For over fifty years, the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association (WRBA) has been at the forefront of advocating for the well-being and interests of the community. Committed to fostering a sense of unity and improving quality of life, the WRBA has consistently worked to ensure that the voices of local residents are heard and acted upon by elected officials and agencies.
One of the cornerstones of the WRBA’s efforts is its monthly Town Hall meetings, where residents, community leaders, and local authorities come together to discuss pressing issues, collaborate on solutions, and work toward making Woodhaven a better place to live.
As the WRBA embarks on its 53rd year, its first Town Hall meeting of 2025 is set to take place this Saturday, January 18th, at noon at Emanuel United Church of Christ, located on 91st Avenue and Woodhaven Boulevard. The public is invited to attend, and the entrance is located on 91st Avenue.
Town Hall meetings serve as an essential forum for community engagement, where residents can directly interact with local elected officials, city agencies, and law enforcement representatives. These meetings provide an opportunity to raise concerns, ask questions, and seek assistance with issues affecting daily life in Woodhaven. Whether it’s problems with sanitation services, safety concerns, or neighborhood beautification, Town Hall meetings are where many of Woodhaven’s challenges are brought to light and addressed in a meaningful way.
Recent meetings, for example, have focused on a hot-button issue: the new trash disposal rules enacted by the Department of Sanitation. Many residents have expressed confusion over which bins should be used for specific types of waste, and WRBA Town Hall meetings provide an excellent opportunity to voice concerns, ask questions, and gain clarification on how to navigate the changes.
In addition to addressing current issues, Town Hall meetings also provide a platform to learn about upcoming initiatives, developments, and projects that could impact the community. From updates on street maintenance and infrastructure projects to public safety efforts and community events, the WRBA works tirelessly to keep residents informed and engaged.
The WRBA holds Town Hall meetings regularly throughout the year, with most taking place on the third Saturday of each month at noon. However, during the summer months, the meetings are scheduled for Thursday evenings at 8 p.m. Here’s a look at the full 2025 Town Hall schedule:
Saturday, January 18th @ 12 p.m.
Saturday, February 15th @ 12 p.m.
Saturday, March 15th @ 12 p.m.
Saturday, April 19th @ 12 p.m.
Saturday, May 17th @ 12 p.m.
Saturday, June 21st @ 12 p.m.
Thursday, July 17th @ 8 p.m.
Thursday, August 14th @ 8 p.m.
Saturday, September 20th @ 12 p.m.
Saturday, October 18th @ 12 p.m.
Saturday, November 15th @ 12 p.m.
Saturday, December 20th @ 12 p.m.
All meetings take place at Emanuel United Church of Christ, located at 93-12 91st Avenue.
The WRBA has been led by Martin Colberg, who has served as its President for many years. Under his leadership, the organization has grown into a pillar of the Woodhaven community, known for its proactive approach to solving local problems.
Councilwoman Joann Ariola has praised Martin’s leadership, stating, “Martin is a wonderful advocate for the Woodhaven community. He is always available to collaborate and has done a great job as President of the WRBA.” His dedication to the community is mirrored by other key volunteers who make the WRBA’s work possible. Volunteers like Stephen Forte, Janet Forte, Vance Barbour, Janet Chan-Smith, Carmela Isabella, and Albert Gamarra are all committed to serving their neighbors and improving the quality of life in Woodhaven.
These dedicated individuals give their time and energy to support their community, often going above and beyond to address issues, propose solutions, and engage with both residents and city officials. They represent the spirit of service that defines the WRBA and exemplify what it means to be a part of a close-knit, thriving neighborhood.
Despite the WRBA’s continued efforts, there are still numerous challenges facing Woodhaven residents. Recent incidents of violence, including shootouts near major intersections like Woodhaven Boulevard and Atlantic Avenue, have raised concerns about public safety. Other ongoing issues such as illegal vending, graffiti, noise pollution, parking problems, and sanitation issues continue to make life difficult for residents.
While it’s easy to become frustrated and discouraged by these problems, the WRBA remains steadfast in its mission to tackle these challenges head-on. However, the association’s efforts can only be effective when the community comes together. The more residents who show up at Town Hall meetings, the stronger Woodhaven’s voice becomes when advocating for change. As Martin Colberg often emphasizes, “When elected officials or city agencies come to Woodhaven, we always get a better response when we show that our residents care about their community.”
If you’ve ever felt frustrated with the issues facing your block or the neighborhood, the WRBA invites you to get involved. Whether you’re attending a Town Hall meeting for the first time or you’ve been a longtime supporter, your presence and participation can make a real difference and make Woodhaven a better place to live for everyone.
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