CARROLL GARDENS — The mezzanine floor of the Carroll Gardens library could be converted into a teen-friendly space if it receives enough votes for funding in this year's participatory budgeting process.
City Councilman Brad Lander has allocated $1.5 million in taxpayer dollars for neighborhood capital improvements in District 39, which includes Park Slope, Carroll Gardens, Windsor Terrace, Kensington and surrounding neighborhoods.
Twenty-eight council members throughout the city are hosting their own participatory budgeting process, in which residents can vote on how to spend the council member's discretionary dollars.
In Lander's district, there are 13 projects on the ballot that are selected through resident brainstorming sessions. Locals can vote on their favorite projects at select locations between March 28 and April 3.
One of the projects this year is creating a "teen space" in Carroll Gardens Library for $350,000. The work would include cleaning out the mezzanine space and adding furniture, electric outlets and new lighting for "an inviting space for teens to use after school and on weekends."
"It's designed in a slightly more teen-friendly style" said budget delegate Jonathan Kuhr, facilitator of the arts, culture and community facilities committee.
The space will also be available for grown-ups to use when teens aren't using it, he added.
READ MORE: Carroll Gardens Library To Close for HVAC Installation, Officials Say
Another option on the ballot could bring safety improvements to Carroll Park through a $150,000 project. It would involve installing a curb extension at Carroll and Court streets to make it safer for children and adults crossing the street.
Another $150,000 project has also been proposed for a curb extension at Columbia and Union streets.
Elsewhere in the district, Park Slope and Gowanus are also vying for capital improvements, such as a "Lake Mess Monster" that helps keep green scum from forming on the surface of the Prospect Park's lake or three mobile art studios in Gowanus.
For a full list of projects and voting locations, visit this website.
