Vasantrai Gandhi (Photo: Gujarat Times News Service)

Vasantrai Gandhi was elected chairperson of Community Board #3 (Jackson Heights, Queens, NY) at the board's meeting on Jan. 19. Gandhi, a long-time resident and businessman in Jackson Heights, Queens, has served on Community Board #3 for 15 years. In addition, he serves as Chairman of the Business and Economic Development Committee. As a community activist, he holds leadership positions in several community organizations. He is the treasurer and executive member of Community Board #3, Queens; vice-president of the Gujarati Samaj of New York; Founder, member and past president of Jackson Heights Merchants Association and Member, Indian Advisory Board, Queens Child Guidance Center. Speaking about what community boards do, he told Gujarat Times that it's the kind of grassroot work which affects day to day life of the community.

Gandhi is also a very successful businessman. In 1998 he won the 'Bridges to Success Award,' under the 'Fastest Growing 25 Categories Award,' jointly sponsored by the Chase Manhattan Bank, KPMG Peat Marwick, St. John's University and the New York Times. In 2003, Gandhi won 'Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business,' Award, sponsored by New York Times, BDO Seideman and others. Gandhi's company was also listed amongst the 'Top 100 Indian American Businesses' for nine years in a row, a listing of privately owned businesses compiled by a financial consulting firm based in Maryland.

Community Board #3 serves the neighborhoods on North Corona, East Elmhurst and Jackson Heights. The population of the district is in excess of 200,000. The land is 2.8 square miles and is serviced by the 115th precinct, 22 private and public schools, five libraries.

Community Boards have an important advisory role dealing with land use, zoning matters, the City Budget and municipal service delivery.

(Compiled from a press release)