UES Parks Get $7.4M Following Annual Budget Deal: Reps

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — City officials passed a massive $112.4 billion spending plan this week, and it's clear that the two Upper East Side Council members were once again successful in securing discretionary funds.

Council Members Julie Menin and Keith Powers have announced that they are bringing over $25 million in city funds to the neighborhood. This money will be allocated across various needs, such as upgrading schools, community centers, playgrounds and public hospitals.

Additionally, they have earmarked funds for park programming and sanitation services to enhance trash cleanups.

"I'm thrilled to share that we've successfully secured crucial funding for our district, a win that will make a real difference in our community," said Menin. "This investment will enhance our public safety, revitalize our green spaces, strengthen our schools and libraries, improve our healthcare facilities, and reinvigorate our community centers."

Local parks received a significant share of this year's funding, totaling nearly $8 million from the overall allocation.

St. Catherine’s Park, whose redesign was recently approved by members of Community Board 8, received $3,600,000 to support planned enhancements to existing structures and introduce additional safety measures.

The entire project is slated to cost $9 million, which includes $4.8 million allocated from the mayor’s office, $590,000 from City Council District 8 and the remaining funds coming from private donors, including the New York Blood Center.

Carl Schurz Park, which received the largest award in 2023, will receive $1.5 million specifically designated for renovating the bathrooms near Gracie Mansion. Sutton Place Park will also get $1.5 million for new fencing and ADA upgrades, officials said.

The final park to receive funding this year is 24 Sycamores Playground, which has been allocated $800,000 to renovate both of its playground areas.

In both Menin's District 5 and Powers' District 4, each public school will be given at least $50,000 to be used for critical technology, auditorium or infrastructure upgrades.

"These upgrades will have a lasting impact on the lives of East Side residents for years to come," Menin added. "I look forward to working with my colleagues at the Council to build on this success, ensuring that we continue to secure the resources needed to properly fund and expand programming and capital upgrades for public benefit in our city."

The other top-line projects include $7 million for climate control and resilience upgrades at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and $1 million for improvements to the 92nd Street Y’s Art Center.

Both Council Members Menin and Powers also secured over $3.5 million to support nonprofit organizations and ongoing programming on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, including:

● Asphalt Green

● Carnegie Hill Neighbors

● Carter Burden Center

● East 86th Street Association

● Friends of the East River Esplanade

● Lenox Hill Neighborhood House

● Friends of the Upper East Side Historic Districts

● NYCHA's Isaacs Center

● 92nd Street Y

● James Lenox House

● Treadwell Farm Historic District Association

The City Council and the mayor’s office agreed on a budget exceeding $111 billion in a 46-3 vote on Sunday. This budget restored funding to city libraries and reversed some previous cuts to the Parks Department.