Council Member Andrew Cohen Kicks-Off the Participatory Budget Vote by Casting His Own Ballot

Above - Councilman Andrew Cohen shows off his Municipal I.D. caed before he votes in his participatory budgeting process.

Below - Councilman Cohen is marking his ballot. Let's hope he did not leave his Municipal I.D. card on the table after voting.

  On Sunday, April 12th Council Member Andrew Cohen cast his participatory budget ballot during at the Riverdale YM-YMHA along with dozens of other District 11 residents. The event at the Riverdale YM-YMHA was the first voting opportunity for the District.

Participatory Budgeting gives residents decision-making power of $1 million towards community improvement projects in their neighborhoods. During this week, residents in the community will be able to see all the proposals on the ballot, as well as place their votes on which projects they think deserves funding the most. There are a total of 11 proposals this year, focused on renovations to schools, parks and libraries throughout different neighborhoods. Anyone who lives in the district, 16 years and older are welcome to vote; all that is needed is proof of residency.

This week is the culmination of yearlong efforts by community leaders and volunteers dedicated to the Participatory Budgeting initiative. Council Member Andrew Cohen will submit spending priorities to City Council, including the winning PB projects. A total of twenty-four council members are participating this year, giving communities all over the city decision-making power of more than $25 million.

Members of the community still have opportunities to vote throughout the week. The district office, located at 277 West 231st Street, will also serve as a permanent voting location until Friday. Office hours are Monday – Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m, and Friday 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM.

 Upcoming voting locations and times:

1.                  Monday, April 13th

a.                   Mosholu Library – Vote only

b.                  285 East 205th Street

c.                   4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

2.                  Tuesday, April 14th

a.                   Riverdale Library – Vote only

b.                  5540 Mosholu Avenue

c.                   4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

3.                  Tuesday, April 14th

a.                   The Rambling House – Vote & Expo

b.                  4292 Katonah Avenue

c.                   7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

4.                  Wednesday, April 15th

a.                   Spuyten Duyvil Library – Vote only

b.                  650 West 235th Street

c.                   4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

5.                  Wednesday, April 15th

a.                   Vladeck Hall – Vote & Expo

b.                  74 Van Cortlandt Park South

c.                   7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

6.                  Thursday, April 16th

a.                   Van Cortlandt Library – Vote only

b.                  3874 Sedgwick Avenue

c.                   3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

7.                  Friday, April 17th  - Vote only

a.                   Woodlawn Library – Vote only

b.                  4355 Katonah Avenue

c.                   2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.