You must be 16 or older to apply for a seat on a community board. Applications for 2020 appointments and re-appointments are due by Friday, Feb. 14, and can be filled out on the borough president’s website. According to Adams’ office, the application is available “on a rolling basis to encourage a robust, diverse pool of submissions year-round.”
Board members must reside, work or have some other stake in the community, like a child enrolled in a local school. While half of a board’s appointees come from City Council nominations, borough presidents are ultimately tasked with appointing each board’s 50 unsalaried members.
Community Board 10 members speak at a hearing on the Dyker Heights Lights. Photo: Emil Cohen/New York City Council
In November, an analysis by the Brooklyn Eagle and Measure of America found that a number of Brooklyn boards don’t accurately reflect the districts they serve. Specifically, a report on community board membership released by Adams revealed a lack of Latinx and Asian people serving on Brooklyn’s community boards, as well as a shortage of young representatives and women.
Representation appears to be key for the borough president as he heads into 2020.
“Joining a community board is the best way to get involved and make a difference in your neighborhood,” Adams said in a statement. “Since I first took office, we have worked to increase representation on community boards among younger people and other underrepresented groups. Whether you live in Cobble Hill or Canarsie, Bushwick or Brighton Beach, I encourage every Brooklynite to apply and make your voice heard.”
SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.
ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.
