Maplewood: Vote For Your Favorite Public Project

MAPLEWOOD, NJ - More than a dozen projects are up for a vote as Maplewood is allowing residents to choose which three projects will get a share of $50,000 of the capital budget.

From March 1 through April 1 the Township of Maplewood allowed community members, local civic groups, school parent organizations, and non-profit organizations based in Maplewood to submit their ideas for “one-time projects” with “one time expenditures” that address a community need and provide a community benefit.

A Participatory Budget Committee, which included Township Committee Members, Chief Finance Officer, Engineer, Business Administrator, and Public Works Director reviewed these proposals to see if they met the established criteria. $50,000 has been allocated from the Township’s capital budget for the program.

These are ideas that neighbors and fellow community members submitted for Maplewood's inaugural Participatory Budgeting Program, and between now and May 31 residents will be able to vote for their favorite idea(s).

The choices include:

• Dog Park or Run: Create a dog park or run in Maplewood
• Ping Pong Tables: Construct 2 to 4 permanent ping pong tables in Maplewood parks
• Street Name Signage Replacement: Replace and upgrade street name signage on major roadways in the Township
• Improvements to Borden Park: Install American with Disabilities Act compliant changing tables, picnic tables, and trash cans in Borden Park
• Improve the Safety and Curb Appeal of Elmwood Arts District: Purchase and install planters outside the shops on the corner of Elmwood and Orchard allowing for outdoor seating and pedestrian safety
• Improvements to Maplewood's Local History Center: Create an archive for preserving and studying Maplewood’s historically important documents, maps, photos, and other artifacts.
• Map Placards for Bike Path: Install map placards for the existing bike path on Parker Ave and Hudson
• Bring Pickle ball to Maplewood!: Construct a pickle ball court in a community park
• Maplewood Pollinator Project: Plant a pollinator garden in each of the Maplewood’s parks.
• Restoration of Vietnam Veterans Memorial: Restore the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial in Memorial Park
• Community Labyrinth: Design and construct a community labyrinth in Maplecrest Park
• Neighborhood WiFi Pilot: Bridge the digital divide with infrastructure to allow broadband access to residents who lack meaningful access to broadband internet
• Beautify Dehart Community Center: Purchase and install large flower pots to beautify the Dehart Community Center
• Welcome to Hilton Neighborhood Signage: Install signage for various locations in the Hilton Neighborhood
• Sidewalk at the Senior Center: Install a pedestrian sidewalk outside the Maplewood Senior Center at 106 Burnett Ave
• Smart TV and Projector for Dehart Community Center: Purchase and install a smart TV and projector at the Maplewood Community Center

Voters get to vote once and for two ideas.

In order to cast a ballot you must live in Maplewood and be at least 14 years of age. The ballot will be available online and in person at both Maplewood library branches and the municipal building in the Township Clerk's office.

The ballot will be available in three languages: English, Haitian Creole, and Spanish.

Go to the website or pick up a ballot from one of the three locations from now a.m. until May 31 at 4:30 p.m.

Following the public voting period the winning projects will be announced on June 5, 7:30 p.m. at the Township Committee meeting.

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