Decentralizing citizen participation in the planning process: a study of the community boards on Staten Island

Abstract

The study focused on the role and function of the official citizen advisory bodies in New York City known as the community boards. The boards were considered within the framework of recent moves for decentralization of city government and increased opportunities for citizen participation. They were evaluated in terms of: (1) their ability to serve as effective vehicles for citizen participation within the decentralized structure of the City Planning Commission; and (2) their ability to achieve more responsive city government. Operational procedures, organizational structure, and functions were examined in detail for the four Staten Island boards. Consideration of the interaction of the boards with local governmental bodies, city agencies and community groups revealed specific problem areas in accountability, representation, agency relations, and the appointment process. The study concluded that continuance of the boards' role in a partnership capacity with the City Planning Commission is a valid one in enabling the boards to establish community priorities, to serve as a liaison between government and the community, and to maintain a watchdog position on local government. Procedural and structural changes were recommended. The study proposed two alternatives to the present method of appointment to broaden accountability of the boards to the people they represent and to increase their influence in the decision-making process.