Participatory Budgeting Is Back With $1.5 Million Dollars Up For Vote!
The Council Member – who represents the New York City Council’s 22nd District, including Astoria, parts of Woodside, East Elmhurst, and Jackson Heights – brought the Participatory Budgeting back so as to determine which projects the community wants to see being funded in their neighborhoods.
Constantinides has this time round, increased the budget to $1.5 million dollars.
With $500,000 already being allocated to Jackson Heights and East Elmhurst by the Councilman.
Constantinides said ‘The volunteer-driven program provides an extraordinary opportunity for all our residents to have a voice in our city’s budget process. The process is inclusive and brings our community together.’
Last year the Budgeting ballet saw around 2,200 people cast their vote on how to spend $1 million dollars. The projects which won were the new dog run along with several schools being upgraded and a playground.
Next month will see the beginning of meetings held within the community where people can come and help brainstorm ideas. After the initial ideas stage is over, Budget Delegates (community volunteers) will help transform the list into specific projects after which the people will be given the vote.
Constantinides stated that this process gives the community a voice in the future of the city’s budget.
The schedule for all assemblies are as follows according to the Press Release:
All assemblies are from 7:00pm – 9:00pm:
September 16, Bohemian Hall, 29- 19 24th Ave, Astoria
September 17, Boulevard Gardens Assembly Hall, 51-42 30th Ave, Woodside
September 21, Bulova Corporate Center, 75-20 Astoria Blvd, East Elmhurst
September 30, Astoria Houses Community Center, 4-25 Astoria Blvd, Astoria
