Ringgold Park Improvements Included in City's Proposed 2012 Budget

Yes, America still has a depressed economy, but while Boston has also felt repercussions of state and federal funding cuts, the city's 2012 budget has bright spots - such as the renovations of several neighborhood parks. 

In the next year park in the South End, Brewer/Burroughs Tot Lot in Jamaica Plain, Cook Street in Charlestown and Draper in West Roxbury.  

On Friday, Boston Mayor Thomas Menino met with media outlets to discuss the proposed budget for Fiscal 2012 and its impacts on Boston neighborhoods. The recommended budget is set at $2.4 billion, representing an increase of 2.5 percent ($58.7 million) from last year.

The is currently discussing the budget, which needs to be passed by the last day of June. Click here for the proposed FY2012 budget.

On Friday, Menino emphasized proposed capital plan projects that will help economic recovery. Various new projects in the South End, Beacon Hill, Back Bay, Charlestown, Jamaica Plain and West Roxbury are in the capital plan for this year, as well as moving forward for future years.

The city has also reached out to form new partnerships with two dozen nonprofits and private partners to expand the impact of public spending, Menino said.

But the mayor is still hoping for corporations to help fill 1,400 Boston Summer Youth job positions once funded by private corporations, while the City has level-funded its commitment to Boston summer youth jobs. 

Despite the slightly increased funding, fiscal challenges remain. Property taxes account for 66 percent of revenue, according to city statistics. The loss of $37.1 million (or 15 percent) in net state aid for fiscal 2012 has tightened the belts of council members as they attempt to focus on dwindling resources. 

"The most important part of government is maintaining what we have,"  Menino said.

Minimal decreases are proposed for the Boston Police (0.8 percent), and Public Works (0.5 percent) departments. 

Overall, the five-year capital plan proposed by Menino includes 293 projects, for a proposed total of $1.7 billion. According to statistics provided by the city, 23 percent of this will account for major renovations to infrastructure projects like the Massachusetts Avenue bridge, or rehabilitation to public facilities like the and Playground in West Roxbury. 

Menino said he is proud that the city is adding 18,000 energy-efficient LED street lights by the end of 2012, a change expected to save  $1.7 million in energy.

"Despite the recession, we are investing in our neighborhoods," Menino said.