District 34 Participatory Budgeting 2018: Winning Projects

With results filtering in for Participatory Budgeting Cycle 7, the latest district to announce their winning projects is Councilmember Antonio Reynoso’s District 34, which covers Williamsburg, Bushwick and Ridgewood.

The neighborhoods will receive $1.3 million to invest in 4 winning projects that were nominated and voted on by residents of all ages.

“Thank you to everyone who was a part of this year’s Participatory Budgeting process. Whether you submitted an idea, spread the word, or voted, your time was invaluable to this process and of great benefit to our community,” said Councilmember Reynoso in a statement. “On behalf of myself and my staff members, I would like to express my most heartfelt gratitude for the generosity of your time and input.”

The winning projects were:

As part of the ongoing support STEM curriculum in schools, this project will provide an upgrade to the broadband system and 30 new computers for the Thomas Warren Field School in Bushwick.

This project was undertaking in partnership with Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, who last year announced a $55 million investment in STEAM programs in schools across the borough.

This student-driven request will bring an opportunity for students to not only learn hands-on as they grow vegetables at school, but also benefit from the healthy, fresh produce they grow themselves at The Kosciusko School in Bushwick.

Another hydroponic classroom opened earlier this year in a Greenpoint primary school, a result of participatory budgeting in Councilmember Stephen Levin’s 33rd District.

Some 250 street trees will be planted throughout Ridgewood, Bushwick and Williamsburg in an effort to green the district.

According to the New York City Street Tree Map, there are roughly 14,000 trees throughout the district.

The project receiving the most votes from District 34 voters will create “a vibrant and green playground with interactive and innovative equipment” to support STEAM education at East Williamsburg’s Isaac Remsen School.

Four of the nine proposed projects for Round 7 received funding from voters this year. Additional lighting at the Williamsburg Houses, a modernized gym at Bushwick Leaders Highschool, an auditorium upgrade for P.S. 17/M.S. 577, a multimedia center at P.S. 250 and accessibility ramps at the Leonard Library will have to find funding elsewhere, or apply for Round 8.

“Although this year’s PB Cycle is over, we will be back at it again starting this August. Learn more about how you can get involved in the process here,” Reynoso wrote in a statement. “We look forward to your continued participation in Cycle 8!”