Community Boards begin public hearings on annual Citywide Statement of Needs

"KENSINGTON TO MIDWOOD - THE ANNUAL CITYWIDE STATEMENT OF NEEDS for Fiscal Year 2027-28 will be the focus of public hearings that the local community boards are holding this month. The Citywide Statement of Needs, stipulated in Section 204 of the City Charter, and released in December 2025, aims "to connect the needs highlighted by New York City communities to the capital planning efforts of New York City's government," explains a letter from Daniel R. Garodnick, Director of the Department of City Planning and Chair of the City Planning Commission, that was sent to all the city's 59 community boards."

"These needs are largely siting goals, such as opening neighborhood offices of city agencies. In Brooklyn, this includes requests made by the Kings County District Attorney's Office to expand its services. During the discussion, community boards are given the opportunity to offer their input on a proposed location."

"The FY2027-2028 Citywide Statement of Needs is in a new online format, as a part of ongoing efforts to make local government more transparent and accessible. Community Board 14, which encompasses parts of Kensington, Ditmas Park, Flatbush, and Midwood, has announced its public hearing and full board meeting for Monday, Feb. 9 at 6:45 p.m. The venue is 1625 Ocean Ave. (the East Midwood Jewish Center)."

Public hearings this month will focus on the FY2027-28 Citywide Statement of Needs, released in December 2025 and required by Section 204 of the City Charter. The statement connects community-identified needs to New York City's capital planning, emphasizing siting goals such as opening neighborhood offices of city agencies. Brooklyn requests include the Kings County District Attorney’s Office seeking service expansion, and community boards can offer input on proposed locations. The FY2027-2028 Statement of Needs is presented in a new online format to improve transparency and accessibility. Community Board 14 will hold its public hearing and full board meeting on Monday, Feb. 9 at 6:45 p.m.

Read at Brooklyn Eagle