Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. released the final report of his Community
Board District Office Management Taskforce, outlining various ways that
the borough’s 12 Community Boards can work together to improve service
delivery for the residents of the Bronx.
“Our
community boards are often the first line of defense when it comes to
our neighborhoods, be it concerns over new development, quality of life
and the many other issues that the 1.4 million residents of this borough
care about, and are focused on every day,” said Bronx Borough President
Ruben Diaz Jr. “This report outlines some new ideas that can make our
borough’s community boards, which already play a major role in the lives
of the people of the Bronx, even more relevant.”
"Like
the City and Borough we are comprised of the role, image, and function
of the Community Boards has changed and evolved over time. Our charge
from the Borough President has been to analyze the constantly evolving
roll of the Community Boards and provide our recommendations to adapt
this crucial element of our city governance to accurately reflect a
modern dynamic,” said Jose Rodriguez, District Manager of Bronx
Community Board #4 and chairman of the task force. “As such, it is the
assessment of this Task Force that the aforementioned recommendations
take the most effective and cost efficient approach in ensuring the
stability and function of the Community Boards while increasing services
and the manner in which they are delivered. The recommendations
highlighted provide a multi-disciplined approach including policy,
social service, and technology. It is the belief of this Task Force
that this multi-pronged approach is vital to promote the continued
growth and success of our city and Borough."
The
full report features a number of recommendations regarding Bronx
Community Boards and service delivery on a variety of topics, including
land use, improved service delivery, board member training and improved
social media use, in order to better inform both board members and the
community at large.
The full report can be read at: http://on.nyc.gov/1bEkcLY
Under
the New York City Charter, Community Boards have specific
responsibilities relating to the delivery of municipal services, the
city budget, land use and zoning. The Taskforce will examine how the
delivery of city services has changed over the last 10 years and make
recommendations on how Community Boards can leverage these developments
to improve oversight, execution and equity.
The
duties of board member include participating in recommendations
regarding city budget priorities that affect the social, economic,
health and safety needs of the community. Members also advise
government agencies and elected officials on matters relating to the
welfare of the district and its residents.
