COUNCIL MEMBER COHEN ANNOUNCES
2016-2017 PARTICIPATORY BUDGETING RESULTS
On Wednesday, April 26th, standing outside the 52nd Precinct in Norwood, Council Member Andrew Cohen announced the 2016-2017 District 11 Participatory Budgeting (PB) results. He was joined at the announcement by community residents and PB volunteers.
The announcement concluded a year-long process that gave residents decision-making power of $1 million towards community improvements in their neighborhoods. Throughout the fall, community residents were encouraged to submit project ideas at Neighborhood Assemblies, on the Council website and via email to Council Member Cohen’s office. Over 125 ideas were proposed and then community volunteers reviewed the projects and created a final ballot. This led to the voting week at the end of March where residents were able to review the proposals on the ballot, as well as place their votes on which projects they thought deserved funding.
There were a total of 10 proposals on the 2017 ballot, focused on renovations to parks and libraries, technology upgrades for schools, public safety and improved transportation throughout District 11. Anyone who lives in the district, 14 years and older – regardless of citizenship status, was welcome to cast a ballot. A total of 31 council members participated in PB this year, giving communities all over the City decision-making power of more than $30 million.
“Participatory Budgeting, once again, gave my constituents a direct voice in how their tax dollars are spent. It truly is an innovative, grassroots process that encourages civic engagement and gives New Yorkers an understanding of how the City budget works,” said Council Member Andrew Cohen.
2,237 residents throughout District 11 came out to cast their vote over a 9 day period between March 25th and April 2nd. Voters were permitted to vote for up to any five out of the 10 projects that were divided into four different categories: education, parks & recreation, transportation and libraries.
The three winning projects which will be funded in the City’s Fiscal Year 2018 budget are:
· Council District 11 Schools Technology Upgrade
$280,000 will provide technology upgrades at 8 schools: PS 20, PS 94, PS/MS 95, AmPark, PS 16, MS 280, PS 340 & Discovery High School (1,241 votes)
· Council District 11 Security Cameras
$300,000 will be evenly divided to the 50th, 47th and 52nd police precincts to install NYPD security cameras within District 11 (1,159 votes)
· Riverdale Library Renovations
$500,000 will be allocated to renovate the bathroom at the Riverdale Library. The renovations will allow the bathroom to be upgraded to meet ADA requirements (1,114 votes)
“These projects will have a huge impact on the quality of life in our community. Making our public spaces more accessible, upgrading technology for our students and improving our public safety are all worthwhile endeavors that I am proud to provide funding for,” added Council Member Andrew Cohen.
