As Streetsblog readers know, too many community boards care more about on-street parking than street safety or housing affordability, even in districts where the majority of residents don’t own cars. DOT rarely implements safety measures over board objections (which Council Member Ritchie Torres would like to change).

While a small number of boards are asking DOT to be more bold with street redesigns, it’s more common to see board members threatening proposals intended to save lives.

New voices can make a major difference on community boards. By gaining a few people familiar with street design best practices, some boards have become much more receptive to projects that prioritize walking, biking, and transit in recent years.

Transportation Alternatives makes it easier for people who want safer streets to apply for spots on their local boards through its community board join ups. These events offer one-stop shopping for information and applications, complete with notary publics to make it official.

The Queens event has come and gone, unfortunately, but if you live in one of the other boroughs and you’d like to make a difference in your neighborhood, here’s where to go this month:

Brooklyn Community Board Join Up
Thursday, January 28, 7 p.m
Brooklyn YWCA
30 3rd Avenue, corner of Atlantic Avenue
RSVP

Bronx Community Board Join Up
Wednesday, January 20, 6:30 p.m.
Bronx Museum of the Arts, 1040 Grand Concourse
RSVP

Manhattan Community Board Join Up
Thursday, January 21, 6:30 p.m.
Transportation Alternatives Office
111 John Street, Suite 260, between Cliff and Pearl streets
RSVP

Upper Manhattan Community Board Join Up
Wednesday, January 20, 6:30 p.m.
Harlem YMCA – Jackie Robinson Youth Center Building
181 West 135th Street, Brick Room, 1st Floor
RSVP

Staten Island Community Board Join Up
Thursday, January 21, 6:30 p.m.
Staten Island Makerspace, 450 Front Street, Stapleton
RSVP