Participatory Budget Season Starts For Park Slope

PARK SLOPE, BROOKLYN — It's that season again.

That's right, it's participatory budget season for residents of Park Slope's city council district 39!

The participatory budget means you can submit or support ideas in the neighborhood for the chance to receive funding.

From now through Oct. 17, Park Slope residents can propose ideas on how $1.5 million of District 39 Council Member Shahana Hanif '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.

Come spring, the projects will be voted on. And if yours is good enough, you could see your million-dollar (or, at least $50,000) idea come to life.

According to Hanif's website, this year's focus in District 39 is on climate justice, with emphasis on "projects that address the focus areas of Food, Water, Heat, Inclusive Living Environments, Immigrant Justice, and Environmental Education."

Some of the past capital projects that were funded include:

• Modernizing the bathrooms at PS 154, including accessibility upgrades. ($300,000)
• Restoring the Esdale Bridge at Prospect Park. ($500,000)
• "Big Yard" upgrades at PS 107 for improved daily use of the only outdoor space for 480 students. ($500,000

Council member Hanif's office is also hosting several two hour info sessions on participatory budgeting. You can sign up here.

Get your thinking cap on and submit your ideas, or view others, at the city council's participatory budget website here.