By Bill Parry
City Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside) officially kicked off the fourth cycle of participatory budgeting with the announcement of the dates and locations for seven neighborhood assemblies to be held throughout the 26th District from Sept. 25 through Oct. 12.
Van Bramer is committing at least $1 million from the City Council budget to the top projects determined by voters of his district, which covers Long Island City, Sunnyside, Woodside and parts of Astoria.
“For the fourth round of participatory budgeting, we’re building on the record-breaking turnout and enthusiasm we saw last time around,” Van Bramer said. “When neighbors from all walks of life come together to brainstorm ideas to improve their community, good things happen. That’s why I’m proud to commit at least $1 million again this year. I encourage everyone to come out to one of our neighborhood assemblies to get the participatory budgeting process started.”
Starting Monday, Sept. 25, Van Bramer will hold the assemblies at libraries, the Queensbridge, Ravenswood and Woodside houses, and at MoMA PS1. Residents will hear about the process and are encouraged to propose capital projects to be included on the official ballot to be voted on next year.
The first of the seven assemblies will take place at Sunnyside Library, Monday, Sept. 25, at 6:30 p.m.
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparr
