April 2, 2012
For Immediate Release
Over 2,000 Residents Turn Out
In First Participatory Budgeting Vote
Seven winning projects in Councilmember Lander’s district to be funded with $1 million in City funds
This weekend, 2,213 residents of City Councilmember Brad Lander’s diverse Brooklyn district voted in NYC’s first “participatory budgeting” election, a groundbreaking initiative that lets community members decide how to spend their own tax dollars on projects in their neighborhood. Voters selected from among twenty projects proposed by neighborhood residents. The seven projects receiving the most votes will be prioritized for funding as part of the City’s FY2013 budget, which will be adopted in June, with just over $1 million in City capital funds committed by Councilmember Lander:
Bathroom Renovation for the Children of PS 124 - $150,000
Renovate two dysfunctional bathrooms that serve over 136 of the youngest students daily in a high-needs elementary school. 958 votes
Brooklyn Neighbors Composting - $165,000
Pest-free, smell-free compost system near Gowanus Canal uses 1 ton/day of kitchen food scraps collected at local greenmarkets and schools to create rich soil for our gardens, parks, and trees. 919 votes
District 39 Tree Planting - $100,000
Plant 100 new trees and install tree guards on blocks with few or no trees (Parks Department will contribute an additional $85,000 to this effort for tree planting). 767 votes
Technology: A Better Future for PS 154 / PS 130 Students - $140,000
Installation of 15 Smartboards (PS 130), 45 13" Macbook computers with 2 carts and 2 wireless printers (PS 154 grades 1, 3, & 4). 758 votes
Prospect Park Pedestrian Pathway Rehabilitation - $205,000
Repair Prospect Park pedestrian paths near Park Circle and Long Meadow to prevent flooding, add 10 trash cans in park. 648 votes
Pedestrian Hazards at the Prospect Expressway - $200,000
Repairs & additions to badly damaged and dangerous 9 lane Prospect Expressway pedestrian crossing at Church Avenue, area and landscape. 606 votes
Kensington Library Resources and Community Space - $80,000
New books/DVDs for library, equipment for meetings, storytelling, rehearsals, and small performances promoting Kensington's cultural diversity. 582 votes
Vote totals for all projects can be viewed here. Read more »
