Community Board Chair for Crown Heights and Lefferts Gardens Steps Down

CROWN HEIGHTS, BROOKLYN — An embattled Community Board 9, already operating without a district manager, will now likely have to operate for the rest of October with an interim chair.

That's because the board's former chairman, Demetrius S. Lawrence, announced his resignation on Tuesday — effective immediately, news that was first reported by DNAinfo.

Dr. Zorina Frederick, the board's first vice chairman, will stand in for Lawrence until board members elect a new chair.

Community Board 9 represents Crown Heights and Lefferts Gardens.

"Due to the increased responsibilities associated with a new job I started last month," Lawrence wrote in a letter to the board, "I have no choice but to step down at this time."

"It has been my pleasure to serve on this board as Chairman," the letter continued. "However I will remain on the board as a member. I would like the opportunity to address the board members at the October meeting."

A staffer for Community Board 9 told Patch that a nominating committee will now come up with a list of individuals for the position of chair, to be voted on at an upcoming general board meeting. The next such meeting is scheduled for Oct. 26, but the staffer said she thought it was more likely the vote would take place at the meeting after that, on Nov. 22.

Community Board 9 has not had a district manager since October 2015, when Pearl Miles was booted from office following allegations of “a longstanding pattern of misconduct,” as reported by DNAinfo. Board member Carmen Martinez was elected to the position this past June — but that decision is mired in controversy, as well, and is the subject of a lawsuit. As such, Martinez has yet to take on her responsibilities.

Pictured at top: Demetrius Lawrence. Photo courtesy of Lawrence