The Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Council (JPNC) has five vacancies on its board, but those slots look soon to be filled as 11 people expressed interest in joining the council during its meeting Nov. 27.
The JPNC is an elected community organization that advises City government about local issues
Those interested are the following: Kelvin Brooks; Julianna Connolly; Bashier Kayou, a Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation board member; Jake Kritzer; Jamey Lionette, a local food activist; Josh Muncey, who is a member of the JPNC Zoning Committee; Bill Munger; Judy Neiswander, advocacy coordinator for the Boston Preservation Alliance; Ian Rausch; Andrew Shapiro and Michael Silverman.
Kayou, who was unaware there were seats vacant until it was mentioned during the meeting, said he felt the council needs “flavor,” pointing out what he called the lack of diversity.
“I’ve gone to too many meetings that don’t reflect the community,” said Kayou.
JPNC chair Ben Day previously told the Gazette that most of the seats became vacant in recent months as members moved or had other personal issues. Another vacancy came in October when a member resigned over a leadership dispute with Day and other members related to their protest of the 161 S. Huntington Ave. development.
The JPNC is expected to vote to appoint any new members at the December and January meetings. The council term is expected to run until September 2013, when there will be an election.