For First Time, Southeast Queens Will Vote On Government Spending

OZONE PARK, NY – For the first time, residents of Jamaica, Richmond Hill, Rochdale Village and South Ozone Park will get to vote on how money is spent across their neighborhoods.

Councilwoman Adrienne Adams is bringing participatory budgeting to her district, she announced Monday during her "State of the District" address. Participatory budgeting allows residents to decide which local projects the City Council will fund.

"We will build upon our year of progress together by focusing on an ambitious agenda that empowers all of our communities," Adams said in a statement.

Constituents will vote from March 30 through April 7 on how the City Council should spend $1 million. The potential projects include:

• Technology Upgrades for Baisley Park & Rochdale Village Libraries
• Technology Upgrade for Lefferts and South Ozone Park Libraries
• Water Fountains with Bottle Refills at JHS 226Q & PS 55Q
• Renovation of the Student Lounge at Richmond Hill High School
• Basketball Hoops and Time Clock at PS 160Q
• Audio-Visual Upgrades at PS 45Q and PS 161Q
• Tech Upgrades for PS 48Q, PS 55Q, PS 161Q, MS 72Q & MS 332Q
• Bathroom Renovations at PS 40Q, PS 45Q, PS 55Q, PS 80Q
• New Walkway at South Jamaica Houses II
• NYCHA Playground Reconstruction outside Building 23
• NYCHA Playground Reconstruction outside Building 20
• NYCHA Playground Reconstruction outside Building 12
• NYCHA Playground Reconstruction at 107 Av & 159 St
• NYCHA Playground Reconstruction at 108Av & 160St
• Lamp Post installation at South Jamaica Houses
• Enhanced Exterior Lighting at South Jamaica Houses
• Adult Fitness Equipment at Phil Rizzuto Park
• 5 Real Time Rider Information Panels at Bus Stops in District 28
• Argus Security Cameras for 4 District 28 Police Precincts

(Lead image: Office of Councilwoman Adrienne Adams)