Help Spend $1 Million On Prospect And Crown Heights Community Projects

PROSPECT HEIGHTS, NY — Prospect and Crown Heights residents will help decide the fate of $1 million in local funding between a number of playground improvements and community projects.

The participatory budgeting process allows New Yorkers age 11 and up to vote on the allocation of $1 million in the district, regardless of immigration status or voter registration.

"This year, 29 Council Members across New York City are asking residents how to spend nearly $30 million in capital funding, specifically for local improvements to schools, parks, libraries and other public spaces. [Participatory budget funds go toward] physical infrastructure projects that benefit the public, cost at least $50,000 and have a lifespan of at least 5 years," according to the city's website.

Online and in-person voting opened Saturday and will last through Sunday. Prospect and Crown Heights voters include anyone who works in, lives, goes to school in or is a parent/guardian of a student in one of two council districts that cover the area.

Most Prospect Heights stakeholders will vote on City Council Member Crystal Hudson's District 35 budget, with Crown Heights split between Hudson and City Council Member Chi Ossé's District 36 budget.

On The Ballot

Prospect Heights sits in Hudson's district, while Crown Heights is split between District 35 and 36. Hudson's budget proposes 12 projects including upgrades to playgrounds, community gardens, libraries and other community centers.

Playgrounds:

1. James Forten Playground Renovation, $500,000: The investment would renovate this Prospect Park park with safer play structures and remove "dangerous water features," according to the council member. Renovations would also address accessibility concerns.
2. Parham Playground Renovation, $500,000: This playground is adjacent to an elementary school and needs an elevator to make the playground more accessible. The park also needs lighting upgrades and safety improvements on the basketball court.
3. Jackie Robinson Playground Sprinkler Upgrade, $400,000: This playground near the Ebbets Field apartments and Tivoli Towers has leaking sprinklers, which contributes to mold outbreaks. It needs an upgraded sprinkler system.
4. Classon Playground Upgrades, $300,000: This playground is near the NYCHA Lafayette Gardens development and serves PS 270. It needs renovated play areas, swings for older children and new seating.

Schools:

1. PS 46 Playground Upgrade, $400,000: This playground serves multiple economically disadvantaged student populations and needs a renovation to ensure safety and accessibility. It has been in "disrepair for years," according to Hudson's website.
2. New Bridges Elementary Experiential Learning Lab, $250,00: New Bridges Elementary does not have "sufficient resources for students to have hands-on learning experiences." The funding would allow the school to install a lab.
3. PS 11 Schoolyard Upgrade, $300,000: This school yard in Clinton Hill has been damaged from years of construction and scaffolding. The money would help install a new schoolyard with a basketball court and small race track.
4. Ebbets Field Middle School Community Garden Upgrade, $250,000: The community garden has been dormant since COVID-19, and would offer a space for students and community to come together and grow food.
5. PS 241 Schoolyard Upgrade, $500,000: The schoolyard at PS 241 is currently unsafe and completely concrete without sufficient drainage. Its play courts are fading and need an upgrade. The park is also an important site for kids' STEM lessons.
6. PS 270 Library Upgrade, $150,000: This largely economically disadvantaged elementary school needs upgraded technology and materials.

Community Hubs:

1. Nostrand Avenue Bioswales, $200,000: Bioswales along Nostrand Avenue would add greenery and beautify the area. It would also reduce flood risk to nearby homes.
2. Sterling Place Bioswales, $200,000: Sterling Place in Prospect Heights is an area that has experienced significant flooding, and bioswales would help prevent water going into sewers and causing flooding.

District 36

Some of Crown Heights is in Ossé's District 36. His budget primarily includes funding for Bed Stuy public schools, with some proposals that affecting Crown Heights and the entire district, including:

1. $280,000 to plant 50 new trees throughout the district.
2. $175,000 for a hydrophonic farming space at Launch El Charter School.

How To Vote

Prospect and Crown Heights locals can vote online using this link.

In-person voting centers will remain open through Sunday. Centers can be found at the following locations:

• Grand Army Plaza, Flatbush Ave: Saturday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Fort Greene Park, Washington Park & Dekalb Ave: Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Brooklyn Museum: 200 Eastern Parkway: Saturday, 5-7 p.m.
• Ingersoll Community Center, 177 Myrtle Ave: Tuesday, 6-8 p.m.
• Brooklyn Public Library - Main Branch, 10 Grand Army Plaza: Tuesday, 5-7:45 p.m.
• Major R. Owens Health & Wellness Community Center, 1561 Bedford Ave: Tuesday, 5:30-7 p.m. and Thursday, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
• Fort Greene Council - Grace Agard Senior Center, 966 Fulton Street: Wednesday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and Thursday, 12 p.m.-3 p.m.
• Office of Council Member Crystal Hudson: Tuesday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Ebbets Field Apartments, 1700 Bedford Ave: Wednesday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Ballots can be dropped off at the following locations:

• Brooklyn Children's Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave.: Monday-Friday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Office of Council Member Chi Ossé, 1360 Fulton St.: Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.