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NOTE: As each meeting scheduled during May 2025 has taken pace, a link to its recording will be added, and the meeting’s writeup will apper in this roundup’s end section.

BY SCOTT STIFFLER | That high-rise on your block didn’t just rise up out of nowhere–nor did the new bar on the corner or the bike lane beside it. Before they were fully realized parts of the neighborhood, chances are they came up as topics that came before your local community board. For those who live in West Chelsea from 14th Street all the way up to West 57th, Manhattan Community Board 4 (MCB4) is your all-volunteer advocacy and vetting entity. Its work is done through the monthly meetings of committees and task forces. The letters they generate are voted on when MCB4’s full membership meets (typically on the first Wednesday of the month.) To better understand that process, here’s a roundup of committee and task force goings-on throughout May.

Meeting dates, times, locations, links, and agenda items subject to change.

Please visit MCB4’s Online Calendar or call the MCB4 office (212-736-4536) for confirmation.

The Full Board Meeting of MCB4: Wednesday, May 7, 6:30pn Online via Zoom and YouTube and In-Person at Fulton Senior Center (119 9th Ave. btw. W. 17th & 18th Sts.) | The full membership of MCB4 convenes to vote on agenda items (letters of recommendation) originating at the most recent gathering of their individual committees. Updates from elected officials are also a featured part of full board meetings. To attend via Zoom, click here. The Zoom registration includes an opportunity to sign up for the meeting’s Public Session, during which participants are given two minutes of uninterrupted time to go before the Board and speak on a topic, or topics, of their choosing. This early sign-up  closes at 4pm on the day of the meeting.

Those who do not sign up by 4pm can raise their virtual hands using the raise hand function through Zoom (*9 by phone) once the public session starts, with a 1-minute grace period. There will also be a sign up sheet at the meeting’s In-Person location. To attend via phone, dial 646-828-7666 (when prompted to enter the Webinar ID, it’s 161-3680437). Click here to watch the meeting live or access it after-the-fact via MCB4’s YouTube channel. For info about all things MCB4, their website can be found by clicking here.

Waterfront, Parks & Environment Committee (WPE) / Thursday, May 8, 6:30pm Online via Zoom & YouTube and In-Person at the MCB4 Office (424 W. 33rd St., Suite 580) | To view a recording of the April 10 meeting, click here. This month’s meeting begins with an update on various programs and services, from the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation. Then, Hudsno River Park Trust will present on the upcoming Events Season throughout the Paek. Folllowing that, Port Authority will present on the topic of ‘future open space” followed by Vordado Realty Trust’s update on plans for Pier 94. Finally, it’s the New York City Economic Development Corporation disxussing the functions and actions of their Community Fund.  To attend via Zoom, click here. To attend via phone, dial 646-828-7666 (when prompted to enter the Webinar ID, it’s 160-795-3894). Click here to watch the meeting live or access it after-the-fact via MCB4’s YouTube channel. For info about all things MCB4, their website can be found by clicking here.

ABOUT: The WPE is actively involved in the planning and operation of the Hudson River Park and other developments along the waterfront, worhing with environmental groups and government agencies on various matters involving the waterfront and inland open space. The WPE also advocates for the creation of new parkland and increased funding for recreation centers and parks.

Arts, Culture, Education, and Schools Committee (ACES) / Monday, May 12,  6:30pm Online via Zoom & YouTube and In-Person at the MCB4 Office (424 W. 33rd St., Suite 580) | On the May 12 Agenda is the Open Session, an “opportunity for communtiy members to share their perspectives with us on issues that are important to them connected to Arts, Culture, Education, & Schools,” says the ACES committee. Also, reps from Hudson Guild will give a presentation on their Art programming. The NYC Dept. of Parks and Recreation is tentatively scheduled to present on their Universal Swim Program, and Hudson Yards-based cultural hub The Shed will present on their summer programming. The committee is also scheduled for a discussion with NYS Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, regarding Fair Student Funding and status of education funding and policy. To attend the meeting via Zoom, click here. To attend via phone, dial 646-828-7666 (when prompted to enter the Webinar ID, it’s 160-524-7923. Click here to watch the meeting live or access it after-the-fact via MCB4’s YouTube channel. For info about all things MCB4, their website can be found by clicking here.

ABOUT: ACES provides support and access to arts and cultural resources available to residents and organizations of the district; advocates for the advancement of education and youth-focused institutions and programs; and provides a place for residents and businesses to voice concerns about issues that have a negative impact on their quality of life.   

Business Licenses & Permits Committee (BLP) / Tuesday, May 13, 6:30pm Online via Zoom & YouTube and In-Person at the MCB4 Office (424 W. 33rd St., Suite 580) | Click Here to view the archived recording of April 6’s meeting. On the May 13 Agenda: New Liquor, Wine, Beer & Cider License Applications from eight establishments. Also considered will be a request for a Method of Operation/Corporate Change application from West 23rd Street’s well-curated, often visually stunning Poster House. If granted, the application will grant permission for dancing, a DJ, and live music during public and private events. Twenty applications to the NYC Department of Transportation would allow for sidewalk cafes (applicants include The Copper Still (206 7th Ave.), Fonda of Chelsea (189 9th Ave.), and Fellini Coffee Chelsea (231 Eighth Ave.). Click here to attend via Zoom. To attend via phone, dial 646-828-7666 (when prompted to enter the Webinar ID, it’s 161-712-9692). Click here to watch the meeting live or access it after-the-fact via MCB4’s YouTube channel. For info about all things MCB4, their website can be found by clicking here.

ABOUT: Any beer, wine, or on-premise liquor license applications and sidewalk cafe applications must come before the BLP for its review. The Board’s position must be considered in the final determination of these applications. 

The Clinton/Hell’s Kitchen Land Use Committee (CHKLU): Wednesday, May 14, 6:30pm Online via Zoom & YouTube and in person at the MCB4 Office (424 W. 33rd St, Suite 580 | On the agenda for May 14’s meeting is an update on MCB4’s Affordable Housing Plan. To attend the meeting via Zoom, click here. The meeting will also livestream on MCB4′s YouTube channel. Click Here to watch it in real time on YouTube or access it after-the-fact via an archived recording of the proceedings. Visit the MCB4 website by clicking here. ABOUT; Any application for a change or variance from the zoning Resolution must come before the Community Board for its review. The Board’s position must be considered in the final determination of these applications. The Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP) applies to all applications for zoning text changes, changes to the zoning map and special permits.

Transportation Planning Committee (TPC): Wednesday, May 21, 6:30pm Online via Zoom & YouTube and In Person at the MCB4 Office  (424 W. 33rd St., Suite 580) | To view a recording of the April 16 meeting, click here. On the May meeting’s agenda is a tentatively scheduled presentation from the DDC, regarding Project HWCRCDB – Citywide Raised Crosswalks, followed by a committee vote on the matter.  To attend the May meeting via Zoom, click here. To attend via telephone, call 646-828-7666 (when prompted for the Webinar ID, dial 160 324 4328). Click here to watch the meeting live or access it after-the-fact via MCB4’s YouTube channel. For info about all things MCB4, their website can be found by clicking here.

ABOUT: TPC reviews application for street closures and permits for anything that is placed on the sidewalks; advocates for better maintenance of streets and sidewalks and improved transit services; and works with the NYC Department of Transportation to consider changes in parking regulations, street design, and traffic patterns.

The Cannabis Task Force: Thursday, May 15, 6:30pm Online via YouTube and Zoom and In-Person at the MCB4 Office (424 W. 33rd St. Suite 580) | On this roundup’s publication date, CTF’s Agenda had not been announced. To attend via Zoom, click here. To attend via phone, dial 646-828-7666 (when prompted to enter the Webinar ID, it’s 161-023-4285). Click here to watch the meeting live or access it after-the-fact via MCB4’s YouTube channel. For info about all things MCB4, their website can be found by clicking here.

ABOUT: Formerly known as the Cannabis Working Group, CTF operates with a three-pronged mission: (1)  keep track of and advise MCB4 and the public about relevant NYS cannabis laws, regulations, licensing, and enforcement; (2) provide feedback to the Office of Cannabis Management and Cannabis Control Board, on proposed cannabis regulations and licensing applications; and (3) provide recommendations to MCB4 on its role in the licensing and siting of cannabis-related businesses.  

Chelsea Land Use Committee (CLU) / Monday, May 19, 6:30pm Online via Zoom & YouTube and In-Person at Pier 57 Classrooms (25 11th Ave. at West 15th St.) | To view a recording of the April 21 meeting, click here. On the May meeting’s Agenda: An update on MCB4’s Affordable Housing Planl. To attend via Zoom, click here. To attend via phone, dial 646-518-9805 (when prompted to enter the Webinar ID, it’s 420-721-312). Click here to watch the meeting live or access it after-the-fact via MCB4’s YouTube channel. For info about all things MCB4, their website can be found by clicking here . ABOUT; Any application for a change or variance from the zoning Resolution must come before the Community Board for its review. The Board’s position must be considered in the final determination of these applications. The Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP) applies to all applications for zoning text changes, changes to the zoning map and special permits.

Executive Committee (EXEC): Monday, May 27, 6:30pm Online via Zoom & YouTube and In-Person at the MCB4 Office (424 W. 33rd St., Suite 580) | To view a recording of the April meeting, click here. |  To attend via Zoom, click here. To attend via phone, dial 646-828-7666 (Webinar ID: 161 740 6891).  Click here to watch the meeting live or access it after-the-fact via MCB4’s YouTube channel. For info about all things MCB4, their website can be found by clicking here.

MAY MEETINGS ARE ADDED TO THE BELOW SECTION ONCE THEY HAVE TAKEN PLACE.

IN ADDITION TO THE ORIGINAL PREVIEW TEXT, A LINK WILL BE ADDED ALLOWING THE PUBLIC TO ACCESS A RECORDING OF THE MEETING –24/7/365, VIA MCB4’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Housing, Health & Human Services Committee (HH&HS) / Thursday, May 1, 6:30pm Online via Zoom & YouTube and In-Person at Hudson Guild, 441 W. 26th Street, 2nd floor, btw. 9/10 Aves), | The meeting had already taken place upon the March 8 publication of this May committee meeting roundup. To view a recording of this meeting on MCB4’s YouTube channel click here. | This meeting had already tkOn the Agenda made available prior to the meeting was was a Committee Update on- followed by consideration of–a Mixed-Use Affordable Housing Application for 317-319 W. 35th Street and a West 49th Street Building. Next up was a Presentation of Clinton Housing Development Corp. resident concerns from those living at 353 W. 30th Street; 540 W. 53rd Street; and 554 W. 53rd Street. A Committee discussion about the Chelsea NYCHA Draft Environmental Impact Statement also was scheduled to take place. To attend HH& HS’s June 5 meeting via Zoom, click here.

ABOUT: HH&HS reviews proposals and monitors the progress of affordable housing commitments made during the Hudson Yards, West Chelsea, and Western Rail Yards rezoning; reviews Low Income Housing Plan Applications as part of the Inclusionary Housing Program; and evaluates tenant complaints re: service issues, co-op conversions, and tenant associations.

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ChelseaCommunityNews.com (CCNews) is an independent, single-owner online newspaper providing news, arts, events, and opinion content to Manhattan’s Chelsea community and its adjacent areas (Flatiron/NoMad and Meatpacking Districts, Hudson Yards, Hell’s Kitchen, Broadway/Times Square, and the Penn Station area).  Our editorial content is made possible by advertising revenue, grants, quarterly pledges of support, and voluntary reader donations (click here for our GoFundMe campaign). To join our subscriber list, click here to receive ENewsletters containing links to recently published content–as well as an occasional “Sponsored Content” email featuring an advertiser’s exclusive message. 

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