NYC Council Participatory Budgeting VOTE WEEK March 25–April 2
Participatory Budgeting (PB) gives the power of the purse for community projects to the people. Through a process that started last fall, where community members brainstormed, pitched projects, and narrowed them down to place on a ballot. Voting is open to everyone ages 11 (or at least in 6th grade) and older who live in a participating NYC Council District – regardless of immigration status, gender, race, ethnicity, or eligibility to vote in traditional elections. You can vote in person at a scheduled location or online at vote.pbnyc.org.
NYC Council Districts 33 and 34 are again participating in Participatory Budgeting (PB).
District 33
NYC Council Member Lincoln Restler (District 33) said, “Participatory budgeting is an exciting way for Brooklynites to decide how we invest in our neighborhoods. This year, our office is focused on projects that will improve our environment and tackle the climate crisis locally. Neighbors have been highly engaged in the process, and generated ten great projects for our Participatory Budgeting for Climate Justice ballot that could have a lasting impact on our community!”
One of the projects on the ballot for District 33 would fund the planting of new street trees across the district. You can vote for up to three projects.
As stated you are able to vote online at vote.pbnyc.org, but if you’d like to vote in person you can visit the following locations:
Greenpoint:
Greenpoint Library & Environmental Center, 107 Norman Avenue
Dates: Sat, March 25 | 10 a.m.–2 p.m. & Tues, March 28 | 3:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
McGolrick Park Greenmarket, Russell Street &, Nassau Avenue
Dates: Sun, April 2 | 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
North Williamsburg:
Northside Senior Center, 179 N 6th Street
Dates: Sun, March 26 | 1 p.m.–4 p.m. & Sat, April 1 | 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
South Williamsburg:
Williams Plaza, 225 Division Avenue (door to left of main lobby)
Dates: Thurs, March 30 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
District 34
NYC Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez (District 34) said,”Facilitating PB in District 34 for multiple cycles since 2014 when I was a staff member, I can attest to the incredible long-term impact it has had on our communities. Seeing the passion, creativity, and dedication of our community members in shaping their own neighborhoods through this democratic process has been truly inspiring and a labor of love. Participatory budgeting has not only resulted in tangible improvements and investments in our communities, but has also fostered a sense of civic engagement and ownership that is invaluable for communities like ours. I hope to break our participation record this year!”
Has released their ballot. You can vote for up to five projects. The district-wide planting of new street trees is a ballot item here also. Other projects on District 34’s ballot that would directly improve on North Brooklyn are: a graphic artist media lab classroom for P.S. 84 Jose de Diego (250 Berry Street); a sensory room for P.S. 257 (60 Cook Street); new laptops and technology for EBC High School for Public Service (1155 Dekalb Avenue); and adult exercise equipment at Cooper Park (75-99 Sharon Street).
As stated you are able to vote online at https://bit.ly/D34PB23 , but if you’d like to vote in person you can visit the following locations:
Williamsburg
Cooper Park (outside of comfort station), 137 Maspeth Avenue
Dates: Sun, March 26; Fri, March 31; & Sun. April 1 | 1 p.m.– 4 p.m.
Maria Hernandez Park (outside of comfort station), 92 Irving Avenue
Dates: Sun, March 26; Fri, March 31; & Sat, April 1 | 1 p.m.– 4 p.m.
P.S. 257, 60 Cook Street
Dates: Mon, March 27 & Fri, March 31 | 8 a.m.– 4:45 p.m.
South Williamsburg
Council Member Gutierrez District Office, 244 Union Avenue
Dates: Mon, March 27; Wed, March 29; & Thurs, March 30 | 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
El Puente Williamsburg, 211 S Fourth Street
Dates: Mon, March 27– Fri, March 31 | 11 a.m.– 5 p.m.
The Greenline 