Keith Williams reports on the longevity of some members of community boards in New York City. Critics say that the review capacity of the boards would best be served by increased turnover in membership.
According to an article by Keith Williams, at least 30 members of the city's community boards have served since the city's citizen oversight system was enacted—in 1977. "Several original members had served on the predecessor 'planning boards,' formed in Manhattan in 1951 and citywide in 1963," writes Williams."
While the long-serving members of the community boards cite the institutional memory they bring to board deliberations, "[critics] say term limits are needed to keep the boards fresh and to properly represent the diverse neighborhoods they serve."
One proposal to limit terms to five-consecutive two-year terms has already received some political support.
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