Manhattan Community Board 4
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The Manhattan Community Board 4 is a local government unit of New York City, encompassing the neighborhoods of Clinton and Chelsea in the borough of Manhattan. It is delimited by the Avenue of the Americas, 26th Street and Eighth Avenue on the east, 14th Street on the south, the Hudson River on the west and 59th Street on the north.
Its current chairman is J. Lee Compton, and its District Manager is Robert J. Benfatto, Jr., Esq.
Like all community boards, CB4 has an important advisory role in dealing with land use and zoning matters, identifying community needs as part of the City’s budget process, and working with government agencies to improve the local delivery of services. More broadly, all community boards are concerned with any other matter relating to the welfare of the district and its residents.
Responsibilities
Land Use and Zoning Community boards must be consulted on most land use and development proposals that involve City land or facilities, special permits, changes or variances to zoning, and the use of public street and sidewalks. The board's recommendation on such proposals must be considered by authorizing City agencies (usually the City Planning Commission or the Board of Standards and Appeals) in the final determination of these applications. Projects that are “as-of-right” (i.e. the City has no discretion) are not subject to community review. The City Charter allows community boards to initiate their own plans for the growth and the well being of their communities.
City Budget Community boards assess the needs of their own neighborhoods, meet with city agencies and make recommendations in the City's budget process to address them.
Other Community Concerns Any problem which affects part or all of the community, from a traffic problem to deteriorating housing, is a proper concern of a community board.
Limitations The community board and its office staff serve as advocates and service coordinators for the community and its residents, and are usually successful in resolving the problems they address. But, they cannot order any city agency or official to perform any task.
Membership
Each of the City’s 59 community board consists of up to 50 unsalaried members appointed for two-year terms by the Borough President, with half nominated by the City Council Members who represent the community district. Board members are selected from among active, involved people of each community, with an effort made to assure that every neighborhood is represented. Board members must reside, work or have some other significant interest in the community. Appointments to the board are usually made each Spring. To apply for board membership, obtain an application from your Council Member’s office or the office of the Borough President. Or, download an application: http://www.ManhattanCB4.org/froms.
Interested community members may also apply to join one of CB4’s committees as a public member. Public members participate fully in committee discussions and voting, but do not vote at full board meetings. Applicants for public membership should attend several meetings before applying. Download an application: http://www.ManhattanCB4.org/froms.
NEED HELP? ASK US!
One of the main responsibilities of the CB4 office is to address complaints and service requests from community members. Some common issues that we deal are:
o Illegal construction o Noise o Potholes o Illegal nightclubs and sidewalk cafes
CB4 staff To get help from City agencies, you can call us directly at 212-736-4536 or dial 3-1-1 to reach the City’s non-emergency information and service request hotline. If the 311 system has been unable to solve your problem, give us a call, preferably with your 311 complaint number in hand. We will work directly with you and the relevant City agencies to address your concern.
We do more than respond to complaints. Our office help you request a tree to be planted on your street, request the use of a school bus for a community outing during the summer, or get a key to the local dog run. We also process permits for block parties, street fairs, etc.
We maintain a library of City document for community review, including budget document, and development proposals. You are welcome to come by to review any document, but please do call first so that we may gather materials in advance.
Attend a committee meeting. Speak at public session.
BOARD MEETINGS
Meetings Boards meet once each month. At these meetings, members address items of concern to the community. Board meetings are open to the public, and a portion of each meeting is reserved for the Board to hear from members of the public. In addition, Boards regularly conduct public hearings-on the City's budget, on land use matters, and other major issues-to give the people of the community the opportunity to express their opinions.
The full Board meets on the first Wednesday evening of each month (except in July and August when the board meets once at the end of July).
Each committees meets once a month. In-depth discussion of board concerns takes place during committee meetings. Only Committee members may vote. Each committee is chaired by a board member who is appointed by the board chair.
All meetings of the board and its committees are open to the public.
“Public session” is held at the beginning of each full board meeting. Any member of the public may sign-up to speak during public session on any issue of concern, including agendas items.
Following public session, elected officials and the board’s chair and district manager provide reports to the board. The remaining portion of agenda is largely occupied by discussion, debate and voting on Committee recommendations and other items offered to the full board for consideration – usually letters addressed to a government agency expressing the Board’s position on a matter of community concern.
Only members of the board or committee may participate in discussion of agenda items, unless the board or committee requests the participation of others. Only board members may vote.
The location of Full board meetings alternatives between the Roosevelt Hospital in Hell’s Kitchen (1000 Tenth Av., b. 58/59 sts.) and Hudson Guild Auditorium at Fulton Center in Chelsea (119 Ninth Avenue, b. 17/18 sts.)
COMMITTEES
Board committees do most of the planning and work on the issues that are acted on at Board meetings. Each Board establishes the committee structure and procedures it feels will best meet the needs of its district. Non-Board members may apply to join or work on Board committees.
Business Licenses & Permits
meets: 2nd Tuesday time: 6:30 p.m. place: Holland House - 351 W. 42nd St.
The Business Licenses & Permits Committee reviews and makes recommendations on liquor license applications to the New York State Liquor Authority and cabaret license applications to the City’s Department of Consumer Affairs. Committee meetings provide an opportunity for community members to meet business owners who are applying for licenses. Often, community input lead to proactive changes in business plans that prevent problems later on.
Quality of Life/Education, Libraries & Cultural Affairs
meets: 1st Monday following full board meetings time: 6:30 p.m. place: CB4 office - 330 W. 42nd St., 26th fl.
The Quality of Life/Education, Libraries & Cultural Affairs Committee helps the community deal with neighborhood nuisances like noisy nightclubs, graffiti, unlicensed street vendors and proliferating adult establishments. It often tries to help residents and business owners negotiate solutions. The Committee also keep CB4 informed about any issues involving schools, libraries and the arts, particularity when it come time to comment on the city’s annual budget.
Waterfront & Parks
meets: 2nd Tuesday time: 6:30 p.m. place: CB4 office - 330 W. 42nd St., 26th fl.
The Waterfront & Parks Committee is actively involved in the planning and operation of the Hudson River Park and other developments along the waterfront. It works with environmental groups and government agencies on various matters involving the waterfront and open space. The Committee advocates for the creation of new parkland and increased funding for recreation centers and parks.
Chelsea Preservation & Planning
meets: 3rd Monday time: 6:15 p.m. place: Penn South Community Room, 343 Eighth Av.
Clinton/Hell’s Kitchen Land Use
meets: 2nd Wednesday time: 6:30 p.m. place: John Jay College, Room 630-T
The Chelsea Preservation & Planning Committee and the Clinton/Hell’s Kitchen Land Use Committee review applications for zoning changes, variances and special land use permits that are filed with Department of City Planning and the Board of Standards and Appeals. They also engage in proactive planning activities.
Housing, Health & Human Services
meets: 2nd Tuesday time: 6:30 p.m. place: CB4 office - 330 W. 42nd St., 26th fl.
The Housing, Health & Human Services Committee acts as a liaison between the board and local social service providers. It keeps the board informed about local services, uses the boards resources to help providers gain needed assistance from City agencies, and conducts occasional public forums where the providers can communicate with each other and with agency officials.
Transportation Planning
meets: 3rd Wednesday time: 6:15 p.m. place: CB4 office - 330 W. 42nd St., 26th fl.
The Transportation Planning Committee reviews applications for street fairs and other closings, sidewalk cafes, and permits for anything that is placed on the sidewalks, such as newsstands. It also advocates for better maintenance of streets and sidewalks and improved transit services, and works with the Department of Transportation to consider changes in parking regulations and traffic patterns.
STAY INFORMED
RECEIVE CB4’s MAILINGS Calendar Newsletter Meeting agenda eNews and community updates
VISIT CB4’s WEB SITE Lists Demographics Archives Latest on major development projects Liquor licenses
ATTEND CB4’s MEETINGS All open to the public Hear and learn Speak at public session
[edit] Demographics
As of 2000, the Community Board has a population of 87,479, up from 84,431 in 1990 and 82,162 in 1980. Of them (as of 2000), 52,721 (60.3%) are White non Hispanic, 6,402 (7.3%) are African-American, 7,228 (8.3%) Asian or Pacific Islander, 166 (0.2%) American Indian or Native Alskan, 429 (0.5%) of some other race, 2,305 (2.6%) of two or more race, 18,228 (20.8%) of Hispanic origins.
22.0% of the population benefit from public assistance as of 2004, up from 14.7 in 2000.
The land area is 1,339.4 acres, or 2.09 square miles (5.42 km²).
