FAQ
What is a Community board?There are 59 Community Boards throughout New York City, each representing a unique geographic area. Each consists of up to 50 non-salaried volunteer members who are considered officials of the City of New York. They are people who either live, work, or have a significant interest in the particular district the Community Board covers. Board Members are appointed by the Borough President, with half nominated by the City Council members who represent the district. Community Board 10 covers the geographic area of Central Harlem.
What does the Community Board do?
The board serves as the City of New York’s most local level of government, and often works with other governmental agencies with plans or mandates that affect the residents of Central Harlem. The Board serves as the “official” voice of the community. Residents and business owners can raise concerns, make complaints, and discuss possible solutions in a non-partisan environment. It is the people who live and work in the district who generally know what's best for their neighborhood because they experience firsthand the day-to-day life of the community. The Community Board serves as an advisory panel to all city officials and organizations, offering opinions in the form of Resolutions, incorporating the feedback received from community members.
What area does Community Board Ten cover?
Community Board 10 covers the neighborhood of Harlem and Polo Grounds in the borough of Manhattan. It is delimited by Fifth Avenue and Mount Morris Park on the east, Central Park on the south, Harlem River drive, Edgecombe Avenue, Saint Nicholas Avenue, the 123rd street and Morningside Avenue on the west, as well as by the Harlem River on the north.
What issues does CB10 concern itself with?
Community Board Ten has numerous individual committees which focus on particular areas of concern. Each Committee meets monthly to discuss in-depth issues affecting the community. Topics range from housing development/construction, health issues, education issues, police and sanitation matters, as well all issues concerning the delivery of municipal services. A full list of the meeting roster appears on this website.
When and where does the Community Board meet?
The Full Board meets the first Wednesday of every month at 6:00 PM, usually in the Second Floor Art Gallery of the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building, located on 163 West 125th Street and Adam C. Powell, Jr. Blvd. Individual Committees meet at various times throughout the month prior to the General Board, but many of them are held in the Board’s Conference room located at 215 West 125th Street, 4th Floor. Check the Calendar each month for the most current information.
Can I speak at a Community Board meeting?
Yes. The Community Board represents the community and members of the public are invited to make announcements. Community members can attend Full Board meetings as well as Committee meetings. To speak at a Full Board Meeting, arrive early and put your name on the Speakers List. You will be called in the order in which you signed up and given three minutes to speak during the Public Session. The Board reserves the right to deal with announcements only, as complaints about service can be handled during normal office hours.
How do I register a complaint?
To make a complaint, you may contact the District Office either by phone (212.749.3105), e-mail (ycornelius@cb10.org), or fax (212.662.4215) or online at our website. Any complaint relating to municipal services can be made to the District Office, including those regarding noise, street cleanliness, pot holes, or anything relating to the safety and quality of life of the District. Many times problems such as these go unreported and are not resolved. Take an active role in the life of your community and make the call. We suggest you have as much information as possible before you call.
How can I become involved with my community?
Becoming an official Board member is not the only way to participate in your community. Attending the open meetings, understanding the underlying issues and advocating for your particular solution and volunteering will help the Board be more effective. Remember, Board members are not city employees, elected officials or agency providers, but residents and neighbors like yourself fighting for a better community.