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Q&A

Stevens criticizes Cornerstone staffing model with single full-time director

New York City Council · Jun 23, 2026 · starts 0:43:57 · 59 sec

Stevens expresses frustration with the Cornerstone staffing model of one full-time director and mostly part-time staff, given the long operating hours. Asherall acknowledges directors function as 'mini EDs' and says staffing needs will be part of the upcoming assessment.

Althea V. Stevens

I mean, ultimately, with Cornstone specifically, I think I'm most frustrated at the staffing model and how there's typically one full-time director and everyone else is kind of part-time.

Althea V. Stevens

And anybody who knows that running a program, you need multiple people there for different times.

Althea V. Stevens

And then, like, when you're thinking about, like, the expectation around.

Althea V. Stevens

How often they're open, because I think sometimes we forget cornerstones are open all the time.

Althea V. Stevens

Like, all the time, because if you're a good cornerstone, you're being responsive to the community, and only having one full-time person becomes very difficult.

Althea V. Stevens

And then because the budget is already tight, if anyone comes in,

Althea V. Stevens

They then have to use ours.

Althea V. Stevens

And it just never works out.

Althea V. Stevens

And it just does not make sense.

Althea V. Stevens

So as we are thinking about the concept paper and thinking about how do we move forward, that is one of the things I definitely will be checking out and looking for because I just never understood staff model.

Althea V. Stevens

It was stupid.