Flatbush Schools, Job Placement Program & More Win Big In Participatory Budgeting
The votes have been tallied for the participatory budgeting initiative in Councilman Jumaane Williams’ 45th Council District — and there are a bunch of great projects to look forward to!
More than 1,000 people — 1,047 to be exact — cast their ballots in Williams’ district, which includes portions of our neighborhood, during the week-long election that allows residents to have a direct say in how they want their tax dollars spent.
Seven capital projects totaling $738,025 won in the vote, and they’ll now be submitted for allocation by Williams in the upcoming fiscal year. Here are the winners:
1. Improvements at PS 208
Votes: 654
Cost: $342,000
Project description: Replace 50-year-old seats, which are in poor condition, add seating for disabled individuals and replace curtains on the stage and windows at PS 208 in East Flatbush.
2. Repair restrooms at PS 208
Votes: 648
Cost: $150,000
Project description: Conduct repair work at four adult and four youth bathrooms at PS 208. Repair these eight spaces and move the radiator in the four youth bathrooms to make them less accessible to children.
3. Computers for job readiness & placement
Votes: 481
Cost: $36,025
Project description This job readiness and job placement program, run out of theHABNET Chamber of Commerce’s office at 1401 Flatbush Avenue, will help reduce unemployment and underemployment in the 45th District for 20 neighbors at a time via these desktop computers.
4. Safe neighborhood streets
Votes: 457
Cost: $40,000
Project description: Help protect individuals traveling on E. 59th Street and Glenwood Road, where there is a damaged sidewalk.
5. Technology & media space at Rugby Library (1000 Utica Avenue)
VOTES: 453
COST: $35,000
Project description: Technology space to be incorporated into the schematic of the youth section of the branch renovation plan. Includes computers, printers/3D printer, and wiring for technology.
6. Tech upgrade at I.S. 285 (5909 Beverley Road)
Votes: 362
Cost: $35,000
Project description: Installing computers will address the lack of access to innovative learning resources at I.S. 285. Computers will be accessible to all students.
7. Smart Boards at the Tilden High School Campus
Votes: 321
Cost: $100,000
Project description: Install Smart Boards to the Kurt Hahn School in the Tilden High School Campus to decrease the digital divide for 338 students.
“I am excited that the people of District 45 have continued to show their support for participatory budgeting, as this empowering form of open democracy has not only gained momentum within our own neighborhood, but has continued to expand citywide,” said Williams, who in 2010, joined Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, Councilman Brad Lander, and Councilman Eric Ulrich for the pilot program.
The budgeting initiative has quickly grown, and a total of 24 districts across the five boroughs have now become a part of the process.
Not all of our local lawmakers are involved in participatory budgeting — something which a group of neighbors aim to change. The newly-launched Residents of District 40 for Participatory Budgeting are working to get Councilman Mathieu Eugene to become part of the process. If you’re interested in finding out more, the group is holding a meeting today, Wednesday, April 29 from 6:30-7:30pm at the Cortelyou Library (1305 Cortelyou Road).