This local community board is hoping the third time is the charm —or at least that its new district manager sticks around a bit longer this time.
After two of Community Board 7’s district managers resigned within just 13 months, the board is seeking a new manager to deal with its coverage area of Norwood, Kingsbridge, University Heights, Bedford Park and Fordham.
“We’re looking for someone who really has it in their heart for this neighborhood,” said Board chairwoman Adaline Walker-Santiago.
With a string of big community projects in the pipeline, the new DM will be dealing with a host of local issues.
The Board, whose power is mostly advisory, wields major power on land use issues. It is currently weighing its options as new developments come in on the Webster Avenue corridor.
CB7 will also have a say in the ongoing project to convert the long dormant Kingsbridge Armory into the world’s largest ice rink complex. The City Council approved that plan, with CB 7’s blessing, in December.
The Kingsbridge National Ice Center is set to break “ice” in 2017 and rake in around $42 million a year. Developers are expected to follow through on their massive community benefits agreement signed with the city.
The DM spot has been open since December 2013, when Socrates Caba left the Board after just six months at the helm to head back into the healthcare industry, sources on the Board said.
Beyond juggling numerous projects and navigating city agencies, Caba’s replacement should be ready for a job that is not just nine-to-five. That means meetings at nights and on some weekends.
The full qualifications for the job are listed on the Board’s website at www.bronxcb7.info.
Applicants must have either graduated college and had two years working in government, community work or public relations, or have finished high school and have at least six years of experience.
Knowing Spanish is a plus, Walker-Santiago said, since much of the community is bilingual. Also crucial is mixing well with the existing Board.
“The main thing I’m looking for is somebody that gets along well with everyone,” Walker-Santiago said.
Resumes are due to the CB7’s office at 229-A E. 204th Street by Feb. 21 and should be marked ATTN: Screening Committee.
Walker-Santiago said she hopes to have a new district manager in place by April.
