The 2018 Annual Meeting on October 23, at the Norwegian Seamen’s Church, presented TBA members with important information on the past year’s events and activities, and key current issues.

TBA President William E. Curtis welcomed attendees, followed by the election of Officers for 2019, and Directors of the Class of 2020. The chairs of the TBA committees then reported on their activities during the year.

Captain Conor Wynne, Commanding Officer of the 17th Precinct, spoke about conditions in the neighborhood and the newly-launched Community Policing Program. Molly Hollister, Chair of Community Board Six, then discussed how community boards function and interact with their districts. She also reviewed the proposed revisions to the New York City Charter that will appear on the November 6 ballot, and how the outcome of the vote could negatively affect the operation of community boards in the city. The TBA has taken a stand as to Ballot Proposal Question 3, which would introduce term limits for citizen volunteers on the community boards. We believe that, if passed, this proposal would lessen the direct power of citizens to affect city policy. This is especially of concern for the approval process of development projects, especially given the recent spate of unaffordable residential mega-towers that have gone up in low-rise neighborhoods. We advocate voting “No.”

Council Member Keith Powers, District 4, spoke in detail about current events in the District. He reported that the City Council’s Participatory Budgeting program is now available for the first time in District 4. The initiative will give residents input into the allocation of $1 million for improvements in the area. He has invited district citizens to volunteer and to submit ideas for funding projects such as park upgrades, school improvements, transportation innovations and more. Read more.

Following the meeting, guests enjoyed excellent refreshments provided by Amish Market.

Above: Council Member Keith Powers addresses meeting.