Decide How To Spend $2M For Sunset Park and Red Hook Improvements

SUNSET PARK, NY — Sidewalk repairs, improvements to Rainbow Playground and new equipment for Sunset Park and Red Hook schools could be funded as part of the participatory budget process.

The city's participatory budget process kicked off this weekend with residents in Councilman Carlos Menchaca's district able to vote on how to spend $2 million in taxpayer money for improvements to their neighborhood.

Proposals include $250,000 to repave roads in Red Hook and Sunset Park, $180,000 to plant trees along Third Avenue and the Gowanus Expressway, $800,000 to repair auditoriums at three Sunset Park schools and more.

The entrance to Sunset Park could also be fixed in a $500,000 proposal in the budget that calls to replace broken steps at the 41st and 44th streets entrances and make them wheelchair accessible, according to the budget.

Residents in Menchaca's 38th Council District — which includes Sunset Park, Red Hook and Windsor Terrace — over the age 11 are eligible to vote in the process if they can prove they live there, according to the city.

Voting kicked off on Saturday and ballots will be open until April 15. Residents can vote online or in person at several spots around the district including libraries, community groups and Menchaca's office.

For a full list of voting spots and ballot proposals visit Menchaca's website.

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