With committees devoted to concerns including land use, transportation, education, and housing, Manhattan Community Board 4 (MCB4) is an assertive, ever-present advisory voice heard by electeds, City departments, and other policymakers. With a coverage area comprising the Chelsea and Clinton/Hell’s Kitchen neighborhoods, MCB4 is the local public’s go-to forum for learning about–and becoming involved in–matters of concern including the quest for landmark status, the use of local park space, and the future of Chelsea’s two NYCHA properties. With six years spent as a member of MCB4, Leslie Boghosian-Murphy has been front and center for the public vetting process of every aforementined issue, with an eye toward long-term projects that will bring lasting change to the local landscape. Now, as MCB4’s newly elected Chair, she enters a new stage of influence on Board matters, both internal and external. Chelsea Community News recently posed a series of questions to Boghosian-Murphy, whose answers yielded the below Q&A,

Scott Stiffler, for Chelsea Community News (CCNews): What first motivated you to join Manhattan Community Board 4, and why did you pursue the position of Chair?

Leslie Boghosian Murphy (Leslie): My path to Community Board leadership has been grassroots, directed, and organic. As a mother and involved member of the community, I have always had a strong interest in ensuring that my neighborhood is not only stable, but constantly improving. I began to attend CB4 meetings to advocate for better projects and policies. My interest, potential, and enthusiasm was quickly noted by the then-Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, and I was honored by her appointment to the Board. This is now my sixth year serving on CB4. Over the years, I have taken on substantial leadership roles including Co-Chairing the Waterfront, Parks & Environment Committee and Chairing the Budget Task Force. These positions sharpened my leadership skills greatly informed my knowledge base on issues that challenge our community. For me, the natural next step was to try and expand my influence to do the most good and accomplish the best outcomes for my community. Being Chair of CB4 enables that growth and the possibilities for many more successful outcomes in the future. I am grateful and honored that the Board has entrusted me to take on this role.

CCNews: As Chair, you’ll frequently interact with the MCB4 District Manager and leaders of MCB4’s various committees. What do you see as your duties in this capacity, and how would you describe the management style you’ll bring to the position of Chair?

Leslie: I appreciate and value the synergetic nature of our community board. Collaboration is one of our greatest strengths when it comes to problem solving, and I will continue to promote this approach moving forward. CB4’s leadership team is strong, and the work done in the various committees is valuable. It is to the Chair’s benefit, and the benefit of the whole board, to appreciate, recognize, and build on the informed knowledge base that emanates from the committees. A good leader knows how to elevate and support others, and I hope my style encourages that. Another CB4 strength is the office staff. Jesse Bodine, Janine Pretente and Nelly Gonzalez comprise the engine that keeps our board moving. I expect they will be invaluable as I travel through this ongoing learning curve.

CCNews: What are some of the topics/issues you see as being at the forefront of MCB4 concerns, during your time as Chair?

Leslie: During my nomination interview, a committee member asked how I would make sure the “little things” wouldn’t fall through the cracks, and I thought it was a valuable question. We have a substantial amount of big projects in our district. Issues and projects that will dominate our attention include Port Authority Bus Terminal Replacement, NYCHA Fulton/Elliot Chelsea Redevelopment, the Gateway Program, the Manhattan Cruise Terminal Replacement Plan, and an anticipated Hudson River Park Pier 76 Development Plan. We will thoughtfully consider aspects of all these major projects, but we must make sure the everyday quality of life issues also hold our focus. Many would argue the small things make the greatest impact in a neighborhood, and it’s our job to appropriate serious attention to these issues.

CCNews: Regarding the move to bring a public/private development deal to Chelsea’s NYCHA properties; how is the Board currently making this sprawling topic understandable to all? What aspects of the topic will be front-and-center at MCB4 in 2026?

Leslie: Describing this project as complex is an understatement. The NYCHA FEC Redevelopment is extremely nuanced with many, many layers. And with any significant project comes many points of view. We have made concerted efforts to give NYCHA residents and the broader community a voice through position letters, open public meetings, and an informational town hall. As new details emerge and this project develops, we aim to serve as a conduit of information as best we can, with the Board’s role developing as the project develops.

CCNews: Letters written as drafts by committees (once approved by the full board) often influence policy and decisions, despite the fact that they cannot compel the recipient to heed the Board’s recommendations/requests. What are the effective tools MCB4 has to see its will enacted?

Leslie: Yes, the Community Board plays an advisory role and our letters are recommendations. But these recommendations are the result of thoughtful deliberation, expert advocacy, and public input. I believe our elected officials and city agency reps appreciate the careful thinking that shapes our letters, and they value the public’s voice. CB4 has a healthy working relationship with our city and state representatives and it is important to continue to be strong partners in advancing programs and policy that’s best for our district.

CCNews: Regarding the Public Session of MCB4 meetings, where the general public is given 2 minutes of uninterrupted time to speak their piece: Your by-laws state, “…the Chairperson may at his/her/their discretion restrict the speaking time to 1 minute.” What do you say to the dissatisfied; those who’ve arrived with prepared statements and/or a determination to use the full 2 minutes?

Leslie: In my most recent position as 1st Vice Chair, I managed the Public Session, and it was always heartening when I saw a long list of speakers signed up. One of CB4’s continuous goals is to encourage public involvement–so a long public speaker list illustrates some success on that front. It is rare we limit time for the Public Session, but once in a while extenuating circumstances dictate an abbreviated session. Though the time might be shortened, everyone who signs up gets a turn to speak, which is important. It should also be noted that the CB4 full board meeting is not the only opportunity for public comment. Committee meetings do a deep dive into the same topics and there are expanded opportunities to participate at that level. We also accept written comments and the CB4 offices are always accessible. Every member of this CB4 community should always know that their individual voice matters, regardless of the most accessible platform based upon some limitations. Speaking out and up is requested and encouraged.

CCNews: In a December 24, 2025 Facebook posting, you announced yourself as in exploratory mode to seek the NYC Council District 3 seat, if vacated by Erik Bottcher (should he be successful in his bid for the special election seat now left vacant by Brad Hoylman-Sigal, our new Manhattan Borough President). When do you expect a decision to run or not to run for Council–and how might a run impact your work for MCB4?

Leslie: I devote much of my time advocating for neighborhood issues and causes in which I believe. Currently, I serve on the Launch Advisory Committee for New Yorkers United for Child Care, the Port Authority Bus Terminal Advisory Council, the Hudson River Park Advisory Council, the Executive Committee for my local Democratic Club, my building co-op board, and my block association, among others. Some of these organizations overlap with MCB4 work and some are totally independent, but I am devoted to all of them. With the probable vacancy and subsequent special election, we will have a new District 3 City Council Member this year and I am actively exploring a run for that open seat. Over the years I have taken the lead on important issues facing our district, producing prosperous results. Having been trusted with leadership positions throughout our neighborhood, my experience, track record, and strong community support is a powerful foundation for a successful City Council run.

CCNews: What should potential applicants know about the challenges and rewards of volunteering to serve on MCB4?

Leslie: I encourage members of the community who want to be more involved and have a voice in local issues to look at the work of the Community Board. Membership. Participation brings together a cross-section of volunteers with diverse opinions, backgrounds, and expertise to work towards a common good. CB4 works closely with neighborhood groups, city agencies, and elected officials to develop recommendations and suggest solutions on a myriad of topics touching our district. It is certainly a time commitment, with members attending a minimum of three in-person meetings a month (two committee assignments and the full board meeting), but the work is tremendously rewarding. And, as with anything, you get out of it what you put in. We have some members that limit their work to their committees and others that additionally contribute to letter writing, serving on outside task forces, and helping on special projects. This is work that requires a time commitment and dedication, but the accomplishment of shared goals is gratifying and worth every committed minute.

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