by Gus Saltonstall, September 21, 2022
UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — The Participatory Budget process is now open on the Upper West Side, which means you can submit or support ideas in the neighborhood for the chance to receive funding.
From now through Oct. 17, Upper West Siders can propose ideas on how $1 million of Council Member Gale Brewer’s city budget allocation can be used in the neighborhood.
The projects can be used for physical infrastructure that benefits the public, cost at least $50,000, and have a lifespan of at least five years.
The projects will then be voted on in the spring.
Here are some of the ideas already submitted in the first few days of the process.
Put up Flower Baskets on Corners and Lamp Posts in the 90s
- “So that people could enjoy beautiful flower hanging baskets in the Spring, Summer, and Fall. They did this as a community beautification program in my old neighborhood in Oregon (Lake Oswego) and it made the streets so pretty and gave people a smile,” Victoria Cumings wrote as her idea.
Renovate and Improve Access to Riverside Park at West 96th Street
- “Currently, the underpass under Riverside Drive is confusing and dirty. In addition, the sidewalk on 96th Street that leads to the park is full of holes that have been taken over by rats. This area could be beautified with improved signage and paths leading to the park,” Brad Gemeinhardt wrote for his idea. “Also, many people do not understand how to connect from Riverside Park south of 95th to the park north of 96th Street. They cross 96th street at the entrance to the West Side Highway, dodging cars that are speeding on or off the highway ramp. With better signage, greenery, and flow, this would be a much safer and pleasant area.”
Repair Matthew P. Sapolin Playground at 270 W. 70th St.
- “This playground needs to be paved to make it safe for all who enter,” S. Rosen wrote for their idea. “The beautiful United States map is in disrepair as well.”
Complete Repair Work and Remove Scaffolding at NYCHA Amsterdam Houses
- “So that people could have an acceptable apartment to live in (after how many years?) without being horrifically encased and seeing accumulated debris/garbage on the ground,” Ellen B. Stern wrote for her idea. “Plus, pedestrians could walk by (after how many years?) without encountering such an eyesore.”
Last year, the ideas that ended up receiving funding were added security cameras in the neighborhood, school improvements, tree plantings, and a school technology grant.
You can submit ideas and view other Upper West Sider’s submissions — here.
