At the end of this month Participatory Budgeting will be in full swing.
City Council Districts 33 and 34 will be having polling places across our community from March 25–April 2.
This vote gives the community a direct influence on which community projects receive funds from the City’s discretionary capital funds. Projects on the ballot went through a preliminary narrowing down by community members. The final items on the ballot address improvements to: schools, parks, libraries, public housing, traffic issues, etc.
Council Member Stephen Levin’s District 33— Participatory Budgeting Ballot Projects in Williamsburg/Greenpoint
1. New Exterior Sign, Williamsburg Library
A new stainless steel sign with update-able hours of service and messages to promote library initiatives.
2. New Seating in School Auditorium, Juan Morel Campos
Replace over 600 47-yr old seats in auditorium used by 4 public schools and neighborhood groups.
3. Upgrade Electrical for AC, P.S. 110 Monitor School
Provide upgraded wiring in classrooms for AC units purchased by the school. Cooler classrooms helps students learn.
4. STEAM Lab for P.S. 31 Samuel Dupont Elementary School
Pre-K – 5th classrooms will be outfitted with new STEAM Labs for teaching and learning. This will prepare students for the future.
5. STEM Lab for P.S. 380 John Wayne Elementary School
Construction of a STEM lab will allow over 800 students access to new technology. This will prepare them for success.
6. Repair Toddler Playground at 130 Clymer Independence Towers
Install new safety surface and replace broken equipment for needed toddler playground.
7. Water Source and Paving at McGolrick Park
Install water sources for irrigation of plants and grasses and complete the repaving of the sidewalks and paths.
8. Safety Lighting at Middleton Playground
For the benefit and security of the neighborhood, increased lighting is needed for this popular playground.
9. Picnic Grove in McCarren Park
Provide a tranquil, comfortable outdoor setting for neighborhood residents to enjoy.
10. Pedestrian Safety, Williamsburg
Continue to improve safety at Meeker & Metropolitan Aves. that will shorten crossing times and encourage lower speeds.
11. Repair Broken Sidewalks at Independence Towers (Taylor St, between Bedford & Wythe Streets)
Repair broken sidewalks outside of Independence Towers Community Center. Make walking home safe for all.
12. Real Time Bus Clocks
Electronic signs that provide live, up-to-date arrival times at 12 stops along the B62/B32 bus routes.
A schedule and an exact list of voting sites for Council Member Stephen Levin’s District 33 will be announced in the coming weeks. There will also be an option for online voting which will also be announced soon.
Council Member Levin has allocated $1.5 million to PB this year and as always there are only two requirements to vote: you have to live in the district and be 14 years old or over. Any questions about PB in District 33 can be directed to Benjamin Solotaire, bsolotaire@council.nyc.gov or at 718 875 5200
Council Member Antonio Reynoso’s District 34
Will release their ballot items soon and will host various polling sites. For more info and locations, click here.
Council Member Antonio Reynoso’s District 34 office (244 Union Ave, Brooklyn) will serve as a polling site on Monday the 27th, Wednesday the 29th, and Thursday the 30th from 9AM–6AM.
The Greenline 