Participatory Budgeting Winners!

And the winners are...(see below).  A few of these surprised us.  We were actually very surprised to see that the Hamilton/Van Brunt Plaza wasn't on there.  Not that any of these are less worthy, they are all wonderful improvements, but we saw and spoke with so many people rallying for the plaza.  Well, maybe next year.

The 2013 winning Participatory Budgeting projects are:

1. PS 230: Help Kids Connect & Learn With Technology - $180,000
   Install 34 Smartboards w/supporting MacBooks in high-needs, diverse (25+ home languages) school serving 1,300 students.
2. Renovate 8 Bathrooms, PS 58, The Carroll School - $110,000
   Provide healthier environment for generations to come by replacing fixtures & flushing mechanisms. Last renovation was in 1954.
3. Carroll Gardens/Windsor Terrace Library Computers - $75,000
   29 new adult & preschool computers at these branches to support community needs for internet access & computer literacy.
4. Church Avenue Traffic & Pedestrian Safety Improvements - $300,000
   Extend sidewalks and reduce crossing distances on Church Avenue at Coney Island Avenue and McDonald Avenue intersections.
5. PS 179: Technology upgrade for underserved school - $115,000
   27 SmartBoards for high-needs school to aid learning for English language learners, special education and gifted students.
6. 3rd Street Green Corridor: New Trees, Less Runoff - $170,000
   10 trees with enhanced pits will improve storm drainage, and add shade and beauty in Gowanus from Bond Street. to 3rd Avenue.

Vote totals for all projects can be viewed here.

Million Dollar Decision.

We wanted to tell you about a couple of other possible projects that you can vote for this weekend at the participatory budget vote.  There are so many to choose from and you should really go to this site to see them all but here are a couple in our neighborhood that we've noticed people trying to raise awareness about. One is the fences on Hicks Street (seen above in the Fix Hicks sign).  Some think they need to be fixed to create more visibility for pedestrians crossing.  Another is more and newer computers for Carroll Gardens Library.  Again it's your choice so do your research.  Only a handful of proposed ideas will be funded and you have a say!

Saturday, April 6th 10am-7pm at Carroll Gardens Library
Sunday, April 7th 10am-5pm at Carroll Park House