BY SCOTT STIFFLER | Long hours, no pay and a constantly expanding, complex universe of land use, transportation, landmarks, license, permit, housing and quality of life issues that will impact urban living for decades to come — this is just the tip of what you’re in for when you sign up to serve on Community Board 4 (CB4). Literally. You have to sign up — by visiting the website of Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, then downloading an application, then going through an interview process, during which you make your case to make an endless amount of lasting, strictly voluntary contributions to improve conditions on the street where you live. Eight enthusiastic locals recently got the BP’s thumbs up, and are now members of CB4. Over the next few issues of Chelsea Now, you’ll meet them and hear, in their own words, why they wanted to serve and what they hope to accomplish (see “Meet Two of Eight, New to CB4,” on chelseanow.com, for profiles of Eric Latzky and Ambur Nicosia).
Mike Nobel currently serves on the Chelsea Land Use Committee and the Housing, Health and Human Services Committee.
I started out in the 1970s as a lawyer. I’ve worked for public as well as private companies and small businesses — two of which were in the Hell’s Kitchen area. I’ve always lived in Manhattan, except for 10 years in Brooklyn [Cobble Hill], when my son was born. I’ve been here in Chelsea for about 12 years. Once I retired [five years ago], I began working with the seniors at the Hudson Guild, doing advisory counseling.
Because of that, I took this 10-week course in public advocacy, at the insistence of Hudson Guild. I then appeared before the City Council, when we argued for benefits for seniors in the 2012 budget. That advocacy led me to talk with [City Council Speaker] Quinn and a few other people about getting a street paved around the seniors residence at NYCHA [West 27th Drive, that goes around the park to 10th Avenue]. Originally, I wrote a letter to the City Council. Eventually, I got to one of Chris Quinn’s legislative assistants. In less than a month, she was back to me to say that the Department of Transportation would be starting the project soon.
I’m a poll worker, so I talked with Chris when I saw her at the primaries. I was praising her staff for being able to do this thing that nobody else could do, so quickly. Every month, she would send me the notices about what CB4 and the City Council accomplished. One month, I got this email from her saying there are openings on CB4, why don’t you apply? So I had an interview at [Borough President] Scott Stringer’s office. She [Quinn] ultimately gave me a recommendation that resulted in getting appointed.
I wanted to serve on CB4 because I feel strongly about the things that are happening in Chelsea right now — the fact that there are so many buildings going up. I see Hudson Yards as something that is going to totally change the way this city looks and operates. But it’s also an opportunity for people around here to have a say. That’s why I asked to be appointed to the Chelsea Land Use and the Housing committees. All these buildings that go up that are subject to 80/20 [affordable housing] consideration, that’s something that needs [community] input. Many buildings that have had affordable housing aren’t affordable to the people in NYCHA, and certainly not to somebody who’s retired.
I do see Chelsea as being a great place — and if I can have just a few words on how things are done here, as I expect my son to live here a long, long time — then I’d like to be a part of that.
Tanya M. Odom, Ed.M. currently serves on the Housing, Health and Human Services Committee and the Landmarks Committee.
I live in Hell’s Kitchen, on 10th Avenue, but I grew up in Queens. Public service is something that didn’t just show up for me. It’s been a thread throughout my life. I went to a public school, where we took something called The Ephebic Oath. In it, we say that we won’t leave our city any less, but rather greater and better, than we found it.
I wanted to join the CB4 for a variety of reasons. I am deeply committed to diversity, inclusion and community. Hell’s Kitchen is the most diverse community — age, race, socio-economic status, culture, sexual orientation, religion, etc. — that I have lived in. I know that it takes intentional work to truly have a community where diversity is appreciated and valued. My community is changing, and as a person who is a third generation New Yorker, I decided that I wanted to be a part of making sure that the changes include the voices of everyone.
As a newer resident to Hell’s Kitchen, I also have unfortunately experienced some challenges with noise and construction. I wanted to find out about how better to address these issues, since they do impact the quality of life for me and my neighbors.
Ever since I got the letter [of acceptance to CB4], I look at things differently, especially as I watch these highrises pop up near the water — and I think about the noise that kept me up two nights in a row. It’s really important to me that people realize this [applying to serve on a community board] is an option. I’ve been very fortunate in my life, and with my professional and educational opportunities — and I truly believe I can use those experiences in service to others, as cheesy as that sounds.
