June 12: Public Hearing on Federal Funds to Combat Poverty in Kensington

NYC Department of Youth & Community Development (DYCD) Commissioner Jeanne B. Mullgrav announced a series of public hearings in all five boroughs on the allocation of federal Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funding to support community-based human services programs.

Kensington is generally represented by Brooklyn Neighborhood Development Area 12, whose hearing is scheduled for:

Wednesday, June 12 6:30 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.
YM-YWHA Boro Park 4912 14th Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11219

Residents should call the DYCD Neighborhood Advisory Board Liaison Unit at 212-442-5880 to determine in which NDA they reside, if any. They are also encouraged to join their local NAB. A list of all hearings citywide can be accessed at www.nyc.gov/dycd.

Low-income neighborhoods designated as eligible for CSBG funding are called Neighborhood Development Areas (NDAs), and are represented by Neighborhood Advisory Boards (NABs), comprised of residents who are appointed by DYCD and elected officials. NABs identify the service needs of their local communities, a process which guides the City in its allocation of federal CSBG funding. DYCD oversees a wide range of NDA initiatives, including programs for middle school- and high school-aged youth, seniors, housing, immigration, adult literacy, and healthy families.

“The Community Services Block Grant is unique among programs combating poverty in that the law requires the input of the neighborhoods served,” said DYCD Commissioner Mullgrav. “These public hearings are a great opportunity for concerned residents of low-income communities to participate in the decision-making process, and make their voices heard about where and how these precious resources should be distributed.”