Participatory Budget Voting starts this Saturday, March 26. There are 5 projects to be voted on. All residents of Council District 23 over the age of 14 are eligible to vote. Each voter can vote for up to three projects. Council Member Barry Grodenchik has allocated $1.5 million in capital budget funds to the projects that get the most votes.

Here are the 5 proposed projects, grouped in 3 categories:

Arts, Culture and Community Facilities

1. Upgrades at Hollis and Queens Village libraries, including upgrades for facilities, technology and library materials. Cost: $550,000.

Parks and Recreation

2. Resurfacing of the Vanderbilt Motor Parkway in Alley Pond Park near Winchester Blvd. (Note: This is a path for pedestrians and bicyclists that leads to Cunningham Park. It was originally built for motor vehicles many years ago before the roadway system was built.) Cost: $500,000.

Education

3. New Audio Visual Systems for PS 18, PS 26, PS 33, PS 186Q and IS 109. Total Cost: $375,000.

4. Technology Upgrades for Local Schools. Laptop carts and smart boards at PS 33, 178, 205, PS 224, PS/IS 266, IS 109, Queens High School of Teaching, and the Business Technology Early College High School. Total cost: $548,000.

(Note on items 3 and 4: PS 33 and PS 18 are the local elementary schools that serve the Creedmoor Civic area).

5. Replacement of gym floor for Martin Van Buren High School. (Note: The gym is also used by students from the  Business Technology Early College High School).

Voting Times and Locations

There are too many voting locations to list here. See the attachment for a full list. Below are the voting locations that are most convenient to our area:

Bellerose Library. 250-06 Hillside Ave. Monday, 3/28 from 1:30 pm to 7:30 pm.

SNAP Senior Center. 80-45 Winchester Blvd (on the Creedmoor campus). Tuesday 3/29 from 11:30 am- 3 pm,

                                Friday 4/1 from 10 am- 2 pm.

Cross Island Y. 238-10 Hillside Ave. Saturday 4/2 and Sunday 4/3 from 10 am to 4 pm.