March 28, 2016 By Michael Florio
Participatory Budgeting voting week kicks off today in Astoria, East Elmhurst and Jackson Heights.
Residents in Council Member Costa Constantinides’ district will be able to cast their vote for how to spend $1.5 million in capital funding.
Proposed projects include new bus countdown clocks, upgrades for public schools and enhancements to local parks such as Astoria Park and Bulova Park. The full ballot can be seen below this article.
Residents can vote for up to five of the projects. The projects with the most votes will receive funding. Of the $1.5 million available, $500,000 will be specifically allocated to the East Elmhurst/Jackson Heights portion of Constantinides’ district.
Last year, Constantinides allocated $1 million to the process, which went towards a dog run under the Triborough/RFK Bridge as well as technology upgrades at seven schools and the conversion of IS 126’s parking lot into a playground.
About 2,200 residents voted in last year’s process.
Constantinides hopes that number will increase this year.
“I hope to have a large turnout this year and look forward to seeing the winning projects,” he said.
Constantinides kicked off voting week, which will run until Sunday, by casting his ballot this morning. He is urging residents to do the same.
“Our neighborhood has already taken a strong interest in the civic process and we are excited to see even more residents engaged during voting week,” he said. “This volunteer-driven process is at its strongest when the community gets out and votes for their favorite projects.
Residents can cast their votes at the following sites and times:
Office of Council Member Constantinides, 31-09 Newtown Ave: March 28 – April 1, 9am – 9pm and April 2 – 3, Noon – 7pm
Bruno’s, 88-25 Astoria Blvd: March 28, 6pm – 9pm
Urban Upbound, 4-25 Astoria Blvd: March 29, 6pm – 9pm
Bohemian Hall, 29-19 24th Ave: March 30, 6pm – 9pm
Boulevard Gardens Assembly Hall, 51-42 30th Ave: March 31, 6pm – 9pm
Community Board 1, 45-02 Ditmars Blvd: April 1, 6pm – 9pm
Bohemian Hall, 29-19 24th Ave: April 2, Noon – 7pm
Queens Library, 21-45 31st St: April 2, Noon – 5:30pm
Urban Upbound, 4-25 Astoria Blvd: April 3, Noon – 7pm
Boulevard Gardens Assembly Hall, 51-42 30th Ave: April 3, Noon – 7pm
