Anyone interested in making their neighborhood a better place is encouraged now to apply for membership with their local community board through the Queens Borough President’s office.
Borough President Melinda Katz announced on Tuesday that she is accepting applications for prospective members of all 14 advisory bodies representing every corner of Queens. The boards consider and make recommendations on various projects and policies affecting their neighborhood, including land use matters, and hold public hearings to engage public opinion.
“Serving on a community board is a significant commitment, demanding in both time and energy,” Katz said in a statement. “Any civic-minded resident willing to make this commitment is encouraged to consider applying. All candidates — both new applicants and those re-applying for an additional term — are evaluated based on the relevant experiences they bring to the table.”
Each community board has up to 50 volunteer members who serve two-year terms. The borough president appoints each member, with half of all candidates nominated by their local City Council member.
Those wishing to join a community board have until Jan. 29, 2016 to submit their applications; current board members whose terms are expiring in 2016 have until Jan. 22 to submit applications for renewal. All applications are subject to review by local elected officials, according to Katz.
Vicky Morales Casella, Katz’s longtime aide, was appointed by the borough president on Monday to serve as director of community boards, succeeding new City Councilman Barry Grodenchik. In her new role, Casella will screen all board applications and serve as Katz’s chief adviser for all matters related to community boards.
Click here to download an application for community board membership, or call 718-286-2900 for more information.
