For a larger audience, Roosevelt Island’s future will be the topic of discussion when CB8 Zooms on Friday, February 16th. Journalist and Community Board 8 member Lori A. Bores chats with RIOC Board Member Ben Fhala and CB8 representative Paul Krikler.
by David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
UPDATE: Last Friday, the planned ZOOM conversation conducted by Lori Bores for CB8 with Ben Fhala and Paul Krikler brought us some lessons and insights. Fhala and Krikler are able Roosevelt Islanders and capably described the changes and challenges the community is facing.
See a recording of The Future of Roosevelt Island here:
“Community Board 8 represents the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Roosevelt Island,” according to their website. “Specifically, our area extends from the north side of East 59th Street to the south side of East 96th Street, Fifth Avenue to the East River, and Roosevelt Island.”
What Is a Community Board? What Do The Do?
New York City Community Boards play a multifaceted role in the city’s governance, primarily serving as advisory bodies at the neighborhood level. Here are some of their key functions:
1. Land Use and Zoning:
- Reviewing and making recommendations on proposed land use and zoning changes within their district, including rezoning applications, new development projects, and landmark designations. While their recommendations are mostly advisory, they hold significant weight and can influence City Council decisions.
2. Budget Advocacy:
- Participating in the city budget process by assessing community needs and recommending budget allocations for local services like sanitation, parks, and libraries. While their impact on capital budgeting is often minimal, their voice regarding smaller operational budgets can be impactful.
3. Service Delivery:
- Monitoring and addressing service delivery issues in their communities, such as sanitation problems, street repairs, or park maintenance. They liaise with City agencies and advocate for residents’ needs regarding these services.
4. Public Engagement:
- Holding public hearings and meetings to gather community input on various issues, facilitating communication between residents and city government, and raising awareness about local concerns.
5. Advocacy and Mobilization:
- Acting as a platform for residents to voice concerns and advocate for neighborhood interests. They can mobilize community opposition or support for specific projects or policies, shaping the local agenda.
6. Information Dissemination:
- Informing residents about government programs and initiatives, resources available in their communities, and upcoming events or changes affecting their neighborhoods.
Overall, New York City Community Boards bridge the gap between residents and city government, serving as advocates, advisors, and information channels for individual neighborhoods.
Community Board 8 and the Future of Roosevelt Island
“CB8 hosts a series of CB8Zooms events to put a spotlight on events and issues in our community,” Paul Krikler explains.
“I am very happy for a spotlight to fall on Roosevelt Island now that we have a much more collaborative and engaged RIOC. I am hopeful that residents and RIOC alike will be able to bring forward ideas that will provide better service to the community of Roosevelt Island”
Here are some additional points to consider:
- There are 59 Community Boards in total, distributed across the five boroughs.
- Board members are volunteers appointed by the Borough President and City Council members.
- While their power is primarily advisory, they can play a significant role in shaping local developments and influencing city policies.
- The effectiveness of Community Boards can vary depending on their leadership, community engagement, and relationship with city officials.
The Other End of the Leash
The first thing winter reveals when it loosens its grip is not green grass. It is honesty.
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