By Mark Hallum
Borough President Melinda Katz announced the appointment of 331 members to community boards across Queens Monday with up to 62 of them having no background in government.
Katz’s office claimed in a press release there was a concerted effort to balance experienced members with fresh voices in the neighborhood advisory boards and each member began their two-year terms on April 1.
“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,” Katz said. “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.”
Queens has 14 of the city’s 59 community boards with CB 8 being the largest in the borough covering Kew Gardens Hills, Utopia, Fresh Meadows, Hillcrest, Briarwood, Jamaica Hills Jamaica Estates, Holliswood and Flushing South.
Community boards advise city agencies on zoning decisions, infrastructure and planning projects with each member being nominated by one of the two city council members within the district. The decision on members is finalized by borough presidents.
Reach reporter Mark Hallum by e-mail at mhall
