Councilman David G. Greenfield is hosting the second meeting for residents who want to get involved in participatory budgeting, which is an exciting initiative that will allow the public to choose what types of projects are funded in their own neighborhoods. The public is invited to learn more about how to get involved in participatory budgeting in Boro Park, Midwood and Bensonhurst, including becoming a committee member who will play an integral role in the process through its completion next spring. The meeting will be held tomorrow (Wednesday, September 5^th) at 7 p.m. at Greenfield’s Boro Park district office and is open to all residents of Boro Park, Midwood and Bensonhurst. Participatory budgeting will give the public a direct say in how their tax dollars are spent locally by having residents decide what types of capital projects they would like to see completed in their community. It is being funded with $1 million Greenfield will allocate in the upcoming 2014 New York City budget for this initiative.

Earlier this month, Greenfield and representatives from the Participatory Budgeting Project and Community Voices Heard held an information session in Bensonhurst to give residents an overview of how the process will work until the projects are voted on this spring and implemented starting in the summer. Wednesday’s meeting will focus on how residents can become more involved by becoming committee members focusing on areas like transportation, education, or recreation. While anyone can suggest ideas and vote on which projects are eventually funded, the committee members will help shape the public’s proposals into formal projects to be included on the final ballot. Ultimately, the top project from each of Greenfield’s three district neighborhoods – Boro Park, Midwood and Bensonhurst – will be funded.

“This is a great opportunity for residents to step up and get involved in their community in a meaningful way. We are looking for individuals who are interested in playing an integral role in community budgeting, which will give everyone the opportunity to decide how to spend $1 million to improve the neighborhood. I urge everyone who wants to make sure their voice is heard to attend this meeting and participate in the process of deciding which exciting projects to fund,” said Greenfield.

Wednesday’s meeting will take place at Greenfield’s Boro Park office, located at 4424 16^th Avenue, on the second floor. Greenfield is one of only eight Council Members in the New York City who are taking part in participatory budgeting this year. If you have any questions about participatory budgeting, please call Greenfield’s office at (718) 853-2704.

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