The community Board has a very important role looking after current residents interests and rights when it comes to any proposed development in our community. We analyze any applications for land use very carefully these can include permits for works, changes to zoning (which can have a major impact on residents lives) and also various issues relating to the City’s properties. The board is also involved in the appeals process for variance of City’s zoning regulations.
There are two land committees that operate within this board. BSA and ULURP proposals are looked at by one of the two sub committee’s. the transportation planning committee presides over the use of city property applications among other things, use of the public property is usually centered around cafe’s using public spaces like side walks.
Any applicants must put together their case and put it to the committee at public meetings. The committee then deliberates and votes so that projects can move forward to the full board, this reduces the time the full board has to spend on applications that will not succeed. The committee will often recommend changes to the application to give it an enhanced chance of success. the full board then makes its recommendations, findings and case to the specific City office. Ultimately the final decision lays with the city itself, the board merely acts as a bridge between the community and the city. this gives residents and a voice and more power because their wishes are presented in a formal manor.
Many cities across the world are now following the community board model so that residents can become more invested in their local community. Giving the board such a formal voice encourages participation and the boards realise although they are not the final decision maker the powers within the city are unlikely to totally ignore a boards recommendations without excellent reasoning. Community boards have gained significant traction and the city understands that the boards have become key influencers in social policy as well as influencing the communities view of the local government parties and officials.
The community boards are meant to reflect the will and thoughts of the local community and look after their best interests. So it is vital that more and more people get involved in the boards and from all ethnic and economic backgrounds. the more diverse the boards experience the better. So please get involved in the board we would love to hear your views, everyone has something to contribute.