The city’s 51 community boards are all made up of volunteer appointees, 50 members on each board. The members are appointed for two-year terms on a staggered basis, with half being reappointed or replaced each year. The borough president makes the appointments, though half are recommended by local councilmembers whose districts cover the board areas. The boards weigh in on a host of issues, from park projects to development to new liquor license applications for bars. Though their votes are advisory only, they carry weight with city and state agencies and applicants always want the boards’ approval.
