Participatory budgeting a go in Gravesend and Coney

Updated school technology, roads, and bus stops are in the works in Gravesend and Coney Island after this year’s participatory budgeting vote, Councilmember Mark Treyger announced on Tuesday, May 12.

Through the participatory budgeting process,– a voting system that allows residents to decide how $1 million in city funds will be spent to improve their neighborhoods – volunteer community members meet and suggest a number of projects and initiatives.

“I decided to bring Participatory Budgeting to the district for the first time ever in order to give residents a real say in how their tax dollars are reinvested in their community,” said Treyger. “Residents truly know their block and neighborhood best, so it only makes sense to give them a voice in the annual budgeting process.”

This year’s voting culminated with three local schools – P.S. 128, P.S. 101 and P.S/I.S. 228 receiving $225,000 for technological upgrades, streets throughout Gravesend and Coney Island receiving $400,000 for various repairs, and $500,000 dedicated to repairing the bus stop outside of Coney Island Hospital on Ocean Parkway and Avenue Z.

Gravesend resident and frequent driver Anna Parlikova said that “potholes are a huge problem in her neighborhood.”

“It’s great that things are finally starting to get done,” said Parlikova. “These streets have needed fixing for some time.”

Treyger has already committed to taking part in participatory budgeting again next year, according to his office. He has also started work with various city agencies to discuss funding for some of the other projects that appeared on the ballot, but did not receive enough votes.

“It was great to see so many of our neighbors attend meetings and suggest ideas to improve their community, and to have hundreds of residents cast their vote and take part in this initiative,” added Treyger. “I am looking forward to the winning projects moving forward, and to launching next year’s Participatory Budgeting effort in the coming months.”