PS 124, Prospect Park & More Win Big In Participatory Budgeting

The votes are in for this year’s participatory budgeting initiative in Councilmember Brad Lander’s District 39, and we’ve got some cool local projects to look forward to!

Nearly 2,700 people turned out to vote — including Mayor Bill de Blasio — in the process that gets local residents involved in choosing how the Councilmember should spend a portion of his budget. This year we had 13 projects on the ballot, and here are the winners:

1. A/C for PS124 Cafeteria ($200,000) — 1442 votes

Imagine eating lunch every single day in a cafeteria that’s plagued by heat from an open kitchen. That’s what the students of PS 124 have to do. The below-ground space is unbearably hot even in the spring and fall, so you can imagine what it is like when the school hosts summer programs. Now the students at this school have a comfortable place to eat and learn. Location: 515 4th Ave in Park Slope.

2. 146/MS 448 Innovative Gym Renovation ($225,000) — 1200 votes

Overcrowding is an issue at PS146/MS 448, a school with 1,400 students, half of whom qualify for free lunch and a third of whom have disabilities. The renovation of a former locker room that is currently unusable will create a new, innovative space for a variety of physical fitness activities, including yoga and dance. Location: 610 Henry St. in Carroll Gardens.

3. PS 179 Auditorium Renovation ($230,000) — 1196 votes

The 1,000 students at PS 179 (of whom 45% are English Language Learners) want to make their decrepit auditorium functional again. This project will put in a wireless sound system, brand new curtains, and a refurbished stage – making the space much more useable for assemblies, student productions, and other school events. Location: 202 Avenue C in Kensington.

4. Make Union Street and 9th Street Greener ($150,000) — 1100 votes

Green spaces not only make for a nicer looking neighborhood, they make for a more environmentally friendly one. This project will “green” Union Street between Bond Street and 4th Avenue in the area around the Gowanus Canal. New features like bioswales and expanded tree pits on the street will do a lot to prevent problematic storm water runoff from running into the Canal and flooding the area. Location: Union Street and 9th Street, from Bond-4th Ave in Gowanus.

5. Four Safer Intersections on Hicks Street ($300,000) — 1077 votes

An existing street safety project on Hicks Street has calmed traffic by painting curb extensions at four high crash intersections: Kane, Sackett, Union, and Summit Streets. This project will turn the paint into permanent concrete extensions that will improve pedestrian and traffic safety in Cobble Hill and Carroll Gardens. Location: Hicks St between Kane & Summit Sts (Cobble Hill & Carroll Gardens).

6. Technology for Local Arts Non-Profits ($90,000) — 1027 votes

Three of our community’s most established nonprofit organizations are in need of more resources to help benefit the arts education of underserved youth. Groundswell, Reelworks, and Rooftop Films will be able to buy some new computers, projectors, and storage servers to help them in their mission. Your votes this year will help them serve even more students who are passionate about the arts. Location: Gowanus.

7. New Drainage along Path in Prospect Park ($200,000) — 997 votes

Prospect Park is one of our area’s most known and most loved public spaces, which is all the more reason to make sure we keep it in good repair and well maintained. This project will address flooding along a popular path in a hilly area near the zoo. The concrete on the path is broken up because the area doesn’t drain well after rainstorms. The money will help install drains at the bottom of the path and make sure water doesn’t accumulate, keeping the path in good repair year after year. Location: Between Battle Pass & the Zoo in Prospect Park.

Though Lander increased his funding for participatory budgeting from $1 million to $1.5 million, the total of those above only came out to $1,395,000 — but the eighth place project would bring the total to $1,645,000. Still, he says he’s “hopeful that we’ll be able to find the funds” to make this one happen, too:

8. Park Slope Library Storytelling Garden ($250,000) — 936 votes

With summer finally starting to peak through our never-ending winter, what could be more enjoyable than some time in the sun listening to stories or snacking on home grown veggies? This project will help convert the Park Slope Library’s south lawn into a storytelling garden with raised beds and benches. In the sheltered hollow behind the building, the funds will construct a child-friendly micro-amphitheater for outdoor storytelling. Location: 431 6th Ave in Park Slope.

Check out videos for details on all the projects here, and check out the status of past winners — including safety improvements along 4th Avenue, other Prospect Park repairs, and more — here.