Help Decide Where $1M Goes On The UWS: Tree Guards, Security Cameras

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — Exercise equipment in Riverside Park, new trees along Amsterdam and Columbus, and security cameras on Broadway are some of the finalists of the Participatory Budget process for the next fiscal year organized by Upper West Side Council Member Gale Brewer.

Upper West Siders submitted dozens of ideas for neighborhood projects to receive funding, which have now been whittled down to nine finalists.

Locals can vote from now through Sunday on the projects, with a total of $1 million in funding going to the most popular ideas.

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.

Without further ado, here are those finalists. Each voter can select up to three of the ideas.

Parks & Environment

1. Outdoor Adult Fitness Equipment

• Riverside Park
• $250,000
• Create an area with exercise equipment for adult use that includes a section for group classes, and a water fountain.

2. Greening the Avenues: Trees & Tree Guards

• Amsterdam and Columbus Avenues
• $50,000
• Install approximately 10 trees/tree guards on Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues.

Public Safety

3. Security Cameras

• Columbus Avenue & Broadway Corridors
• $250,000
• Argus cameras on the Columbus Avenue and Broadway corridors, and other locations.

Education

4. Update Science Lab at Manhattan School for Children MS 333

• 54 W. 93rd St.
• $200,000
• Update the 30-year-old science lab by providing tables and cabinets to create an environment that promotes curiosity and learning.

5. Upgrade Cafeteria at Emily Dickinson School PS 75

• 735 West End Ave.
• $250,000
• Soundproofing and lighting to provide an inclusive and safe environment for all students, particularly students in the ASD Nest program who are sensitive to sensory input.

6. New Lighting System for Little Flower Theatre in LaGuardia H.S.

• 100 Amsterdam Ave.
• $250,000
• This theatre serves 2,500 students daily, plus local community members. The current lighting system is failing and needs to be replaced.

7. Upgrade Electrical Wiring and Capacity at Center School MS 243

• 100 W. 84th St.
• $150,000.
• Center School needs an upgrade to its electrical service to support increased use of technology in classrooms.

8. Technology Upgrade for Classrooms at Sarah Anderson School PS 9

• 100 W. 84th St.
• $250,000
• Thirty in-room smart boards for each classroom to ensure students and faculty have necessary access to technology.

9. Air Conditioning/HVAC Installation atRichard Rodgers School of Arts & Technology PS 166

• 132 W 89th St.
• $250,000
• The school’s cafeteria and auditorium, essential spaces for learning and social activities, are in need of air conditioning/HVAC installation.

You can cast your ballots online, HERE — or at the following locations.

Council Member Brewer's District Office: 563 Columbus Ave.
Monday–Friday 10am–5pm
Weekends (3/25-26, 4/1-2) 10 am–4 pm

Rutgers Presbyterian Church: 236 W. 73rd St.
Monday–Friday 10 am–5 pm

Lincoln Square Neighborhood Center at Goddard Riverside: 250 W. 65th St.
Monday–Friday 11:30 am–2:00 pm

West Side YMCA: 5 W. 63rd St.
Monday–Friday 10 am–5 pm

Church of St. Paul and St. Andrew: 263 W. 86th St.
Monday–Friday 10 am–5 pm Weekends (3/25-26, 4/1-2) 12 pm–3 pm

St. Agnes Library: 444 Amsterdam Ave.
Monday–Saturday 10 am–5 pm