Brooklyn – How would you spend $1 million to improve your neighborhood? That’s the question that Councilman David G. Greenfield is asking his constituents through participatory budgeting this week.

Participatory budgeting, which allows local residents to decide exactly how $1 million in government funds is spent right in their own neighborhood, is kicking off today with a district-wide vote for constituents of Greenfield’s 44^th Council District. Residents ages 16 and older are invited to show up at one of the polling sites around the district this week and cast a ballot for which project they would like to see become a reality in Boro Park, Midwood and Bensonhurst. The project in each neighborhood with the most votes will be funded and implemented starting this summer to improve the quality of life for residents.

The projects included on the final ballot represent the culmination of months of work by residents from around the district who brainstormed and suggested ways to improve their neighborhood.

Residents can choose up to five of the following projects they want funded: security cameras at eight locations in Boro Park as determined by the NYPD; security cameras at eight locations in Midwood as determined by the NYPD; barriers at IS 682 in Bensonhurst to protect students and pedestrians from traffic accidents at the busy intersection of Stillwell Avenue and Avenue P; electrical upgrades at PS 99 in Midwood; rewiring of the electrical system at PS 134 in Midwood; pedestrian countdown clocks at 10 dangerous intersections in each neighborhood (Boro Park, Bensonhurst and Midwood); and street resurfacing projects in each neighborhood. Each neighborhood is guaranteed to have at least one project funded.

“I’m proud to offer residents a way to decide how their tax dollars are reinvested back into their community. This is an innovative experiment in open government for the residents of Boro Park, Midwood and Bensonhurst, and I urge everyone to have their voice heard at the ballot box. This is a really unique opportunity to get involved in your community and help improve it for years to come,” said Councilman Greenfield.

Voting started today in Councilman Greenfield’s office and will be open every day through Tuesday of next week. It will also be held at the following locations and times, and residents are just required to show proof of residency within the 44^th District or sign an affirmation of residency before casting a ballot.

• Councilman Greenfield’s district office, 4424 16^th Avenue on Wednesday, April 3rd from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday, April 4^th from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, April 5^th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday, April 8^th from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Tuesday, April 9th from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Boro Park YMCA, 4912 14^th Avenue, only on Thursday, April 4^th from noon to 1:30 p.m.
• Brookdale Senior Center, 817 Avenue H, only on Friday, April 5^th from noon to 1:30 p.m.
  • ·         St. Athanasius Church, 2154 61^st Street, on Sunday, April 7^th from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
  • Bais Yaakov, 1371 46^th Street, only on Sunday, April 7th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Touro College Flatbush Campus, 1602 Avenue J, only on Sunday, April 7^th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“My thanks to all of the residents who have volunteered their time to help create the final ballot, and to all of the residents who plan on having their voice heard by taking part in this week’s vote. This initiative is all about putting the power back in the hands of the public, so I urge everyone to cast their ballot,” concluded Councilman Greenfield.

Residents can contact Councilman Greenfield’s district office at (718) 853-2704 with any questions or for more information about participatory budgeting and the ongoing vote.

(YWN Desk – NYC)