Participatory Budgeting + Curb Your Dog Contest: Office Updates

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Dear Friend,

I hope you're enjoying the beginning of spring. I have some very exciting announcements to share this week with the start of Participatory Budgeting today and the launch of a contest to address the proliferation of dog waste across our neighborhood.

Vote Now! Participatory Budgeting

Participatory Budgeting is a wonderful initiative that empowers communities to have a strong voice in the funding of local projects. I am thrilled to be running Participatory Budgeting for the second year in a row. As Our Town reported, I will be allocating $1 million to the initiative to fund the winning projects amongst a ballot of 10 capital upgrades that will all benefit our neighborhood. The projects include upgrades to schools, parks, and NYCHA housing.

Starting today, residents can vote on their preference between the projects for where the funding can be allocated. This is a great way to have a voice and be a part of the civic fabric of our community. We encourage you to vote and participate in the process!

Vote starting Saturday at 12am. We also will be operating a number of in-person vote sites throughout the week of voting. You can see sites and hours on my Council website.

Vote Online Here

See In-Person Voting Sites

Curb Your Dog Contest:
We have heard from dozens of constituents reaching out concerned about the proliferation of dog waste on our sidewalks and in our Parks. Many people are shirking their basic responsibilities and this is affecting the cleanliness of our neighborhood. As Fox 5 NY reported, I am launching a contest throughout our District to design a graphic and slogan for a new "Curb your Dog" campaign. The winner's campaign design will then be placed on signage throughout the District as part of a major public awareness campaign partnering with schools, community groups, and city agencies. You can see more details on the contest below and feel free to reach out to my office with more questions. We must come together to tackle this issue.

Community Events and Updates
It was a busy past couple of weeks of community events and the calendar is filled with great events for the spring. I wanted to highlight some upcoming events and announcements. If you'd like to feature something in our newsletter, please email ckoffman@council.nyc.gov

Jewish Museum Family Day: On Sunday, April 2nd the Jewish Museum is hosting its annual Family Day from 11am-330pm. This is a great event every year and you can learn more about it here.

Sutton Area Community Easter Egg Hunt: On Saturday, April 1st, join Sutton Area Community for their annual Easter Egg Hunt from 10:45am to 12:00pm at Sutton Place Park.

Sutton Place Park Conservancy Earth Day: On Saturday, April 22nd, join Sutton Place Parks Conservancy for their annual Earth Day Celebration from 2:00pm to 4:30pm at Sutton Place Park.

Domestic Violence Project Event: The Domestic Violence Project is pleased to announce they are hosting a virtual, bilingual (English and Spanish) presentation on Wednesday, March 29 at 10am with NYC Free Clinic to discuss services and eligibility for their free healthcare program for uninsured New Yorkers. See the Zoom info below.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://urbanjustice-org.zoom.us/j/88032178063

DSS Community Event: DSS has partnered with elected officials and community-based organizations to provide information and outreach to their constituents and clients, and to share their insights at community meetings. On Wednesday, March 29th, at 6pm, join DSS leadership in East Harlem at P.S. 72M located at 131 East 104th Street, New York, NY 10029 (Please use the School Yard Entrance on Lexington Avenue Between East 104th and 105th Streets). The Discussion is a community engagement initiative where agency leaders join community members to hear how the agency can improve access to its many benefits, and services including SNAP, Cash Assistance, Medicaid, and Rental Assistance.

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Contact Us
Email us at district5@council.nyc.gov, call our office at 212-860-1950, or visit us at 444 East 75th Street #1B (75th and York Avenue)

Best,
Julie