The New York City Community Boards – the 50 member panels forming the hyper-local level of city government – are accepting applications until Monday, February 22. For nearly half a century, the Boards have served as a go-to resource for residents who need help from the city government, and they also serve an advisory role to city decision-making including land use, zoning, and project funding. Though many of their functions have recently been duplicated by the launch of the citywide 311 system, advocates around the city continue to laud local community boards for their personal, human service and their role as the first line of community advocacy – while the 311 system is mired in criticism.
Last week, Sheepshead Bites teamed up with BK Southie to pick the mind of Theresa Scavo, the Chairperson of Board 15 (Sheepshead Bay, Gerritsen Beach, and Manhattan Beach). We discussed the importance of the Boards to the communities they serve, the benefits of community service, and where Boards need to be strengthened. Scavo has been a member of Community Board 15 since the 1990s, and has been the Chair since 2006, a run she described as “sometimes weird but always rewarding.”
If you don’t know what Community Boards are, or you’re interested in getting involved in your community’s future, this interview is the place to start.
QUESTIONS:
- How did you originally get involved with Community Board 15?
- What are the big issues you’ve faced since you’ve been on the Board?
- Why is it important for residents to join the Community Board?
- Any thoughts for people that are thinking about applying to their Community Board?
- Where do you think you’ve been able to make the biggest change in the district?
- On what issues can Community Boards be most influential?
- Where do you think Boards do not have enough say?
