Brooklyn – Councilman David G. Greenfield is proud to announce that a total of five projects totaling $1.1 million will be completed throughout Boro Park, Midwood and Bensonhurst after 1,610 residents of the 44th Council District voted as part of the participatory budgeting initiative, which allows voters to decide which projects they would like funded. Based on the votes of local residents, the following projects will be funded in this year’s city budget: security cameras at locations around Boro Park as determined by the NYPD ($200,000), security cameras at locations around Midwood ($200,000), pedestrian countdown signals at dangerous intersections in Bensonhurst ($200,000), resurfacing of streets in Boro Park ($300,000), and pedestrian countdown signals at dangerous intersections in Midwood ($200,000).

“I am thrilled with the results of this great experiment in open government. Participatory budgeting gives residents the chance to have a direct and real say in the future of their community, so I am pleased that so many people from Boro Park, Midwood and Bensonhurst took the time to volunteer as a budget delegate or voted last week for their favorite projects. These $1.1 million in projects will truly improve the safety and quality of life of all local residents and will have a great impact on our neighborhoods for years to come,” said Councilman Greenfield.

Last week, 1,610 residents ages 16 and older took part in the final vote at locations around the district, including Councilman Greenfield’s district office, senior centers, houses of worship, schools, community events and more. The projects they chose from on the final ballot were all brainstormed and suggested by local residents at several meetings hosted by Councilman Greenfield over the past nine months. As a result, over sixteen hundred residents had a direct say in how their tax dollars are reinvested right in their community to improve the local quality of life.

The participatory budgeting process began last summer, when Councilman Greenfield began hosting public meetings to
allow the public to begin suggesting ideas they have in mind for their block or neighborhood. Several dozen residents then volunteered as budget delegates and helped finalize the final ballot that the 1,610 residents voted on last week. The projects will be funded by Councilman Greenfield in this year’s budget, which is due to be completed before July 1st, and their implementation will begin during the next fiscal year.

“I hope that many of the people who took advantage of this unique opportunity will stay involved in their local community and government, and I look forward to working with them again in the future. This really was democracy at its finest and showed how well government can work when we give the power back to the people of our community,” concluded Councilman Greenfield.

(YWN Desk – NYC)