Help Decide Where $1 Million Will Go In Washington Heights And Inwood

UPPER MANHATTAN, NY — The Participatory Budget process is now open in Washington Heights and Inwood, which means you can submit or support ideas in the neighborhood for the chance to receive funding.

From now through Oct. 17, Upper Manhattanites can propose ideas on how $1 million of Council Member Carmen De La Rosa's city budget allocation will be used in the neighborhood.

The projects must be used for physical infrastructure that benefits the public, cost at least $50,000, and have a lifespan of at least five years.

The projects will then be voted on in the spring.

Here are some of the ideas already submitted in the first few days of the process.

Reseed the Grass in Bennet Park near 521 Fort Washington Ave.

"To reseed the grass in Bennet Park so that people can enjoy the green space in the area," an Upper Manhattanite named Tommy submitted as his idea.

Elevators at 181st A Train Station

"The current elevators don't reach the subway platforms, and there is no alternative for disabled people, pregnant women, or families with strollers," Upper Manhattanite Nicole Diallo wrote. "The escalators have also been broken since the beginning of 2022 and are not scheduled to be fixed until late 2023."

Ideas that have received funding in the past in Upper Manhattan from Participatory Budgeting are basketball court renovations, better accessibility access at the Morris Jumel Mansion, and a school courtyard renovation.

You can submit ideas and view other Washington Heights and Inwood resident submissions — here.