Committees
Shareholders interested in volunteering their time and skills to benefit to the Berkeley are encouraged to join relevant committees or working groups. Committees provide guidance, oversight, and support for the day-to-day improvement of the Berkeley community.
Interested in joining or reaching out to an existing committee?
Please email the appropriate contact on the Committees & Groups Contacts List.
Have a specific concern, focus area, or project and want to start a new committee or working group? Contact the Board!
Admissions Committee
The nine-member Admissions Committee reviews applications of persons applying to purchase an apartment (shares in the cooperative) or to sublet an apartment. Committee members review all applications, considering financial viability and references. After determining that the applicants meet financial standards set by the cooperative, the chair sets a meeting with the committee members and the applicant(s). The meeting is an opportunity for Committee members to ask questions about the submitted application and to answer applicant questions about the Berkeley, including the House Rules. The committee provides its recommendation to the Board of Directors. Members are appointed to the committee by the Board when vacancies occur. Anyone interested in serving on the committee may email the Board.
Capital Projects Committee
This committee plays a key role in researching, advising, and overseeing potential co-op improvement projects, from planning to completion (e.g. windows replacement, community room renovation). Individuals with expertise or an interest in fields such as architecture, engineering, landscaping, interior design, construction management, housing law, compliance, and sustainability are encouraged to join and contribute their skills.
Communications Committee
This committee works together to disseminate information to the Berkeley community through emails via the listserv, the monthly newsletter (The Grapevine), the Berkeley website (this site!), signs in the hallways, and flyers mailed and delivered to shareholders and residents.
Garden Committee
The Garden Committee was established to coordinate the development of the garden and to advise the Board regarding garden issues. Residents are offered the opportunity to care for a small plot. They are responsible for developing and maintaining the plot at their own expense, but receive advice and support from the committee. The committee maintains a waiting list for those who wish to adopt a plot. Anyone wishing to adopt one can ask to be added to the list. Meetings are held monthly from March to November to discuss garden issues and ongoing and future plans. Periodic group workdays are called for specific projects. Membership to the Garden Committee is open to all residents.
Welcome Committee
The Welcome Committee helps residents navigate making the Berkeley their new home. The committee writes a Welcome Handbook with useful information about living at the Berkeley and about Jackson Heights. It meets the new residents for an in-person welcoming shortly after their move-in date.