What projects will be coming to the North Brooklyn section of Districts 33 and 34 via the Participatory Budget vote this year?
District 33 announced their winners at the end of April. The two ballot items that won in our community are: (1) $300K will fund pedestrian safety improvements on Clay, Franklin, and Commercial streets and (2) $40K will fund four new water fountains will be installed at PS 318.
District 34 revealed the first place winner was PS 147! This school will receive $500K to fund a vibrant and green playground with interactive and innovative equipment to support a STEAM model. A district-wide tree planting project received the 2nd most votes and $500K also. PS 274 won $250K to build and support a hydroponic farm so the students can learn about fresh produce and benefit from what they grow in the classroom. A bonus winner was PS 299, they will get $150K for a computer lab funded in partnership with Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams.
Participatory Budgeting’s backbone is the volunteers and community members who convey their ideas, narrow down the field of projects, assist with campaigns, and voting. Though this voting cycle (Cycle 7) has ended, Cycle 8 will be starting soon.
If you would like to become involved in the next cycle contact your city council member’s district office. For District 33: email Benjamin Solotaire at bsolotaire@council.nyc.gov For District 34 call: 718-963-3141
