Aliza Chasan

HIGH HOPES: Residents of one swath of Brooklyn would like to see their tax dollars go toward street repairs, traffic cameras, and bus and crosswalk countdown clocks, among other improvements. They came up with the list during meetings as part of the city's participatory budgeting system.

Community Combines on Wish List

November 17, 2014
alizachasan
Bensonhurst Bean

Brooklyn —

When the small group of community members was asked if they were happy with the way the government spends their money, the room was silent. Hands shot up moments later when residents were asked what changes they wanted to see in their communities.

On November 10, Councilman Mark Treyger wrapped up the last of three community assemblies as part of District 47’s progressive participatory budgeting [PB] initiative. Treyger has allocated $1 million of discretionary funds for residents’ ideas. District 47 – which includes Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Sea Gate and Coney Island – is among 24 of the city’s 50 districts to sign up for PB.