Students brainstorm ideas for capital projects

<p>Students in Longwood got to brainstorm ideas Monday for capital projects worth $1 million in their district.</p>

News 12 Staff

Oct 15, 2018, 11:34 PM

Updated 2,018 days ago

Share:

Students in Longwood got to brainstorm ideas Monday for capital projects worth $1 million in their district.
Councilman Rafael Salamanca Jr. rolled out participatory budgeting at Middle School 302 and Girls Prep Bronx.
Participatory budgeting is when the community has the chance to suggest and vote on ideas for capital projects. The ones deemed possible are voted on by residents as young as 11 years old.
"Believe it or not, I think 11-year-olds can probably give more insights than adults. They know what may be missing in their school, they know what may be missing in a park. Just walking to school, they may see something and they may just come out with a good idea,” said Salamanca Jr.
Some students discussed better bathrooms and upgrading classrooms.
This isn’t the first time the school has gotten involved with participatory budgeting. Earlier this year, it won $600,000 for auditorium upgrades. The year before that, it received $500,000 to improve the park across the street.
The students say they feel honored to have big decisions like these up to them.

"It's like a privilege to us, and it's something that others don't get to do,” said one student.

The participatory budgeting process happens in half of the City Council districts in the borough.

While they were just collecting ideas on Monday, the final voting that includes the selected community projects takes place during a one-week period in late spring.
The winners will be announced in the summer.


More from News 12
1:56
Council Member Sanchez to introduce building inspection, integrity bills after Billingsley Terrace collapse

Council Member Sanchez to introduce building inspection, integrity bills after Billingsley Terrace collapse

1:56
Sunny, cool and breezy with temperatures in the upper-50s for NYC

Sunny, cool and breezy with temperatures in the upper-50s for NYC

2:02
Exclusive: Animal rescue group stepping in to help cats in danger of being mauled

Exclusive: Animal rescue group stepping in to help cats in danger of being mauled

2:04
Multiplex Cinemas in Concourse Plaza set to close next month

Multiplex Cinemas in Concourse Plaza set to close next month

1:47
Libraries could see new changes following no reversal of $58.3 million budget cut

Libraries could see new changes following no reversal of $58.3 million budget cut

1:59
NYPD: Fordham shooting kills 34-year-old man, leaves another man critical

NYPD: Fordham shooting kills 34-year-old man, leaves another man critical

1:46
NYCHA resident says boiler issue causing safety and health concerns

NYCHA resident says boiler issue causing safety and health concerns

2:25
Parked car left in shambles; video shows car smash into it multiple times

Parked car left in shambles; video shows car smash into it multiple times

1:42
New community center focuses on supporting former male inmates on road to recovery

New community center focuses on supporting former male inmates on road to recovery

1:35
The Bronx Museum of Arts new exhibit showcases NYC artists from fellowship

The Bronx Museum of Arts new exhibit showcases NYC artists from fellowship

1:14
Police Athletic League hosts annual singing and dancing competition for kids

Police Athletic League hosts annual singing and dancing competition for kids

1:35
New Yankees murals at Bronx Terminal Market pays homage to Black baseball legends

New Yankees murals at Bronx Terminal Market pays homage to Black baseball legends

1:04
DOT adds $6 million to boost overnight and evening deliveries over peak hours

DOT adds $6 million to boost overnight and evening deliveries over peak hours

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

0:20
MTA service alerts system now includes bridges, tunnels

MTA service alerts system now includes bridges, tunnels

0:23
Police: 2 men wanted for robbing Gamestop store at knifepoint in East Tremont

Police: 2 men wanted for robbing Gamestop store at knifepoint in East Tremont

0:24
NYPD: Suspect at large in West Concourse stabbing that left victim in grave condition

NYPD: Suspect at large in West Concourse stabbing that left victim in grave condition

2:07
Two NYPD officers arrested and facing multiple charges of sexual assault

Two NYPD officers arrested and facing multiple charges of sexual assault

1:57
Security heightened at Bronx Home Depot following customer complaints of uncomfortable encounters

Security heightened at Bronx Home Depot following customer complaints of uncomfortable encounters

DA: 3 teens indicted for killing bystander, wounding 4 in subway shooting

DA: 3 teens indicted for killing bystander, wounding 4 in subway shooting