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Schools, Subway Kiosks and Security Cameras Win Funding in Central Queens

 Voters decided to allocate $350,000 for 10 additional NYPD cameras, which will be placed throughout the district.
Voters decided to allocate $350,000 for 10 additional NYPD cameras, which will be placed throughout the district.
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DNAinfo/Ewa Kern-Jedrychowska

QUEENS — Security cameras, kiosks with real-time information about subway service and air conditioning for several schools in Central Queens will soon receive funding under the City Council's participatory budgeting program.

More than 1,300 residents from District 29, which includes Forest Hills, Rego Park, Kew Gardens and Richmond Hill, voted how to spend $1 million of City Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz's capital funds. 

From 13 projects that appeared on the ballot, voters chose to fund three.

Some $675,000 will pay for electrical upgrades necessary to install air conditioning in auditoriums, cafeterias and libraries at three local schools: P.S. 99 in Kew Gardens, P.S. 139 in Rego Park and P.S. 175 on the border of Forest Hills and Rego Park.

Voters also decided to allocate $350,000 for 10 additional NYPD cameras, which will be placed throughout the district.

Several subway stations will also receive so called “On The Go” kiosks, which provide real-time information about subway service.

The kiosks will be installed before turnstiles so that straphangers will be able to know what to expect prior to entering the station.  One kiosk will be installed at the 63rd Drive—Rego Park station, three at the Forest Hills—71st Avenue station and the Kew Gardens—Union Turnpike station will receive two.

“The community worked hard to make this process a success,” said Koslowitz in an email. “I am happy that citizens voted for projects that will benefit everyone in District 29."

Other proposed projects which did not receive enough votes, included a request to install a curb extension at the dangerous intersection on Junction and Queens boulevards, a proposal to restore a trail around Willow Lake in Flushing Meadows Corona Park and a plan to place wayfinder signs along Queens Boulevard.