The new district manager of Community Board 7 is looking forward to make a positive difference in residents’ lives.
Andrew Sandler was unanimously elected as Community Board 7’s district manager during the board’s Tuesday, January 19 general meeting and officially began his duties on Monday, February 8.
He succeeds Dustin Engelken who announced his resignation last September after serving a year and a half as district manager.
Engelken, who was appointed in May 2014, left CB 7 in mid-October to accompany his family to Europe after his wife took a position with a Frankfurt, Germany-based multi-national company.
A Manhattan College Class of 2008 alum, Sandler earned his Bachelor’s of Arts degree in political science which set him on the path toward a career in government.
Following graduation, Sandler interned with Congressman Eliot Engel for a year.
“It was a very satisfying and informative learning experience which gave me the tools to become successful in this field,” said Sandler, adding.
From 2008 to 2009, Sandler volunteered to work on former Councilman Oliver Koppell’s re-election campaign which eventually led to him being appointed as Koppell’s director of community affairs.
While working for councilman, Sandler dealt with city agencies on behalf of Koppell’s 11th Council District’s residents which includes CB 7.
For the past two years, Sandler worked with Koppell’s successor, Councilman Andrew Cohen as his director of community affairs and constituent services.
With six years governmental experience, Sandler oversaw many capital investment projects at Mosholu Parkway including Koppell’s $100,000 funding of the energy efficient metal halide light system for the Bronx Victory World War I Memorial implemented under Cohen, Harris Field’s surface remediation, Williamsbridge Oval Park’s renovation and Whalen Park’s reconstruction.
Sandler is eager to push the board’s interest in obtaining public access to Jerome Park Reservoir’s jogging trail as well as the Kingsbridge Armory becoming the Kingsbridge National Ice Center.
In addition, Sandler mentioned CB 7 concerns regarding Mosholu Parkway’s significant flooding and eroded roads and infrastructure which they hope to secure capital funding for to address the situation.
“The support from Community Board 7 has been overwhelming following my appointment as district manager and that makes it important that I live up to their hopes and expectations,” said Sandler.
The board has also expressed an interest in establishing job fairs, general outreach sessions to entice the varying opinions of residents affected by city policies in addition to planning and development sessions, he said.
“Andrew is working very hard and he’s only been with the board for a little over a month,” said Adaline Walker-Santiago, CB7 chairwoman. “I’m very excited to have him working with us and we’re looking forward to continue working together to help our community’s residents.”
