Vote On How The UWS Should Spend $1M

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — New York City's annual Participatory Budgeting process is back, which means it's time for Upper West Siders to cast their votes on how to allocate $1,000,000 in the neighborhood.

For the uninitiated, Participatory Budgeting is an annual democratic process for New Yorkers to vote on how to allocate up to $1,000,000 in their districts, with a focus on capital projects that would improve schools, parks, libraries and other public spaces.

Not every New York City Council district participates, but District 6, which includes Upper West Side, Central Park, Hell's Kitchen, and Times Square, will be voting, Councilmember Gale Brewer said.

Voting kicks off on Saturday, April 11, and runs through April 19. Consituents can vote in person or online. Constituents aged 11 and up are eligible to vote.

This year, there are eight different choices on the Upper West Side's ballot, including new tree guards, bathroom renovations at Riverside Park, installing a high school music engineering studio, and more. For the full list, scroll to the bottom of this article.

To vote in person, go to one of the locations below.

• Councilmember Gale Brewer's District Office – 563 Columbus Ave.
• St. Agnes Library – 444 Amsterdam Ave.
• Riverside Library – 127 Amsterdam Ave.

The winning projects will be included in the City’s budget in June 2026.

This year, 22 of New York City's 51 council districts will be voting. To find what district you're in, go here.

Here's the full list of options on this year's ballot for District 6.

• New York Public Library technology upgrades — $250,000: Funding will modernize tech infrastructure and computer equipment at the St. Agnes, Riverside, and Lincoln Center Performing Arts libraries, enhancing services for patrons.
• Tree guards (district-wide) — $200,000: Installation of protective guards around street trees across the district will help prevent damage, promote healthy growth, and improve the overall streetscape.
• Riverside Park bathroom improvements — $300,000: Existing restroom facilities will be repaired and upgraded to improve functionality and ease of maintenance.
• FDNY Ladder 25 HVAC replacement — $400,000: Rooftop heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units at 205 W. 77th Street will be replaced to reduce maintenance needs and improve conditions for firefighters.
• P.S. 199 Jessie Isador Straus School technology upgrades — $100,000: Classrooms will receive new SMARTboards, Chromebooks, laptops, and document cameras to support both teaching and learning (270 W. 70th Street).
• Innovation Diploma Plus High School music engineering studio — $250,000: A new studio will be created to support students, expand interdisciplinary learning opportunities, and develop career-oriented skills (145 W. 84th Street).
• P.S. 75 Emily Dickinson School gym renovation — $350,000: The gymnasium floor at 309 W. 95th Street will be replaced to improve safety and revitalize a key space used by students and the broader community.
• John Jay College video board installation — $175,000: New video boards will be installed in the athletic facility at 899 10th Avenue to help students and visitors navigate events and activities.

For questions, email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.