Council Member Cohen Announces Scheduling of Participatory Budgeting Neighborhood Assemblies

  Council Member Andrew Cohen has announced the scheduling of several Participatory Budgeting Neighborhood Assemblies throughout the 11^th Council district during the month of October. 

Participatory Budgeting is a new, grassroots process that allows community residents to have a direct voice in how their tax dollars are spent.  Twenty-Three Council Members have now bought this groundbreaking initiative to their districts allowing the public to be more involved in the budget process.  The public will have the power to suggest ideas and ultimately vote on how City dollars are spent in their own communities.  

The Neighborhood Assemblies are open forums where members of the public can suggest ideas for projects they would like to see implemented in the community through the Council Member’s capital funding.  For projects to be considered eligible for funding, they are required to be large construction or renovation type projects on City property (parks, streets, public schools, etc.) that cost a minimum of $35,000 and have a lifespan of at least five years.  Anyone can participate in the Neighborhood Assemblies and suggest ideas they believe will be a benefit to the community.

“I am very excited to hear the great ideas that my neighbors will have in how we can improve our community.  Participatory Budgeting is the true definition of bringing government to the people and through this process we will engage residents, increase civic participation and give the public more confidence in government.  I encourage everyone to attend a Neighborhood Assembly and suggest an idea,” said Council Member Andrew Cohen.

The following Neighborhood Assemblies are scheduled throughout the district (with a few more that remain to be scheduled).  If someone is unable to attend an Assembly they can submit an idea online at pbnyc.org/11.

Monday October 20^th- Schervier Nursing Home, 2975 Independence Avenue at 7:00pm

Wednesday October 22^nd- Rambling House, 4292 Katonah Avenue at 7:30pm

Thursday October 23^rd- Mosholu Montefiore Community Center, 3450 Dekalb Avenue at7:00pm

Monday October 27^th- Riverdale Y-M/WHA, 5625 Arlington Avenue at 7:00pm

Wednesday October 29^th- Lehman College Lovinger Theatre, 250 Bedford Park Blvd at7:00pm

Thursday October 30^th- Vladeck Hall, 74 Van Cortlandt Park South at 7:00pm

If anyone has questions about the upcoming Neighborhood assemblies or about Participatory Budgeting in general, they are encouraged to call Council Member Cohen’s office at 718-549-7300.