CB11 ethics committee reviews three conduct complaints, recommends stricter procedures and training

The Community Board 11 Ethics and Disciplinary Committee on June 16 heard three public complaints about members’ conduct and the handling of street activity permits, and concluded the issues should be addressed through clearer procedures and training rather than immediate disciplinary sanctions.

The committee, chaired in an acting capacity by Jeanette Wilson, reviewed complaints including one from a community member identified as Grace who said delays and objections by other board members cost her sponsorships and led to denial of a planned food festival permit. Grace told the committee she lost sponsors for a hip‑hop festival and that “they piled on to make my event not happen,” and alleged conflict of interest and inconsistent statements by other members about whether an organizer was affiliated with the Allerton International Merchants Association.

Deborah “Debbie” Kowalik, named in the complaint, and a second respondent, Veronica (last name not specified in the record), both spoke and disputed Grace’s characterization. Kowalik said she is not a…