NEW CHAIR FOR COMMUNITY BOARD

mel wymore was elected chair of community board 7 last week. helen rosenthal, who led the board for two one-year terms, was barred by term limits from running again.

wymore likely made a bit a civic history by becoming the first transgender chair of a community board.

the arizona native, who moved to the upper west side in 1988, has been on the board for 13 years. she said her proudest accomplishment has been the revitalization of the 59th street recreation center.

as chair, wymore wants to broaden the board's agenda beyond zoning applications and permits.

"there's a whole plethora of issues out there in the community around which there are no application processes, such as healthcare, senior citizens or housing," wymore said. "the community board has an opportunity to engage on these issues and make a difference."

rosenthal, who planned to run for city council before term limits were extended, will stay on the board she has served on for more than 10 years.

rosenthal said she is most proud of her push to provide detailed analysis of new developments in the neighborhood, increased meeting transparency and community outreach.

rosenthal was also appointed co-chair of a mayoral task force on the future of community boards.