UWS Participatory Budget: Here Is Where $1M Is Going

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — Last month, Upper West Siders got to vote on how to spend $1 million in public dollars, and now the results are in.

The four winning participatory budgeting projects have been announced by Upper West Side City Council Member Gale Brewer.

The program provides an opportunity for residents of New York City to actively engage in the allocation process of City Council funds. Through this initiative, community members can submit proposals detailing their recommendations on how to utilize $1 million from the discretionary funds allocated by each participating council member.

All potential projects must benefit the public, cost at least $50,000 and have a lifespan of at least five years.

Brewer stated that this year witnessed an impressive turnout, with over 4,000 votes cast online and in person to determine the allocation of $1 million within the Upper West Side. She noted that this level of participation represented one of the most successful years for online voting among all participating council districts.

Here are the winning projects and how much money each one will get.

Expanding Our Green Canopy:

Throughout District 6, $150,000 will be dedicated to planting trees and installing tree guards. This initiative will involve experienced tree growers selecting approved species tailored to each site's conditions, considering factors like tree bed type, sidewalk width and soil quality. Additionally, every planted tree will benefit from the protection of a surrounding tree guard against urban traffic.

Electrical Upgrade:

William Sherman (PS 87), located at 160 W. 78th St. between Columbus and Amsterdam, will receive $250,000 for an electrical system upgrade. This funding will enable the installation of air conditioning and ensure the school can meet the technology standards set by the Department of Education.

Upgrade Broadway:

A redesign assessment of the intersection with a pedestrian plaza on Broadway between W. 70th and 72nd St. will receive $200,000 in funding. This initiative will finance a study conducted by the Department of Transportation to explore the feasibility and potential development of a pedestrian plaza in the area. The study will prioritize community input and consider enhancements to the existing plaza.

It's important to note that this study does not cover the proposed W. 71st Street e-bike charging hub, Brewer said.

Hydration Stations in Riverside Park:

A total of $375,000 will be allocated to install five new hydration stations across Riverside Park, spanning from W. 54th to W. 96th Streets. These stations will include water fountains and bottle refilling features, aimed at increasing access to fresh water and decreasing reliance on single-use plastic water bottles.

Brewer mentioned in a social media post that the projects that didn't secure adequate votes will still be on her agenda moving forward.

Participatory budgeting in New York City began in 2011 when four City Council Members—Brad Lander, Melissa Mark-Viverito, Eric Ulrich and Jumaane D. Williams—launched the initiative.

Over time, the practice has gained momentum and spread citywide, engaging additional council members and communities, according to the New York City Council.

Today, participatory budgeting in NYC empowers residents to directly influence public spending, promoting community involvement and giving citizens decision-making power each year.

“Participatory Budgeting is a way to involve more members of the community in the decision making that improves our neighborhoods,” Brewer said.