Tonight: Greenfield Invites Bensonhurst Residents To Decide How To Spend $1 Million In Their Neighborhood

From the offices of Councilman David Greenfield:

Councilman David G. Greenfield is inviting all Bensonhurst residents to join him this Thursday, November 15^th as he continues his participatory budgeting initiative in the 44^th Council District. Participatory budgeting allows residents to decide exactly how $1 million in capital funds are spent on projects right on their block or in their neighborhood. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in PS 205 at 6701 20^thAvenue. During this meeting, residents will learn more about exactly how participatory budgeting will work between now and when projects are voted on this spring, and will have a chance to suggest specific projects they would like funded.

“I invite all residents to come out and suggest their ideas for capital projects they feel are most needed in their neighborhood. We have heard lots of creative and interesting ideas so far at meetings throughout the district, so I am looking forward to hear all of the ideas that Bensonhurst residents have in mind for their corner of the district. This is a great way to get involved in the community and have a real say in how your tax dollars are spent,” said Councilman Greenfield.

This meeting follows similar ones in Boro Park and Midwood over the past month. It was originally scheduled for November 1^st, but was postponed due to Hurricane Sandy. During these meetings, known as neighborhood assemblies, residents will break down into smaller groups focusing on specific areas like transportation, recreation, public safety or education and more. After all three meetings are held, ideas suggested by residents will be researched to make sure they comply with all the requirements, including that they serve a public purpose and have a lifespan of at least five years. This spring, all district residents will be invited to vote on which projects they prefer, and the top idea from each of the three neighborhoods will ultimately be funded to ensure all areas of the district benefit from this initiative.

“These tax dollars belong to the public, so it is only right that residents have a direct say in how they are spent in their neighborhood. I vowed to make the budgeting process as open and transparent as possible, and I am proud to build on that campaign promise by bringing participatory budgeting to our district. This exciting initiative truly puts the power in the hands of the people and gives them a real voice in their government,” concluded Councilman Greenfield.

For more information about Thursday’s meeting, call Councilman Greenfield’s district office at (718) 853-2704. To learn more about participatory budgeting, visit pbnyc.org.