BY SCOTT STIFFLER | From Hollywood movie budgets to political hush money, a million dollars sure ain’t what it used to be. But don’t tell that to the champions of three projects that will be completely financed with their share of $1 million set aside by NYC Council Member Erik Bottcher to pay for Council District 3’s Participatory Budgeting process.

The annual citizen-led execise in civic engagement puts the brainstorming, campaigning, and voting process in the hands of District 3 residents, business owners, and stakeholders. New York City Council District 3—represented by Bottcher—includes Greenwich Village, Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, Hudson Square, Flatiron, Times Square, the Theater District, and the Garment District. All projects presented as part of Participatory Budgeting must take place within these areas, must provide a direct benefit to the public, and must be in an accessible public space.

In a May 15 email, Council Member Bottcher called this year’s edition of PB “a huge success! 5,136 of you voted to decide which City capital projects will get funding – a more than 50% increase in voting from last year. Thank you to everyone who voted, volunteered, and provided ideas to make Participatory Budgeting a great success.” Never one to rest on past achievements, Bottcher vowed, “We are excited to bring it back next year, bigger than ever. Keep an eye out for a kickoff event for our next PB cycle in the fall!”

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE WINNING ANNOUNCEMENT VIDEO

3rd Place Winner: Chelsea Recreational Center Teen Multi-Media Center
Location: 420 West 25th Street
Cost: $350K
Project install a multi-media space geared towards teens,  complete with recording studio

2nd Place Winner: Chair Lift at P.S. 212/Professional Performing Arts High School

Location: 328 West 48th Street
Cost: $250K
Project adds wheelchair accessibility to the school auditorium  

1st Place Winner: Air Conditioning at P.S. 11 Auditorium

Location: 320 West 21 st Street
Cost: $450K
Project installs HVAC system in school auditorium which houses performances and events open to the community and daily school programming

THESE PROJECTS WERE ALSO ON THIS YEAR’S PARTICIPATORY BUDGETING BALLOT

—Broadway Pedestrian Plaza
Location: Broadway btw. 28th and 27th Streets

—Initial Funding – James J. Walker Park Improvements
Location: Hudson Street btw. St. Luke’s Place & Clarkson Street

—Madison Square Park Fence Upgrades

—Arthur W.  Stickler Triangle Green Space Enhancements
Location:Hudson Street btw. Bethune and Bank Street

—Broadway Pedestrian Plaza
Location: Broadway btw. 28th and 27th Streets

—Hydroponics Lab at P.S. 111
Location: 440 West 53rd Street

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