UWS Community Board Applications Open: How To Get Involved

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — Ever wanted to play a key role in shaping your neighborhood — and the city at large?

Joining your local community board is a great way to help serve your neighbors and try to make a real difference.

Applications are now open to join the Upper West Side's Community Board 7 until Feb. 23.

Community boards are tasked with weighing in on land use and development, deciding whether to issue permits such as liquor licenses, assessing neighborhood needs, and addressing community concerns.

The boards officially only issue an advisory opinion when making votes on the array of decisions that come before them, from proposed zoning changes and land use issues to liquor licenses, parks, budgets and a myriad of community concerns.

But those advisory opinions often carry a lot of weight in the eyes of city councilmembers and the Manhattan Borough President.

"By joining a community board, you'll have the opportunity to work on a range of issues, from local development projects to citywide health initiatives," former Manhattan Borough President and current City Council Member Gale Brewer posted on social media.

Each year, 300 community board seats open up for two-year appointments, along with one-year vacancies that occur when members leave.

The Borough President appoints all members and selects half of each year's members, while the other half is nominated by the City Council members that represent each board district.

Board members must live, work, or have an otherwise significant interest in the district served by the community board — and must be a New York City resident.

According to Borough President Mark Levine's office, they pay special attention to applications with histories of community involvement, expertise, skill sets and past attendance at board meetings.

Being involved is a time commitment — board members must attend the month full board meetings, plus possible committee meetings that are also held during the month.

To apply, click here.