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Starting this Saturday, residents of the Upper West Side will have the chance to weigh in on how a chunk of public money is spent right in their own backyard — and you don’t even need to be old enough to vote in a regular election to participate.
Participatory Budgeting Vote Week kicks off on April 11 and runs through Sunday, April 19, giving 6th District stakeholders the opportunity to help direct $1 million in capital funding toward local projects. Anyone age 11 and older who lives in the district is eligible to cast a ballot.
Starting on Saturday, you can cast your vote online or in person at the following locations:
Brewer’s District Office – 563 Columbus Ave at 87th Street St. Agnes Library – 444 Amsterdam Ave between 81st and 82nd Streets Riverside Library – 127 Amsterdam Ave between 65th and 66th Streets
This year’s ballot features eight projects spanning library upgrades, school improvements, park facilities, and more:
New York Public Library technology upgrade ($250,000) – Upgraded technology resources and computer equipment at St. Agnes, Riverside, and Lincoln Center Performing Arts Libraries. Tree guards, district-wide ($200,000) – Installation of tree guards around street trees throughout the district to protect against damage and support healthy growth. Riverside Park bathroom improvements ($300,000) – Upgrades and repairs to existing bathroom facilities in Riverside Park. FDNY Ladder 25 HVAC replacement ($400,000) – Replacement of rooftop heating, ventilation, and AC units at the firehouse at 205 W. 77th Street. P.S. 199 Jessie Isador Straus School technology improvements ($100,000) – New SMARTboards, Chromebooks, laptops, and document cameras at 270 W. 70th Street. Innovation Diploma Plus H.S. music engineering studio ($250,000) – A new music engineering studio for students at 145 W. 84th Street. P.S. 75 Emily Dickinson School gymnasium renovation ($350,000) – Replacement of the gymnasium floor at 309 W. 95th Street. John Jay College of Criminal Justice (CUNY) video board installation ($175,000) – Video boards in the athletic facility at 899 10th Avenue. Participatory Budgeting — or PB, as it’s commonly known — is a democratic process that gives community members a direct say in how part of a public budget is spent. New York City’s version launched in 2011 and has since expanded to include Council Members across the five boroughs. The funded projects must cost at least $50,000, be physical infrastructure in public spaces, and have a lifespan of at least five years.
Brewer’s office is also looking for volunteers to staff the in-person voting locations. Anyone who can commit a few hours during Vote Week can email Cynthia Hornig at chornig@council.nyc.gov with “PB Volunteer” in the subject line.
Winning projects will be included in the city’s upcoming Fiscal Year budget in June.
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