Committees

The City of New York – Bronx Community Board 1 Committee Descriptions

Executive Committee – Clarisa M. Alayeto, Chairperson

The Executive Committee shall have as its members the following: - The full Board Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and Second Vice Chairperson. In addition, all standing Committee Chairs will serve as members. The Executive Committee shall meet once a month between September and June, and any further meetings made at the direction/ request of the full Board Chair. The committee will set the agenda and calendar for the full board, review, advise, and approve all committee agendas. It may consider and make recommendations in the name of the Board on such matters, when deadlines do not allow adequate time for consideration by the entire Board. It may also consider such matters as it deems advisable and make recommendations to the full board.

Committee on Economic Development, Land Use/ Zoning, and Housing

Paola Martinez, Committee Chairperson

The Committee on Economic Development, Land Use/ Zoning, and Housing works with the business community and city agencies to promote (small, middle, and large) business and economic development for the community. Furthermore, when appropriate the committee will consult with the NYPD and other law enforcement agencies within the boundaries of the district, local community associations and merchant associations on economic development matters. Additionally, the committee will review and make recommendations to the full Board regarding applications for New York State Liquor Authority license and the NYS Office of Cannabis Management for advice and consent on license applications. The committee will help generate local employment opportunities, and connect community residents with workforce development training, while also reviewing all interests in developing and preserving housing (not including Public Housing -NYCHA, Supportive Housing, and or Shelter). Other responsibilities include: reviewing all major code enforcement issues and monitoring issues affecting land usage, planning, variances, and zoning issues or changes proposed for the district.

Committee on Supportive and Public Housing

Daniel Barber, Committee Chairperson

The Committee on Supportive and Public Housing will work with the city, state, and federal agencies to encourage the creation, quality maintenance , safety, and the preservation of Public/ Rental Subsidized and Supportive Housing for individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. In addition, this committee will evaluate existing and review new Land Use plans/ proposals from governmental agencies or private partners for optimal use of land on HUD/NYCHA property within the board’s boundaries. The same will be done for economic development and workforce projects and/ or programming for residents living in public or supportive housing.

Committee on Education & Youth Services

Zion Baldwin, Committee Chairperson

The Youth and Education Committee will consider all matters related to educational advancements and any opportunities that further enrich the youth in our district. The committee will pay special attention to the educational needs of youth, consider all matters concerning the development of youth, from birth to age 21, paying particular attention to youth employment and funded youth programs; coordinate with other appropriate committees and agencies. The committee will collaborate with parents, teachers and school administrators on local education issues. This committee seeks to cultivate a vibrant and supportive environment for the younger members of our community, while focusing on initiatives that promote the educational development, empowerment, and well-being of youth. Lastly, maintaining a liaison with the community's educational and cultural institutions for all members of the community.

Municipal Services Committee

Ngande Ambroise, Committee Chairperson and

Full Board 2nd Vice Chair

The Municipal Services Committee is deeply committed to overseeing and enhancing essential services that significantly contribute to the functionality and well-being of Bronx Community Board #1. Municipal services may include sanitation (both sewer and refuse), water, streets, the public library, schools, food inspection, fire department, police, ambulance, and other health department issues and transportation. And additional utilities like electricity, gas and cable television. This committee addresses a diverse range of municipal services, ensuring a high quality of life for all residents. Through its multifaceted responsibilities, the Municipal Services Committee plays an indispensable role in shaping a safe, well-maintained, and cohesive community within Bronx Community Board #1.

Communications and Technology Committee

Sonyi Lopez, Committee Chairperson

The Communications and Technology Committee is at the forefront of managing and leveraging digital communication channels and technological initiatives to enhance community engagement and connectivity within Bronx Community Board #1 In addition this committee will be focused on working with our government partners to close the digital divide, promote and monitor digital equity efforts within the boundaries of the district.

The Communications and Technology Committee plays a pivotal role in ensuring efficient and effective communication within the organization and with the community at large within Bronx Community Board #1.

Committee on L.G.B.T.Q.I.A. Issues & Services

Audrey Dejesus, Committee Chairperson

The LGBTQIA Committee is devoted to fostering a supportive and inclusive community environment that advocates for the rights and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, and asexual individuals within Bronx Community Board #1.

Through these responsibilities, the LGBTQIA Committee strives to create an inclusive community within Bronx Community Board #1 where everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, feels welcomed, supported, and celebrated.

Committee on Environmental Justice and Sanitation

Cesar Yoc, Committee Chairperson

To consider all matters related to the removal of waste and drainage from the community's sidewalks, streets and roadways and its unimproved lots, toxic waste, sewage, noise and air pollution as they affect the community. Advocates for the district on environmental issues relating to environmental health, quality of life, and preservation of the environment. Monitors the provision of services relating to sanitation, refuse removal, transport of solid waste, street cleaning, snow removal and other related municipal services. Improve efforts to protect human health and the environment in overburdened communities within the district. Empower communities to take action to improve their health and environment; and establish partnerships with local, state, and federal government entities as well as nongovernmental organizations to achieve environmentally healthy and sustainable communities.

Committee on Health, (Senior) and Human Services

Marilyn Pena, Committee Chairperson

The Health, (Senior) & Human Services Committee is dedicated to addressing the well-being and specific needs of community members across various age groups. This committee collaborates with city agencies and local private organizations to enhance access to quality healthcare, social services, prevention of homelessness and support for individuals, families, and seniors. The overarching goal is to foster a healthy and inclusive community environment, focusing on promoting and improving healthcare services and enhancing benefits access within the boundaries of the board. This includes advocating for healthcare accessibility, organizing health awareness campaigns, and collaborating with healthcare providers to address specific health concerns affecting residents. In addition the committee will work city agencies and the private sector to identify, and evaluate current social services programs and services, and help identify service gaps or needs for enhancements. This includes but is not limited to initiatives to enhance support systems, provide resources for mental health, and collaborate with social service agencies to ensure a comprehensive network of assistance for individuals and families. . In addition, the committee works to ensure the delivery of social services that enables individuals and families residing within the boundaries of the community board to achieve their highest level of self-reliance while receiving a wide range of programs, benefits and services from the city agencies, contracted and non-contracted organizations.

Committee on Senior/ Aging Services

Josephine Fernandez- Byrne, Committee Chairperson

The committee concentrates on the unique needs and challenges faced by the aging population within the boundaries of the board. The committee will also work with city agencies and community partners to implement quality programming to enhance the quality of life for seniors, advocating for senior-friendly infrastructure, services and facilitating social activities to promote community engagement among its aging residents.

Young Adults Committee

Stephanie Calzado, Committee Chairperson

The Young Adults Committee works to advocate for implementation of programs and initiatives to educate, stimulate, and mobilize young adults in the fight for social justice issues and prepare for the next leaders of Bronx Community Board #1. The committee will work to advance the economic, educational, social, housing and other services for Young Adults in Bronx Community Board #1. The committee will work with city agencies and private organizations to hosts educational and interactive forums, community service projects, and social events, with the goal to actively recruit and engage young adults to be part of Bronx Community Board #1 and develop as its future leaders and activists in our communities.

Committee on Immigration Resources and Services

Mohammed Sheikh, Committee Chairperson

The Committee on Immigration advocates and monitors the delivery of approved benefits, resources, and services from city agencies and contracted and/ or non-contracted organizations within the community board boundaries.

The committee will work with our elected officials, board members, advocates and organizations throughout the district, borough, and city to review pending legislation, housing, language access, education, shelter, and work opportunities and programs that were created to enhance the quality of life for all non-citizens, Visas Holders, Asylum Seekers, Dreamers, and federal work authorization holders, etc. within the board’s boundaries.

The committee will also help focus on the social problems within the Board’s boundaries for immigrants and migrants, which include 1) poverty, 2) acculturation, 3) education, 4) securing housing, 5) securing employment, 6) social functionality, 7) language barriers, 8) cultural difference, 9) social prejudice and 10) accessing services.

Committee on Discipline and Conflict Resolution

Evelyn Alvarez, Committee Chairperson

The Committee works to enforce and review creditable complaints/ violations against a board or committee member to ensure compliance with the Community Board’s Code of Conduct policy. Additionally, the committee also works to facilitate the board’s conflict resolution process or make recommendations to the Executive Committee/ full board under Article V -Section V and Article III -Section IIII of the board’s BY-LAWS for future discipline up to and including recommendation for removal.

BY-LAWS, LEGISLATION, & POLICIES Committee

Dalourny Nemorin, Committee Chairperson

The committee is concentrated on the unique BY-LAWS, LEGISLATION, and POLICIES that impact Community Board 1. The two dedicated goals of the committee are the following:

Research and monitor pending LEGISLATION and POLICIES on city, state, and federal level that impacts community members in the district with the aim to draft letters to our elected officials regarding our positions.
Reviewing and gathering all the information necessary to provide the Executive Committee a DRAFT revision of the Board’s BYLAWS for approval by the full board. It ensures that the rules and regulations governing the community board are up-to-date and in compliance with the current needs and specificities of Bronx Community Board #1. The committee plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency, fairness, and effective governance within the community board.