Mar. 7, 2023 By Ethan Marshall
State Senator John Liu and Assemblyman Edward Braunstein issued a proclamation Monday, March 6, recognizing Community Board 11 member Bernie Haber, 94, for his 53 years of service. After joining the board in 1969, Haber had been the longest serving member in New York City until his retirement.
“Bernie Haber is the epitome of community service,” Liu said. “For over 50 years, his insights and institutional knowledge have been instrumental in shaping communities in northeast Queens and beyond. Over the years, I have personally sought his guidance on many issues related to everything from land use, parks, transportation and more and time and again Bernie has shown to have his finger on the pulse of our community’s concerns. His absence on CB 11 will be greatly missed, but his presence will be felt for generations to come.”
When community boards first started being formed in New York City back in 1969, Haber was appointed to CB 11 by then Queens Borough President Sidney Leviss. Haber ended up being elected chairman of the board, serving in that role for more than 30 years.
“Northeast Queens is a special place to live, work and raise a family and that’s due in part to civic-minded people like Bernie Haber,” Braunstein said. “As the longest-serving NYC community board member and a civil engineer by trade, Bernie brought a valued perspective and expertise to Board 11 that will be sorely missed. The community is grateful for his hard work and I thank him for his 50+ years of dedicated service. It was a pleasure to visit Bernie with Senator Liu and I wish him well ahead of his retirement.”
Liu and Braunstein paid a surprise visit to Haber’s home Monday evening during the CB 11 virtual meeting. They then presented him with a proclamation honoring the exemplary service he has provided to his community and state.
Community Board 11 member Bernie Haber with state Senator John Liu and Assemblyman Edward Braunstein (Photo by John Liu’s office)
“More than a half century is a long time to serve a community board, but I’m honored to have spent my career working with my engineering company for 50 years, being a member [active and reserve] of the U.S. Air Force for 37 years and knowing my friend, John Liu, for his entire career since his days in the City Council,” Haber said. “Just as John and Ed honored me for my work on Community Board 11, I thank them for their service to the people in Queens.”
CB 11 District Manager Joe Marziliano said Haber has been an inspiration for many who have worked alongside him.
“He is a true class act and is always able to get so much done with massive amounts of institutional knowledge,” Marziliano said. “As a district manager I can say that as a board member, Bernie shines as an example of how to serve as a good steward of the neighborhood. I will always be grateful for his counsel and friendship.”