In efforts to encourage Bronxites to join their local community boards ahead of the upcoming application deadline of March 1, Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson is holding a Community Board Day of Action across the borough on Wednesday, Feb. 21, from 7:30 a.m., finishing up in the afternoon in the north Bronx at Mosholu Parkway subway station, located in Bronx Community District 7.

 

The borough president’s team said they will start the day at 7.30 a.m. until 10 a.m. at the Pelham Parkway and White Plains Road train station, located within Bronx Community District 11. The Community Board Day of Action will continue in the afternoon from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., both at the Hunts Point train station at 163rd Street and at Mosholu Parkway station on Jerome Avenue Station. Applications are available at bronxboropres.nyc.gov.

 

According to the BP’s office, they will be joined by district managers and community members to answer questions and talk about the process. As previously reported, Gibson hosted an inaugural swearing-in ceremony for 145 of the Bronx’s then-newest community board members at Lehman College on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023.

 

Held in the Music Building’s Faculty Dining Room, located at 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West, the borough president highlighted earlier efforts to ensure fairness, equity, and broader participation on the boards, mirroring what she described as the diversity on all 12 Bronx community boards. To that end, the borough president launched last year the Bronx’s first-ever online community board digital application, made available in English and in Spanish.

 

“I am excited and energized about our new class of community board members who represent the rich diversity and mosaic of our borough,” said Gibson at the time. “From single parents and caregivers to high school students, veterans’, LGBTQIA+ residents, and others who have a vested interest in seeing change in their communities, this entire group is ready and prepared to contribute in their new role to ensure that our neighborhoods run efficiently, with all the resources and tools necessary to thrive.”

She continued, “I look forward to this opportunity to work with our new and returning members to advocate for the needs of our residents and families.” After the official swearing in, and the obligatory and collective Bronx “X”sign photo, various members of City government provided training to the members and an overview of how they should conduct themselves as board members to avoid any potential conflicts of interest.

 

According to the borough president’s office, out of New York City’s 59 community boards, 12 are located in The Bronx, with each playing what was described last year as a critical role in advising on Land Use & Zoning, New York City’s budget process, and in service delivery within districts.

 

They said that while the borough president’s office does not directly manage community boards, this year, efforts were made to effectively onboard new members through the scheduling of various courses and seminars made available through the office and city agencies “to ensure the continued effectiveness of each district.”

 

BP office officials said that out of a total of 548 online applicants, 145 were appointed by the borough president to serve, with each taking part in the Bronx’s first swearing-in ceremony in decades.

 

A demographic break-down of last year’s appointees show 25.1% (35) identified as parents / guardians of a child (Pre-K to 12 grade), 13.6% (19) were immigrants, 8.6% (12) were members of the LGBTQIA+ community, 7.1% (10) were people with disabilities, 5.7% (8) were parents / guardians of a pre-school aged child, 5.7% (8) were caregivers and 5% (7) were veterans or military service members, 4.3% (6) were non-native speakers of English and 2.8% (4) were union members.

 

In terms of age, 25.1% (35) were aged between 30 and 39, 21.5% (30) were aged between 40 and 49, 18.7% (26) were aged between 20 and 29, 17.2% (24) were aged between 50 and 59, 8.6% (12) were aged between 60 and 69, 4.3% (6) were aged 70 and over, 2.1% (3) were aged between 18 and 19, and 1.4% (2) were aged between 16 and 17 years (by April 1, 2023).

 

In terms of gender, 60.4% (84) were female, 38.816% (54) were male, 0.7% (1) was gender non-conforming. We spoke to some of the community board members, who are unpaid volunteers, after the swearing-in event.

 

Second-year board member, Elliot Elias Contreras, said, “I think it was very informative, very insightful. It was a great introduction into what to expect and who’s who of the community, and the different organizations that kind of help lead the change that we can bring about into the community.”

Meanwhile, first-time board member with Bronx CB9, “Derek” said he found the event long but said it was meaningful and important. Asked if he felt differently about putting himself forward to become a board member after the presentation, he said, “No, I’m equally excited. I think it’s just really important. It may be long but it’s worthwhile. I’m ready to go.”

 

Another first-time board member, LaTicia Thompson, who lives in the vicinity of 1520 Sedgwick Avenue, the birthplace of Hip Hop, said she had attended board meetings as a resident in the past, but that this was her first time to get actively involved.

 

“Glad we got out to see everybody,” she said. “I’m also on the community education council for District 8 as well, so I’m really coming in as a parent and as a Bronx born and bred.” She said the Harlem River Waterfront [project] was important to her. “I hate that they’re calling it that because it’s a little auspicious but I’m ready to get to work,” she said.

 

Attached are the Bronx Community District Profiles for Bronx Community District 7, which covers the neighborhoods of Norwood, Bedford Park, University Heights, Fordham and Kingsbridge Heights, and Bronx Community District 8, which covers the neighborhoods of Kingsbridge, Fieldston, Marble Hill (Manhattan) Riverdale, North Riverdale and Spuyten Duyvil.

 

Both are based on 2010 census data and other community survey estimates taken since then. Norwood News asked NYC Department of City Planning (DCP), which compiled the profiles, for updated versions based on the 2020 census and were informed that the 2020 census data is available at a new separate location. However, having accessed the links provided, we cannot see the same information as was previously provided in the attached profiles. We are continuing to follow up with DCP and will share any further updates we receive.

 

Click here for details of discussions held at different Bronx community boards on the Mayor’s City of Yes program.