youth, seniors, housing, immigration, adult literacy, and healthy families.
“The Community Services Block Grant is unique among programs combating poverty in that the law requires the input of the neighborhoods served,” said Mullgrav. “These public hearings are a great opportunity for concerned residents of low-income communities to participate in the decision-making process, and make their voices heard about where and how these precious resources should be distributed.”
Mullgrav also encouraged interested residents to join their local NAB by contacting the DYCD Neighborhood Advisory Board Liaison Unit at 212-442-5880. Residents also can call for more information on the upcoming hearings and to determine whether they live in an NDA.
Each public hearing is assigned a specific Neighborhood Development Area, and only testimony from residents living in that designated area will be accepted. Testimony will be limited to a maximum of two to three minutes per speaker.
To view or download DYCD’s Neighborhood Development Area Concept Paper, visit: www.nyc.gov/html/dycd/html/resources/ contracting_ concept.shtml.
The DYCD supports New York City’s afterschool and youth workforce development programs throughout the five boroughs. The agency also oversees funding for anti-poverty programs, such as adult literacy and immigrant services. For more information, please go to www.nyc.gov/dycd or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Queens public hearing schedule
All Queens hearings will be held at Elmhurst Hospital, located at 79- 01 Broadway in Elmhurst. Meetings are scheduled for:
Queens Neighborhood Development Area 2 (Woodside) from noon- 1:30 p.m., June 1;
Queens Neighborhood Development Area 4 (Elmhurst, South Corona, LeFrak) from 4-5:30 p.m., June 1; and
Queens Neighborhood Development Area 5 (Ridgewood, Glendale) from 10-11:30 a.m., June 15.
