STATEN ISLAND — Countdown clocks for the Staten Island Ferry, outdoor gym equipment, new trees, and more could come to the North Shore as part of Councilwoman Debi Rose's budget.
Rose announced a list of eight capital projects that residents can vote on to get funding as part of her $1 million participatory budget process.
The proposals include $500,000 for exercise equipment in Clove Lakes Park, $415,000 in school upgrades, $500,000 for new lighting at the Richmond Terrace Houses basketball courts and walkways.
The ideas were developed by residents during several public assemblies Rose held around her district. Rose is the first council member in the borough to use the process.
The items on the ballot include:
► $415,000 for laptops, printers, and digital blackboards at P.S. 16, 18, 19, 31, 44 and 78.
► $500,000 for new lighting at the basketball court and walkways of the Richmond Terrace Houses at 71 Jersey St.
► $500,000 to repave the two basketball courts at the Richmond Terrace Houses and add new posts, hoops, backboard, bleachers and a metal roof.
► $500,000 to repave the Mariners Harbor basketball court on Grandview Avenue and add new basketball posts, hoops, backboards and bleachers.
► $500,000 for five to six pieces of adult exercise equipment at Clove Lakes Park with new concrete pads, safety surfacing, and signage.
► $280,000 to plant trees near Narrows Road North and Fingerboard Road to replace the ones lost by the development of Mount Manresa.
► $280,000 to install 10 countdown clocks at spots less than 15 minutes away from the St. George Ferry Terminal.
Rose's office will host an expo showcasing the ballot item on March 25 at On Your Mark, 475 Victory Blvd., from 2 to 4 p.m. and voting will continue until April 2.
Starting on March 25, North Shore residents, ages 14 and older, can vote online or at several spots around the district for a week on what proposals should get some of Rose's budget money.
There will be seven spots around the neighborhoods to vote throughout the week, including Rose's district office, and residents can also vote online or by phone. For a full list of locations, visit Rose's website.
"My office has provided materials and guidance, but North Shore residents have come up with the ideas and worked with city agencies to refine the ideas into formal proposals," Rose said in a statement.
"My hope is that this process is not only bringing funding of projects that the community needs and wants, but that my constituents have gained a better understanding of how local government works."
