New York City Community Boards and BPs Gather to Protest Budget Cuts

Despite the looming dark clouds above the steps of City Hall in Manhattan, a tough crowd braved the weather this morning to show support for New York City’s local community boards

The 59 community boards throughout New York City are in crisis. In Mayor Bloomberg’s proposed budget for the new fiscal year, community boards will have their budget's cut by $35,000.

Although a $35,000 cut does not sound like much, community boards already have low budgets of less than $200,000, meaning a budget cut of this magnitude would most likely lead to the dismissal of one of two or three staff members on each board. With less staff, community boards will inevitably be less effective in helping locals access higher democratic institutions, resolve neighborhood issues and ensure proper land use.

At this morning’s rally, the Borough Presidents of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx all voiced their appreciation for and support of local community boards. Manhattan BP Scott M. Stringer started off the protest by saying, “enough is enough.” Community boards have not received a budget increase in 19 years, he said.

Bronx BP Ruben Diaz Jr. further argued that community boards are the “frontline of service and democracy.” In the current economic downturn, these boards are necessary to “keep our neighborhoods clean and safe,” said Diaz.

Also present at the rally were the District Managers of Bronx community boards 5 and 6,Xavier Rodriguez and Ivine Galarza respectively. Galarza voiced her concern that the board cuts would “devastate” her community, while Rodriguez explained that “community boards are trusted more than 311.” Both believe that community boards remain an essential part of New York City’s democracy.

Pictured: Members, district managers and supporters (including BP Ruben Diaz, Jr.) of the Bronx community boards.

An In-depth Look Inside the IDA Armory Meeting

Now that the Norwood News has done some quick live blogging about IDA's board meeting, we wanted to give a recap about what happened.

The Kingsbridge Armory Redevelopment Alliance (KARA) brought about 60 community members to the meeting. The board began by presenting general responses to comments made by the community at the public hearing last Thursday. Among its comments, the board tried to assure the audience that it used the proper channels to alert the community about a public hearing.

In addition, the board said that wages for future jobs at the armory will reflect the current average of minimum wage jobs in the Bronx. There were several times when community members yelled at board members, calling them "liars" and accusing them of creating "sweat shops at the armory." Chairman Seth Pinsky had to ask the audience to be quiet on two separate occasions.

After responses from the board, a representative for NYC Comptroller William Thompson motioned to postpone a decision until Related could provide detailed information on potential wages and employment opportunities at the Armory. This motion was seconded by a representative for Manhattan Borough President Scott Stinger. The board deliberated this for about 10 minutes and eventually IDA Chairman Pinsky accused Comptroller Thompson of making unfair accusations about Related's application.

Ultimately, the board voted against postponing a decision. The board continued its discussion about Related's application, as Pinsky reminded the board that Related was asking for benefits in the midst of an economic downturn. Pinsky acknowledged that the board had decided to provide capped benefits as the economic climate would eventually become more favorable. Pinksy continued to say that Related's proposal will bring much needed jobs to the community and provide better wages than what has been in the Armory in the past. (In response to this comment, there was an outburst by the audience with community members shouting at the board that the Armory has been vacant, which it has since 1993).

Pinsky concluded his comments by saying that the city's uniform land use review procedure(ULURP) is "the proper place for a community benefits agreement" where it can be "addressed through a legally sanctioned process."

When it was time to vote, all but two board members, Comptroller Thompson and Manhattan Borough President Stringer, voted in favor of giving Related $17.8 million in tax breaks. See below for Related's next steps.

In a statement, Comptroller Thompson said that he was "concerned that the IDA voted today on a project that is not allowed under its own policies." He continued to say that "the Kingsbridge Armory is not an industrial project, nor is it located in an Empire Zone, Empowerment Zone or Industrial Business Zone." Thompson also said that his office requested, but was denied, copies of all procurement documents that resulted in the selection of Related.

After the meeting, Norwood News spoke to Desiree Pilgrim-Hunter of KARA. "It's a sad day in New York when tax payers money is being used to put tax payers out of business," she said. "Related has taken living wages off the table. If they are not going to do it our way, it's not going to happen."

Community members were also concerned about elements provided in a powerpoint presentation during the meeting, such as a proposed building entrance on 195th street, which Pilgrim-Hunter said would prevent the construction of a school.

KARA plans to attend any ULURP meetings to prevent Related from proceeding any further until both parties can sit down and create a community benefits agreement. KARA will meet this Tuesday, at 6:30 at St. James Church, 2500 Jerome Avenue (and 190th). The meeting is open to the public.

Diaz, Jr.'s B.P. Run Supported By Bronx Pols Past and Present

As you can see from the above photo, Ruben Diaz, Jr. (center left), who, for all intents and purposes, will be running unopposed in a special election for borough president, was being swarmed by supporters at a campaign kickoff (coronation ceremony?) yesterday at Borough Hall.

At the event, former B.P. Freddy Ferrer (right, pink tie) and new County Democratic Party Chairman Carl Heastie (speaking into the mic) stumped for the 35-year-old assemblyman. Comptroller and mayoral hopeful Bill Thompson (far left) also assured the media that he has Diaz, Jr.'s back. Manhattan B.P. Scott Stringer (wedged between Ferrer and Diaz, Jr.) was also there to support him.

Ferrer basically congratulated him on taking over the post he once held. "I've seen Ruben Diaz, Jr. grow in his public service over the years [he became an assemblyman at the age of 23]. I'm happy for him. I'm happy for the people of the Bronx. I think the Bronx would be in very, very good hands."

For a while, this looked like it might be a race, but with Councilman Joel Rivera dropping out last week (and Councilman Larry Seabrook reportedly dropping out yesterday), it appears the outcome of the April 21 election is a foregone conclusion. Ladies and gentleman, say hello to your next borough president.

-Photos and Reporting by David Greene