Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT ISSUES DOES COMMUNITY BOARD 8 ADDRESS?

Community Board 8 reviews and makes recommendations on applications for:

  • Zoning Text Amendments
  • Building variances and special permits
  • Liquor licenses
  • Sidewalk cafes
  • Street Fairs
  • Changes to landmarked buildings or buildings in historic districts

The Community Board also monitors traffic and transportation issues, capital projects in the parks, economic development, public safety issues and the concerns of seniors and youth. The Community Board and the Board office work closely with city, state and federal elected officials; community groups; and other city agencies on these issues. In addition to the work described above, every Community Board plays a role in the Citywide budget process. Each year, the board submits a "District Statement of Needs." Every Fall, the Budget Committee holds a public hearing to determine our priorities for the City's Capital and Expense Budgets. You are encouraged to attend! The District Statement of Needs is available online here and the Budget Priorities are available in the Board 8 Office.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF A COMMUNITY BOARD IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT?

Community Boards function in an advisory capacity. The New York City Charter grants no authority to Community Boards over other city agencies or elected officials. Consequently, recommendations made by the board (called resolutions) are strictly advisory in nature.

HOW DO I REQUEST A STREET TREE?

The NYC Department of Parks & Recreation plants street trees, free-of-charge, on sidewalks in front of homes, apartment buildings, and business in all five boroughs. To receive a free street tree, please go to http://www.nyc.gov/parks or contact the Community Board 8 Office via email at [email protected] or call 212-758-4340. Please note that written permission of the property owner must be obtained in writing before requesting a tree.

WHAT ARE THE RULES REGARDING STREET FAIRS?

a) Single Block Street Fair Guidelines: An application must be obtained from the Community Board office, completed and returned to the Board office 90 days before the scheduled event. If the event has been held in prior years the application can be processed by the District Manager and forwarded to the Street Activity Permit office, which will then issue the permit. If the event is being held for the first time the application must be reviewed by the Community Board 8 Street Fairs Committee.

b) Multi-Block Street Fair Guidelines: Applications for multi-block street fairs may only be submitted by not-for-profit, community organizations located in and providing services to the Community Board 8 area. All applications must be submitted to the Community Board 8 Office no later than October 31 of the year prior to the year in which the fair is being scheduled. An independent auditor's report must accompany the application. The application is then reviewed by the Community Board 8 Street Fairs Committee and submitted to the Office of the Mayor by December 31 of the year prior to the year in which the fair is being scheduled.

HOW DO I APPLY FOR A SIDEWALK CAFE LICENSE FOR MY RESTAURANT OR BAR?

Sidewalk Café licenses are issued by the Department of Consumer Affairs. Once an application for a sidewalk café has been submitted to the Department of Consumer Affairs, the Community Board will schedule a public hearing to review the proposal. For more information on how to apply for a sidewalk café license, contact Department of Consumer Affairs Licensing at 212-487-4436 or visit the website http://www.nyc.gov/consumers.