By David Cruz 

In a move intended to infuse young blood into community boards, Albany has approved a measure that allows Bronx residents as young as 16 years old to serve on a local community board.

The bill, dubbed Resolution 115, came from the city level, with Councilman Ritchie Torres drafting the law that needed approval from the State Assembly and Senate.

“With civic engagement rates among young people at critically low levels, we need to put forward every effort to replace apathy with enfranchisement, disengagement with opportunity,” said Councilman Torres, himself one of the younger members of the Council, representing the 15th Council District in central Bronx.

The move is intended to also develop activism and future leaders of tomorrow.

In the Bronx, civic engagement is relatively low, and it’s seen on the community board level. There are twelve boards in all, with many panels having little to no members under the age of 30. Within Torres’ district, members under the age of 45 are scant.

The law takes in effect immediately, though the Boards will begin their new session next month. Anyone interested must apply to their local Board office by next year. Recommendations are made by the local City Council Member and approvals are made by the Bronx Borough President’s Office.