UPPER EAST SIDE — Two schools will split $1.1 million of city funding to build a green science lab and a new playground after garnering the most votes during this year's participatory budgeting season.
More than 2,400 Upper East Side residents voted last month for 11 possible projects to receive a share of $1 million in capital funding set aside by Councilman Ben Kallos.
P.S. 183, the Robert Louis Stevenson School, will receive $600,000 to build a green science and STEM lab, while P.S. 198/77 will get $500,000 to renovate its playground, according to Kallos's office.
P.S. 183's new lab at 419 E. 66th St. will have a hydroponic planting system and greenhouse to teach students about biology and the environment. It received 1,514 votes from the community.
P.S. 198/77's playground at 1700 Third Ave. will be resurfaced, new equipment and seating will be installed, and a diseased tree will be removed. It received 1,139 votes.
During last year's participatory budgeting voting, P.S. 198/77 got a share of $350,000 for new laptops, along with nine other schools.
P.S. 198 has also been working to bring its campus up to date with a newly renovated auditorium, better internet access, a new climate control system and an upgraded cafeteria.
Other projects that didn't make the cut include bus clocks for the northbound M15 and M31 buses, irrigation for the East River Esplanade, a music room renovation for P.S. 77 and better security for Holmes Towers.
P.S. 183 PTA members posted the news on their Facebook page.
