QUEENS — Jamaica residents will again get to decide how to spend $1 million in city funds on projects they would like to see in their neighborhood, as participatory budgeting returns to City Councilman Daneek Miller's district this fall.
Miller, who represents Jamaica, St. Albans, Queens Village, Hollis and Springfield Gardens, will set aside the money from his discretionary funds for capital projects, which can include things like improvements to local parks, school equipment or library renovations.
“I’m thrilled that District 27 will once again be a part of Participatory Budgeting," said Miller in an email. “We had such a great turnout in our first year, in terms of volunteers, budget delegates, and voters, and we are committed to continuing that high level of excitement and engagement this cycle.”
In September, residents will have a chance to participate in neighborhood assemblies held throughout the 27th District that will recommend projects for funding.
Anyone with connection to the district — whether they live, work or go to school there — can come and pitch their ideas during those workshops, according to Miller's office.
In the upcoming months, locals will select the best suggestions and transform them into full-fledged proposals which will be voted on next spring.
Residents as young as 14 will be able to vote.
In the previous participatory budgeting cycle, nearly 2,000 residents in Miller's district voted to fund improvements to local roads, equipment for performance spaces including the Jamaica Performing Arts Center and an outdoor performance space at Roy Wilkins Park in St. Albans and smart boards for two schools — I.S. 59 in St. Albans and York Early College Academy.
Participatory budgeting workshops in the 27th District are scheduled for:
► Monday, Sept.14, New Jerusalem Baptist Church at 122-05 Smith St., Jamaica, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
► Wednesday, Sept. 23, Black Spectrum Theater at 177th Street and Baisley Boulevard, Jamaica, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
► Saturday, Sept. 26, I.S. 238 Susan B. Anthony at 88-15 182nd St., Jamaica, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
► Wednesday, Sept. 30, New Great Bethel Ministires at 215-32 Jamaica Ave., Queens Village, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
For more information contact Jessica Douglas at (718) 776-3700 or JDouglas@council.nyc.gov.
