Councilman Cohen announces participatory budget assemblies

After promising to devote $1 million of the district’s budget to suggestions from the community, northwest Bronx Councilman Andrew Cohen has announced the scheduling of five Participatory Budgeting Neighborhood Assemblies throughout the district. 

His office described participatory budgeting as a grassroots process that allows residents to have a direct voice in how their tax dollars are spent.

The Neighborhood Assemblies are open forums where members of the public can suggest ideas for projects they would like to see implemented in the community through Mr. Cohen’s funding. 

For projects to be considered eligible for funding, they are required to be large construction or renovation-type projects on city property (parks, streets, public schools, etc.) that cost a minimum of $35,000 and have a lifespan of at least five years. Anyone can participate in the Neighborhood Assemblies and suggest ideas they believe will be a benefit to the community.

The following Neighborhood Assemblies are scheduled throughout the district:

• Wednesday, Sept. 2 at 7 p.m. at Vladeck Hall, located at 74 Van Cortlandt Park South.

• Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 7 p.m. at the Bedford Park Senior Center, at 243 E. 204th St.

• Monday, Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. at the Rambling House, at 4292 Katonah Ave.

• Thursday, Sept. 24 at 7 p.m. at The Riverdale Y, at 5625 Arlington Ave.

• Tuesday, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. at the Mosholu Montefiore Community Center, at 3450 Dekalb Ave.