Participatory budgeting meetings underway

Several meetings are scheduled for residents to share their ideas for projects they think should receive city funds.

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

His office described participatory budgeting as a new, grassroots process that allows community residents to have a direct voice in how their tax dollars are spent. Twenty-Three Council Members have now bought this initiative to their districts allowing the public to be more involved in the budget process. 

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.

“I am very excited to hear the great ideas that my neighbors will have in how we can improve our community.  Participatory Budgeting is the true definition of bringing government to the people and through this process we will engage residents, increase civic participation and give the public more confidence in government.  I encourage everyone to attend a Neighborhood Assembly and suggest an idea,” said Council Member Andrew Cohen.

The following Neighborhood Assemblies are scheduled throughout the district (with a few more that remain to be scheduled). If someone is unable to attend an Assembly, they can submit an idea online at pbnyc.org/11.

(Monday, October 20 at Schervier Nursing Home, located at 2975 Independence Ave.)

Wednesday, Oct. 22 at 7:30 p.m. at the Rambling House, located at 4292 Katonah Ave.

Thursday, Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. at Mosholu Montefiore Community Center, located at 3450 Dekalb Ave.

Monday, Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. at The Riverdale Y, located at 5625 Arlington Ave.

Wednesday, Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. at Lehman College’s Lovinger Theatre, located at 250 Bedford Park Blvd.

Thursday, Oct. 30 at 7 p.m. at Vladeck Hall, 74 Van Cortlandt Park South to the library, call 914-337-1500.