Community Updates From Council Member Andrew Cohen

 Capital Grants Allow for Various Park Projects Within The District

As your elected official, I understand the importance of providing quality amenities in the community. Over the course of recent months, I have been able to secure various capital grants to allow for the enhancement of our local parks.

On July 23rd, I announced that I would be using $750,000 of capital funds for the construction of a skate park to the Williamsbridge Oval will give the skateboarders of the community a safe place to enjoy practicing their many skills.

In conjunction with State Senator Jeff  Klein, I was thrilled to announce this summer the combined allocation over $4 million in capital grants secured in this year's state and city budget for the following park projects: 

• Comprehensive renovation of Indian Field in Woodlawn. This renovation project will include the construction of a new field, as well as completely reconstruct an existing field that suffered from chronic flooding.  
• The construction of a new playground in Van Cortlandt Park near the Riverdale Stables. This is an area of the park that was lacking recreational space for the youth of the community to enjoy; we are confident that this new addition will draw more families to this beautiful space and utilize every portion of the park. 

As a member of the Parks Committee, I am proud to be a part of these major improvements that will finally allow residents to utilize our parks to their fullest capacity once again. 

Participatory Budgeting Comes to The Bronx

This past year, City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, announced the expansion of participatory budgeting for the 2014-2015 fiscal year. The expansion more than doubles the number of participating districts and includes District 11.

Participatory Budgeting is a process that will allow residents of District 11 to directly decide how to spend $1 million of taxpayer money. From now until April 2015, members of the community are encouraged to attend our Participatory Budgeting meetings to exchange ideas that will then be turned into proposals. The community will then have an opportunity to vote on these proposals in May 2015. 

Anyone who is over the age of 14 can participate in the process, but only local residents 16+ can vote. 

 Upcoming Participatory Budget Meetings 

October 20, 2014
Schervier Nursing Home
2975 Independence Ave, Bronx, NY 10463
7:00 p.m.
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October 22, 2014
Rambling House
4292 Katonah Ave,
Bronx, NY 10470
7:30 p.m.
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October 23, 2014
Mosholu Montefiore Community Center
3450 Dekalb Avenue,
Bronx, NY 10467
7:00 p.m.
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October 27, 2014
Riverdale Y
5625 Arlington Ave,
Bronx, NY 10471
7:00 p.m.
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October 29, 2014
Lehman College
Lovinger Theatre
250 Bedford Park Blvd,
Bronx, NY 10468
7:00 p.m.
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October 30, 2014
Vladeck Hall
74 Van Cortlandt Park South,
Bronx, NY 10463
7:00 p.m.
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For more information on Participatory Budgeting visitwww.pbnyc.org 

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