COMMUNITY BOARD 3 PREPAIRS FOR WARMER MONTHS
WHILE PLANNING ANNUAL BUDGET NEEDS FOR THE FUTURE
By: Keith L. Forest

Spring has sprung and its liveliness was sure present at Community Board 3 monthly meeting where the agenda was packed with a variety of items and issues concerning the warmer month ahead. First item up came from the Kings County District Attorney’s office who gave a brief presentation on its new ComALERT (Community, And Law Enforcement Resources Together) program. The initiative, presented to Community Board 3 members and attendees by Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes, is designed to act as a bridge between prison and the community for returning parolees.

With summer right around the corner and school soon to be out of session, roaming teens are going to need something to do. Arthur Niles, of Vanguard Urban Improvement Association wants to help the kids in the Bedford Stuyvesant community find gainful employment and passionately challenged other businesses to help him provide summer jobs for youth this summer.

The main topic on the agenda came from the budget committee who is in the process of preparing its annual statement of community needs budget. This document is used as part of the committee’s annual planning process that evaluates the general itemized needs for the overall community. Budget priorities are divided into 2 (two) categories: Capitol expense items, which are items over 35K and have a life of over 5 years (construction, acquisitions, etc) ; and Expense Items, which are items under 35K with an assumed life under 5 years (staffing, equipment, etc). In the past, there has not been any significant input from the overall community as to what items they deem necessary. However, this year the budget committee prepared a survey and requested that all attendees fill it out completely and return it to their offices. The committee also opened the floor for suggestions and concerns.

Other items included a letter of support for stuyfort Corp, which currently runs a successful night club on Atlantic Avenue and Franklin. The newly formed venture currently is expanding its business ventures and seeks to open a new Bar in Lounge within the same area and is requesting a liquor license to serve alcoholic beverages. The board voted 22 for the letter, 6 opposing, with 4 abstained. The Board Chair Beatrice P. Jones also announced the upcoming launching of Community Board 3’s new website which was developed by students from Pratt University. The board is anticipating having the sight fully active by the next meeting in June.

Community Board 3 meeting takes place the first Monday of every of every month at its Restoration Plaza offices. For additional information, please call (718) 622-6601.