West Village Participatory Budget Winners Revealed: Tree Beds, Schools

WEST VILLAGE, NY — Gather around, the results are in for the West Village's District 3 Participatory Budgeting process.

A total of 3,333 district residents voted during the most recent cycle of voting, a more than 50 percent increase from the same time last year.

The popular Participatory Budget process in District 3 was brought back in 2022 by then newly elected Council Member Erik Bottcher.

Residents of the district submitted ideas that were narrowed down to a set of finalists, which were then voted on by the community.

"Thank you to everyone who voted, volunteered, and provided ideas to make Participatory Budgeting a great success," Bottcher tweeted out Wednesday morning in his announcement of the winning proposals.

Without further ado, here are the winners of the Participatory Budgeting process in Council District 3.

1. Street Tree Beds Expansions

• Cost: $350,000
• Votes: 2,199
• Project will expand tree beds across the district with the aim of capturing more storm water runoff and promoting tree health.

2. Bathroom Renovations for Public Schools

• Cost: $450,000
• Votes: 1,885
• Project will renovate bathrooms at Quest to Learn, High School of Fashion Industry, and NYC iSchool.

3. Theater District Pedestrian Safety Upgrades

• Cost: $300,000
• Votes: 1,593
• Project will add pedestrian safety features, such as curb extensions to 41st, 42nd and 43rd streets, between Seventh and Eighth avenues.

ANNOUNCING THE WINNERS OF Participatory Budgeting in Council District 3!

I am happy to say that this year was a huge success! 3,333 of you voted to decide which City capital projects will get funding - a more than 50% increase in voting from last year. #PBNYC pic.twitter.com/PvCMCb8MWz
— Erik Bottcher (@ebottcher) May 17, 2023